City meets Sea at Glenelg’s newest Café. Bar. Restaurant, Terra & Sol. The invitingly warm, terrazzo-splashed interior boasts stunning clean lines and an earthy hue that strikingly reflect its name: Land and Sun.

Upon entering this beautiful space, two things become apparent: Terra & Sol is a family business, who are hugely proud and passionate about their home state. With a focus on local produce, reflected in both their kitchen and bar menus, they boast an extensive drinks list featuring 68 South Australian-bottled wines and spirits. It is both heartwarming and impressive to see a restaurant truly “supporting local” – particularly to those of us who are also SA born and bred.

These guys are no strangers to the Jetty Road scene, having owned and run several of Glenelg’s favourite eateries for well over a decade. This is, however, the first foray into the industry for son Brock, who pulls double duties as part owner, and resident bar man.

Keeping it in the family with sweet little touches, their signature three cocktails Sapphire & Sol, Spicy Jane, and Brase Yourself are all named after members of this tight-knit family – the last of which, a playful conjunction of the two sons’ names.

These sweet, fresh, bright cocktails are like a taste of summer – and it doesn’t hurt that they are also utterly insta-worthy.

Their succinct but varied food menu, which features a weekly pasta and catch of the day special, is sure to satisfy all tastes.

Arancini Balls
A vegetarian option much lighter than the typical Arancini, this golden ball of goodness is everything you want and have come to expect of this Italian favourite. The delicately crunchy exterior encases a creamily gooey centre, stuffed with goat’s cheese and interspersed with hits of roast pumpkin. Sprinkled with a snowing of parmesan and served with a schmear of house-made basil pesto mayo, this is a truly unique, delightful entrée.

Salt & Pepper Tempura Prawns
SO much more than a salt and pepper dish, these flavour bombs absolutely explode with deliciousness, serving as the perfect finger-food starter. A deeply golden, gloriously thick batter – reminiscent of a grown-up Dagwood dog (in the best possible way) – envelopes a snow-white, contrastingly sweet, juicy prawn. Dipped into the house-made spicy mayo, this is an amazing start to the meal and a must-try dish.

Chargrilled Squid Salad
The delicately smoky, exquisitely cooked squid is here served as generous steaks – a refreshing change from the tired, more commonly selected ringlets. Pronounced grill marks impart a subtle char to the creamy white, tender flesh; the overall flavour profile balanced and enhanced by the silkily roasted, fire-red capsicum, echoing the overarching smokiness. The accompanying fresh salad lightens the entire dish, to produce a surprisingly satisfying meal (for a salad!).

Lamb Back-Strap
This complex and rewarding creation combines sweetness from the blushing pink lamb, savouriness that has been deeply infused into the roasted vegetables, and a richly intense red wine jus. Juxtaposed with these flavours is the pièce de résistance; the unusual addition of pesto goats cheese, whose sharpness adds another dimension to the plate, effortlessly tying the entire dish together.

Fresh Catch of the Day: Salmon
The catch of the day this particular week is coral, crispy-skinned salmon. Gloriously perched atop a decadently creamy potato salad, and entwined with chunks of mango and pineapple, all components work synergistically to produce a spectacular dish of the day. The mouthfuls of sweetness from the fruit both cut through and complement the otherwise creamy, savouriness of the dish. Beautifully presented in a medley of colour, this is as much a pleasure to eat as it is to look at.

Located in the heart of Glenelg, with the signature tramline right on the doorstep, and the beach a mere hop and a skip away, this is a picturesque setting both inside and out.

This versatile new hotspot hits all the right notes; whether it’s a fancy night out with some mates, a brunch catchup with friends, or a romantic dinner date, Terra & Sol have got you covered.

Terra & Sol are open every day from 8am – 8pm.

Words by Anh Ngo

WHERE: 18 Jetty Rd, Glenelg