Swedish Tarts

Swedish Tarts got its start at Semaphore in 2008, serving handmade tarts and pastries baked on site. Before long, owners Louise and Bo Matschke launched an additional cafe at Henley Beach plus a bakery in Findon. Each store differs slightly, yet draws on the same key ingredients: cosy ambience and great food.

Vintage and homemade timber furniture give each venue a living-room feel. At Henley, there’s the solid mango wood table and bench seat made out of an antique Swedish chest. Painted by local artist Valli, the Scandinavian birch tree mural is a twin to Semaphore’s, while comfy couches and chandeliers adorn all three.

The fusion menus feature home-style Swedish recipes tweaked with Australian ingredients. Just like Grandma’s cooking, there’s no chemicals or preservatives, only organic produce and free-range Happy Chook eggs.

A treasured 200-year-old recipe, the “Scab” cake is a must, with dense meringue, rich custard and flaky almond slivers. For main course, grab a crispy flatbread or a thick banana-bacon pancake.

Organic fair-trade coffee from Brasilia comes with dairy, almond and soy options. But you’ll find no Coke or Schweppes here, just homemade soda, juices, smoothies and Swedish tea ready to refresh.

Henley is licenced, so feel free to add that vodka shot to your spiced blackcurrant and ginger tea.