Eat Your Way Through Adelaide: Best Restaurants Guide
Adelaide's culinary scene has exploded in recent years, transforming the city into a foodie's paradise. From hidden laneway gems to world-class fine dining establishments, the city centre offers an incredible array of dining experiences that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Start your Day at Adelaide’s Best Breakfast Spots
Maison Clement
Start your day at award winning Maison Clement, a charming French café that brings a slice of Paris to Adelaide. Located in the heart of the CBD, this beloved restaurant serves up perfectly flaky croissants, fresh baguettes, and some of the best coffee in town.
Local Tip: Their Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise has become a city-wide favourite.
Popular Breakfast Streets
The city's historic laneways come alive in the morning, particularly around Leigh Street and Peel Street.
These vibrant thoroughfares house some of Adelaide's most innovative breakfast spots. Hey Jupiter on Ebenezer Place offers a French-inspired breakfast menu, while Peter Rabbit on Hindley Street serves up creative breakfast dishes in a whimsical garden setting complete with resident bunnies.
Explore Adelaide Central Market
Adelaide Central Market is home to a great selection of local produce.
Unique Food Stalls
No culinary journey through Adelaide is complete without visiting the iconic Adelaide Central Market. This bustling marketplace has been the beating heart of Adelaide's food scene since 1869. Stop by Something Wild for indigenous ingredients and game meats, or visit The Smelly Cheese Shop for an impressive selection of local and imported cheeses.
Quick Bites and Snacks
The market's numerous food stalls offer perfect quick lunch options. Try the dumplings at Asian Gourmet, grab a fresh juice from The Market Juice Bar, or enjoy house-made pasta at Lucia's Fine Foods. The vibrant atmosphere and array of fresh produce make this a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Adelaide's Best Eateries For Lunch
Laneway Restaurants
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide is conveniently located in the thick of Adelaide's most exciting dining precinct, with the city's best laneway restaurants just steps away. Peel Street, Leigh Street, Bank Street, Gresham Place, and Waymouth Street form a network of culinary excellence that's easy to explore on foot.
Peel Street is home to the aptly named Peel St Restaurant, serving up Middle Eastern-inspired dishes in a contemporary setting. Nearby Leigh Street boasts Shōbōsho, where Japanese flame-grilled cuisine meets modern Australian dining.
In-house Hotel Bar & Restaurant Options
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide's own restaurant, Bistro Sixty5 offers a sophisticated dining experience without leaving your accommodation. The menu showcases local South Australian produce with a modern Australian twist, while Sebastyan’s Bar serves craft cocktails and an extensive wine list featuring local vintages.
Sip & Snack at Adelaide's Coolest Wine Bars
Adelaide’s Wine Bar scene is world-class.
Laneway Wine Bars
Adelaide's laneways aren't just about food, they're also home to some of the city's best wine bars. Maybe Mae on Peel Street offers a sophisticated underground drinking experience, while Pink Moon Saloon on Leigh Street combines exceptional drinks with a cosy atmosphere.
Specialty Wine Experiences
Given Adelaide's proximity to world-class wine regions, many establishments offer unique wine experiences. 2KW Bar and Restaurant provides rooftop wine tastings with stunning city views, while East End Cellars offers regular wine masterclasses and tastings.
Afternoon Delights at Dessert Spots
Haigh's Chocolates
No sweet tooth's journey through Adelaide is complete without a visit to Haigh's Chocolates. This iconic South Australian chocolatier has been crafting premium chocolates since 1915. Visit their Beehive Corner store in Rundle Mall for a truly historic chocolate experience and don't miss their famous chocolate frogs.
Unique Desserts
Beyond Haigh's, Adelaide offers numerous spots for dessert lovers. Try the artistic creations at Mascavado, known for their exquisite French pastries and innovative dessert plates, or visit St Louis House of Fine Ice Cream and Dessert for their famous Belgian waffles.
Dinner at Fine Dining Restaurants
Africola is a leader in Adelaide’s culinary evolution.
Popular Fine Dining
As evening falls, Adelaide's fine dining scene comes into its own. Restaurant Botanic serves refined seasonal dishes showcasing native Australian ingredients in an elegant setting within the historic Botanic Gardens, while Africola offers a bold, South African-inspired dining experience that has earned international acclaim.
Cuisine Variety
The CBD's restaurant scene reflects Adelaide's multicultural population. Golden Boy serves contemporary Thai cuisine, while Gondola Gondola offers modern Vietnamese fusion. For authentic Italian, head to Osteria Oggi on Peel Street, known for its house-made pasta and extensive wine list.
Take a Flavour-filled Journey through Adelaide's Food Festivals
Tasting Australia
Time your visit to coincide with Tasting Australia, the country's premier eating and drinking festival. This autumn event transforms the city into a gourmet hotspot, with pop-up restaurants, masterclasses, and unique dining experiences.
Street Food Events
Throughout the year, Adelaide hosts various street food festivals and markets. Fork on the Road brings together the city's best food trucks, while the Night Noodle Markets transform Elder Park into an Asian food paradise during OzAsia Festival.
BBQ Buoys
For a truly unique dining experience, book a BBQ Buoy on the River Torrens. These circular boats let you enjoy a floating BBQ feast while cruising the river. It's a perfect way to combine sightseeing with dining, especially during summer evenings.
Planning Your Food Journey
‘Adelaide's culinary offerings rival those of any major city in Australia.’
From breakfast at Maison Clement to a progressive dinner through the laneways near Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide, Adelaide's culinary offerings rival those of any major city in Australia.
The best part? Most of these experiences are within walking distance of each other, making it simple to create your own food adventure through the city's historic streets.
Ready to book your Adelaide foodie adventure? Click here to check out our accommodation options at Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide, and start working up a hunger!
Last updated: November 2024 – Don't forget to check current opening hours and booking requirements.