Beachside Foodie Faves in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast

Words by Glam Adelaide (header image credit to Bec Siedel)

The strip of beachside dining options in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region has long been a favourite for visitors and locals alike. In our humble opinion, the best addition to a delicious meal, is a stunning view and what could be better than the sparkle of the ocean whilst enjoying breakfast or lunch, with early evening bringing spectacular sunsets over the water. So we wanted to share with you some of our favourites!

Nothing could be better than waking up early, eating a delicious meal with the whole day ahead of you. While you’re on a beachside walk, stop by the uber quirky and beloved Deep Blue Café located in the bustling beach hotspot of Moana for a classic breakfast. Your smashed avo, waffles and big brekkies are all in great form here. They’re open from morning to night 4 days a week, so lots of dining options on offer.

When passing through scenic Christies Beach, visit FLAVA Food and Coffee for a relaxing stop that’ll provide you with a memorable bite. Whether it be breakfast, brunch, or lunch, the team at FLAVA have a plethora of dishes made with the freshest produce. Their food is cosy, homey, and the portion size will undoubtedly leave you satisfied.

A trip to the beach will always benefit from a bakery stop so why not head straight to The ESPY Bakehouse also located in Christies Beach and order one of their freshly baked goods to enjoy with fresh air and delicious coffee.

For another great café experience in Christies Beach, head to The Ripple and Swirl Café, a busy beachside hotspot with treats to suit the whole clan. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or just a coffee, their family friendly menu is well worth the wait. Then you can just stroll to the beach to walk off your meal. Perfect day right there.

Already home to sandy white beaches, the thriving coastal hub of Aldinga Beach, is home to Breeze Café and Bar, a large unassuming venue that offers delicious meals from an extensive menu. While you pick from the delicious pizzas and sandwiches on offer, you can also indulge in their $10 cocktail menu, which they offer all day. Now that sounds inviting!

While you’re in Aldinga Beach, check out one of the most recent additions to the beachside community, Pearl Restaurant. Pearl has brought dining to the beachfront so patrons experience the not-so-distant ebb and flow of the waves and an endless blue horizon. Take your tastebuds on a trip with their Friday night Mediterranean fish, Spanish tapas, and Italian inspired Aperitivo and prosecco.

You can't go past a delicious pizza and beverage from Drifters Pizza Bar and topped with ocean views, it's a must do!, 

You’d be remiss not to visit the iconic Star of Greece Restaurant for world-class fare and sensational views of the clear Port Willunga waters. Star of Greece is SA’s answer to a Greek Island experience, so if you’re mourning cancelled travel plans, there’s even more reason to put this one at the top of your list. Don’t be fooled by the name, their menu is purely modern Australian cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal fare. To get the full Star of Greece experience, opt for their tasting menu alongside their local picks for wine.

You can also discover more breakfast and brunch hotspots here and other seaside dining experiences here.

Header image - Andy Nowell