“Relaxed, wholesome and a little bit ‘nauti’,” is how co-owner and head chef Renee Lind describes the new seaside cafe. Since opening in late March, Lind tells Broadsheet, the Henley community has been warm and welcoming. “We’ve made amazing friends with locals, some are daily regulars and a few even donate fruit from their trees for us to make jam!”
Alongside Lind, the venue is owned by Dylan Auciello, Danny Cooray and Harrison Raphael, the team behind Loverboy nightclub and Studio Spring – but they’ve always dreamed of having a cafe. When the Henley spot became available, already equipped with a kitchen, it was a no-brainer. “Not much commercial property pops up on the west side, so we thought we had to take it,” Raphael tells Broadsheet, “we tried to put into it all the things we love: coffee, drinks and an atmosphere for people to socialise.”
As the name suggests, the fit-out leans into the nautical vibe, but this isn’t a summer-specific spot. “We were very conscious of it being open and summery and the kind of place you can come in with the dog and not wearing shoes,” Raphael says. “But with the fireplace, the wine list, the seasonal food menu, it creates a different, cosier atmosphere in winter.”
Lind, previously of Peter Rabbit, masterminds the menu which is fun and light, featuring sustainably produced local products. Lind says the chicken sandwich has quite the reputation on Instagram. “Personally, I love the house-made tofu dish,” he says, referring to a vegan gluten-free dish served with sweet potato, citrus cashew cream, and butternut hummus.
At night, Nauti Buoy’s tapas is perfect for groups to enjoy with a cocktail or wine. Lind’s personal favourite dish is the indulgent triple-cream brie with fermented passionfruit honey. Soon a seasonal winter menu will be released to match stormy seaside weather.
Nauti Buoy
1 Henley Beach Road, Henley Beach South
0472 749 573
Hours:
Tues to Thurs 7am–3pm
Fri & Sat 8am–late
Sun 8am–3pm
