When it comes to dining in the capital city of South Australia, locals know this city’s brimming with excellent brekkie spots, hidden gems, and romantic corners made for date night. Wondering where to eat in Adelaide? From hidden restaurants to much-loved neighbourhood favourites, this guide rounds up the best places to eat, shared by the people who know its flavour-filled corners best.
Ready to dive in? You’ll thank yourself later.
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Best Places to Eat in Adelaide by Cuisine
Italian Favourites
Located on Leigh Street, Fugazzi serves dishes like gnocco fritto with whipped ricotta and honey, a dish that keeps diners dreaming long after their meal ends. Its homemade pasta and tableside tiramisu bring Italian warmth and depth to Adelaide’s vibrant food scene.
You could also try its sister restaurant Nido, or head to another favourite pasta spot, Osteria Oggi at Pirie St, where modern Italian dishes hero local produce. Try their fresh pasta, cured meats, and vibrant mains. It’s perfect for a cosy date night or a proper get-together with your favourite people. Another great option is Sunny’s Pizza, a local favourite serving Neapolitan pizza along with tasty cocktails, retro atmosphere and lively music.
Looking for a place to eat in Adelaide with the whole family? Head to iTL Italian Kitchen, a laid-back restaurant, famous for its freshly made dough, approachable Italian classics, and kids' menu.
Most of these Italian favourites are located within Adelaide CBD, particularly around Leigh and Pirie Streets, making them easy to explore in one evening. But trust us, you won’t want to go just to explore. You’ll end up wanting to try every single one of them.
Asian and Southeast Asian
Step into Japan without leaving Adelaide with a dining experience that brings communal cooking and theatre to the table. Shōbōsho breathes new life into the ancient yakitori craft, all set within a buzzing East End space. Watch skewers char over open flames and the teriyaki chicken cook right in front of your eyes as you and your friends catch up and sip sake around the grill.
At Noi, the menu’s inspired by dishes the owners Thy and Quang Nguyen grew up eating, so you’re tasting Vietnamese recipes that feel like home. And make sure you set aside time to feast on red curry and wok-tossed mussels at Golden Boy, a modern Thai restaurant.
Many of these standout Asian restaurants are clustered around the East End and central city dining precincts.
Middle Eastern and African Flavours
On East Terrace, you’ll find Africola, a South African-inspired restaurant and a must-visit if you love spicy, smoky flavours. From charred cauliflower to falafel and harissa, each dish has its own character and energy.
Dive into Afghan street-style food at Parwana at Henley Beach Rd to try some of the best Middle Eastern food in the city.
Modern Australian Dining
At Restaurant Botanic, inside the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Garden, try the tasting menu celebrating native produce at its finest. If you’re wondering where to eat in Adelaide for something truly special, this is hard to beat. Set within a romantic, garden-lit space, it’s ideal for milestone moments or refined fine dining experiences.
If you’re planning to explore the CBD dining spots and bars, Oaks Adelaide Horizons Suites on North Terrace is the perfect base. That way, you won’t even need to think about how you’re getting home later.
Secret Bars and Hidden Restaurants in Adelaide
Adelaide’s CBD, particularly around Peel, Leigh and Hindley Streets, is filled with intimate cocktail bars. Head downstairs into award-winning Maybe Mae for produce-driven cocktails or try Clever Little Tailor for a bit of everything.
Tucked away from the main streets of Adelaide, Pink Moon Saloon is a hidden restaurant and cocktail bar that feels like a secret worth keeping. Wander in, order a beer or cocktail, and stay a little longer than planned.
If the evening’s not over yet, you might find yourself sauntering into a discreet basement on King William Street. La Louisiane combines classic French brasserie dishes with live jazz music and it’s the perfect pre or post-show stop if you’re staying at Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites, located right on North Terrace for easy access to Adelaide’s nightlife.
Best Cafés and Brunch Spots in Adelaide
Wondering where to eat in Adelaide to start your day right? Head to Exchange for a flat white made with Market Lane beans and stay for the beetroot-cured salmon with chive waffles, baked eggs, or the vegan sandwich twists. If you’re staying at iStay Precinct Adelaide, this coffee shop will be just a 7-minute walk from your room.
When you’re ready for something sweet, tucked into Tynte Street, Perryman’s Bakery serves German-style pastries, pies, and Berliner doughnuts using handwritten family recipes. It’s a cosy, local bakery favourite where generations stop in for old-school café comfort. Aren’t you already convinced to visit?
If you’re up for an unusual brekkie, sustainably minded café My Grandma Ben serves dishes such as crumpets with kangaroo bolognese, harissa and a fried egg, or you can try the five-spice babka with peanut butter custard at family-friendly Peter Rabbit.
Thinking about the second cup of coffee of the day already? Drop into local roasters like Elementary Coffee or Crack Kitchen to taste fresh roasts straight from the source. Plus, the latter offers great café fare too.
From the CBD to North Adelaide, these cafés are all within easy reach of the city centre, so grabbing your mandatory coffee of the day is never out of the way!
Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Adelaide
In the City
Drinks are sorted and now it’s time for the foodies. So, if you’re wondering where to eat in Adelaide with the whole family, you’ll find heaps of relaxed spots that keep everyone happy.
Start at Adelaide Central Market, where breakfast, lunch, and snack stops are all sorted under one roof. Grab a big, steaming bowl of laksa (a spicy noodle soup) from Asian Gourmet, a local favourite, or pull up a chair at Lucia’s Pizza and Spaghetti Bar, an Adelaide institution serving hearty bowls of spaghetti bolognese for more than 60 years.
If you’re staying at iStay Precinct Adelaide, the market’s just a few blocks away, making it easy to pop back to your room for a midday rest before heading out again. Convenient, right?
For lunch, the AGSA_eat at the Art Gallery of South Australia offers a kids’ menu as well as wide grassy lawns where little ones can burn off some energy while you eat.
If you’re after a pub, the Gilbert Street Hotel has a beer garden as well as games and toys for children, and Malt Shovel Tap House welcomes families to enjoy the riverfront space.
By the Beach in Glenelg
Planning a trip to Glenelg? Between the beach, Jetty Rd, and plenty of fresh sea air, you really can’t go wrong for a family day out or even for a little weekend escape.
If you’re feeling peckish, start with something simple but tasty at Dante’s Deli, which serves a variety of Italian-inspired fresh and toasted sandwiches perfect for beach picnics or a courtyard lunch.
After that, Sabai Café, a relaxed Glenelg South eatery, offers fragrant Thai curries, stir-fries, and sides in a warm, welcoming space that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. You can choose between eat in or takeaway, perfect for a relaxed evening back at your accommodation. And speaking of the devil, you can stay at Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier or Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites, both offering a great location right where the action is, plus incredible ocean views.
Once the kids are asleep and the day slows down, head to your private balcony with a glass of wine and a cheeky snack and let that fresh sea air set the mood and work its magic before you head out to enjoy a memorable dinner.
Wine Bars and Rooftop Spots Worth Visiting
South Australia does wine exceptionally well, and you’re right at the source of its top reds and crisp whites. But if you don’t want to travel the short distance to cellar doors dotted around the Adelaide Hills, Barossa, or McLaren Vale, you can seek out top drops lining the shelves of city bars.
Throughout Adelaide CBD, especially around Leigh St, the East End and North Terrace, you’ll find some of the city’s best wine bars and rooftop spots.
With a wall of over 400 minimal-intervention wines and a curated menu by chef Peter Orr, Leigh Street Wine Room offers elegant plates like burrata with heritage tomatoes or wagyu with braised carrots. Its chic ambience and wine-forward ethos make it a go-to spot in Adelaide’s wine bar scene.
Fino Vino is a city wine bar linked to one of South Australia’s best regional restaurants, Fino at Seppeltsfield. Here you’ll find seasonal snacks and local wines.
Other local favourites include East End Cellars, with its 15,000 wines from across the globe, La Buvette for French cheeses and wine, Apoteca for that New York feeling, and Hellbound for a lively basement.
If you prefer rooftops to laneways, take your drinking sky-high at 2KW. Set on the eighth floor of a historic building, its wide terrace and excellent local wine list make this a top pick for Adelaide locals.
Why Adelaide’s Food Scene Stands Out
Adelaide’s food scene thrives thanks to excellent local produce, an approachable style, and a laid-back charm that rewards foodies at every bite. When it comes to where to eat in Adelaide, you’ll find everything from gourmet fine dining to buzzing markets and quirky hidden restaurants. You can truly explore the city through its food.
Whether you’re after a standout brekkie, a romantic dinner or just great coffee with local flair, Adelaide serves and delivers. Stay with Oaks and you’ll never be far from your next favourite table, lively markets, and laid-back beachside bites.
