Awe-inspiring Adelaide eats
It’s been a long time coming and many Instagram food saves later… but, I finally made it to Adelaide!!!
Home to the world famous Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills wine regions, she was coming in HOT.
Thirsty, hungry and here for good times… there’s many a more places to pop a bottle, people watch and pick too many dishes when visiting Adelaide City and beyond.
So what do I do with 72 and a bit hours? Make many reservations of course. So, here’s my top picks!
Adelaide City
AfricolaAs Africola says. 'We’re a compact, casual restaurant. A considered take on African food. Ft. a western soundtrack to bring the vibes’. Located on East Terrace, at the top corner of Adelaide city, get ready to think less and eat more, as you make your way through their generous tasting menu. Never fear, a choice of your favourites are here. Scour through the menu. Make a decision as to which are your die-hard dishes and let the plates roll. Good cocktails, great food. Favourites from our feast?
Falafel ft. fresh tahini cream
Peri peri chicken with mpumalunga fire, boom chakalaka [in the words of the menu]
Barley, almonds, sumac and labneh salad
Mushroom, white bean and chilli crisp
Leigh Street Wine RoomComing from the capital of curated wine bars [aka Melbourne ofc], Leigh Street Wine Room did NOT disappoint. The cozy venue is unsurprisingly situated on Adelaide’s Leigh Street.
A converted laundry that now sports plush velvet New York style booths, an inviting elongated bar seating area and an intimate dining room that’s perfect for sitting back and sipping on a selection of curated wines. Think a list full of favourites from the extensive wine regions of Adelaide, to fresh takes on heritage favourites from emerging independent wine makers [pet nats, natural wine blends and more].
My advice? Come hungry. Start with Sicilian olives and make your way down the menu. From fresh flavourful vegetarian and vegan options to hearty soul warming, taste-bud wowing dishes to leave you wanting more. If I’m dishing out dish advice, you simply must try the grilled wild pine mushrooms with xo sauce and toasted sourdough crouton- chefs kiss!
FugazziMove over Osteria Oggi, Fugazzi looks to be the next Adelaide City fusion favourite. Prepare to be awe-inspired by this fresh take on your Italian eats.
To set the scene. Think mood lighting, rows of a back lit spirit selection, sourced from the trendiest of Adelaide’s distilleries for your next sexy spritz or sour.
The simplest way to get real’ good bang for buck? The tasting menu of course. Choose between the 3 course [$55] or 5 course [$85] feed me- and prepare to be wowed. The must-try moments from our meal?
Whipped ricotta & honey, gnocco fritto, black pepper, EVOO, sea salt
Atlantic salmon crudo, buttermilk, dill, zucchini pickle.
Casarecce lunghi, hand picked blue swimmer crab, chilli, garlic, salmon roe.
The big ass, beautiful 350g wood grilled scotch, mashed potato and marsala jus
North Adelaide
BloomWe be out here, blushing over bloom. What a spot. The full experience. A flavour explosion. A MUST visit when it comes to the Adelaide food scene.
I cannot take credit here, as a friend coined this place- “Bloom. Something to boast about as the best brunch.” A converted old tram barn, take a step inside and experience the Palm Springs cross contemporary style fit out.
Celebrating seasonal ingredients through their unique breakfast and lunch magical menu, look no further than a selection of their share plates, to graze your way through the best bites Bloom has to offer.
From coal fired damper served with chicken-skin butter, to honey glazed halloumi to have you coming back for more.
The roasted artichoke tortilla with creamy mushroom braise, snap peas, pecan, herbs and burnt breadcrumb was a fabulous fresh flavour explosion if I’ve ever tasted one. An absolute must!
If you’re feeling feisty [and fresh], give their breakfast Bloody Mary a go. I can promise it will pack a flavour punch and be the hair of the dog you didn’t know you needed.
Adelaide Hills
Stanley Bridge TavernWell, there’s not much more to say than great pub grub and a really good vibe. Located up in the esteemed Adelaide Hills, make this your next lunchtime location, post a heavenly stroll through German inspired Hahndorf.
Whether you’re chasing a classic [think burgers, parmigiana, bangers and mash] or a speciality something. This place will deliver on both! The wine list features a selection of favourites from hero’s in the Hills, from Sidewood Estate to the Lane Vineyard.
My tavern top pick? The pan roasted basket range chicken with za’atar baby carrots, orange Lebanese couscous, labneh, parsley. A fresh take on a pub grub, packed full of flavour. Need I say more!
