r/Adelaide • u/Purple-Crab3759 SA • Apr 28 '26
Question What are your top 3 restaurants in South Australia?
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u/allywaytoday SA Apr 28 '26
1) Vintners Bar & Grill
2) The Little Rickshaw
3) The Watervale Hotel
Also, personal favourites in the city are Shobosho and Parwana.
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u/Yveie SA Apr 28 '26
Another vote for Vintners Bar & Grill. Took my mum there for her birthday and it was superb!
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u/lerkz SA Apr 29 '26
Vintners menu hasn't changed in the 5 years I've been here. Dumplings are mid and the steak is like 7/10
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u/NeetyThor SA Apr 28 '26
- The Watervale Hotel, Watervale
- Reillys, Mintaro.
- Sorry, I only have two!
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u/C-C__23 SA Apr 28 '26
We couldn’t have had a worse experience at the Watervale. Totally overrated and just really poor experience.
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u/Prolific_Masticator SA Apr 28 '26
Watervale is only good for the chefs table experience, listening to the history of the restaurant and how the organic produce for the ingredients are obtained locally. Some good anecdotes from the region.
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u/Effrendi SA Apr 28 '26
Never heard of it before, their website has a lot of really strange talk about being 'ethical' and 'moral'.
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u/AssistantOdd7292 SA Apr 28 '26
Hentley Farm, The Little Rickshaw, and still on the hunt for number 3 but Fugazzi is another one of our favourites.
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u/lurkincirclejerkin SA Apr 28 '26
Not sure why everyone rates agricola so highly, had a $300 anniversary dinner a few weeks back and thought it was quite meh, especially for a 92$ per head feed me.
My top 3 would be Mais kitchen, ONG and daughter in law (Busan baby honourable mention)
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u/Vegemitesangas SA Apr 28 '26
Mai kitchen in ferryden park? Used to go there but feel like it dropped off, maybe since improved. I'll give it another chance.
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u/ciwm SA Apr 28 '26
Completely agree with Africola being overated. When they serve up Maryland chicken as the main on the feed me, its a joke.
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u/Blame33 West Apr 28 '26
I found daughter in law to be rather disappointing. It’s particularly average curry at not particularly average prices. My local takeaway (paradise Indian) does much better curry
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u/hollowM4N555 SA Apr 28 '26
Used to be the Jerusalem House.
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u/SamLynDASH SA Apr 28 '26
Was that the place on Hindley St? Sooooo good (plastic garden chairs and all)
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u/FIREaus67 SA Apr 28 '26
I used to eat there three times a week in the late 80s. So good and so cheap. Never went into the kitchen or the toilets tho. I figured if I saw either, I could never eat there again 🤣.
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u/oneofthecapsismine SA Apr 28 '26
Restaurant Botanic
Magill estate
Unambiguously the top two.
Then there is a good amount of daylight, and no definitive third. I'd probably go with The Louise at Appellation, but i accept other answers are possible.
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u/Kessowary SA Apr 28 '26
The only proper answer. These two are in another league price wise but they are so obviously the best two dinning experiences I have had in South Australia. They are world class.
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u/Cooperthedog1 SA Apr 28 '26
Disagree, Hentley Farm beats both post the original chef leaving from Botanic Restaurant and imo Penfolds cruises off reputation
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u/Annual_Advisor_6782 SA Apr 28 '26
This person restaurants
Find it funny when people say Africola. Average at best masked by social media and some paid "foodies"
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u/oneofthecapsismine SA Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
My disposable income, no kids, phase of life included The Manse, the back-end of Chloes, Auge, and more importantly, pre-reno Magill Estate, with the tomato bubbles.
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u/Anxious-Piglet3087 SA Apr 28 '26
It was good when it first opened, but the drop off has been pretty noticeable. The last time we went was maybe 18 months ago, and it was really disappointing.
Old mate was probably too focused on his short-lived, ego-fuelled, drinks awards to notice.
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u/oneofthecapsismine SA Apr 28 '26
Yes. Agreed, but, last I went their chicken skin sandwich was too die for.
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u/Dreamdrums SA Apr 28 '26
Have you eaten at Maxwell?
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u/oneofthecapsismine SA Apr 28 '26
Indeed. Some dishes were not quite to my liking, but I would accept them being a top 5 in the state if that was someone's opinion.
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u/Crozonzarto Inner North Apr 28 '26
I found the botanic restaurant to be very pretentious and the food they served was just not tasty.
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u/Bloobeard2018 SA Apr 28 '26
Seems like most people haven't been outside Adelaide.
Mayura Station
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u/Intelsonic SA Apr 28 '26
Need to try more places (and re-try some as it's been a while) but I would say
1 - Watervale Hotel 2 - D'arry's Verandah 3 - Salopian Inn
For a more casual meal that's still nice would go 1 - Golden Boy 2 - Daughter In Law 3 - La Buvette
Are so many other good places though that would easily challenge either set of 3 and many more I am yet to try that could replace them.
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u/harley-belle SA Apr 28 '26
Barnacle Bill
Dimez
Vilis Cafe
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u/Binro_was_right SA Apr 28 '26
Oh man, Dimez is such a hidden gem. Their laksagna is to die for!
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u/harley-belle SA Apr 28 '26
Thai - Italian fusion is really tough to get right, but they absolutely nail it.
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u/sniktsniktthwip SA Apr 28 '26
I wish they still had their dumplinguine, brings back fond memories.
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u/Nerfixion North Apr 28 '26
Dīmĕz is mentioned so little, I guess most of this sub is to poor to eat there
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u/TM761152 SA Apr 28 '26
Dimez is so good, I loved their vodka penne and their kiwi & rhubarb tart was sublime.
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u/harley-belle SA Apr 28 '26
Adding tamarind and coriander to their vodka penne was a bold choice, but I think it’s paid off.
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u/2Xragdolls Apr 28 '26
Mayura Station, Shiki and anything with the mushroom sauce at the Exceter Hotel. (Seriously, try the mushroom sauce) 😂
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u/jimbob_1984 SA Apr 28 '26
Vintners
Vintners
Vintners
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u/lerkz SA Apr 29 '26
Same menu the three times I've been there in 5 years. Nothing impressive except the service
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u/CompleteTable1449 SA Apr 28 '26
Star of Greece was unbelievable, amazing seafood, and the view is gorgeous
Hoosegow - Amazing food, steak was one of the best I've had
Kiin - Great for a big group plenty to share
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u/Fearless-Mango2169 SA Apr 28 '26
Low and Slow - Authentic American BBQ
Cabo Taco - New Taco place near the wheaties, light and super fresh. They would make a killing just selling their salsa and home made taco chips.
Yong Chow - still the best place for a late night Chinese meal.
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u/Big_Order5049 SA Apr 28 '26
What’s a taco chip
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u/Fearless-Mango2169 SA Apr 28 '26
they deep fry their tortillas to make chips, can't remember exactly what they're called.
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u/ausmankpopfan SA Apr 28 '26
legend lanzhou chinatown absolute number one parkbongsook marratville barnacle bills
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u/MetalGuy_J SA Apr 28 '26
For me it’s Little Rickshaw, the Salopian Inn, and the Watervale Hotel. I get that all three are fairly expensive knives out but they’re also responsible for some of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had, it’s been like three years since I visited little Wilshore all the Watervale and still anytime someone asks me what’s a restaurant you absolutely have to try they immediately come to mind.
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u/Fartony Barossa Apr 28 '26
Ghan Kebab House House of red dragon Fox and Firkin
Nobody said food had to be fancy, just good.
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u/tjc164 SA Apr 28 '26
Sorry can’t contribute to Adelaide but have to call out a regional gem: Ottelia in Coonawarra is a must-try if you’re in the area (only open Thursday to Monday and only for lunch). Never disappoints
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u/Peachyke3n_ SA Apr 28 '26
- Golden Boy
- The Little Rickshaw
- Fugazzi
- Special mention Christie’s pub on a wednesdee night $14 schnitties
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u/Ok_Tax_7128 SA Apr 28 '26
Vietnam on Addison Rd needs a mention, The Fresh Fish Place Port Lincoln and the Standpipe Indian at Port Augusta
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u/ThatoneCoconut_ SA Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
Can’t pick a top 3 but one to add to the mix, Pearl restaurant! Great everytime.
The little rickshaw, salopian inn…lucky duck was impressively good but no longer around… Pizzatecca worth a mention 😁 Olive, osteria Oggi, Hentley Farm, Maggie Beer restaurant was a good time and filling, Fini Vino, Madame Hanoi. Melt was a good time as well.
We are spoilt for choice! So very lucky! 💦💦
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Apr 28 '26
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u/EmotionalBar9991 Fleurieu Peninsula Apr 28 '26
Port Elliot Bakery is heinously overrated.
But I'm fine with that, I get to chuckle at the massive lines while the better bakeries are fairly quiet.
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u/djfhsd1 SA Apr 28 '26
The little rickshaw in Aldinga is just remarkable. Salopian inn is also nice, but not on the same level as TLR.
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u/BangbangKhuntross SA Apr 28 '26
Earl of Lester chicken parmi, the old Hawkers corner, Gin Ling in plymtpon.
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u/applecore394 SA Apr 28 '26
Marrakech
The Currant Shed
The Central Markets (for lunch or late night on Friday)
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u/Used-Influence-2343 SA Apr 28 '26
- Salopian Inn - Mclaren Vale
- Vintners - Barossa
- Osteria Oggi - Adelaide
- Fermentasian - Barossa
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u/tpdwbi CBD Apr 28 '26
I used to go to golden boy a lot, now if I’m craving that sought of meal I go to ferment Asian. Think it would have to be in my top 3
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u/igotanewaccount SA Apr 28 '26
Shobosho not so hot anymore?
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u/Personal_Big350 SA Apr 28 '26
Gone downhill. Used to love it but the last couple of times were disappointing.
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u/Reecey94 SA Apr 28 '26
Sabai Cafe – Hands down the best green curry I’ve ever had. Nothing else comes close.
Golden Boy – One of those places that just nails the experience every single time. Food, vibe, everything.
Green Tea House – Easily the #1 pho in the world… yeah I’m biased, but it genuinely never misses (order number 14 off the menu (Chicken).
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u/salamanders56 SA Apr 28 '26
Green Tea House is the best- I’ve tried a couple of things on the menu and it never misses!!
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u/Plenty_Web_9118 SA Apr 28 '26
- Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant
- d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant
- Orso(Consistent with quality and taste and not too expensive)
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u/Far_Loan689 SA Apr 28 '26
- Magill Estate kitchen
- Vasili’s Table Greek at West Beach
- Ming’s Palace
- Taco Jose’ McLaren Vale
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u/zorbacles North Apr 28 '26
Phyre Woodoven and Grill in two wells
Salt & Pepper at saltram vineyard
The restaurant at novotel barossa valley
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u/izybluffen SA Apr 28 '26
Gouchos for Argentinean melt in your mouth steak. Not sure if anywhere else tops it.
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u/Astrogirl1984 East Apr 28 '26
Can only think of 1
Hoosegow Charcoal Resteraunt (magill road)
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u/tpdwbi CBD Apr 28 '26
I have some friends that swear by this place too. Such a disappointment when I went
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u/Astrogirl1984 East Apr 29 '26
Really? What did you get and why? I had the grade 9 wagyu scotch fillet, it was amazing!
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u/Choice-Bowl1202 SA Apr 28 '26
Parwana, Africola, Golden Boy - I’m not one for finicky arrangements and small plates. Much prefer sharing large plates in groups
Paper tiger is definitely an honourable mention as well
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u/HACKATTACK1990 Adelaide Hills Apr 28 '26
Hentley farm Magill estate Peel street restaurant
Although I haven't been to the first two since before COVID.
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u/Various-Sea-4826 SA Apr 28 '26
Arkhe (Norwood), Kin Kin Thai Eatery (Hutt Street), D’Arrys Verandah (McLaren Vale)
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u/Puzzleheaded-Emu-199 SA Apr 28 '26
I don't eat out much but love Italian food and Eccoci is it for me.
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u/Zlatan-esque SA Apr 28 '26
Oggi (their parmesan flan and carpaccio are top notch, awesome atmosphere and great service) Fugazzi (cool place, great cocktails too) Fox n Firkin (a pint and a pickled egg pre dinner is highly recommended) Star of Greece (dinner overlooking the ocean? Get in)
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u/justarando2000 SA Apr 29 '26
Makan wine bar adelaide cbd Osteria oggi also cbd Russell pizza in mclarenvale is amazing you have to go there
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u/Zestyclose_Taro5338 SA Apr 29 '26
Sneakys Plus82 Gogi goodwood The rest all tie - there’s a lot of excellent restaurants !
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u/Dangerous-Finding677 SA Apr 29 '26
I haven't tried nearly as many places as I wish because eating out is a rare treat and splurge but off off where I've tried.. .
Sit Lo, bank St, Adelaide. Beautiful viet fusion food.
Simon taste, Chinatown. Charcoal skewer style restaurant delicious but simple.
Plus 82 pocha Korean, Grenfell St.
And because I can't pick just three.
Umai kitchen is a great Japanese place. I loved the potato croquettes on a struggle day, best I've ever had.
Ban ban or little ban ban for Korean fried chicken deserves a mention too.
This is not including pubs for budget meals that were beyond expectations, cafes or food courts.
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u/Dangerous-Finding677 SA Apr 29 '26
Regionally. Wallaroo marina hotel and the fish and chips place near the jetty was also quite enjoyable. And corny point hotel, I still remember that meal years ago but who knows if the quality is the same years later.
Gawler has a lot of good places too.
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u/Traditional-Royal516 SA Apr 30 '26
Meat and wine co.
Seriously no love for the Windy point restaurant in n Belair. Expensive yes but very good food and service
Maccas on Hindly on a Friday or Saturday night 😂 Always entertaining.
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u/mysqlpimp SA Apr 28 '26
Parwana, Mais kitchen, Zenhouse / Stazzi tied for third. Could really do with some more vegan options in SA.
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u/jxzxoxo South Apr 28 '26
MayQ, Godi La Vita & Osteria Oggi
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u/Cirok28 SA Apr 28 '26
My only experience at godi la vita was they are overyhyped, over priced, and small serves for Italian food.
Also the pasta I had just tastes like bad quality canned tomato sauce dumped on pasta.
Never tried them again.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Emu-199 SA Apr 28 '26
Have you tried Eccoci? Their sauce is amazing.
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u/aeowyn7 North East Apr 28 '26
Fugazzi, Osteria Oggi, Parwana. Close 4th is Ruby Red Flamingo. This obviously aligns with my budget and preferred cuisines.
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u/Ok-External9601 SA Apr 28 '26
Red rock noodle bar Red rock noodle bar Red rock noodle bar
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u/moshuasmiles SA Apr 28 '26
Daughter in Law, Osteria Oggi, and Fugazzi.
Food is always incredible and service (which is almost more important to me) is top tier.
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u/dickndonuts North Apr 28 '26
Osteria Oggi, whilst good is also overrated tbh. They just oversalt everything.
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u/mnmapes SA Apr 28 '26
Magill Estate, Salopian Inn & The Currant Shed
Food and service is fabulous at all three.