Savor the Seaside: Adelaide’s Top Beach Restaurants
Adelaide’s top beachside restaurants, like Fuego by the Sea and Sammy’s on the Marina, are making waves. Their delicacies and stunning coastal views are simply the perfect recipe for an unforgettable dining experience.
More savory insights are below!
Estia Restaurant
Address: 255 Seaview Rd, Henley Beach, SA 5022
Contact Details: (08) 8353 2875
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
- Fri to Sat – 12 to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
- Sun – 12 to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
Estia Restaurant has everything you want for a beachfront eatery: a relaxing ambiance, beautiful coastal views, and top-tier food.
They have savory and soft Sikoti chicken liver, pan-fried with mushrooms and onions, and the classic Elliniki Greek salad with feta and olives. Seafood lovers will also enjoy their Oktapodi Toursi S.A., sweet octopus pickled in olive oil and garlic.
For dessert, it’s all about loukoumathes, honey puffs slathered in syrup and cinnamon sugar and served with cream. And we can’t forget their top house wine, the fruity 2021 Cleanskin Sauvignon Blanc.
| Tips: Book their venues for banquets. You can inform them about your dietary requirements during the booking process. Consider arriving during off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter dining experience. Early evenings or late afternoons can be less crowded. Pick a spot with direct views of Henley Beach’s coastline and sunsets. |
Secrets by the Sea
Address: 207 Esplanade, Henley Beach, SA 5022
Contact Details: (08) 8356 8003
Operating hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Sun – 12 pm to 9 pm
Seafood reigns supreme at Secrets by the Sea. For instance, their lightly fried, hot, sweet, and zesty salt and pepper calamari is a flavor fiesta of an entree.
The SA King George Whiting is our main jam, with light beer batter and crisp greens. For very hungry guests, try the seafood platter with calamari, grilled prawn skewers, seared scallops, and natural oysters.
And for that sweet ending, have tiramisu with shaved chocolate and fresh strawberries. You also can’t forget to toast, especially the Robert Oatley G20 Grenache that brings fruity and herby flavors.
| Tip: Bring a jacket. It gets cold here during dark hours. |
Seacliff Beach Hotel
From adamk1974
Address: 221 Esplanade, Seacliff, SA 5049
Contact Details: (08) 8296 7466
Operating hours: Daily – 8 am to 12 am
Seacliff Beach Hotel has chill beachfront vibes, pub-themed aesthetics, and undeniably delish meals. We absolutely enjoyed their savory and buttery porterhouse steak and the classic beef schnitzel, perfect for beer nights.
The chefs also didn’t leave our veggie lovers in the dust with their earthy and smoky roast veg and lentil salad.
Additionally, it’s not a problem if you have little munchers with you. Their crispy chicken nugs and mini cheeseburgers will keep the kids happy.
| Tips: Check their rooms available for hire. They’re perfect for weddings and birthdays. Visit the gaming room near the resto. Stay updated on their upcoming events, from music to quiz nights. |
Bacchus Bar
Address: 253 Esplanade, Henley Beach, SA 5022
Contact Details: (08) 8356 2644
Operating hours:
- Mon to Wed – Closed
- Fri – 5 pm to 12 am
- Sat – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 10 pm
Bacchus Bar’s seaside terrace is one of the best spots in Adelaide for relaxation, especially if you want to unwind while feasting on specialty platters.
First in line is the Asian dumpling platter. It’s an umami-packed meal featuring prawn and pork dumplings paired with lychee sour or pink gin spritz.
Next up is the seafood platter with beer-battered fish, grilled prawns, and a heap of crispy chips, served with a mojito. And don’t forget the chargrilled platter with grilled prawns, chicken skewers, pan-fried halloumi, and whisky sour.
| Tips: Dine during sunset for better views. Remember to check their current upcoming events like beer and sports nights. Check their social media account for their current lineup of cocktails. |
Stella Restaurant and Bar
Address: 2/257 Seaview Rd, Henley Beach, SA 5022
Contact Details: (08) 8356 4315
Operating hours: Daily – 9 am to 8 pm
Stella Restaurant and Bar’s signature sourdough is like a warm, fluffy cloud that will hook you up with buttery and earthy flavors.
If you’re craving something crabby, the tagliolini granchio is where it’s at. Blue swimmer crab, prawn bisque, and avruga gremolata bring zesty, sweet, and umami-filled flavors to this pasta.
If you’re reppin’ the vegetarian squad, their vegetarian saltimbocca has your back. It has smoked scamorza, broccolini, mushroom bechamel, and grana padano.
| Tips: Pick the rooftop terrace as your dining spot for better views and a more romantic ambiance. Celebrate your engagement, birthday, or wedding in their function halls. |
Joe’s Henley Beach
Address: Esplanade, Henley Beach, SA 5022
Contact Details: (08) 8235 0111
Operating hours: Daily – 6:30 am to 3 pm
We started our day at Joe’s Henley Beach with their smashed avo with poached eggs, a thick sourdough, and crispy bacon.
For lunch, our team went with their slow-cooked pulled pork on golden sourdough, poached eggs, rocket, and a dash of smoked paprika on a bagel. We also added bacon for extra meatiness.
And when it was time for dinner, we went with the kingfish ceviche tostada—a plate of citrus-cured kingfish, guacamole, ginger, cucumber, radish, and lime.
| Tips: Dine at the restaurant’s rear for premier views of the ocean. If you want fresh air, eat at their parasol-shaded outdoor dining area. |
Sammys on the Marina
Address: 1/12 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg, SA 5045
Contact Details: (08) 8376 8211
Operating hours: Daily – 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
We’ll never say no to Sammys on the Marina’s glass-walled elegance and exceptional seafood bites and platters. Their whole barramundi is baked to perfection and thrown in with seasonal greens and Schezwan pepper dressing.
Their ero marinara is also a seafood lover’s dream. This pasta features prawns, black mussels, scallops, garlic, fresh tomato, and chili.
If you’re rolling with the squad, the SA platter is where it’s at. We’re talking SA king prawns, prawn skewers, soft shell crab, and Coffin Bay natural oysters in tartare sauce.
| Tips: Stay updated on the menu, as it can change per season. Set your cocktail parties or weddings in their private, beachside venues. |
HNLY
Address: 253A Seaview Rd, Henley Beach, SA 5022
Contact Details: (08) 8223 2891
Operating hours:
- Mon to Wed – 5 pm to 10 pm
- Thu to Fri – 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
- Sat – 12 pm to 12 am
- Sun 12 pm to 10 pm
HNLY’s blend of colonial splendor, coastal charm, and modern seafood staples is hard to top. Speaking of seafood, their blue swimmer crab with house-made focaccia, aioli, capers, and a zesty lemon twist is a must-try.
Don’t sleep on their platter of sweet and succulent Coffin Bay natural oysters too.
And for the kiddos, there’s the whiting and fries on the kids’ menu. The sweet finisher is the sweet ricotta with dulce de leche and the Frangelico pistachio wafer.
| Tip: Check their current and upcoming events. Our favorites are the BYOB weekends and Pasta Tuesday Nights. |
The Stunned Mullet
Address: 8 East Terrace, Henley Beach, SA 5022
Contact Details:
Operating hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Sat – 12 pm to 2 pm, 5:30 pm to 9 pm
- Sun – Closed
The Stunned Mullet shines when it comes to fancy and flavorful gourmet cuisine. This refined resto’s crispy large quail with tamarind chutney and kombu butter is a terrific entree.
The herby and salty hiramasa kingfish is another seafood masterpiece here. It has pecan puree, sage, date, and charred cauliflower, adding more aroma and richness.
Finish your feast with their chocolate tart, topped with cacao nib croquant and tonka bean gelato. If your wallet is loaded, grab a bottle of the NV Laherte & Freres – Rose de Meunier, French champagne with red fruit undertones.
| Tips: Give them a call or email if visiting with 8 or more guests. Mention dietary requirements too during reservation. Dine during events like wine and cocktail nights for more offers. |
The Wharf
Address: The Marina Pier, Shop 4, Glenelg, SA 5045
Contact Details: (08) 8376 6266
Operating hours: Daily – 11 am to 9 pm
With its proximity to the Holdfast Marina Shores, expect top-tier beach scenery at the Wharf. The mouthwatering chow should excite you too, especially the smoky, aromatic, and tender herb-encrusted lamb backstrap.
There’s also the savory and zesty-seared scallops crowned with chili and lime compound butter and served with a fresh cucumber salad.
The beef ragu gnocchi is another banger of a dish. It’s hard to say no to slow-braised beef in a rich red wine tomato sugo.
| Tips: Stay updated on The Wharf’s events, like the Marina Pink High Tea and Blues Cruise. Experiment with the special sauces they offer. Ask the staff for recommendations. |
Portobello Food Kitchen Bar
Address: 1-2 Tarni Court Waterfront, New Port, SA 5015
Contact Details: (08) 8242 4444
Operating hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Sun – 12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 9 pm
Portobello Food Kitchen Bar dishes out some of the best Italian pizza and pasta in town. There’s the tomato-cheese powerhouse barbabietola with diced beetroots, baby potato, and secret spices.
We’re also fans of the Formaggio blu like gorgonzola and goat cheese as well as the savory Veneziana, a vegan bowl with tomatoes, roasted eggplant, and caramelized onions.
Our pick for the best pasta goes to the beef ragu rigatoni. It has slow-cooked shredded beef, mushrooms, and a rich bolognese-style sauce.
| Tip: Eat at their river cruisers for a more adventurous dining experience. |
Beachside Restaurant
Address: 5 W Beach Rd, West Beach, SA 5045
Contact Details: (08) 8235 1991
Operating hours:
- Mon to Tue – 9 am to 2 pm
- Wed to Fri – 9 am to 9 pm
- Sat to Sun – 8 am to 9 pm
Beachside Restaurant makes beach parties better with their burgers and beers. We love the chicken focaccia, bursting with chicken, bacon, and avocado.
For our seafood aficionados, the smoked salmon focaccia burger is the real MVP. On the other hand, our vegan teammates savored the vegan focaccia with crumbed eggplant and sweet chili sauce.
Now for the beers, the tapped brews are the highlights, especially Carlton Draught, Pirate Life South Coast Pale Ale, and Cooper Pale Ale.
| Tip: Join the restaurant’s club for special discounts. |
Blue Velvet Adelaide
Address: 70 Henley Beach Rd, Mile End, SA 5031
Contact Details: (08) 8117 4360
Operating hours:
- Mon – 5 pm to 9 pm
- Tue to Wed – Closed
- Thu – 5 pm to 9 pm
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 9:30 pm
- Sun – 12 to 3 pm, 5 to 9 pm
The posh Blue Velvet Adelaide takes the cake when it comes to homemade desserts. We have to start with the strawberry tiramisu in SA artisan mascarpone cheese.
They also have croquettes or homemade puffs filled with Zabaione Chantilly cream.
And for those looking for a gluten-free treat, they have the burnt basque cheesecake, glazed with mixed berry compote.
| Tips: Blue Velvet Adelaide’s elegant rooms are best for high tea and private dinners. |
