Here's what to eat, drink and do in this up-and-coming beachside suburb.

Glenelg may get the lion’s share of the tourists, but in recent years Henley Beach has also been getting some well-deserved attention for its laid-back feel and innovative dining scene.

Some of the biggest hospitality stars in town – including Simon Kardachi and Ollie Margan – have set up shop here. And multistorey diners such as Mia Margarita and Seamore’s have contributed to the rise of Seaview Road as one of Adelaide’s most exciting dining precincts. That’s not to mention the influence of the Vanzati family – who own local joints Hermanos Cubanos, Malobo and Swedish Tarts.

Restaurants

  • This stylish Mediterranean eatery has you covered with a sharp, fish-forward menu and a cracking cocktail list. Nab a seat on the beach-facing balcony at golden hour and savour the view.

  • The husband-and-wife duo behind Gondola Gondola plate up a cuisine-crossing menu at this lofty beachside eatery. Expect Vietnamese beef tartare, pho pot pie and Sichuan-Cajun seafood boil, backed by a selection of tropical cocktails.

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  • This beachside venue blends New York-Italian food with Aussie surf club vibes. Every table in this expansive, 260-person capacity venue is a good one, but special points go to the balcony. It affords views out over the ocean and Henley Square.

  • The popular Grange yiros joint get a second, much larger, seaside location.

  • A colourful two-level Mexican-fusion restaurant and bar serving “trash can tacos”, tuna tostadas, Margaritas and Mojitos.

Cafes

  • Relaxed, wholesome and “a little bit nauti”, this cool beachside spot brings good coffee, Instagrammable chicken sandos and gluten-free fare to the seaside. Come during the day with sand still clinging to your ankles, or drop in at night for a cosy neighbourhood cocktail bar vibe.

  • This Henley Beach icon was given a big refurb in 2020 by the team behind West Oak Hotel. Now, it's been reborn as a slick seaside destination. Expect soft-shell crab sliders, kingfish sashimi ad Pina Coladas.

  • Beach views matched with a menu that stretches from dawn to dusk.

  • Adriano Macri is reviving the “lost art” of from-scratch gelati making.

  • Stacked-up, nutrient-charged salad bowls made to order and enjoyed beachside.

  • Takeaway, Cuban-inspired street food with soul and substance.

  • Made with love. And butter.

Bars