NewsBite

The 21 biggest SA and Adelaide restaurant closures of 2022

It’s been a big year of restaurant openings – and closures. From an award-winning restaurant in the Fleurieu Peninsula to the last dine-in Pizza Hut, these are the SA eateries we waved goodbye to.

Instagram post shows 'outrageous' moment Adelaide diners flout rules

Among the many restaurant doors to have opened in 2022, there are those that have shut, too. As the year draws to a close, we look back at the restaurants and cafes we’ve loved and lost. From an award-winning Fleurieu Peninsula winery restaurant to the last standing dine-in all-you-can-eat Pizza Hut, here are the year’s 21 biggest restaurant closures in SA.

VICTOR’S PLACE

62 Victor Harbor Rd, Old Noarlunga

Victor’s Place, the restaurant of Varney Wines, will hold its last service on December 23. Owners recently announced it would have to close the restaurant after Victor Harbor roadworks resulted in a disastrous downturn in trade. Victor’s Place had made the 2019 and 2022 delicious. 100 best restaurants list, and was also named among TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best in their Travellers’ Choice Restaurant Awards this year.

Varney Wines winemaker Alan Varney and his wife Kathrin at their winery restaurant, Victor’s Place, which they will close after December 23. Picture: Tom Huntley
Varney Wines winemaker Alan Varney and his wife Kathrin at their winery restaurant, Victor’s Place, which they will close after December 23. Picture: Tom Huntley

THE PEPPER TREE

445 Old Coach Road, Aldinga

Southern favourite restaurant and entertainment venue, The Pepper Tree in Aldinga, announced it would close until further notice in November. “Due to unforeseen circumstances we will be closed until further notice, please contact bands to organise a refund for tickets. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience,” the cafe said. “Please note this is not a permanent closure it is only temporary.” The venue is known for winning a two-year battle over noise complaints allowing them to trade seven days a week and help boost Aldinga’s local economy.

Mark and Tanya Crago, owners of The Pepper Tree cafe, in 2018. Picture: Morgan Sette
Mark and Tanya Crago, owners of The Pepper Tree cafe, in 2018. Picture: Morgan Sette

THE FLYING TRUNK

70 King William Rd, Goodwood

One of the earlier venues to hit Adelaide’s suburban bar scene, The Flying Trunk announced its imminent closure at the beginning of December. “After years of mixing and inventing behind the bar, the day has come to say goodbye to the trunk,” they posted to Instagram. The bar will hold its last day of service on December 30.

The Flying Trunk cocktail bar in Goodwood, which will close December 30. Picture: Lewis Potter
The Flying Trunk cocktail bar in Goodwood, which will close December 30. Picture: Lewis Potter

ORIGINAL PANCAKE KITCHEN

70 Main South Rd, Old Reynella;

200-220 Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide

Adelaide institution Original Pancake Kitchen has closed the doors at two of its venues. A fire in the Reynella kitchen in October, and soaring energy costs have been blamed for the closures, with liquidators appointed to wind up the two venues. Sites in the CBD, Marion and Modbury will continue to trade.

Pancake Kitchen director Mark Sandgren with liquidator Dominic Cantone. Picture: John Kruger
Pancake Kitchen director Mark Sandgren with liquidator Dominic Cantone. Picture: John Kruger

SASSI ICE CREAM

90 Main St, Hahndorf

Vegan icecreamery Sassi Ice Cream has closed its bricks-and-mortar spot in Hahndorf’s tourist strip. Led by former MasterChef contestant Huda Al Sultan, the icecreamery – known for unique Middle Eastern inspired flavour combinations such as sage and pomegranate – will continue to pop up at festivals and events.

Sassi ice cream’s Huda Al Sultan.
Sassi ice cream’s Huda Al Sultan.

PIZZA HUT

489 Morphett Rd, Oaklands Park

The last standing Pizza Hut restaurant, adjacent the Westfield Marion Shopping Centre complex, closed its doors at the end of June. News of its closure sparked widespread devastation for nostalgic pizza lovers and a rush on bookings.

Owner of the Pizza Hut Oaklands Park franchise, Bill Lianos, at the iconic pizza shop ahead of its closure in June. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe / NCA NewsWire
Owner of the Pizza Hut Oaklands Park franchise, Bill Lianos, at the iconic pizza shop ahead of its closure in June. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe / NCA NewsWire

PRANZO

46 Enchange Pl

Pranzo closed its doors in May – three months after a refurbishment and reopening by new owners. The venue was a favourite of the city’s movers and shakers, with politicians and business leaders regularly spotted dining inside or sipping coffees al fresco on Exchange Place.

Former Pranzo restaurant co-owner Aaron Martin in 2021. The business reopened with new owners, and then closed again this year. Picture: Tom Huntley
Former Pranzo restaurant co-owner Aaron Martin in 2021. The business reopened with new owners, and then closed again this year. Picture: Tom Huntley

BUCKINGHAM ARMS HOTEL

1 Walkerville Terrace, Gilberton

The historic pub opened for business around 1846 and was renowned for its smorgasbord, which was introduced by the Matthews family in 1955. However, the smorgasbord was removed from the menu during the height of Covid-19 and it failed to make a return when dining restrictions eased.

Buckingham Arms Hotel. Picture: Supplied by Colliers
Buckingham Arms Hotel. Picture: Supplied by Colliers

LA RAMBLA

28 Peel St, Adelaide

One of the first bars to emerge on Peel St back in 2014, La Rambla tapas bar closed its doors in August. Owners Tom Smith, Kyle Young and Stephanie Gibbs modelled the three-storey venue on the popular bars found across Spain. However forced closures during Covid, worker shortages and falling foot traffic led to their decision to shut up shop.

Inside Peel St’s La Rambla before it closed. Picture: Bianca De Marchi
Inside Peel St’s La Rambla before it closed. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

SPARKKE AT THE WHITMORE

317 Morphett St, Adelaide

Sparkke at the Whitmore, the female-founded and led brew hotel, closed in September after three years. The premises has been taken over by Mighty Craft Limited, the parent company of successful Adelaide craft beer outfit Mismatch, while food is being overseen by Lot 100 chef Shannon Fleming.

Mismatch Brewing has taken over Sparkke at the Whitmore.
Mismatch Brewing has taken over Sparkke at the Whitmore.

KUTCHI DELI PARWANA

7 Ebenezer Pl, Adelaide

After nearly a decade in Adelaide’s East End, Kutchi Deli closed its doors in June.

The offshoot of community favourite Torrensville restaurant, Parwana Afghan Kitchen, Kutchi Deli was popular among city lunchgoers for its bolani (filled flatbreads) and curries. Several months after its closure, the family opened a dessert bar, Shirni, inside Plant 4 at Bowden.

Durkhanai Ayubi with the eggplant dish at Kutchi Deli Parwana. Picture: Dean Martin
Durkhanai Ayubi with the eggplant dish at Kutchi Deli Parwana. Picture: Dean Martin

MADRE

57 Gilbert St, Adelaide

Pizzalovers’ hearts across Adelaide broke a little with the news that Madre was closing its doors in Gilbert St. Led by Neapolitan pizzaiolo, Ettore Bertonati, formerly of Pizzateca fame, the restaurant dished up some of the most authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas SA has ever seen. It lasted two-and-a-half years in Gilbert St, during the toughest Covid years. Bar Riot has now opened in its place.

Ettore Bertonadi at his Madre restaurant, when it opened in 2019. Image: Morgan Sette / AAP
Ettore Bertonadi at his Madre restaurant, when it opened in 2019. Image: Morgan Sette / AAP

SUSHI TRAIN

38 Gouger St, Adelaide

The Central Market Sushi Train shut up shop earlier this year as a result of the Central Market Arcade works. The popular conveyor belt sushi diner was among the first two Sushi Trains to open in South Australia in 2004, joining the Grenfell St site. “I remember in 2004, not many people experience the sushi train. For some people it was the first time eating eel, tuna and fresh scallop,” owner Tokuro Nagai said.

Sushi Train Central Market Store then-manager Yohei Hombo in 2012.
Sushi Train Central Market Store then-manager Yohei Hombo in 2012.

THE FLEURIEU PANTRY

20 Gawler St, Port Noarlunga

For more than a decade, this popular Port Noarlunga cafe had fed the southern suburbs with its all-day breakfast menu and Coeliac Australia-approved kitchen. But owner Trudy Fischer shut its doors for the final time on April 7, citing the coronavirus pandemic for its demise. Bar Noori is among the new businesses to now be operating at the site.

The Fleurieu Pantry then-owner Trudy Fischer in 2020. Picture: Keryn Stevens / AAP
The Fleurieu Pantry then-owner Trudy Fischer in 2020. Picture: Keryn Stevens / AAP

OGRE

252 Main St; McLaren Vale

OGRE, the brewery and restaurant that took over the McLaren Vale site once occupied by longstanding restaurant The Barn, closed in March after 18 months. Owners announced its closure along with nearby cafe, Mullygrub, via Instagram. “It’s been a hard decision, but ultimately one we had to make,” they wrote. “The financial, mental and physical stress of running two businesses through Covid … has finally worn through.”

OGRE Tap House, McLaren Vale.
OGRE Tap House, McLaren Vale.

MULLYGRUB

114 Main St, McLaren Vale

Locals and brunch-goers were sad to see Mullygrub cafe go, after five years of operation. Owners closed the cafe along with OGRE brewing (see above), blaming the stress of the Covid-19 pandemic for its closure.

Mullygrub cafe in McLaren Vale owners Alan Mulholland with his son and daughter Sean and Imogen, ahead of its opening. Picture: Dylan Coker
Mullygrub cafe in McLaren Vale owners Alan Mulholland with his son and daughter Sean and Imogen, ahead of its opening. Picture: Dylan Coker

LEONARD’S MILL

7869 Main S Rd, Second Valley

This historic SA restaurant closed its doors in January with owners, husband and wife duo Iain Calvert and Hayley Pember-Calvert, saying unsustainable Covid-19 restrictions left them with no choice.

Leonard's Mill. Picture: Robyn Douglass
Leonard's Mill. Picture: Robyn Douglass

WING IT SPORTS BAR

Basement at 89 King William Street, Adelaide

Adelaide’s only dedicated American sports bar shut it doors in May, citing a months’-long failed negotiation with the venue’s landlords. The space formerly home to Jack Ruby was known for its buffalo wings and fried chicken, along with a wide array of local and imported beers.

Cameron Glowik, Luke Weddell, Luke Haig-Moir and Chris Crichton at Wing It Sports Bar in 2020. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe
Cameron Glowik, Luke Weddell, Luke Haig-Moir and Chris Crichton at Wing It Sports Bar in 2020. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

MISTRESS MABEL

King William St, Adelaide

Cafe owner Jacob Booth shut his business down in February, citing the continued Covid restrictions and lack of government assistance for the sudden closure. Mr Booth had been a vocal opponent of the crippling hospitality density limits.

Mistress Mabel then-owner Jacob Booth in 2021. Picture: Matt Loxton
Mistress Mabel then-owner Jacob Booth in 2021. Picture: Matt Loxton

SOUVLAKI BROS

Moseley Sq, Glenelg

There was shock and sadness when this popular Greek yiros house in Moseley Square announced it was closing in February. “It is with a heavy heart that after 5 years of running our business, we will be closing our doors for good,” the owners wrote on social media.

Souvlaki Bros Glenelg in 2016. Picture: Instagram
Souvlaki Bros Glenelg in 2016. Picture: Instagram

LA TOMBOLA

61 Unley Rd, Parkside

Restaurateur Tony De Ieso closed the doors to La Tombola. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe
Restaurateur Tony De Ieso closed the doors to La Tombola. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

One of Adelaide’s most beloved Italian restaurants, La Tombola, quietly closed its doors on New Year’s Eve 2021. After 46 years in the business, owner Tony De Ieso decided it was the ideal time to retire, selling his Parkside eatery to the owners of the medical centre next door.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/the-20-biggest-sa-and-adelaide-restaurant-closures-of-2022/news-story/a2c8ca7f1101f17ee841732ed05eddfb