From brunch to lunch: Your guide to the best eats in Adelaide

From paninis to pizza, roast chicken to Chinese, Adelaide is spoiled for choice when it comes to high quality eats. We’ve collated our top picks in several culinary categories.

Unlike other cities we could mention, you’ve got to work pretty hard to get a bad meal in Adelaide.

Which means to say that the restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs we’ve brought together in this wrap of Adelaide’s best food are really doing something special.

Over the past few months, our friends at Delicious.com.au have been venturing out to identify the best of the best in a range of different culinary categories, from pizza and sandwiches, to roast chicken and fish & chips.

Follow the links below to read full reviews of all the venues we’ve mentioned here.

Bon appetito!

ADELAIDE’S BEST SANDWICHES

Mortadella Sando from Bottega Bandito, Prospect.

Unless you’ve been living under a cloche these past few months, you would know the humble sandwich is enjoying a renaissance. Forget soggy sangas – rather, we’re seeing crusty panini, American-style deli sandwiches and breakfast rolls that go beyond grilled egg and bacon. They’re inspired by different cuisines, showcase South Australian produce and breads (from sourdough to focaccia) and transform an old schoolbag staple to an exciting lunch worthy of a trip. From traditional Italian panini to a Middle Eastern manouche, here are 15 of our favourite sandwiches across Adelaide right now.

ADELAIDE’S BEST SUSHI/SASHIMI

A selection of sushi from Sushi Planet, on West Terrace.

If there’s one thing South Australia does well, it’s seafood. Japanese chefs line up for bluefin tuna flown in directly from Port Lincoln, while fine diners across Australia proudly namecheck our Hiramasa kingfish and Coffin Bay oysters. So it’s no surprise that Adelaide boasts plenty of venues turning those raw materials into edible art. From California rolls to chu-toro, here are our picks for the best sushi and sashimi in the city.

ADELAIDE’S BEST PIZZA

A hot, bubbling pizza from Anchovy Bandit.

Ever since Lucia Rosella opened Australia’s first pizzeria at the Central Market in 1957, Adelaide has had a love affair with pizza of every kind.

These days you can find crispy Neapolitan pies, classic New York slices, hefty Chicago deep dish creations and everything in between.

And whether it’s specially imported ingredients, handmade dough that proves for three days before cooking or new twists on classic flavours, Adelaide’s best pizzerias have something for every taste, so forget the pineapple on pizza debate and dig in.

Here is our pick of Adelaide’s top five pizza joints right now.

ADELAIDE’S BEST WOODFIRED AND ROTISSERIE CHICKEN JOINTS

Chicken and chips from Cheeky Chook Eats in Lockleys. Picture MATT TURNER.

Food trends come and go, but roast chicken is forever.

There’s something hypnotic about watching beads of fat drip from the rotisserie onto glowing coals with a sizzle as flames lick at the slowly rotating birds.

An easy family dinner, a taste of nostalgia and a bachelor’s best friend, it’s been an Adelaide staple since chicken salt first emerged from the northern suburbs in the 1970s and there are still plenty of takeaway joints elevating the humble chook to an art form. Here are five of Adelaide’s best.

ADELAIDE’S BEST FIVE FISH AND CHIPS

Fish and chips from Angler, Stirling. Picture: Anna Vlach

From plump Coffin Bay oysters and richly marbled southern bluefin tuna to fresh Coorong mullet and rich, buttery abalone, South Australia boasts some of the nation’s best seafood.

But the most enjoyable seafood meal on offer might also be the simplest.

Whether it comes battered, crumbed or grilled, fish & chips by the ocean is one of the great Aussie traditions and there’s no shortage of great beachfront real estate in Adelaide.

From classic suburban joints located within earshot of the waves to a new school fish & chippery in a surprising location, here are our picks for Adelaide’s best fish & chips.

ADELAIDE’S BEST YUM CHA SPOTS

A selection of Yum cha dishes from Little Canton, Mile End. Picture Dean Martin

The literal translation of Yum cha might be “drink tea”, but the bottomless pots of jasmine tea are just the beginning at this Cantonese take on brunch.

With a seemingly endless parade of bite-size snacks, it’s the perfect meal for someone who wants to try a bit of everything — and it’s a case of the more the merrier in terms of both diners and dishes.

Simply point to what you want and watch your table fill up with a selection of steamed, fried and even baked morsels. Then dig in.

It’s no surprise that some of Adelaide’s best options are clustered around Chinatown, but you’ll also find some great options further afield.

Whether you’re looking for an old favourite or starting a new weekend tradition, here are Adelaide’s best Yum cha spots.

ADELAIDE’S BEST BRUNCH SPOTS

Wagyu tartare, smoked tomato, toast, egg and hash brown from Magill Estate Kitchen. Image supplied.

More indulgent than breakfast, more relaxed than lunch, brunch hits the sweet spot between the two in a meal that can be hot or cold, sweet or savoury, nutritious or decadent. That versatility makes it the ultimate social meal, a crowd-pleasing spread that stretches from wholesome Bircher muesli bowls to bottomless cocktails.

But among the cafes hosting eager crowds every weekend, a few venues stand out for taking brunch to another level.

From a classic New York Jewish deli to a suburban cafe heroing native ingredients and an inspired winery venue, these are Adelaide’s best spots for brunch.

ADELAIDE’S BEST BEER GARDENS AND ROOFTOP BARS

2KW bar and restaurant.

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer may be behind us, but there are still a few drops of sunshine to be soaked up before those cool autumn evenings arrive in earnest.

So, before it comes time to get those winter woolies out of storage, have one last fling with the warm weather by checking out these leafy Adelaide beer gardens and luxurious rooftop bars.

ADELAIDE’S BEST WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS

Seamore's, Henley Beach.

Star of Greece, Port Willunga.

With more than 60km of coastline in the greater metro area, Adelaide has plenty of beachfront hangouts that are prime real estate when the setting sun turns Gulf St Vincent into a shimmering gold lake and streaks the sky overhead with neon pink and orange threads. But venture away from the suburban beaches and you’ll discover that Adelaide’s best waterfront dining also includes a tried and tested native food pioneer on the Torrens and a more recent innovator nestled in the dunes near the Murray Mouth. Here are five of the best waterfront restaurants in Adelaide.

ADELAIDE’S BEST VANILLA SLICES

Artwork for SA vanilla slice story and map, 2023

Australia’s great vanilla slice is far from vanilla, readers say.

The ubiquitous bakery treat, traditionally made with custard powder and icing, is a firm favourite among road trippers and pastry lovers alike.

In a recent Advertiser Facebook poll, around 1000 readers suggested their favourite vanilla slices, from traditional recipes to contemporary takes.

Food writer Jessica Galletley took a closer look at what makes the top 11 bakeries on the list so special and we’ve also mapped 91 locations across SA where you can get your vanilla slice fix. Read the story and start exploring the map.