Where to eat and drink at Illuminate Adelaide 2023

From a pop-up East End Cellars restaurant and bar, to a chocolate fountain with churros, here are the hottest places to eat and drink at Illuminate Adelaide.

This year’s Illuminate Adelaide is a feast for all senses, with triple the number of food and drink offerings across town.

From a pop-up East End Cellars restaurant and bar on Adelaide University lawns to a chocolate fountain and churros, it’s a smorgasbord above the 2022 inaugural program.

Among the new offerings is Lumen, a collaboration between Adelaide University and EEC that offers a sophisticated menu – from oysters to steak frites – under an elegant marquee, while an adjacent Family Tent offers kid-friendly fare including fish and chips, toasties and hot chocolates. Nestled on the Goodman Crescent Lawns, it also plays host to free entertainment and illuminated games.

Brooke and Tom Bridges with their children Winnie (left) and Isabel enjoying Lumen at University of Adelaide, as part of Illuminate Adelaide. Picture” Matt Turner

Festival co-founders Rachael Azzopardi and Lee Cumberlidge said they were excited to see a growing number of hospitality venues get involved with pop-ups throughout the CBD.

“From the get-go, we’ve committed to supporting existing hospitality experiences across the city,” they said. “Returning favourites include a bigger and better Base Camp in its new home at Rundle Park, and new additions include the Evergreen Bar inside Resonate.”

Goodwood mother Brooke Bickmore-Bridges, 37, said kid-friendly food options made it easier to enjoy a “night out”.

“We love Illuminate Adelaide’s City Lights trail and new pop ups like Lumen enhance the experience,” she said.

Where to eat and drink at Illuminate Adelaide:

NORTH TCE

LUMEN

Goodman Crescent Lawns, Adelaide University

A pop-up bar and restaurant with a considered wine list and menu, while an adjacent Family Tent has options for the young ones, too. Lumen os open Tues-Sun, 4pm-late, while the Family Tent is open daily.

AGSA Eat Illuminate Pop-Up

Art Gallery of SA

Illuminated fairy floss, soups, toasties and soft drinks. Open Friday and Saturday nights from 5.30-8.30pm until July 29.

Storyteller’s Distillery @ The Mortlock

State Library on South Australia

A selection of gin from Storyteller’s Distillery, served with mixers, in Mortlock Chamber. Daily, 5pm-11pm

State Library Cafe

State Library of South Australia

Coffee, hot chocolates, muffins. Open Mon-Fri 8am-10.30pm and Saturday noon-10.30pm.

Community Cafe and Bar

Soup, paella, shashliks, hot chocolate and doughnuts. Alcoholic beverages and seating is available indoors. Open Mon-Sat until late.

EAST END

Base Camp

Rundle Park/Kadlitpina

Returning to Illuminate with a new look and location, Base Camp is just steps away from City Lights in the East and North precincts; Architects of Air at Rymill Park and Resonate in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Open Tues-Fri 5pm-late and Sat-Sun 4pm-late. Also open Mondays July 10 and 17 for City Lights.

Evergreen Bar

Resonate, Adelaide Botanic Garden

Those strolling through the Garden’s Resonate experience can now enjoy hot snacks and a selection of beverages on their Resonate adventure. The menu includes family favourites like hot chips, doughnuts, Rueben toasties, plus cheese and charcuterie platters. Open Tue-Thurs from 6pm and Fri-Sun form 5.30pm (6pm from July 28).

Alpha Box and Dice Bar

Resonate, Adelaide Botanic Garden

Wines from the AB & C crew, adjacent the Evergreen Bar.

WEST END

Queen’s Theatre Bar

The Queens Theatre, Playhouse Ln &, Gilles Arcade

In addition to their usual wine and gin cocktail list, visitors can grab steaming hot mulled wine and order from a menu of gourmet toasties. Open daily 6pm-11pm.

The Light Room

Light ADL, Level 1/63 Light Square

Wines and cocktails on offer, plus family-friendly hot chocolates, churros with a chocolate fountain and a popcorn machine. Open Wed-Sat 4.30pm-11pm.