Name a better holiday combo than a beach break with loads of good food! That’s what you’ll get with Glenelg. This seaside suburb of Adelaide is an awesome spot for families, couples and solo travellers thanks to its mix of sandy beaches, shops and of course, amazing food spots. From coffees on Jetty Road to dinners on the marina, every day in Glenelg is a great day.
The best Glenelg restaurants give you loads of choice, including some amazing Greek sharing plates and Japanese teppanyaki. We’re also partial to some classic Italian food! So whether you’re after a quick bite between beach visits or somewhere to settle in for the evening, here’s our guide on where to eat in Glenelg.
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Morning Caffeine Fix
Coffee is a major part of Aussie life, with café culture being huge here, especially in Glenelg. Stick to a flat white and a pastry or grab something savoury to take to the beach. Breakfast can be very chill here, but these two are some of our top picks:
Superette Glenelg
If your morning doesn’t really begin until you’ve had your caffeine fix, add Superette to your list of places to visit in Glenelg. We love this small café on Moseley Street for a relaxed coffee stop, and it’s super close to the main precinct. There’s a takeaway option too, which is handy if you’re gearing up for a beach walk.
Our top choice is a flat white or long black with a croissant from the pastry selection. It’s an easy option for solo travellers who want a quick breakfast, or a place to meet your mates before a bit of fun in the sun.
Need to know: 3/15 Moseley Street, Glenelg.
Budget roughly $10 - $20 for a coffee and a light bite. Check out the daily pastry selection when you arrive. We dare you not to have more than one!
Orange Spot Bakery
We reckon a bakery breakfast sounds like a dream start to the day. Orange Spot Bakery on Anzac Highway is a good shout for a casual bite without sitting down for a big brunch. Its pasties have even picked up some competition awards, so it would be rude not to give one a try.
We’d go for a traditional pasty, a pie or a sausage roll, then move onto the cakes if you’re still peckish. It’s a good family spot; everyone can choose their own snack before you head out for the day.
Need to know: 752 Anzac Highway, Glenelg. You’ll spend roughly $10 - $20 for a savoury item and a drink.
Lunch & Dinner Options
When you’re ready to sit down for lunch or dinner, you’ll find the best eats at Jetty Road or check out Marina Pier. Some of our favourite Glenelg beach restaurants on this list overlook the marina instead of being right on the beach, but you’ll still get that amazing seaside vibe.
There’s so much choice here, including plenty of international options. And if you want somewhere quieter, go to Glenelg South, which is away from the busiest stretch. Brighton and Henley Beach are also a good shout for more stunning coastal dining options.
Ellenika Taverna
Fancy a Greek feast with a marina view? Ellenika Taverna brings Greek and Mediterranean cooking to Marina Pier, with a menu that makes sharing a very tempting option (for once!). Order a few dishes for the table and enjoy a family-style feast!
Why we love it: This is a really good fit for couples or mates who like to try a ‘bit of everything’. This place is built for it, with some excellent sharing plates on the menu.
What should I order? Start with pita and dips (obviously!), then look at the chicken souvlaki, baked lamb shoulder or moussaka. We could eat the lot! The Taste of Ellenika menu includes some sweet dishes and baklava to finish, so turn up hungry.
Need to know: Shop 6/3 Chappell Drive, Marina Pier, Glenelg. Most dishes will set you back around $40 - $50, with sharing menus at $79 - $90 a head. Make a group booking in advance if you want to guarantee a table, as we’d hate to see you left disappointed.
Tomiko Japanese Steak House
We love dinner with a side of entertainment, and that’s what Tomiko is all about. This is your classic teppanyaki restaurant, so you’ll see chefs cook on a large iron plate, with a little bit of theatre. If you want a bit of a quieter meal, you can also choose from sushi and à la carte dishes, which are just as tasty.
Why we love it: If you’re looking for something a bit different from a regular restaurant booking, the teppanyaki experience is a fun option. It’s worth considering for a celebration or a family dinner with children who enjoy watching the cooking.
What should I order? Try the Hibachi sirloin set, the Surf & Turf set with beef tenderloin and king prawns, or the vegetable Yasai set. Gyoza are another top option if you’re choosing from the à la carte menu.
Need to know: Shop 7, Holdfast Shores, Marina Pier, Glenelg. Teppanyaki set menus range from around $99 up to $179 depending on your choice.
Luciano's Italian Restaurant
Pizza, pasta, plus a sea view? We reckon it’s a dream combo, and Luciano’s brings all three to Marina Pier. Its modern Italian menu includes wood-oven pizzas and tasty house-made gnocchi, with Italian and South Australian wines to wash it down with. It’s easily one of our top picks for where to eat in Glenelg.
Why we love it: Ok, it’s an easy win for groups who want familiar favourites but still feels like you’re on holiday. It’s a big hit with couples and families. Everyone’s happy at Luciano’s!
What should I order? The house-made gnocchi is a good place to start. We’d also look at the Margherita pizza or beef ragu pasta, then leave a little room for tiramisu. If you’re sharing, order a pizza to go with your pasta so you can try both.
Need to know: Shops 13 - 15, Marina Pier, Glenelg. Pizzas are roughly $29 - $33 and pasta dishes around $36 - $45, with larger mains costing a little more.
The Wharf & Co.
We love The Wharf & Co for a spot of lunch by the water. It’s also great for an evening drink. It looks out over the marina and has some of the nicest views in Glenelg. The restaurant focuses on seasonal local produce, so the menu changes regularly. An excuse to come back on your next visit!
Why we love it: It’s a good option when the setting is as much a part of your plans as the food. Come with your mates for a catch-up or make it a special date night and enjoy the views of the water from your table.
What should I order? Look out for the barramundi and seafood specials or check whether the steak frites offer is running during your visit. We’d ask the team which seafood dish they recommend that day, then choose a regional wine to go with it.
Need to know: Shop 4, Holdfast Shores, Marina Pier, Glenelg. Allow roughly $40 - $65 for a main and a little extra for the sides (they’re worth it!). You might get lucky with a weekly specials offer, while premium dishes can cost a little more.
Mediterranean Cafe Ristorante
Head to Broadway in Glenelg South for a restaurant with loads of choice. Mediterranean Cafe Ristorante takes inspo from different cuisines around the Med, so you can choose between pasta, seafood and dishes with Greek and Lebanese influences.
Why we love it: If you want to try one of the best places to eat in Glenelg, you’ll love the variety here! It’s a good option for families and mixed groups who want different things for dinner and takes you away from Jetty Road to explore somewhere different.
What should I order? Try the saganaki prawns, fettuccine ragu or ravioli zucca. We reckon you can’t go wrong with the bouillabaisse; a delicious fish stew served with char-grilled herb bread.
Need to know: Shop 2, 72 Broadway, Glenelg South. Pasta and risotto dishes at around $33 - $40, with seafood bouillabaisse at about $48.
Where to Stay in Glenelg
If you’re planning your trip around beach days and good meals, we reckon a nearby stay will help you make the most of your trip. Both of our Oaks properties are within walking distance of Jetty Road, so the best food spots and attractions will be on your doorstep.
Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites
Want to be right on the beach? Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites is at 16 Holdfast Promenade. It’s an awesome choice for couples who want a seaside break, or families who’d like to spend their holidays on the sand.
Choose from studios or apartments with 1 and 2 bedrooms, with fully equipped kitchens in the apartments and inclusive Wi-Fi. There’s also a swimming pool and gym for a bit of downtime between outings. Our tip: request an ocean view, you won’t regret it!
Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites
Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites at 25 - 29 Colley Terrace is another top choice. It’s a short walk from the beach and near the shops, plus the best Glenelg restaurants around Jetty Road. It’s perfect for families, groups or for a longer stay to explore the rest of the area.
Apartments with 1 and 2 bedrooms come with full kitchen and laundry facilities, private balconies and inclusive Wi-Fi. The perfect home away from home. It also has a pool and gym, so you can fit in a swim without getting sand in your hair! Having your own kitchen is also useful for an easy brekkie or a quiet night in after a day of sightseeing.
Make some time to try some of our things to do in Glenelg. Beyond the restaurants, there’s plenty of shops and other top attractions that are great for travellers and families. But if you just want to be on the beach, we won’t judge!
To Wrap It Up!
You won’t have to look far when deciding where to eat in Glenelg. There are so many great places, so it’s one of our faves for a holiday. Start the day with coffee and a bakery bite and then give some Greek sharing plates or Japanese teppanyaki a go for dinner. There’s a lot of choice, so you could eat somewhere different every day if you wanted to.
Book ahead for the restaurants you really want to go to, especially on the weekend. With a comfy Oaks base nearby, you’ll just be a leisurely stroll back to your bed. Sounds like our kind of beach break.
