Clayton Bay, a hidden coastal gem located on Lake Alexandrina and Lower Murray River in the Coorong region, is an idyllic beachside town and the perfect little weekend getaway this summer.
Just under a half-hour drive from Goolwa, Clayton Bay is also home to the new Pier 28—an already popular cafe and restaurant that’s become a hub among locals since its opening back in December after undergoing a full renovation and fresh makeover of everything from the space to the venue.
Owned and operated by local Clayton Bay resident Eric, who took over the location previously known as Sails Cafe, the plan for Pier 28 was to fill a gap in Clayton Bay’s foodie scene and provide a must-visit and warm and inviting dining spot for both locals and those venturing from the flourishing Fleurieu regions.
Restaurant Manager Jess Hunter shares the inspiration behind the revamped Pier 28.
‘Eric and the team wanted to create a more elevated cafe and restaurant spot here in Clayton Bay’, says Jess. ‘Eric has overhauled the whole venue—he hand painted the interior and roof, installed new lighting and plant features, added lounges and an outdoor deck area, and even made the bathroom sinks out of old wine barrels—every attention to detail has been considered.’
Head Chef and business partner Lio, also a Clayton Bay local, has created a brand new menu for the opening, showcasing a fusion of international and local flavours designed to satisfy all tummies and tastebuds and catering to all dietary preferences and restrictions so there’s something for everyone.
Featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients, the dishes range from savoury favourites to satisfying comfort foods and a tonne of healthy options for those who want to start the new year off on the right foot.
‘We still have those cafe favourites like fish and chips, calamari and schnitzels, but we have a variety of other dishes too, including lamb shanks, mango chicken BBQ, crispy pork belly and baked salmon. ‘We have an extensive breakfast menu, pies and pasties, cakes, pastries, homemade baklava from Eric’s family, and the entire menu can be ordered take away too’, says Jess.
With the venue’s liquor licence kicking in next week, Pier 28 will soon offer everything from cocktails, beers and local wines—including Bleasdale, Shaw and Smith, Currency Creek Station, Mollydooker and Bremerton—plus, of course, cafe essentials like smoothies, milkshakes and premium coffee!
And, besides the dine-in and takeaway cafe and restaurant, Pier 28 will also be home to a handy Mini Mart—expecting to open sometime post-January 26th—perfect for picking up those staples and forgotten items in your recent grocery shop!
‘The Mini Mart is designed to have all your basic staples—things like bread, milk, eggs, flour, dog food, etc.—to offer that convenience to our locals and to save you from having to head back to the supermarket for those one or two things you need’, says Jess.
With live entertainment, Sunday sessions, Thursday pizza nights and an Australia Day event, there looks to be a lot on offer at Pier 28 in 2024.
‘For our Australia Day event, we’re having a live band and musicians out on the deck, and we’ll have three big spits going outside, courtesy of Eric’s friend and chef Milo from Chile, serving up lunch and dinner all day.’
Whilst Pier 28 has only been open for a matter of weeks, it’s clear the Clayton Bay dining spot has already become a hit among locals and those from surrounding suburbs.
‘The place has been absolutely thriving since we opened’, says Jess. ‘We have lots of people coming over from Hindmarsh Island, docking their boats at the nearby pier and stopping in for brekky or lunch. It’s a real family-oriented, relaxed and inviting vibe here, and all the staff are either Clayton Bay locals or from surrounding suburbs too—we have a really good team.’
So, if you’re looking for a reason to head down south this summer (do you really need one?) to one of South Australia’s most beautiful regions, make sure you put Pier 28 as a must-stop spot on your adventure for everything from delicious food, scenic views and good ol’ fashioned customer service.
What: Pier 28.
Where: 28 Island View Dr, Clayton Bay, SA 5256.
When: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am-3:00 pm, Friday to Saturday, 8:00 am-9:00 pm, Sunday, 8:00 am-3:00 pm.
For more info, click here.
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