Support Our Seaside Restaurants
As the warmer months settle on our coastline, South Australia finds itself grappling with an unprecedented marine event. An ongoing Karenia mikimotoi algal bloom, driven by marine heatwaves and nutrient surges, has wreaked havoc across more than 150km of coastline, claiming thousands of marine lives and raising serious environmental and health concerns.
Yet amid discolouration, sea foam, and beach closures, one thing remains crystal clear: South Australia’s coastal restaurants are more vital than ever. These eateries are not just about great food — they’re the heartbeat of our seaside towns, gathering places for families, holidaymakers and locals alike. As the bloom disrupts tourism and marine life, choosing to dine by the sea becomes a meaningful act of community support. Here’s a roundup of standout coastal restaurants that deliver flavour, atmosphere and resilience across South Australia’s beaches.
Whalers
Victor Harbor
Whalers offers a refined yet relaxed coastal dining experience that celebrates the very best of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. With sweeping views of Granite Island, Wright Island and The Bluff, it’s the perfect place to watch the waves roll in while enjoying fresh, seasonal cuisine.
Guests can dine on the sun-drenched deck or indoors with panoramic ocean views, making it ideal for casual meals, family gatherings or special celebrations. In winter, migrating whales and playful dolphins can often be spotted just offshore.
121 Franklin Parade, Encounter Bay
whalers.au
Kuti Shack
Goolwa
Neighbouring the sand dunes of Goolwa Beach, Kuti Shack is a seafood kiosk and café with strong ties to place. Kuti is the Ngarrindjeri word for cockles or pipis — the Ngarrindjeri people are the traditional custodians of the eastern Fleurieu Peninsula.
The creative menu highlights pipis and other Indigenous ingredients, alongside fresh seafood, local produce, Fleurieu wines and craft beers. Whenever possible, seafood and produce are sourced from local and sustainable suppliers.
Beach Road, Goolwa Beach
kutishack.com
Star of Greece
Port Willunga
Star of Greece has been a beloved Fleurieu destination for more than 20 years, named after the ill-fated shipwreck that has rested just offshore since 1888. What began as a humble kiosk has evolved into fine-yet-friendly dining, balancing simple, fresh flavours with Mediterranean inspiration.
From classic fish and chips at the kiosk window to elegant three-course meals, every dish is served with sweeping ocean views and matched with a thoughtfully curated wine list showcasing the region’s best drops.
1 The Esplanade, Port Willunga
starofgreece.com.au
Pearl
Aldinga Beach
Pearl delivers fresh, uncomplicated coastal dining guided by a fish-and-fire philosophy. Head Chef Jules Rydon showcases South Australian seafood such as Smoky Bay oysters, Spencer Gulf prawns and chargrilled line-caught fish cooked over charcoal.
The seasonal menu is paired with Fleurieu wines and summery cocktails, all enjoyed against panoramic ocean views. With its relaxed beachside atmosphere, Pearl feels like a Mediterranean escape without leaving SA.
Aldinga Beach Boat Ramp, Aldinga
pearlaldingabeach.com.au
Seamore’s
Henley Beach
Located along one of Adelaide’s most iconic beachfronts, Seamore’s celebrates laid-back beach culture with panoramic ocean views. It’s a relaxed spot to settle in with a drink and enjoy food designed for sharing.
Head Chef Sandi focuses on doing the basics brilliantly. The menu spans casual grazing and more substantial dining, featuring hand-stretched stone-base pizzas, fresh pasta and share plates inspired by Italian flavours and classic Australian surf club favourites.
255 Esplanade, Henley Beach
seamores.com.au
Silver Sands Beach Club
Aldinga Beach
This chic surf-club-turned-diner serves simple classics alongside freshly shucked oysters and house-made pasta, all enjoyed with sweeping sea views. Run by acclaimed wine critic Nick Stock and DJ Mark Kamleh, Silver Sands Beach Club blends relaxed coastal charm with stylish dining.
Norman Road, Aldinga Beach
silversandsbeachclub.com.au
The Flying Fish
Port Elliot
Set beside the sands of Horseshoe Bay, The Flying Fish offers a quintessential coastal dining experience. Led by hospitality veteran Christy Dellaney, with more than 25 years’ experience, the venue pairs welcoming service with consistently excellent food.
Head Chef Nathan Francis draws inspiration from the Southern Ocean to create seasonal menus celebrating fresh, local produce. Expect grilled King George whiting, creative seafood dishes and the café’s much-loved fish and chips.
1 The Foreshore, Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot
flyingfishcafe.com.au
Aqua Blue
Normanville
Aqua Blue is a relaxed seaside destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether stopping by for a quick bite, a refreshing drink or a long lunch by the sea, the experience is warm, welcoming and unpretentious.
The full-service restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu showcasing South Australia’s fresh produce. Diners can enjoy hearty breakfasts, classic lunch dishes, Greek-style lamb, Scotch fillets and a vegetarian Moroccan tagine, alongside seafood favourites including oysters, pipis, scallops and King George whiting.
Lot 100 Jetty Road, Normanville
aquabluenormanvillebeach.com.au
