Lakes Entrance favourite Sodafish has taken its waterfront offering a step further, launching a new Mediterranean-inspired deli and wine store beneath its floating restaurant. The newly opened Crudo | Wine & Provisions brings a fresh, casual way to experience the region’s seafood and produce, right on the wharf.
Led by Executive Chef and owner Nick Mahlook, the expansion comes after five strong years of Sodafish building a reputation as one of East Gippsland’s standout dining destinations. Crudo shifts the focus from sit-down dining to a more relaxed, browse-and-graze experience, blending local ingredients with European influences.
Named after the Italian word for raw, Crudo leans into the same philosophy that has made Sodafish popular: simple food, quality produce and a strong connection to the coast. The space features a curated retail wine selection, including bottles from the Sodafish list, alongside imported pantry staples from Spain, Italy and France.
On the food side, visitors can expect a tight edit of cheeses, seafood tins like anchovies and sardines, and antipasto essentials designed for easy entertaining. There is also a daily offering of freshly baked bread and sourdough pizza slices, with toppings that nod to both tradition and indulgence. Think mortadella with stracciatella and pistachio, or capers paired with confit tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella.
For those heading out on the water or planning a picnic, Crudo offers pre-order grazing platters packed with deli favourites. A newly added jetty makes it even easier to swing by, with boat access allowing guests to dock, collect supplies and head straight back out onto the Gippsland Lakes.
The addition of Crudo cements Sodafish as more than just a restaurant, turning it into a broader food destination that reflects the flavours, lifestyle and laid-back appeal of coastal Victoria.
