Adelaide’s hottest new restaurants, cafes and bars to try this spring – and ones coming soon
Adelaide’s food and drink scene continues to thrive in the face of adversity. Here are the city’s most exciting new venues plus a few more that are coming to a suburb near you.
Adelaide’s hospitality industry has faced challenges in recent times but that hasn’t stopped brave entrepreneurs from launching a host of exciting new venues.
From stylish cafes and restaurants, to trendy bars, pubs, distilleries and everything in-between, here are some of the hottest new places that have opened up over winter – plus a few more to look out for in the near future.
Tarantino’s
30 Vardon Ave, Adelaide
It was one of the year’s most anticipated restaurant openings – and so far it’s lived up to the hype.
Tarantino’s, a New York-Italian style bar and grill, launched in late June, just a month after Mediterranean eatery House of George closed its doors to undergo a full revamp.
The fresh theme has proved to be a hit, with executive chef Shane Wilson (Anchovy Bandit) building a menu around handmade pasta, wood-fired secondi, and a selection of house-aged salumi and cheese.
“I’ve always loved cooking over fire and coal, and after spending the last five years at Anchovy Bandit refining my Italian, Tarantino’s felt like the perfect opportunity to bring those two parts of my life together.” Shane says.
The Big Easy Group’s Oliver Brown – the brains behind the revamp – said he wanted to create an “immersive dining experience”.
“We want people to be transported to another time and place, and honestly, I think we’ve achieved that perfectly,” he says.
Arlo’s
82 King William St, Adelaide
The former Cibo site, on the corner of King William St and Grenfell St in the city, has found new life as Arlo’s, a bustling cafe offering a fresh spin on the “grab-and-go experience”.
Everything on the menu is ready to order, from their curated range of sandwiches, bagels and focaccias to croissants, toasties, and sweets.
Co-owners Jared Chahoud and Joseph Koura say they wanted their new venue to be the perfect pit stop for city workers and passers-by.
“What you see is what you get,” Jared says.
“We wanted to create something familiar but with our own twist – fresh, approachable food that changes up often enough to keep things interesting.”
The sandwich list include several options from chicken schnitzel or beef to focaccia pizza slices and decadent pastries.
For the sweet tooths, there’s cinnamon scrolls (original, blueberry, and Frangelico), cookies and Basque cheesecakes (matcha, honey, and traditional), alongside a selection of fan-favourite drinks such as matcha and fresh juices.
“We didn’t want to waste the opportunity of being in such a prominent location,” Joseph says.
“Arlo’s is aboutgood food, no fuss, and a space that feels inviting.”
Clare Valley Distillery
8538 Horrocks Hwy, Clare
Situated alongside the famed Reisling Trail, this new gin destination is the first purpose-built distillery in the region.
Founded by lawyer Katherine Nugent, chef and restaurateur Guy Parkinson, and photographer Di Mayfield, CVD showcases a range of gins using local flavours such as native river mint, finger lime, strawberry gum, wormwood, quince, and Riesling grapes.
More than just a tasting room with quality snacks, guests can extend their visit with a stay on-site at The Stillhouse, a magnificently restored railway cottage which sleeps up to eight adults.
“Our philosophy has always been one of community, connection, collaboration and creating high-quality Clare Valley gin to be enjoyed in good company,” Katherine says.
Honeydripper
11 Frome St, Adelaide
This stylish lounge bar, located right next to Crowne Plaza Adelaide, quietly opened its doors in August.
It’s already become a popular addition to the CBD’s night scene, thanks to its eclectic cocktails, oversized leather booths, and a strong focus on the audio experience.
Inspired by Japanese and American hi-fi bars, the space was secured by co-owner and Venue Manager Raf Thomson through not-for-profit Renew Adelaide.
“We saw a clear gap in Adelaide for a venue that treats both music and drinks with equal respect,” Raf says.
“As longtime lovers of live music – be that in bandrooms or bush doofs – we set out to create a space where people can enjoy high-fidelity sound in the comfort of a leather booth, with a martini, Chardonnay, or Coopers Pale in hand.”
While just a nightspot at this stage, they’re planning to launch a morning offering highlighted by bagels, Dawn Patrol espresso and batch brew, with an intimate mezzanine level also set to open before the end of the year.
Joe’s at Sabella
133 Main Rd, McLaren Vale
This unique Italian diner combines food, family, and community inside a beautifully restored church.
The brainchild of Timmy Forster and Lilli Willoughby, Joe’s has won over locals with its midweek pasta feasts where guests can enjoy food and drinks – including free corkage – in a format designed to bring strangers together.
Focused on local, seasonal produce, the menu is highlighted by small plates, wood-fired pizzas that showcase both classic and cheeky toppings, and their handmade pasta dishes on Wednesdays.
“We’re taking classic Italian flavours and putting personality and funk into them. It’s about honouring the traditions but not being afraid to play with them,” Timmy says.
Colac Port Adelaide
1 Santo Parade, Port Adelaide
One of South Australia’s oldest hotels finally reopened to rave reviews in August following a multi million-dollar redevelopment.
The COLAC Port Adelaide, first established in 1885 and previously owned by the Labor Party, has transformed into a 400-person, multi-venue space highlighted by two eateries, rooftop bar and function areas.
The revamped hotel will also be home to two distilleries, Imperial Measures Distilling and Dock, plus a drive-through liquor store.
Head chef Grant Schooling, formerly of Louca’s at Henley, and sous chefs Nicholas Admiraal and Matthew Britten Jones, both previously at Andre Ursini’s Orso, are the masterminds behind the venue’s new food offering.
The hotel’s fine diner, Eliot’s Restaurant – named after legendary US law enforcement officer Eliot Ness – features a six-course, set menu paired with beverages from sommelier Caitlin Macpherson.
Bootleg Social, on the ground level, is the venue’s more affordable dining space with a pizza menu led by former One Sneaky Cheetah chef, Saurav Acharya, and a live music stage.
Nonna’s Deli
239 Richmond Rd, Richmond
Flavour-packed Italian panini, pizza slices and burrata bowls at the centre of this lunch spot in the west, which opened in June.
Founded by Francesco Pittelli, the venue is a nostalgic nod to his Calabrian roots inspired by generations of family dinners and local deli culture.
“This place is all about what I grew up with – hearty, honest food made with love, like my
Nonna used to make,” Francesco says.
“We wanted to bring that feeling to Adelaide, but in a way that’s fresh, fast and flavour-
forward.”
Diners can tuck into eight signature panini (plus a ‘build your own’ option), pizza slices
straight from the oven, and creamy burrata bowls served with toppings like capocollo,
caramelised onion and roasted pistachio.
“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. We just want to bring really good, honest Italian food into people’s everyday routines,” Francesco says.
That’s Enrico
53 Main St, Lobethal
Pizza lovers have been flocking to the Adelaide Hills since Italian guru Enrico Sgarbossa set up shop on Lobethal’s Main Street in June.
The flour technician earned several pizza-making accolades in his homeland, and his old Sydney pizzeria Al Taglio earned praise from none other than master chef Massimo Bottura.
Now Sgarbossa has launched his quaint new eatery which serves up four different types of pizza: classic dough, thin and crispy Roman-style, gluten-free and lastly, his signature double-cooked dough.
The latter features a 24-hour sourdough base, par-baked first to give it a pillowy light yet crunchy taste on the palate. It’s topped with Gustarosso organic tomato, fresh burrata and a touch of basil.
They also offer house-made pasta and snacks, organic biodynamic wines, handmade gelato and tiramisu crafted in-house using local milk and cream. Buon appetito!
Bottle Shock
24 Victoria St, Gumeracha
This innovative new wine bar in the Hills upped its food game in August with the addition of celebrated chef Jeff Trotter.
Most recently at Comida and Lobethal Rd, Jeff has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants across England and Ireland, plus a stint in Canada during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Now he’s brought that experience to Bottle Shock, the wine-focused venue which replaced Applewood Distillery’s gin tasting room earlier this year.
Toasted Mortadella Buns, salt and vinegar tater tots, and a showstopping, quarter-metre gourmet sausage roll are just some of the items on Jeff’s revamped menu.
“I cook the kind of food I’m excited to eat, and I want to bring that passion and enjoyment to every plate at Bottle Shock,” he says.
The bar, launched by the creative team behind Unico Zelo wines, has already made waves with its mission to demystify wine through a fun, game-like tasting experience.
It encourages guests to explore different varietals and regions in a fun, interactive, and unpretentious environment.
Bank Street Burger
48 Hindley St, Adelaide
Conveniently located right next to Bank Street Social, this new smash burger joint is perfect for a tasty bite on a night out in the city, or while heading home after a day in the office.
There’s just three items on the pared back menu, plus fries, and importantly, everything is made fresh to order within five minutes.
There’s variations on the cheeseburger with their signature sauce an obvious highlight.
But it’s the premium Riverina black angus beef, ground on-site daily, delivered with a nice caramelised crust, which gives them the edge on flavour.
Best of all, this American style burger bar serves up tasty patties well into the night.
Lucky’s at Bowden Brewing
Plant 3 Bowden
The suburban brewpub in Adelaide’s inner west expanded in August, taking over the entire Plant 3 development space and adding a new pizza eatery called Lucky’s.
The craft brewery’s revamped offering now features four bars, plus New York-inspired Lucky’s Pizza – in addition to its existing Masa Mexican street food diner – along with a massive TV screen for sport and a pool table.
Co-owner Jake Phoenix said the expansion, which has increased its capacity to 600 people across two levels, will allow them to attract more locals and visitors alike.
“For us, the goal with Plant 3 has always been to make nights just as vibrant,” he says.
“Bowden Brewing’s been operating at full capacity and our smaller footprint was holding us back from the kinds of activations and events we love to run as a brewery.”
Lucky’s Pizza will showcase the brewery’s fresh take on the Australian slice, with a modern, crispy pizza closer to New York-style than Naples.
“Pizza is the perfect sharing food, and this is our version of something that fits Bowden and fits beer,” says Jake, who opened Bowden Brewing in July 2021.
Hummus Hustle
13 James Place, Adelaide
The concept behind Adelaide’s first hummus bar was developed at the kitchen table by Lebanese brothers, Roger, Riyan, and Kareem Awar.
“To most people, hummus is a dip. To our family, it’s home and it brings people together,” says Roger.
“It’s the first thing on the table, and the last thing anyone wants to leave. We may be biased, but we haven’t tried a hummus that is better than ours.”
Now everyone can try their homestyle hummus at this new eatery in the CBD, which features
a ‘build your own’ style menu, highlighting flavours including traditional, beetroot, harissa, and basil pesto, just to name a few. Customers mix and match to their taste and create their own bowls, wraps and pita dishes.
There are various protein options on offer such as falafel, and chicken and beef shawarma, which can be paired with fresh vegetables, grains, and house-made sauces like garlic tahini and lemon olive oil.
“We believe food should feel like family – familiar, warm, and full of love. So, we welcome you, not just as a customer, but as a guest at our table,” says Roger.
Transit & Co
140 North Terrace, Adelaide
This Italian-inspired all-day eatery and bar replaced Adelaide dining institution Parlamento in July.
Veteran hotelier David Basheer took over the celebrated location on North Tce, relaunching the site after two months of renovations.
The new venue serves up breakfast favourites from 7am, followed up by wood oven-fired pizzas, available by the slice, and a range of Italian-style dishes such as pastas, eggplant parmigiana, veal scallopini and housemade focaccias.
David says it will be impossible to replace Parlamento, the acclaimed city bistro which closed in April after 37 years on the corner of North Tce and Bank St.
“We can’t do what those guys did. They were legends and every meal was served with their personality,” said David, whose family has operated the Strathmore Hotel for more than five decades.
“It’s still going to be Italian-inspired food but it won’t be totally traditional. It’ll have that same family-friendly vibe and approach.”
Transit & Co expands on Parlamento’s offering, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, with extended outdoor seating plus takeaway options. In the evenings, it stays open late and turns into a bar for those looking for a post-match or after-show drink.
Superbutter
447 Portrush Rd, Glenside
The cult Adelaide restaurateur behind Mr Chu launched his latest venture at the redeveloped Burnside Village in August.
Daniel Chu’s new project has secured early plaudits for its Japanese-French inspired menu and a quirky twist – diners can choose their own butter, with options including Pepe Saya (NSW), to Will Studd 24-hour cream cultured butter, or French-style premium salted La Coviette.
The extensive menu features fun breakfast options such as a Super Happy Meal (Chicken sausage patty and cheddar muffin, hash brown, two pancakes), to burgers and sandos, and lunchtime fare headlined by a prawn bisque and Shark Bay blue swimmer crab conchiglie.
Those after a sweeter brunch can try their Tiramisu Crѐme Brûlée 23 French toast. Delish.
Drinks wise, there’s coffees and milkshakes to smoothies, cocktails and sparkling wines for the full brunch experience.
Bottoms Up
Mary’s Poppin, Synagogue Pl, Adelaide
Partygoers at Adelaide’s top queer nightspot, Mary’s Poppin, have a stylish new bar to dance the night away.
Bottoms Up is the venue’s camp-yet-sophisticated cocktail offering – with arguably the city’s best tequila collection.
There’s up to 15 different premium tequilas including Clase Azul, 818, Don Julio, and more. Shots will range from $15 up to $96 each.
Venue owner Stephen Craddock said the Bottoms Up has been a year in the making.
“We’ve created Bottoms Up as a space that complements the magic of Mary’s while offering something distinct,” he says.
“It’s a place to chill, connect, and enjoy a cocktail in a setting that feels sophisticated but still has that Mary’s wink and flair.”
Reno’s Bistro
Pirie St, Adelaide
Co-owner Frankie Marafioti says his new modern Italian bistro in the CBD is about trying to bring people back to the city, including those who have been working from home.
“It was always about knowing that we wanted to bring back the CBD lifestyle,” Frankie says, adding: “We want to create an experience that gives people the feeling of a home away from home … for me, that’s hospitality.”
From the team that founded Flinders St coffee shop Bluprint, the family-run business is named after their father, and will be a tribute to their family’s Calabrian roots.
House specialties will include hand-rolled pici (spaghetti-like pasta) in truffled cream, oven-baked lasagne rotolo and Reno’s favourite, eggplant parmigiana. The drinks list has South Australian and Italian wines and cocktails such as Negroni, Aperol Spritz, and Espresso Martini.
“We offer a cafe dining experience as well as a restaurant experience … high quality food and service at a reasonable cost,” Frankie says.
Taikunthi
Union House, Level 5, Adelaide
For decades it was the home of budget beer and legendary music gigs. Now the old Adelaide UniBar has been replaced by an eatery – and you don’t need to be a student to dine there.
Modern Australian eatery Taikunthi, in historic Union House, officially opened its doors in June, serving up breakfast and lunch from Monday to Friday.
From the Kaurna word meaning “join, unite and partner together”, the revamped venue is aimed at the public as well as students and faculty members.
Taikunthi’s menu, from head chef Julian Nicholas, focuses on local ingredients and feature an extensive charcuterie selection.
Built by the Student Union in the early 1970s, Union House’s level five was home to the UniBar for more than four decades.
The UniBar shut its doors in February 2019 as Union House underwent a major renovation and it has since been relocated to the ground floor.
VENUES THAT ARE COMING SOON
Huami
SkyCity Adelaide
More than five years in the making, SkyCity Adelaide’s new high-end Chinese restaurant will finally open its doors on October 24.
The stunning venue, on the first level overlooking Festival Plaza, features a wood-fired duck oven, live seafood tanks and four giant dragon columns in the main dining room.
The space was built into the casino’s $330m expansion which opened in 2020, but the restaurant was put on the backburner until now.
Jimmy Parham, SkyCity Signature Outlets Manager, said the dining room’s design is inspired by Cantonese Opera, with every element an homage to its Chinese heritage.
“We thought we could create a really unique Chinese dining experience that the city hasn’t seen before,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s anything else like it in Adelaide.”
Shanghai-born head chef Johnny Zhong – whose mentors include leading local chefs Max Sharrad and Tristran Steele – described his menu as “very authentic Chinese”.
Signature dishes include dim sum, honey-glazed char siu pork, seafood such as SA lobster and mud crab, plus SA Wagyu beef.
There’s also Adelaide’s only openly displayed commercial wood-fired duck oven, designed to deliver the city’s most flavoursome Peking duck.
Ray’s at Eastwood
204 Greenhill Rd, Eastwood
Patients, visitors and staff are in for a treat at the luxurious new $90 million Eastwood Private Hospital.
Ray Dahdah and Ally Aoukar, the dream team behind Out in the Paddock and Ray’s at Burnside Village, will open their second permanent cafe at the new medical facility by mid November.
Ray says the ground floor offering will have a “slightly elevated” menu focusing on local, fresh and healthy foods, such as paninis, salads, cold pressed juices, and a matcha bar.
“We will also be selling florals for visiting patients or just if you want to pick up a bunch to take home,” he says.
“My team and I can’t wait to share this journey with you all and to welcome you to our new home in Eastwood.”
The cafe will also offer in-room dining service, where both patients and surgeons, can have their dishes delivered straight to the rooms.
“We will also be focusing on fun, delicious and healthy office catering for nearby offices,” Ray says.
Restaurant Aptos
147 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling
Former Restaurant Botanic executive chef Justin James will throw open the doors to his much-anticipated new dining destination in January.
Situated inside a historic 156-year-old Stirling church, the venue will feature three distinct spaces: Bar Cruz (a more casual spot for a bite to eat and drink), tiny whisky bar Bar Mary, plus multi-level Restaurant Aptos.
The acclaimed chef says adding the 14-seat Bar Cruz will offer guests a flexible dining alternative to the Aptos set degustation.
“You could pop in and have a drink and a snack and leave, or you can … have a full meal and a bottle of wine,” says Justin, who departed Botanic in June 2024.
Visit: restaurantaptos.com
Patina Place
100 King William St, Adelaide
A former owner of Adelaide dining institution Pranzo has unveiled plans to launch a new restaurant in the revamped office tower at 100 King William St.
Patina Place, on the ground floor of the building just a few doors down from his old Exchange Place eatery, will offer dishes showcasing local, seasonal produce.
Abdulla Daher has teamed up with son Yazeed and business partners Oswald Barrett, Peter Curtis and Thomas Maclean on the venue.
The space is currently under construction and will open up to outdoor dining in a revamped Exchange Place laneway, which is emerging as a new dining hub for city office workers.
“I wanted to capture the energy of the city during the week, while also creating a classic setting to share a meal. This is generous dining – warm, genuine hospitality where every detail matters, without ever feeling overdone,” says Abdulla.
Hunter & Barrel
2 King William Street
Almost a year after landmark city restaurant Fishbank Bar and Grill shut down, a sophisticated new steakhouse will take its place in October.
Hunter & Barrel will launch its “premier coal-fired experience” in the heritage-listed building on the corner of King William St and North Tce.
Each steak will be cooked over white hot coals on their open grills, giving their dishes a “distinctly smoky, charred flavour”.
“When it comes to preparing, there’s no shortcuts, no fancy techniques. Just the magic of open flame, the precision of our expert chefs, and the respect we have for steak,” their website says.
Diners can wash it all down with a range of South Australian wines, beers, and the venue’s specialty, housemade barrel-aged cocktails.
Imma
88 O’Connell St, North Adelaide
Iconic family-run food retailer Mercato will open its new flagship store in the Eighty Eight O’Connell development in October – but foodies will have to wait for the site’s white tablecloth restaurant.
Imma – named after one of the business’s co-founders, Imma Caporaso – is an Italian-style trattoria attached to Mercato that will launch early in the new year.
Mercato’s Campbelltown chef Nick Bergin will take the reins of the food offering, which will feature seasonal Italian dishes.
The new Mercato will have a casual wine bar ready for October’s grand opening, with its own dedicated lunch and dinner menu created to compliment its extensive wine list.
“The wine bar will be a place for people to come and enjoy a curated range of Italian wines, aperitivos and classic cocktails,” a spokesman says.
There will be a suite of elevated antipasto treats for guests to tuck into with their wine, and the venue will be open seven days a week, from 11am until late.
Yakisan
88 O’Connell St, North Adelaide
Internationally-renowned chef Adam Liston stepped away from top Adelaide venues – including Shobosho and Sora – earlier this year to focus on his latest venture, Yakisan.
A rooftop restaurant and bar in the new $300m Eighty Eight O’Connell development in North Adelaide, the project is set to open in October.
The fire-based dining experience will feature Japanese-inspired dishes, aiming to rival global hotspots such as Melbourne’s Nobu.
Adam will partner with managing director Nate Scutter for Yakisan, which the chef’s described as his “most exciting venture to date”.
“It’s an evolution and a step up from all of the previous projects I’ve been involved in,” he says.
Nate adds: “Yakisan is about more than just food – it’s about creating an intimate space where people can gather, relax, and enjoy something special.”
Gelato Messina and Shadow Bakery
88 O’Connell St, North Adelaide
The team behind the cult ice cream brand is heading back home with a new store in the much-anticipated Eighty Eight O’Connell development, alongside another outlet for their sister bakery, Shadow Baking.
Almost two years after opening its first Adelaide store in Kent Town in 2024, SA-born Messina co-owners Nick and Danny Palumbo will launch their second hometown location later this year. They will be joined by Shadow Baking – a bakery launched by three Messina chefs in Sydney in 2023
The bakery, which already has a Jetty Rd shop, will serve up its range of croissants, tarts, bavarians, cookie pies and other sweet and savoury pastries.
Co-founder Nick says he is excited about taking the Messina and Shadow Baking brands to O’Connell St.
“We have had such great support from the community since we first opened in Kent Town that the opportunity to join this new wave of retail descending on North Adelaide was too good to miss,” he says.
From a single store in Darlinghurst, Gelato Messina has gone on to become a powerhouse brand, with more than 30 stores in Australia, Hong Kong and a recently opened outlet in Singapore.
Unassuming suburban eatery punching way above its weight
