Seafood King Steve Costi “absolutely thrilled” to open Fish & Chip shop in Mosman.

By ANNA USHER

The Costi family, famous for their involvement in the Australian seafood industry since 1952, are heading to Mosman.

Steve Costi’s new local “fish depot” will open on Military Rd in the second week of June, serving up fresh and cooked seafood, along with traditional favourites including potato scallops and old-fashioned burgers.

Mr Costi has several retail stores around Sydney, including premium offerings at Northbridge, Woollahra, and Leichhardt.

Mosman Fish Depot will be managed by Sudhir Sehgal, who has worked alongside Mr Costi since 2019.

“We are absolutely thrilled at the response from the local community so far and hope to employ as many local job hunters as we can,” he told Mosman Collective.

“We have openings for a Fish Monger, a Chef and a Cook, Kitchen Hands and Customer Service personnel.

“I am looking forward to bringing our product to the people of Mosman.”

Steve Costi’s Seafood was established in 1985, with the first store opening in the David Jones food hall on Market Street, Sydney. 39 years later, he is considered a legend in the Australian seafood industry, following in the footsteps of his father, who opened a fish shop in Lakemba in 1952.

“Much of my childhood was spent working in the shop with Mum and Dad,” he said.

“When I was about 18, Dad thought it was important that I get some solid experience, so he sent me to my brother’s set up at the Sydney Fish Markets to work and learn. I spent several years there cutting my teeth in the industry, before eventually launching Steve Costi’s Seafood, which I have continued to grow.”

Alongside his retail outlets, Mr Costi runs a wholesale business out of Botany, and an online store plus delivery service.

Mr Sehgal said the new shop, located on the former site of Blue Dolphin Seafoods, and later Seafood at Mosman, will offer traditional and modern dishes, with a few “surprises”.

“Customers can look forward to Grilled and Battered Fish and Chips, Calamari Packs, Fisherman’s Baskets, fresh and cooked Salmon and Barramundi, plus fresh Salads, Hamburgers and Poke Bowls,” he said.

“Our Sunday special will be Live Mud Crabs, cooked to order.”

Mr Costi confirmed he has signed a long-term lease with the Sourelos family, who have owned the building at 904 Military Rd since the 1950’s.

“Mum and Dad had many enquiries from people wanting to lease the shop,” Vicky Sourelos told Mosman Collective, “but they didn’t want another Chemist or Real Estate agent at Mosman Junction,” she said.

“They wanted to keep the shop as a seafood café and we are thrilled to have Steve Costi now serving lower north shore locals.

“He is going to be a great addition to the shopping strip.”