Soak up gorgeous water views with delicious food thanks to Adelaide’s finest waterside dining options!
Adelaide’s coastline and the CBD’s River Torrens is home to a plethora of unique waterfront dining experiences. From beach bars serving up the best in fresh and locally sourced seafood, to the more daring Indigenous Australian cuisines featuring emu and crocodile on their menus, you’ll be sure to find the perfect restaurant with a view.
Thankfully, there’s something for everyone on this list and even if fancy dining isn’t your thing, a reliable pub meal and a cheeky craft beer while looking out over the ocean might do just the trick. So, without further ado, here’s our pick of the best waterfront restaurants and bars in Adelaide of 2024!
Photographed by Brendan Homan.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Jolleys Boathouse
The long-standing Jolleys Boathouse has forged a reputation as one of the best waterfront restaurants in Adelaide. Located on the River Torrens, just a small five-minute walk from the Adelaide CBD, it sits perfectly by the riverbank. Having recently undergone renovations, the venue has been modernised to ensure a lavish experience like no other. Jolleys Boathouse pride themselves on quality service from the second you walk in, and with their menu built on only the best in seasonal local produce, the food is to die for too.
Image supplied.
Malt Shovel Taphouse
Malt Shovel Taphouse has quickly made a name for itself with upmarket food and drinks. You can’t ask for a better view overlooking the River Torrens precinct and Adelaide Oval with ample sunlight, perfect for an afternoon or evening dining out. With one of Adelaide’s most extensive craft-beer ranges on tap as well as a vast cocktail and wine list, there’s something that’ll suit everyone’s needs. The kitchen proudly uses locally sourced ingredients in their meals which are curated to be shared while sitting back and relaxing with drink in hand. If you’re looking for Adelaide’s best waterfront bar and restaurant, this is it.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
The Moseley Beach Club
When it comes to the best beachside restaurants in Adelaide, no one does it quite like The Moseley Beach Club. Running along Glenelg Beach, this waterfront restaurant offers a delicious selection of food and drink that is simply scrumptious. A calendar full of events, live music and entertainment makes visiting this beach club a treat no matter when.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Oyster Bar, Holdfast Shores
The Oyster Bar is Adelaide’s go-to destination for oyster-lovers. Supplying arguably the world’s best oysters from some of the freshest oyster farms in South Australia’s Coffin Bay, the Oyster Bar is home to an extensive range of both chilled and grilled oysters to tempt your tastebuds. Their menu also consists of other great restaurant eats including trustworthy fish & chips and carefully constructed seafood plates. Located on the Glenelg Marina Pier, you can dine with extensive ocean views and catch one of Glenelg’s famous sunsets. A hand-picked wine selection curated from Australia’s best cellars makes this a must-visit waterfront dining experience.
Photographed by Taras Vyshnya. Image via Shutterstock.
Red Ochre Barrel and Grill
Red Ochre Barrel and Grill proudly use Indigenous Australian ingredients on their menu to showcase Australia’s rare, exotic and unique produce. With gastronomic delights including crocodile and kangaroo, it’s an opportunity to try a taste of Australian cuisine. With stunning views across the River Torrens and the Adelaide CBD skyline at both day and night, you would be hard pressed to find a better spot to take in the serenity while enjoying a lavish and unique dining experience. One of Adelaide’s best waterfront restaurants!
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Sammy's on the Marina
If you’re a seafood fanatic, you can’t go wrong with the award-winning menu Sammy’s on the Marina has to offer. With the restaurant overlooking the Glenelg foreshore, marina and breakwater, it’s the perfect spot for a sunset dinner. Priding themselves on healthy, tasty and fresh seafood cuisine, you can tuck into one of their many seafood platters on offer, including the Sammy’s Classic Platter. And, to show their support to other local businesses, Sammy’s on the Marina only feature locally sourced produce on their menu – so you can feel good knowing you’re supporting more than one South Australian business.
Photographed by Morgan Sette. Image via Shutterstock.
Seacliff Beach Hotel
The Seacliff Beach Hotel is one of Adelaide’s best waterfront pubs with views over the ocean and Seacliff Beach’s iconic palm trees. Not only are the views great, but they serve up a delectable range of food and drinks to match. Serving up all your usual pub-grub favourites and shared plates, there is plenty on offer in this beautiful waterfront destination. The Seacliff Beach Hotel has a rich history dating back to 1935 and continues to be a drawcard for the area, you should see why for yourself!
Photographed by Duy Dash.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Seamore's Restaurant and Bar
Seamore’s has a fast-growing reputation as one of the most sought-after waterfront dining experiences at Adelaide’s Henley Beach. Their menu combines Italian and ‘Australian Surf Club’ with carefully hand-made pasta, hand-stretched pizza, and crowd-pleasing share plates. They even offer a bottomless lunch with bottomless cocktail jugs and pizzas for two hours! Looking out over elevated, panoramic views of Henley Beach and its jetty, you cannot ask for much more.
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Star of Greece
Star of Greece offers remarkable ocean views and a dining experience you will be sure not to forget. Situated in Port Willunga, about a 45-minute drive south of Adelaide’s CBD, Star of Greece provides the perfect dining spot for a day spent down the Fleurieu Peninsula. Dishing up only the best local and fresh ingredients, this restaurant will leave you wanting more. And, their beautifully plated food is just another reason to pay a visit. With the Star of Greece kiosk open during the summer months, takeaway fish and chips should top your wish list.
Sunset at Glenelg. Image via Tourism Australia and South Australia Media Gallery
The Wharf
Along the stunning Glenelg Wharf lies a top-notch waterfront restaurant that is a must-visit. Known for its delicious modern Australian cuisine, The Wharf serves locally sourced seafood, including popular dishes like the seafood platter and seafood chowder. The restaurant’s extensive wine list, featuring selections from South Australia’s renowned wine regions, perfectly complements the delicious meals. With a prime location on the Marina Pier, The Wharf is truly one of the best waterfront restaurants in Adelaide!
Look for group friendly restaurants? Be sure to round up your mates and visit The Top 5 Pubs in Adelaide! Or, for pizza and pasta, we’ve found The 7 Best Italian Restaurants in Adelaide.
