Food Drink

Your guide to Adelaide’s best waterfront bars & restaurants

Item: Your guide to Adelaide’s best waterfront bars & restaurants
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Author: Glam Adelaide

By Glam Adelaide

Posted on March 6, 2023

There’s nothing more relaxing than gazing out over the water, while enjoying a glass of South Australian wine, a refreshing cocktail, or one of our many craft beers. Don’t know where to go? This is the guide for you.

Last updated December 2022

There’s nothing more relaxing than gazing out over the water, while enjoying a glass of South Australian wine, a refreshing cocktail, or one of our many craft beers.

Hell, we could be drinking a basic tinnie and still enjoy ourselves if the outlook was right, so it’s little wonder that South Australians flock to the water when it’s time to dine, or enjoy a cheeky bevvy or two.

While most of our waterfront venues are beachside, there’s a few notable joints along the Torrens, West Lakes, and even one or two further out. We’re sure there’s other great places too – so feel free to shoot us an email and give us your own suggestions!

SEASIDE

HNLY, Henley Beach

Ringing true to their ethos,”come for the beach, stay for the food”, HNLY is the sophisticated restaurant serving stunning views and fresh seafood to the Henely locale.

Located upstairs above Estia Greek Restaurant, guests are treated to elevated views of jetty, sea, and the vibrant square while served the freshest seafood and local produce. Brought to you by the minds behind culinary institutions of George’s on Waymouth, Diaspora Kouzina and Loucas Restaurant – George Kasimatis, Peter Louca and Angela Papas – the trio have collaborated to take seaside dining to the next level.

HNLY offers a Mediterranean menu in line with the European style interior. The food is cooked up by Head Chef Ricardo Plazola from Allegra Dining Room. Whilst the menu has a strong focus on seafood, it’s paired nicely with meat and vegetarian options too. For starters, enjoy Coffin Bay oysters, NZ Ora King salmon with pickled jalapeño and Tasmanian salmon pate with olive crumb. Larger dishes include Port Broughton blue swimmer crab spaghettini and fried cauliflower with ricotta.

Think balmy summer days ahead, the freshest seafood and an Aperol in hand – HNLY brings your dream European holiday to Henley Square.

Find HNLY seven days a week in Henley Square, Henley Beach SA, above Estia Greek Restaurant. Read more about them here.

West – Henley Square, Henley Beach

While it’s not technically waterfront, West is still a rooftop bar that has water views, so we figure that still counts. It’s also brand new, serves up fabulous cocktails, and delivers lashings of summer vibes.

The Marina Pier, Glenelg Beach

One of the premiere locations to wine and dine waterfront style, the Marina Pier in Glenelg hosts a variety of restaurants with gorgeous views. These include Sammy’s on the Marina, The Wharf restaurant, Zucca Greek Mezze and more.

The Oyster Bar – The Marina Pier, Glenelg Beach

One of the most popular destinations in the, above mentioned, Marina Pier. The Oyster Bar offers some of South Australia’s finest oysters complemented perfectly by wine from their extensive wine menu. Alongside a stunning view.

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Fuego by the Sea, West Beach

Fuego by the Sea boasts some of the best views of West Beach. With an expansive verandah and a huge balcony, you’ll see as far down as Glenelg and up to Henley. On the versatile menu is three worlds of flavours: Argentinian, Spanish and Italian infused food.

The word ‘Fuego’ means ‘fire,’ translating the venue name to ‘fire by the sea’- which stems from the charcoal grill in the kitchen which will be used to cook their meats and seafood.

Seamore’s, Henley Beach

Formerly Henley Kiosk, and more recently Sandbar, the building Seamore’s is housed in has been a Henley Square cornerstone for many years. It’s eclectic and unique, drawing inspiration from the heritage of the site and community. It features an array of private dining areas, large booth seating and stunning live plants throughout (plus fitting a whopping 260 people).

Star of Greece – 1 The Esplanade, Port Willunga

With probably the best waterfront views in Adelaide, the Star of Greece is also one of Adelaide’s most coveted dining experiences. With 5-star hospitality, food, and views. Star of Greece guests enjoy Mediterranean style cuisine with plenty of seafood options. The Star of Greece Kiosk, nestled in to the back side of the building, is equally popular, proving a great take away Summer option giving visitors on the move. Kiosk is open from 9am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

SeaSalt – Henley Square, Henley Beach

Sitting underneath Melt in Henley Square is this oysters and cocktail destination. Every summer, this spot turns into a haven for groups wanting a beach outing. Their menu serves a range of new cocktails and food, styled to match a sun-kissed mood. Champagne based drinks and Aperol cocktails are a hit, it’ll get your girl gang head over heels.

Palais – Semaphore Beach

While this is more of a pub, you can still grab a meal here while you’re overlooking the ocean. In fact, it’s a great one for functions with anything from 60 people to 300 fitting in their lounge, ballroom or deck.

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Joe’s Kiosk – Esplanade, Henley Beach

As a popular coffee joint and breakfast spot for early risers, this iconic destination on the water, just before you hit Henley Square, this hotspot has some of the best views of the water.

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Estia – Henley Square, Henley Beach

This Greek taste sensation has been a staple on the beachside food scene for years. While you won’t get water views inside, grab a table outside for views of the sea, Henley Jetty, Henley Square, and the best sunsets over the water that Adelaide has to offer.

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Mia Margherita – Henley

Enter the neon world of Mia Margarita on Henley Beach. Look out on the picturesque waterfront from the shaded outdoor seating while you indulge in the venue’s homemade Mexican dishes. Dine in the upstairs restaurant then go downstairs for a shot of tequila from its cocktail bar. With a lush selection of tacos and margaritas this is a must go for people who like a bit of spice in their life. Good food, good views, good vibes.

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Bacchus – Henley Square, Henley Beach

Live bands, cold beers and tapas platters give punters the perfect combo as they soak in the sunshine, Henley Square action, and more at Bacchus Bar. There’s a retractable sunshade for the hotter days which works well, and treats for your fur babies if you bring them along.

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Hortas – Port Noarlunga

Set on the beach front at Port Noarlunga, this stunning restaurant & cafe sources the best local produce to create both contemporary Australian and Portuguese inspired dishes. It holds an award for being the 2nd best seafood restaurant in Australia and has been the best in Adelaide for three years in a row! Seafood lovers, get in now.

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Secrets by the Sea – Henley Beach

Secrets by the Sea is the renowned seafood and grill restaurant nestled on the stunning seafront near Henley Square. It’s owned by local resident Robert Leopardi who saw the need for a local seafood restaurant, combining his passion as a fisherman with his love for the sea. It’s home to some impeccable seafood options including its oysters which are standard size (big) which is why everyone loves heading there.

LAKES & RIVERS

Malt Shovel Taphouse, Adelaide Riverbank

Another new venue for Adelaide, this venue is in prime position on the Torrens. Situated right alongside the footbridge, it offers unparalleled views of Adelaide Oval, the river, and Elder Park. It’s also ridiculously convenient as a pre/post drinks venue if you’re going to the Adelaide Festival Centre, or any events happening on the riverbank.

Malt Shovel Taphouse is right underneath the Adelaide Festival Centre

Red Ochre Grill, Adelaide Riverbank

Tucked away on the edge of the North Adelaide Golf Course, the Red Ochre Grill serves up a delicious menu of Aussie meats (Kangaroo, Emu, Crocodile) alongside more traditional dishes. With incredible views across the Torrens and over the city, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy the best that Adelaide has to offer. Red Ochre is only offering set menus as of now, perfect for larger groups and bookings.

Home Ground, Adelaide Riverbank

With an assortment of options on offer, Homeground caters to event-goers who are looking for an easy meal with a great view of the Torrens and Adelaide Oval. Situated next to Regattas and underneath the Adelaide Convention Centre, it makes the most of its incredible outlook over the water.

Jolleys Boathouse

An Adelaide institution, Jolleys Boathouse serves up incredible food and is always good for an anniversary meal, function, or just an opportunity to spoil yourself. It’s right next to the King William bridge, and is walking distance to the city, or North Adelaide.

K1 By Geoff Hardy, Adelaide Hills

It’s a bit of a drive out of Adelaide, but boy is it worth the trip. K1 By Geoff Hardy offers one of the most unique function venues in SA. With views of the lake and vineyards, any function you have here is bound to be memorable. Grazing items are available to be paired up with your favourite wines, but who needs food when you’re sipping wine by a lakeside?

The Watershed, Mawson Lakes

A cafe and function centre with an expansive deck that overlooks the tranquil Greenfield wetlands. It’s a boutique venue thats mostly used for events, launches or a picturesque wedding but their cafe also produces some great treats. One of the best north-side experiences.