Renders: Supplied
Glenelg’s dining precinct is about to raise the bar with the arrival of Soda Rooftop Bar & Restaurant next month, the coastal suburb’s first rooftop dining destination.
Set above The George Hotel on Colley Terrace, Soda is the latest venture from restaurateur Mike Papatolis, the man behind Ballet Wine Bar.
“It’s going to bring a new standard down to the Glenelg and the western suburbs,” Papatolis says.
“We’ve got 270-degree views of the beach, all the way down to the refinery and hills and city views at night. We wanted to create something that reflects that.”
Soda builds on a legacy that began with the Papatolis family’s first Glenelg restaurant back in 1951.
“My family’s been part of this street since the ’50s,” he says. “We’ve always loved Glenelg – it’s a wealthy demographic, full of history and beautiful architecture.”
“We know what the demographic down here want and need, and we feel they’re starved of options.
“We want to give them what they deserve.”
Unlike many of Jetty Road’s bustling late-night spots, Soda is tailored for a more mature clientele seeking a refined and luxurious dining experience.
“There’s a lot of places here that cater to the younger demographic, which is great, but we wanted to create something for a more sophisticated crowd, somewhere people can sit down, relax, and enjoy themselves.”
That focus on elegance runs through every detail, from the fit-out to the drinks list.
The space is designed by award-winning SMFA Architects and Built by Elite, following a brief of natural textures and tones that draw from Adelaide’s coastline. The result is calm, elegant, and understated, and allows natural fluidity between the venue and its surrounds.
“The fit-out is timeless, nothing that will age or wear,” Papatolis says. “We wanted everything – design, food, wine, and service – to sit on an level playing field.”
The menu, by Executive Chef Brent Potuszynski, takes a modern Australian approach with an emphasis on premium local produce. With experience spanning Michelin-starred kitchens in England and restaurants across Sydney and Adelaide, including Storehouse Flinders East, Georges on Waymouth and Mimusu, Potuszynski’s menu will evolve with the seasons.
“We’ll keep the menu fresh and interesting,” Papatolis says. “Every season we’ll do a big overhaul, and every half-season tweak a few dishes and update the cocktails and wine list too. It’ll be ever-changing.”
As for the drinks, expect an elevated list that heroes South Australian wines, but still moves confidently between continents. Cocktails will champion the premium spirit collection.
“We’ve curated a list of wines – lots of allocation and stock that’s really hard to find, plus a rare whiskey and spirit selection,” says Papatolis.
“It’s definitely a more exclusive offering – we have every region covered,” he adds.
Perched above the newly opened George Hotel, the venue takes full advantage of its position, sweeping coastal panoramas by day, city lights by night.
“A lot of new places open where the venue becomes the focus, but then everything else gets left behind,” Papatolis says. “We wanted Soda to be balanced.”
For him, the project is also about shaping Glenelg’s future.
“20 years ago, Glenelg was a premier dining suburb, and it kind of lost its way.”
“Hopefully, with the hotel and rooftop bar, and what Ballet Bar has already done, is to bring that class back,” he says. “Glenelg has had a lot of takeaway and casual spots recently, but we want to make it a dining destination again.”
Soda will open to invited guests on October 22 before welcoming the public on November 3, trading daily from midday until late.
“It’s something for the local community,” Papatolis says. “A place to gather, celebrate, and make memories on the coast.”
“Come and experience it for yourself.”
What: Soda Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
When: From November 3, daily from midday
Where: 1 Colley Terrace, Glenelg
@sodarooftop
More News
