Adelaide’s forgotten high street is the hottest suburb to eat in right now

One of Adelaide’s high streets is enjoying a resurgence as new restaurants open – including one by top chef Duncan Welgemoed.

One of Adelaide’s forgotten high streets is enjoying a foodie resurgence as high-profile chefs and restaurateurs respond to urban demand.

Norwood’s Parade is the new place to eat, thanks to recently opened restaurants such as arkhé, Bar Lune and the soon-to-open Africola Canteen.

Chef Duncan Welgemoed, who will open his Africola offshoot, Africola Canteen, at 1/89 The Parade in early August, said Covid has encouraged people to eat “in their own backyards”.

“Because of restrictions, they’ve actually explored their backyards a lot more,” Welgemoed said.

Duncan Welgemoed with Africola Canteen head chef Joel Tisato at the soon-to-open site. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“The CBD is overtraded. There is a market for young middle class families who want to eat properly, but they want to bring a pram rather than book an uber into town.”

Martin Palmer of Palmer Hospitality Group, which has dining venues including 2KW, Paloma Bar & Pantry and The Lion in its portfolio, said he has “always liked The Parade”. He is part of a group of investors who, along with award-winning chef Jake Kellie, opened one of Adelaide’s hottest restaurants – arkhé – on The Parade late last year.

“I think of all the high streets – Unley, Goodwood, King William Rd – The Parade is the strongest,” Mr Palmer said. “There’s a lot of density going on around it; urban infill.”

Welgemoed echoed that sentiment, adding part of the appeal was that it’s “a direct pathway to the Adelaide Hills”.

arkhe restaurant interior. Picture: Timothy Kaye

“I think places like North Adelaide and Norwood became so overtraded, delivering sub-par products,” he said. “Covid has readjusted things … suburbia is going to get more quality informal dining popping up.”

Bar Lune, midway up The Parade at Beulah Park, has become a dining destination in its own right since opening last year.

The Advertiser restaurant reviewer Simon Wilkinson described the cooking as “exceptional”.

“This little gem is quite comfortably the best thing I’ve found in suburban Adelaide over the past few years,” he wrote.

Don’t miss this year’s delicious.100 – your guide to SA’s top 100 restaurants. Part 1 is live noon, July 29 at advertiser.com.au

BEST RESTAURANTS ON THE PARADE

Bar seating at arkhe restaurant. Picture: Duy Dash

Jake Kellie and fellow chefs Scott Carroll and Rex Barrett at fire-powered arkhé restaurant in Norwood. Picture Matt Turner.

arkhé, 127 The Parade, Norwood

An open flame restaurant headed by chef Jake Kellie, who made a name for himself at Michelin-starred restaurant Burnt Ends in Singapore.

BBQ cauliflower, tahini, pomegranate at Bar Lune, Beulah Park.

Bar Lune, 303 The Parade, Beulah Park

More than just your neighbourhood bar – this destination draws foodies from afar for excellent bar snacks and larger dishes.

Duncan Welgemoed with Africola Canteen head chef Joel Tisato, at the soon-to-open site. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Africola Canteen, 1/89 The Parade, Norwood (open August)

Duncan Welgemoed’s predominantly takeaway project aims to deliver quality food and catering to local families and social groups.

Trout at 30 Acres, Norwood.

30 Acres, 233 The Parade, Norwood

One that’s full of potential, Norwood’s newest brunch spot is also open for dinner Friday and Saturdays.

Kokko, Norwood.

Kokko, 1/1 Margaret St, Norwood

The Korean fried chicken specialists hand-make everything from the marinades, to the dressings.

Oldies but goodies …

Cinnamon Club (Indian), 211A The Parade, Norwood

Eastern Gardens (Chinese), Shop 15, 185 The Parade, Norwood

Martini (Italian), 59A The Parade, Norwood