A Taste Of Adelaide - Food & Flavours
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, choosing where to eat in Adelaide can be deliciously overwhelming. From tucked-away laneway gems to iconic fine-dining destinations, the city is bursting with flavour and creativity. We’ve rounded up some of Adelaide’s most talked-about dining experiences. Whether it’s a long lunch, date night or special celebration, these venues deliver unforgettable food, local flair, and a true taste of South Australia.
Osteria Oggi, CBD
This sleek and modern osteria reimagines Italian dining with a fresh, local twist. Expect handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and produce-driven plates paired with a dynamic wine list. Start with Sicilian olives, move to spaghetti with smoked passata, capers and chilli, and finish with crispy potatoes tossed in salsa verde.
Local tip: Trust the team, the staff here know their food and wine inside out and can guide you toward a memorable meal.
Ballet Wine Bar, Glenelg
Think an endless wine menu, unforgettable bites, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like family. Ballet is a hidden gem tucked along Jetty Road, serving up a dreamy menu made for sharing, from pesto arancini to 12-hour braised lamb cigars, every dish is a little moment of magic. The staff are as passionate as they are knowledgeable, so don’t be shy, ask for pairing tips and local favourites, they’ll happily point you in the right direction.
Local tip: Keep an eye on their weekly specials and events, it’s the perfect excuse to experience a little luxury at an even tastier price.
Fugazzi, CBD
Leigh Street’s Fugazzi brings the drama, from its bold décor to its big, unapologetic flavours. Think New York attitude meets Italian soul, with handmade pasta, killer cocktails and dishes made for sharing. The blue swimmer crab taglierini and gnocchi fritto are instant favourites, guaranteed to have you plotting your next booking before dessert even lands. Finish strong with an affogato semifreddo or a Negroni nightcap, and if your willpower’s strong enough for just one dessert, make it the tiramisu (don’t say we didn’t warn you).
Local tip: Book an inside table to experience the full ambiance
Parwana Afghan Kitchen
Since 2009, the Ayubi family has shared Afghan hospitality and heart through dishes rich with spice and soul. From the jewelled rice to the melt-in-your-mouth banjaan borani (eggplant simmered in tomato and spices), every bite tells a story. It’s BYO alcohol, colourful, and almost always fully booked, for good reason.
Local tip: Go for the $60 banquet menu to sample the best of everything.
Africola, CBD
If Adelaide had a flavour, it’d taste like Africola, loud, colourful, and impossible to forget. Chef Duncan Welgemoed turns up the heat with charred meats, zesty pickles, and plates that dance between Africa and the Mediterranean. Indulge in their signature Africano cocktail which resembles a negroni but with a fiery kick thanks to the addition of chilli. We're big fans of this smoky, spicy, and a little bit rock ’n’ roll ambience. It's the kind of place where the music’s loud, but the flavours are louder, you don't want to miss out on this one!
Local tip: Sit up front and watch the flames fly, or time your booking with Fringe for maximum chaos (and cocktails).
Shōbōsho, CBD
True to its name (“fire house”), Shōbōsho celebrates the theatre of flame and smoke. The menu fuses Japanese and Korean flavours with standouts like teriyaki chicken, katsu sandos, potstickers and salmon tataki with ponzu and wasabi. Ideal for sharing, sipping, and savouring.
Local tip: Book Shō, the intimate eight-seat yakitori bar, for a front-row seat to the action.
Aurora, CBD
More than just fine dining, Aurora combines creativity and conscience. Located within the ILA arts venue, it reinvests profits into supporting South Australian artists, meaning your dinner might come with a side of live music or performance. Expect open-flame cooking, seasonal menus and stunning presentations, including incredible plant-based dishes.
Local tip: Choose between à la carte or a three or five course tasting menu, either way, prepare to be wowed.
Station Road, CBD
Inside Festival Plaza, Station Road brings a dash of Parisian sophistication to Adelaide. Think Champagne poured tableside, a roaming cheese trolley, and elegant dishes like Southern Rock lobster cannelloni and Aylesbury duck with blackberries. It’s European chic meets South Australian pride.
Local tip: Perfect for pre-show drinks, post-work bubbles or a nightcap after the game.
Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, Magill
Overlooking the heritage vines of Penfolds, this intimate 34-seat restaurant defines refined dining. Expect precision service, local ingredients, and perfectly paired wines. For something more relaxed, Magill Estate Kitchen next door offers the same vineyard views in a casual setting.
Local tip: Book early for sunset views over the vines, and don’t leave without trying the wine flight.
La Popular Taqueria, Port Adelaide
Chef Daniella Guevara Muñoz brings Mexico City to Port Adelaide with hand-pressed tortillas, house salsas, and slow-cooked fillings that burst with authenticity. This taqueria is fun, casual, and full of heart, a little slice of Mexico in SA.
Local tip: Head in on Thursdays for 2 for 1 margaritas and try the chilaquiles, you won’t regret it.
For more foodie inspiration, visit the South Australian Tourism Commission’s restaurant guide.
From fine dining to hidden gems, Adelaide’s culinary scene is packed with flavour, creativity and local passion. These restaurants aren’t just about great food, they’re experiences that capture the heart (and tastebuds) of South Australia. Discover South Australia’s most delicious destinations with Travel Auctions. bid your price, pack your bags, and savour every moment.
Bid. Win. Go. Eat well.