Our guide to the best restaurants in Adelaide

From degustation dining amongst garden greenery, to flame-powered menus and iconic eateries, Adelaide has something for every palate.

It’s no secret that Adelaide is a foodie mecca, drawing in people from across the globe on a quest to satiate their appetite for the best. Australia’s best restaurant, wine and gin all hail from the south – making our boutique capital one of the top culinary destinations in the country. It’s no wonder, when we are surrounded by rich agricultural regions growing the freshest produce, vineyards producing the best wine in the world and oceans brimming with succulent seafood. Wondering where to begin your gastronomic journey? We’ve rounded up Adelaide’s top restaurants for 2024, so you can sink your teeth into some of the city’s finest food.

ARKHE, NORWOOD

One of the hottest additions to Adelaide’s foodie scene in recent years, Arkhe (pronounced ar-kay) is the flame-powered restaurant marrying home-grown produce with traditional cooking methods. A visit to this Norwood eatery will transport you to a time before electrical kitchen appliances; amazingly, everything on the menu is smoked, flame-grilled or cooked over the open fire of a three-and-a-half tonne wood oven. Locally sourced meat and seafood are the stars of the show here, with Mayura Station beef, Spencer Gulf prawns and Smoky Bay oysters heralding South Australia’s exquisite produce across a bold menu by Michelin-trained head chef, Jake Kellie. Named after the ancient Greek term for fire, Arkhe shuns gas and electricity in the kitchen to deliver an epicurean experience like no other.

PRESS FOOD AND WINE, ADELAIDE CBD

Combining the laidback mood of a wine bar and the refinement of a European restaurant, Press Food and Wine is quickly becoming the foodie favourite of locals and visitors alike. On a fine day, take a seat outside and let the sun wash over you as you taste seasonal delicacies inspired by the Mediterranean, but with an undeniably local twist – think kangaroo tartare, raw kingfish and smoked cauliflower. Meanwhile, the 500+ strong wine list showcases the very best drops from around the country and the world, so you can sip on something from a little further afield. Writer’s tip: Press is a two-storey affair and upstairs the mood is decidedly more intimate, perfect for date night.

RESTAURANT BOTANIC, ADELAIDE CBD

Discover an immersive dining experience that will tantalise not only your tastebuds, but also your sense of sight, smell, sound and touch. Restaurant Botanic is aptly named for its unique location within the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, and was crowned Australia’s Best Restaurant of the Year in 2023 for its innovative take on conventional dining. A booking at Restaurant Botanic promises a sensory journey into the surrounding gardens, with diners tasting native ingredients like finger lime, green ants and bunya branches in more than 26 different flavour combinations. Wave goodbye to any preconceived notions of what a restaurant is and buckle up for a delicious foray into Restaurant Botanic’s imaginative menu. Writer’s tip: this meal is one to be savoured – Restaurant Botanic recommends allowing at least four hours for their signature experience.

Fugazzi, Adelaide CBD 

Set foot into this foodie hotspot and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d wandered into a bustling New York bistro – Fugazzi combines chic interiors with mouthwatering Italian-inspired fare to create an unrivalled culinary experience in the heart of Adelaide. Located on Leigh Street amongst some of the city’s best eateries, Fugazzi stands out for its stellar service and a menu featuring unforgettable dishes, such as gnocco fritto with whipped ricotta and honey, playful snacks like the ‘Roman Vegemite’ toast, plus a suite of pasta dishes that will have you mopping up every last drop of sauce. Breathe in the authentic scent of Italy and get swept up in the restaurant’s infectious atmosphere – a Fugazzi feast is always a good idea.

AFRICOLA, ADELAIDE CBD

There’s something summery about this East End restaurant. Maybe it’s the vibrant interiors (think neo-pop artwork, chequerboard tiling and a kaleidoscope of primary colours splashed across the walls), the lively service or the punchy southern African cuisine – stepping into Africola is like stepping into direct sunlight. The food here toes the line between playful and refined, but is always bursting with flavour – the crispy chicken tea sandwich with peri peri drippings is essential eating and vegetarian options abound with colourful dishes that take inspiration from Africa and the Middle East. Writer’s tip: Africola is a must-visit all year-round, but the restaurant shines during Fringe season. Book an outdoor table in March and soak up the atmosphere as the streets of the East End come alive with festival madness.

GARCON BLEU, ADELAIDE CBD

You don’t need to hop on a flight to experience French dining in the heart of Adelaide; say bonjour to Garcon Bleu, the Sofitel’s inhouse eatery and acclaimed restaurant serving up sophisticated French fare. Lavishly furnished in navy suede and shining brass, the restaurant is located nine storeys up, boasting striking views over the Adelaide CBD all the way to the Adelaide Hills. The menu is just as impressive – think French brasserie classics like foie gras and bouillabaisse, showcasing some of South Australia’s best produce like Smoky Bay oysters, king george whiting, Penfield olives and angus pure beef. Be taken on a journey of the senses to Bordeaux and back again with a booking at this culinary gem. 

SHOBOSHO, ADELAIDE CBD

Moody interiors, Japanese yakitori and a rare chance to see your food being prepared before your very eyes – welcome to Shobosho. Popular for its carefully curated Asian fusion menu that includes a selection of raw seafood and wood-fired meats, alongside crowd favourites like the katsu sando and must-try snake beans with fermented chilli, Shobosho serves up flavour-packed share-plates that will linger on your tongue – and in your memory. Want to watch the magic happen? Take a seat at the bar to get up close and personal with the chefs as they artfully blend smoke, steam and fire to produce gourmet masterpieces. Writer’s tip: don’t be tempted to skip dessert – we can attest that Shobosho’s sweets are just as pleasing as their savoury offerings! Indulge in citrus and coconut flavours for the perfect end to your yakitori extravaganza.

Aurora, Adelaide CBD

Fancy your dinner with a side of social responsibility? Welcome to Aurora, the one-of-a-kind Adelaide restaurant on a mission to give back, while serving up delicious dishes with artisanal flair. Uniquely situated within the multi-level arts venue, Light on Light Square, Aurora is part of a not-for-profit organisation that reinvests its profits back into the arts community, paving the way for creatives to make their mark on Adelaide and the world. Aurora’s menu is just as inspiring as its ethos – drawing on cuisines and cooking techniques from around the world, the kitchen serves up gourmet masterpieces that wouldn’t look out of place in a gallery. Venison tartare, pork gyoza and lamb marsala are just a few of the diverse dishes on offer at this feel-good eatery.

Golden Boy, Adelaide CBD

Vibrant, fresh flavours and a bustling atmosphere await you at this iconic East End restaurant. Dig into delicious Thai eats at Golden Boy, where the service is cheerful and share plates are mounded high with mouthwatering salads, stir frys and curries. Fan favourites include the kingfish sashimi and banana blossom salad. For dessert, you can’t go past the banana fritter with coconut ice cream – it’s a Golden Boy staple. Writer’s tip: Not sure where to begin your feast? The Tuk Tuk experience is the perfect place to start – simply sit back and let the expert staff deliver dishes tailored to your tastes. Enjoy!

Penfold Magill Estate, MAGILL 

Discerning diners, this one is for you! The iconic Penfolds name turns everything it touches to gold, and that includes the Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant. Nestled amongst the estate’s vines in the Adelaide foothills, guests are invited to partake in a fine-dining experience that has been recognised as one of the best in the country, with the restaurant boasting a prestigious Good Food Guide chef hat award – an enviable accolade awarded to the best of the best in Australia’s culinary scene. With a menu that aims to capture Penfolds’ craftmanship and heritage, diners can expect to be dazzled with modern Australian cuisine and expertly paired wines straight from the estate’s cellar, where you’ll find drops dating all the way back to the creation of the first Penfolds Grange in 1951.

WASH IT DOWN IN ADELAIDE'S BOOMING BAR SCENE

What's a meal without a great drink to match? Finish the night off with a glass of South Australian wine, craft beer, cider or spirits with our best bars in Adelaide guide.