Secrets by the Sea

I’ve taken a few days off this week, and while work has been full-on, the timing feels just right. At the moment, I’ve got a full team around me, so there are plenty of hands on deck. I’ve also been keeping busy with some professional development, which is useful and worthwhile, but not quite the same as sitting down to a proper lunch by the beach. Today, I decided to treat myself and headed to Secrets by the Sea at Henley Beach. With a view across the water and a menu I’d already inspected closely before arriving, I had a fair idea of how this lunch was going to unfold. I began with a dozen oysters: four natural, four Mornay, and four Kilpatrick. After that, I asked for the Secrets Trio, a generous plate of King George whiting, calamari, and skewered prawns served with hot chips and a garden salad. To finish, I went with the tiramisu, which I was told is made on site.

The oysters were a cracking way to start. I always enjoy oysters, especially when they’re plump, fresh, and taste of the sea. My usual preference is to keep things simple with natural oysters, a squeeze of lemon or lime, and a little salt. This time, though, I was keen to mix things up. The Mornay oysters were rich and comforting, while the Kilpatrick oysters brought that savoury, smoky hit that works so well with the briny freshness underneath.

Although steak was on the menu, it felt only right to lean into the seafood while sitting by Henley Beach. The King George whiting was beautifully cooked, tender, and sweet. The calamari was spot on, with none of that rubbery chewiness that can ruin a good plate. The prawns were tasty too, but the surprise standout was the hot chips. They were exactly how hot chips should be: crunchy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and dangerously easy to keep eating.

I don’t usually ask for dessert, but the tiramisu was too tempting to ignore. It arrived in a parfait cup and turned out to be a lovely finish to the meal. Creamy, soft, and indulgent without being over the top, it was the sort of dessert that makes you quietly wonder whether asking for a second one would be excessive. I reckon I could have managed it.

Secrets by the Sea may well become a new favourite. The food was enjoyable, the setting was relaxing, and the menu had enough tempting options to make a return visit feel necessary rather than optional. I noticed they also offer a couple of seafood platters, and I can already imagine myself heading back one day to give one of those a proper go.

The service was also excellent. Prompt and friendly.

One thing I did notice was that the lunchtime crowd was all older than I am. Mostly couples who look like they were well and truly retired. I expect that in the evenings, the restaurant would be filled with families.

I don’t mind dining alone, and in fact, it’s usually my preference. That said, to eat a seafood platter, I might need a friend.