Some people will tell you that seafood tastes best when you can feel the sand between your toes, but they’ve never been to this innovative spot tucked into the Adelaide Hills. Chef Sam Prance-Smith has staged at The Fat Duck under Heston Blumenthal and the whole fish hanging in the dry ager are proof that he’s not afraid to do things differently. Depending on what’s biting, the fish of the day might be Coorong mullet, Spencer Gulf garfish or red gurnard, and the zero-waste menu is full of under-utilised elements like fried flathead wings with xo sauce and zingy spiced ocean jacket cheeks alongside the signature carp bacon. Shop 5/11 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling; anglerstirling.com.au.

Tucked between the salons and boutiques that line King William Road in Adelaide’s leafy inner south, this upscale spot reflects its surroundings with a menu that mixes classics with more up-market options. Look past the golden fillets of flake and butterfish and you’ll discover unexpected delights like crispy salt & pepper soft shell crab, calamari legs and a barra fillet swimming in garlic butter, lemon juice and parsley. Everything can be made gluten-free, and a whopping eighteen fresh salad options meaning health-conscious diners can swap the side chips for a Greek salad or beetroot, carrot and apple slaw. 117 King William Rd, Hyde Park; fishoutofwater.net.au.

Ironically, mullet is one of the few species you won’t find at this Henley favourite where blue grenadier, coral perch and delicate fillets of local King George whiting are among the eight options on offer. All the fish is sustainably caught and the owners can tell you exactly where each species is from before encasing it in a delightfully thin layer of batter that breaks open with a satisfying crunch. If you’re looking for something on the go, tweak the classic formula and order a stacked fish burger to take away. 8 East Terrace, Henley Beach.

The Star of Greece is known for two things: its million dollar views, and booking out well in advance all summer long. But if you want to enjoy the stunning clifftop vistas over postcard-perfect Port Willunga without having to plan ahead, why not try the more casual kiosk next door. Grab a seat on the deck and choose between crispy fish & chips or salt & pepper squid salad washed down with a glass of chilled rose, then end the perfect beach trip with a dip in front of the iconic fishermen’s caves. 1 The Esplanade, Port Willunga.

A fixture in the seaside suburb of Semaphore for more than 70 years, Sotos still attracts queues of eager diners every lunch and dinner by elevating the sideshow to the main event. Come for the fillets of whiting, gar and flathead, but stay for the chips. Forget frozen McCain knock-offs – these chunky delights are cut by hand every morning, fried until they’re crispy and golden then topped with a generous sprinkle of house chicken salt and wrapped in a parcel of butcher’s paper. One bite and you’ll understand the crowds. 23 Semaphore Rd, Semaphore; sotosfishshop.com.au.