Long Italian days filled with beachside cocktails, wood-fired pizzas and dishes by an acclaimed Australian chef are on the menu this summer at Adelaide restaurant Jasmine’s.
The family-owned Chahoud Group has transformed the former HNLY site at Henley Beach to create a relaxed and breezy dining experience that elevates as the sun goes down.
Rich, neutral tones and wooden finishings, including a showpiece timber-panelled roof, have replaced the whitewashed interiors of old, bringing about a sense of warmth as soon as you step off bustling Seaview Road.
The 130-seat restaurant awaits at the top of the staircase, but not before diners are treated to a culinary walk flanked by the flames from the charcoal firepit and a four-tonne, custom-built pizza oven.
Designers 2049 have used long banquette seating, marble tables and a moody mirrored wall to create a space that’s befitting of Jasmine’s prime beachside location.
Natural light streams in through the windows, while the ocean breeze carries a custom-designed jasmine scent through the room.
Outside, the wraparound deck with its views out over one of the city’s most popular coastlines remains a focal point of the venue, and is the perfect place for enjoying one – or more – of co-owner Manoel Eskanian’s signature cocktails, like the signature Jasmine’s Negroni or Ibisco Limoncello spritz.
But it’s by night that the uniqueness of Jasmine’s really comes to the fore.
As the sun sets on golden hour, the restaurant evolves into something more intimate and chic, where little details like adding fabric shades to the light fittings creates a moody new offering.
Chahoud Group chief executive Jared Chahoud says Jasmine’s is a place where everyone is welcome, whether they’re in shorts and thongs following a day at the beach or dressed up for a long lunch or dinner.
“We named the venue after the flower because of its meaning, which is warm hospitality, as that’s exactly what we hope people will experience during each visit,” he says.
“Henley Beach is such an iconic part of Adelaide and we are excited to become a part of this tight-knit community.”
Renowned Melbourne chef Jimmy Garside (Julietta, Mamasita) has joined forces with the team to create the Italian-inspired menu, which also features a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Start with small plates like woodfired flatbread, burrata and tuna crudo, before moving onto the dedicated fire section with dishes like grilled prawns served with nduja butter and lemon, char-grilled steak with baharat and cippolini onions, and pork tomahawk with agrodolce and cavolo nero.
There are several classic Italian pastas to choose from too, including a wagyu beef and ox cheek ragu, roast chicken moghrabieh and a cacio e pepe.
The pizzas are made in the classic Italian style, with a thick dough crust and flavours including calabrese, prawn and a mortadella and pistachio with a white sauce base.
Chahoud says Jasmine’s has even catered for the summer beach crowd by ensuring all of their pizzas are available for takeaway.
“People should be able to enjoy our food wherever and in whatever way they want to,” he says.
Saving the best for last, Jasmine’s signature chocolate mousse comes with a side of silver service, with each order served from a roving dessert trolley.
Jasmine’s is open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, and for lunch from Friday to Sunday.
Bookings are recommended, but walk-ins are always available.
Visit www.jasmines.au for more information or to make a reservation, or follow them on Instagram at @jasmines_adl.
WHERE: 253A Seaview Road, Henley Beach
