Our guide to the best restaurants in Adelaide

Walking into Africola is like stepping into direct sunlight. You’re illuminated by the abundance of bright colours and patterns that beam from the walls. But the artwork and checkerboard tiling aren’t the only bold forces at play — owner and head-chef Duncan Welgemoed wields the energy. The South African chef has been a staple in Adelaide’s dining scene for years. His heritage, his story and his taste are seared into every corner of the busy restaurant — reflective, fiery, spicy and loud. Flavour is first and foremost, and that’s obvious when he’s making vegetables seriously tasty. Crunch into a sprouted lentil salad with pistachio and preserved lemon and let charred cauliflower reveal its smoky depth. Here, the simple pleasure is in the unexpected. Writer’s tip: This is a must-visit all year-round, but it really shines during Fringe season. Book an outdoor table in March and people-watch as East End comes alive. 

Time seems to slow down when you dine at Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant. When there's no need to hurry, it's easy to appreciate the finer details. Like the passionate chef who steps out of the kitchen to present and assemble each course before you, letting your eyes take the first bite. Or the waiter who anticipates your needs, appearing right when you need them — not a moment too soon. With only 34 seats in this fine-dining restaurant, all attention is on you. That focus extends to the local sommelier, who artfully pours you an iconic Penfolds Bin 707 cabernet sauvignon. This foothills’ estate boasts sweeping views of the surrounding vines, setting the scene for a relaxing and inviting experience. 

Shōbōsho means ‘fire house’ in Japanese — a fitting definition for a venue that has fire at the heart. Old traditions mix with the radical new, blending the ancient art of Japanese yakitori with the finesse of modern cooking. There is a feeling of warmth that comes from more than just the cosy room itself. The long communal table is a tangle of limbs, with friends passing over plates of scallop sashimi and duck potsticker dumplings. Conversation ignites the room as you drift closer to its spark — a crackling flame at the heart of this bistro. The heat draws you in, inviting you to pull up a chair at the eight-seater yakitori bar. The open kitchen affords you a connection with the chef while they cook for you. Watch them flip the spit-roast teriyaki chicken on the grill, flames licking at its sides as you pour some sake, highballs or beer. There’s a transfer of energy here that moves from the fire to your meal. From the chef to you. From this shared experience to beyond these doors.

Step inside this heritage listed building in Norwood and be enveloped by a sense of warmth — from the soft interiors and welcoming staff to a flame-powered approach to every dish. Walk past dry aging cabinets where local Mayura Station beef is suspended on hooks, before taking a seat at the wrap around counter encircling the open kitchen. From your front row seat, watch knives slice through spring onions with a crisp snap, as chefs shuffle past each other like line dancers in perfect rhythm. Their perfectly choreographed routine takes place before a three and a half tonne wood oven — a key set piece and a nod to the Greek origins of the restaurant’s name. Flames dance over every ingredient. Roasted mud crab crackles in its shell, while tender lamb chops hiss with simplicity. Excitement builds as the kitchen staff chant a collective “ready” in response to every call made by their fearless leader — owner and head chef Jake Kellie.  As each dish at arkhé is placed in front of you, the passion you witnessed from the open kitchen is immortalised.   

Welcome to this cosy patch in the middle of the city, where moody lighting hugs you hello. Downstairs is perfect for a table for two, or upstairs, find a booth made for groups to gather. A clatter of plates lands in front of you, designed for sharing — Just like the stories you've all been dying to spill since finding a date you can actually all make. You reach over to spike a fried potato with your fork, while your friend passes around the pappardelle with blue-swimmer crab and chilli. The famed Press* burger sparks satisfied sighs and the steak gets gracious nods of contentment from the first bite. But don’t expect the same dishes each time you visit. The menu here reflects the seasons, with locally sourced ingredients that are cooked with love — modern European style.