The six best things we ate in Adelaide in March 2023

From wood-grilled calamari to a decadent Basque cheesecake pastry tart, these are the top 6 things we ate in Adelaide in March. Which have you tried?

You loved our February edition, so we’ve done it again: from exquisite grilled calamari, to a decadent basque cheesecake-filled pastry tart, here are the best things we ate in Adelaide in March.

Wood grilled southern calamari

$32, Fugazzi, 27 Leigh St, Adelaide

Nominated by: Jessica Galletly

My oh my, not since my great tapas bar crawl of Spain have I had squid this good. Chargrilled to tender – dare I say – perfection, and sliced into easy-to-eat rings, the squid was topped with a vibrant green, herby, garlicky gremolata and cannellini beans. Under the “small plates” section of the Fugazzi menu, it’s ideal for sharing between two as a starter but honestly, I’d be happy with this to myself accompanied by a side salad – delicious.

Chargrilled squid at Fugazzi, Adelaide. Picture: Jessica Galletly

Ham and pineapple pizza

$24, One Sneaky Cheetah, 243 South Rd, Ridleyton/971 South Rd, Melrose Park

*new store at 971 South Rd, Melrose Park

Nominated by: Emily Olle

Tired debate over this unfairly-maligned ‘za combination quickly evaporated after the first bite of One Sneaky Cheetah’s sweet, salty, chewy flavour bomb. Helmed by the dough wizards behind McLaren Vale hotspot Pizzateca, the simple but oh-so effective ‘Ham and Pineapple’ sees shavings of soft leg ham dotted with fresh pineapple, mozzarella and a house-made sauce. For the coeliacs out there, the GF dough has to be tasted to be believed – even the staunchest carb-lovers among our group couldn’t spot the difference. Add a lashing of hot honey and a One Sneaky Lager to seal the deal. Just don’t expect leftovers.

One Sneaky Cheetah pizza.

Shakshuka with chorizo

$28, C.R.E.A.M, 4/49 Jetty Road, Brighton

Nominated by: Kitty Barr

I have never been a breakfast or brunch person, but this all changed after I ate this Shakshuka. There’s a rich and chunky spiced Napoli sauce with two fried eggs on top, grilled chorizo and two slices of Turkish bread with butter. Popping the yolks of the eggs into the sauce, scooping it all onto a piece of toast was just – chef’s kiss. It’s the perfect dish for cooler days. And, of course, to wash it all down I had a Kinder Bueno thickshake.

Shakshuka with chorizo $28, C.R.E.A.M, Brighton. Picture: Kitty Barr

Vanilla bean caramel basque cheesecake croissy scroll

$12.50, The Sugar Man, 197 Hutt St, Adelaide

Nominated by: Jessica Galletly, Lisa Woolford

The line-up outside this intimate east end shop says it all: if you love pastry, then there’s no better place to get it. Alex Crawford, AKA The Sugar Man, spends hours (upon hours) painstakingly handmaking limited runs of flavoured croissant-inspired pastries every Saturday and Sunday. They change weekly (keep an eye on his Instagram), but include flavours such as this: a croissant tart filled with local chocolatier Steven ter Horst’s vanilla bean caramel basque cheesecake. Quite the mouthful, in every way.

The Sugar Man's vanilla bean caramel Basque cheesecake croissy tart.

Inside the Basque cheesecake croissy tart.

Wild albacore tuna, smoked soy dashi, turnip, wasabi mayo, shizo

$22, Vale Brewing Restaurant and Bar

Nominated by: Evangeline Polymeneas

The best part of a “feed me” menu is you get to experience dishes you wouldn’t normally try. And while I am partial to a tuna tartare, I wouldn’t usually choose it on my own. This dish takes you on a tasting journey with the delicable contrast of tuna and turnips. In terms of the whole tasting menu, each course was as exciting as the next. I highly recommend allowing the chef to feed you if you’re in the mood for the a relaxing afternoon of great food and vineyard views.

Tuna tartare and other dishes at Vale Brewing Restaurant and Bar, McLaren Vale.

Anchovy “toast”

$14, The Scenic Hotel, Old Norton Summit Rd, Norton Summit

Nominated by: Kara Jung

This was the perfect reward following a hike from Morialta. Two crunchy fried strips of focaccia are loaded with a green aioli, salty Oritz anchovy and lemon. I loved the salty, crunchy goodness – not to mention the beautiful setting.

Anchovy soldiers at the Scenic Hotel, Norton Summit

Outdoor terrace at the Scenic Hotel, Norton Summit