Adelaide food guide: Where to eat and drink out in the city this Adelaide Fringe festival season
Festival season is here but it’s not all about the shows, here’s the best 19 spots to taste test your way around Adelaide between performances.
Food & Wine
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Some may head to the Adelaide Fringe for the theatre or a good laugh but foodies are always on the lookout for the most delicious, fun and fresh takes on South Aussie festival season eats and drinks.
Whether your heading into one of the main Fringe hubs or just need an excuse to try one of Adelaide’s trendy restaurants – this guide is your go-to for all things food.
Here are our top 19 Adelaide Fringe picks across The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Gluttony and Fool’s Paradise as well as top spots where you can soak up the atmosphere.
GARDEN OF UNEARTHLY DELIGHTS
The Flamin’ Galah
Welgemoed, who’s East End brick-and-mortar restaurant has long been a part of the festivities, said he was looking forward to “the excitement of the Fringe”.
“I think in regard to Fringe food … it can be perceived as carnie (food),” the award-winning chef said.
“But in the last five years its really gone to restaurant quality.
“People can expect this year’s food to be the best it’s been in the 25 years the Fringe has been running.”
The menu will feature modern Australian flavours perfected with Welgemoed’s signature cooking style and fired on South Australia’s biggest fire pit.
Think fire roasted chicken, barbecue pumpkin and a pina colada pork plate – there really is something for every kind of foodie.
The Poffertjes Carousel
Every hour the carousel, which serves freshly made poffertjes dusted with powdered sugar and smothered in various delicious toppings, will transform into a stage with staff performing a hilarious show all while preparing more poffertjes.
Eating Dutch mini pancakes has never been so fun!
Burnt Bird
With over 12 years experience of working with the cuisine, Chan said he was excited to bring the traditional Japanese barbecue experience to Adelaide.
You can expect premium ingredients fired over charcoal to create a memorable culinary adventure – our mouths are already watering!
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Don Julio Bar
Grab your besties and choose from a range of “meticulously crafted” cocktails all featuring the brand’s infamous luxury tequilas.
The Garden Feast
Led by Africola Canteen’s Welgemoed, chefs from across the nation will collaborate with regional SA chefs to create showstopping menus.
To accompany the “unforgettable” food, live performances will keep guests entertained.
A seat at the ticketed event will set diners back $125.
GLUTTONY
Bar Lune and Oliveti
Experience the culinary creations of Sam Worrall-Thompson, the brains behind popular Adelaide foodie destinations Spread, Bar Lune, Dolly, Fettle and Oliveti.
Meals reminiscent of the delicious plates you have enjoyed at the bricks-and-mortar versions of two of these top restaurants will make their way to a Fringe with pop-ups of the eateries serving meals and cocktails from 4pm, six nights a week.
While walk-ins are welcome, bookings are encouraged to ensure you don’t miss out on this delicious opportunity. ––
Champagne Bar
Indulge in a glass of fizz while soaking up the stunning views of the newly restored Rymill Park lake – the perfect way to unwind before heading to one of Gluttony’s fabulous shows.
The Terrace Bar
After the success of the Local Bar at last year’s Fringe, a revamped version of the venue will feature at Gluttony once again.
The bar, which boasts panoramic views, is supported by Adelaide Central Market and will serve all South Australian made beverages.
In Pour Taste: A Comedy Wine Tasting Experience
Wine lovers and comedy fans rejoice!
After a smashing season at the Edinburgh Fringe, comedians, Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh return to Adelaide to guide you through a tasting of five wines with the assistance of a wine expert.
When your not drinking, you’ll be laughing with the funny duo providing hilarious commentary and jokes throughout.
FOOL’S PARADISE
CaroClub
After a tough 2024 led to the closure of CaroClub’s Bowden and Edwardstown eateries, the gourmet burger joint is back on the road with a food truck filled with delicious comfort foods.
Nothing says pre-show feed like a hearty burger finished off with specialty sauces or their incredible fried chicken covered in a homemade crumb – what more could you ask for?
Burrito Boy
From the founders of Taco Cartel comes a new culinary offering – meet Burrito Boy.
In line with their “Mexican for Everyone” all burritos, bowls, nachos and tacos are 100 per cent gluten, dairy and nut free with vegan options also available.
Coffee and Doughnuts
Enjoy an award-winning cup of coffee along with a serve of hot cinnamon doughnut balls completed with a range of wicked toppings.
Brew’d Up
The soul of Nepalese street food will make its way to Fool’s Paradise with a menu featuring authentic Himalayan flavours.
Its signature dish, momo – a beloved dumpling originating from the Newar community of Kathmandu – has become a festival staple along with the delicious Lamb Choila.
To balance the heat, their Fruity Sodas offer refreshing tropical flavours like mango and passionfruit, perfect for Adelaide’s hot summer.
NEARBY EATS AND DRINKS
Midnight Spaghetti
Grenfell Street
Fringe season can be hard on the wallet so head to Midnight Spaghetti, located in the upstairs section of the Crown and Anchor for some cheap and cheerful pasta.
Always fresh, always delicious and served in a vibrant atmosphere this is the place to be if your looking for a quality feast that won’t break the bank.
Plus after the sad news that the beloved venue will be forced to close its door in mid-July, this could be your last chance to enjoy one of its mouth-watering plates.
The Thai Room
Victoria Square
This award-winning restaurant serves a range of traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist.
It offers a semi-fine dining experience and spot for a casual cocktail and tapas allowing patrons to enjoy their extensive menu at their own leisure.
Part Time Lover
Paul Kelly Lane
If your looking for an aesthetically pleasing feed that doesn’t skimp on bold flavours and quality ingredients, then look no further than this inner city gem.
This popular restaurant is excellent for diners with a range of dietary requirements with the clever kitchen able to make most menu items suitable (and delicious) for all.
Daughter in Law
Rundle Street
With a reasonably priced banquet style menu on offer and a killer playlist, this is the perfect place to keep the good vibes going or get the party started before heading into one of the main Fringe hubs.
Paper Tiger
Rundle Street
Another great option located close to Gluttony and The Garden of Unearthly Delights is Paper Tiger.
Asian flavours and fresh ingredients come together for a memorable feed to fuel you through your Adelaide Fringe adventures.
Monica
East Terrace
The newest East End hot spot only opened its doors in February, just in time to soak up the Fringe festivities.
The wood-fire East Asian cocktail bistro is the brainchild of the people behind wine bar Makan on Flinders St and is serving up charcoal-grilled flavours, bold crafted drinks and good vibes until the wee hours of the morning.
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