Central Market favourite Aces revived in Chinatown

There’s a “Goodfellas” vibe to the downstairs area of this Adelaide favourite, which has breathed new life into Chinatown after relocating from the Central Market.

Opening an Italian restaurant in the middle of Chinatown might be a strange move to some but for the team behind new city venue Aces, it’s the perfect location.

After more than three decades in the Central Market, Aces has just relaunched in a two-storey site on the corner of Gouger and Moonta streets.

The trio behind the new project – culinary director Tom Tilbury, venue manager Nathan Nababan and operations manager Kerryn Davies – say they couldn’t have wished for a better spot to revive the iconic Italian diner.

“It’s offering something new on Gouger St. There is a lot of very traditional Chinatown Asian fare here. We are providing just another choice and another opportunity to come to this street and dine,” said Ms Davies, who previously worked with George Calombaris in Melbourne and at Icebergs in Sydney.

Mr Nababan said Aces had a real “point of difference”.

“And especially in Adelaide, Asian and Italian cuisines are probably two of the most visited customer-wise,” he said.

Aces, which is taking part in the American Express delicious. Month Out in May, will serve up quality Italian dishes with a “nod to Chinatown”, including their upcoming Yum Ciao lunch menu, which is their version of traditional yum cha with Italian fare.

The new Aces at Chinatown with Nathan Nababan, Kerryn Davies and Culinary Director Tom Tilbury. Picture: Keryn Stevens

The new Aces at Chinatown has a “Goodfellas” vibe downstairs. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Downstairs there’s a fine-dining, “Goodfellas crossed with Rat Pack” feel while upstairs, it’s a more relaxed, 80s party vibe, highlighted by their second level bar, Renzo.

Lush booths can be found on both floors and there’s a large balcony overlooking Gouger St, which is an ideal spot for a drink or a snack.

“There’s something for everyone and people can make their experience what they want. They can have a drink, a snack at the bar, or they can come for a laid-back dining experience,” Ms Davies said.

Aces will host a special event in May as part in the American Express delicious. Month Out.

The month-long festival will feature exclusive dining offers across restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and more, and is designed to encourage people to support the hospitality industry.

Mortadella bun with pork crackling and sweet pickle at the new Aces. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Seasonal Fish Crudd, three cheese agnolotti, (left) rainbow chard, herbs and pecorino and (right) salumi & giardiniera (pickled veggies). Picture: Keryn Stevens

Mozzarella fritters, sour onions and white anchovy with (behind) mortadella bun with pork crackling and sweet pickle. Picture: Keryn Stevens

The new Aces’ culinary director Tom Tilbury. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Aces’s “housewarming party” on May 8 will feature an eight-course snack menu by Tilbury, along with drinks on arrival, a well-stocked bar and a DJ playing ’80s and ’90s tunes all night long.

“It’s great to remind everybody that Adelaide has a really vibrant dining scene and it’s really important to get out there and support the restaurateurs and the staff that work there,” Ms Davies said.

Visit: delicious.com.au/dmo