SA MasterChef map — the easy way to try the restaurants and cafes owned and operated by South Australian MasterChef contestants
SA MasterChef contestants have not only won acclaim for their work on TV. They’ve also set up cafes and restaurants across the state. Here’s how to find them all.
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South Australia’s MasterChef contestants are a successful bunch, opening cafes and restaurants all about the place. Competition winner Sasha Cheliah is about to open his second city restaurant - Gaja Express - opposite Callum Hann’s Eleven bar and restaurant in the new 11 Waymouth St development.
We’ve put together this quick guide to help you discover other tasty eats by former SA MasterChef contestants.
You can also use the map below to plan your MasterChef eating tour of Adelaide.
CALLUM HANN
LOU’S PLACE (Barossa Valley); ELEVEN (city)
MasterChef Season 2 runner-up (2010), All Stars winner (2012) and Back to Win contestant (2020)
Barossa-bred Callum Hann has entered the popular reality cooking show a whopping three times, winning the All Stars competition in 2012. He and his nutritionist mate Themis Chryssidis recently opened the open-air bar of their ambitious ‘eleven’ restaurant in the 11 Waymouth Street development. It’s been a hit, serving up coffees and Abbots & Kinney pastries in the morning, moving onto drinks and share-plates through the afternoon and evening. The restaurant is slated to open in May.
The pair is also behind Lou’s Place, a new Mediterranean-style restaurant at Lou Miranda Estate Winery, ideal for relaxed long lunches.
eleven bar & restaurant, 11 Waymouth St, city
Lou’s Place, 1876 Barossa Valley Way, Rowland Flat
SASHI CHELIAH
GAJA BY SASHI; GAJA EXPRESS (city)
Season 10 winner (2018)
Judges raved about former prison guard Sashi Cheliah’s Indian-Singaporean cooking throughout the season, and it ultimately won him the trophy. He now serves such contemporary Asian food, inspired by his Singaporean background, at his Gaja by Sashi.
Cheliah will also soon open the doors to his mini eatery and takeaway bar, Gaja Express, in the 11 Waymouth St development in coming weeks.
Gaja by Sashi, 4/86 Pirie St, city
Gaja Express, 11 Waymouth St, city (coming soon).
LAURA CASSAI
NIDO (Hyde Park)
Season 6 runner-up (2014); Back to Win runner-up (2020)
Laura impressed both judges and viewers as a bright-eyed 18-year-old in 2014, and came back with a vegenance in 2020. The back-to-win favourite’s most impressive pasta-making skills are on show at the intimate Italian restaurant Nido, where she heads the kitchen with her husband, Max Sharrad. The pair is also involved in upcoming Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room, which is taking over the former Rigoni’s spot in the city’s Leigh St.
Nido, 2/160 King William Rd, Hyde Park
Fugazzi, 27 Leigh St, city (coming soon)
JESSIE SPIBY
MY GRANDMA BEN (Bowden)
Season 7 top 10 (2015)
Pop into the popular brunch and lunch spot in Bowden’s Plant 4 development and you’ll likely find Jessie preparing something delicious behind the counter. My Grandma Ben is focused on sustainability and no-waste, and serves up delicious eats – the housemade crumpets are a go-to. It’s also open for dinner and drinks on Friday nights.
My Grandma Ben, 5 Third St, Bowden
ROSE ADAM
THE MIDDLE STORE (Melrose Park)
Season 7 top 10 (2015), Back to Win contestant (2020)
This community favourite cafe has the delightful Rose Adam in the kitchen. She whips up hearty brunches and contemporary Lebanese fare – think perfectly crisp-and-fluffy falafel, tasty manouche and mezze plates. The cafe is currently closed, so keep an eye on their socials to see when they’re reopening.
The Middle Store, 118 Winston Ave, Melrose Park
ANDRE URSINI
ORSO and WILLMOTT’S GASTRONOMICA (Rose Park); VILLETTA PORCINI (Mylor)
Season 1 top 10 (2009)
Ursini garnered a following early with his successful Andre’s Cucina e Polenta Bar, which he closed at the end of 2019 to focus on his two newer ventures – Orso (and the neighbouring Willmott’s Gastronomica), and Villetta Porcini. He’s got talented chef Will Doak in the kitchen at Orso, serving up Mediterranean inspired eats (the pasta is great), while Willmott’s has you covered for coffee, casual eats and drinks. Villetta Porcini is Ursini’s most ambitious project yet, a very intimate dining experience on his Hills property (you’ll discover the address upon booking).
Ors o and Willmott’s Gastronomica, 36 Kensington Rd, Rose Park
Villetta Porcini, Mylor
POH LING YEOW
JAMFACE (Wayville)
Season 1 runner-up (2009); Back to Win finalist (2020)
One of Australia’s favourite MasterChef stars Poh Ling Yeow serves up her handmade pastries, cakes and seasonal goodies (think jams and Christmas nougat) at her farmers’ market stall at the Wayville Showground on Sundays. Head there early, as popular items sell out fast!
Jamface, Adelaide Farmers’ Market, Adelaide Showground, Rose Terrace, Wayville
TRACY COLLINS
HARVEST KITCHEN (Barossa Valley)
Season 6 finalist (2014); Back to Win contestant (2020)
You’ll find Tracy Collinsat this picturesque Barossa Valley eatery, located alongside Calabria Family Wines. Harvest Kitchen serves Mediterranean inspired fare cooked with seasonal produce.
Harvest Kitchen, Cnr Magnolia and Light Pass Rds, Tanunda
COLIN SHEPPARD
FLAXMAN WINES, 662 Flaxmans Valley Rd, Flaxman Valley
Season 6 finalist (2014)
Winemaker Colin Sheppard just made the top 10 in 2014, and pursued his food dream at his cellar door in Eden Valley. The outdoor dining area includes a kitchen and pizza oven, with views over Flaxman vineyard. It’s open on weekends for long lunches.
Flaxman Wines, 662 Flaxmans valley Rd, Eden Valley
HUDA AL-SULTAN
SASSI ICE CREAM (city)
Season 11 contestant (2019)
She may have been the first contestant eliminated from season 11 of the show, but Huda Al-Sultan was quick to launch her business – a vegan ice cream brand which has won praise from all lovers of ice cream. Right now, you’ll find her at the Producers in Residence stall at the Adelaide Central Market, scooping up seven Middle-Eastern inspired flavours from ‘baklawa dream’ to ‘sage with Pomegranate swirl – catch them while you can.
Sassi Ice Cream at Adelaide Central Market, 44-60 Gouger St, city
ELOISE PRAINO
NATHANIEL’S COFFEE & PANINI (St Peters)
Season 9 finalist (2017)
OK so this cafe is actually run by Eloise’s brother, Nathaniel (hence the name). However, you’ll find Eloise’s sweet treats and pastries there, so it’s the place to go if you want a taste of her baking.
Nathaniel’s Coffee & Panini, 199 Payneham Rd, St Peters
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