Your Guide To Adelaide’s Best Waterfront Bars & Restaurants
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.
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 too!
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.
West at Henley
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.
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.
This newly established bar and restaurant 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. The food is simple, fresh and just done right. They’ve got a mean prawn and chilli linguini to try.
A dining experience for the eyes because a sunset from Stella is not to be missed. Their new menu has the range of seafood treats as well as share plates and a mean gnocchi with porcini mushroom sauce.
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.
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 new menu serves quality seafood, from Coffin Bay Pacific oysters and hiramasa kingfish sashimi, to smoked eel croquettes.
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.
Enjoy Salt and pepper crocodile with Asian slaw and Nam Jim, fresh seafood dishes, or shared platters at NINE 50. There’s a broad menu to suit most tastes, including a small menu for kids, plus desserts galore. Open Wednesday to Sunday 12pm-late.
Adelaide’s hottest beachfront bar, the Moseley Beach Club is Australia’s first proper beach club, and is actually set up on the sand. Complete with kabanas, table service and festoon lighting, you’ll feel like you’re in Europe in no time.
With great glass frontage out on to the sea, and amazing views of Henley Jetty, this easy dining option gives diners the option to enjoy some great gourmet pizzas and small dishes for sharing. The wine list and staff’s knowledge of the drinks menu is fantastic. If the weather is nice, head outside on to the side deck, which also offers water views.
Adelaide’s newest venue with water views is DIVINE. It has a great deck out the front, which gives you a fantastic outlook over the ocean, but get in early, as you can’t book on the deck. The inside of the venue is gorgeous though, so it’s not all bad if you miss out.
As a popular coffee joint and breakfast spot for early risers, this iconic destination on the water, just before you hit Henley Square, has a short-term liquor licence for the Summer, so you can watch the sun go down with a vino in hand.
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.
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.
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
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.
The view from Red Ochre Grill
With an assortment of options on offer, from xx to xx, 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.
With more outdoor dining space than pretty much anywhere waterfront in Adelaide, Regattas is nestled at the back of the Adelaide Convention Centre and offers unobstructed views of the Torrens. It’s not only a great brunch location, it’s perfect for cocktails, wine with your sunset, or dinner before heading to the theatre.
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.
Jolleys Boathouse
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.
K1 by Geoff Hardy
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.
Sourced via Facebook @thewatershedfunctioncentre
If you know about another killer view that deserves to be in this guide then email us at admin@glamadelaide.com.au.
Owner of Glam Adelaide. Proudly promoting the best news, companies, events and information about South Australia. To get in touch, email kelly@glamadelaide.com.au or follow me on Twitter or Instagram @kellynoble.
