The delicious.50 under $50 comprises our top recommended 50 restaurants and cafes across metropolitan Adelaide, where diners can get two main meals for $50 or less. That might be two traditional a la carte mains or several share-style dishes, and doesn’t include drinks or dessert.

To help you plan your experience, we have noted the venues that offer BYO, so you can enjoy your favourite bottle of wine knowing what it will cost.

The delicious.50 under $50 is also a celebration of Adelaide’s diverse dining landscape; a way to highlight our neighbourhood gems and showcase a range of cuisines. From the pastas of Italy to Vietnamese pho, New York-style sandwiches and Ethiopian stews scooped up with injera, there’s a smorgasbord of exciting food that doesn’t hurt the hip pocket. So, gather your friends and make your next lunch or dinner delicious.

PARWANA AFGHAN KITCHEN

124B Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville | 8443 9001 | parwana.com.au

There’s a lot to love about Parwana. Voted the People’s Choice restaurant in this year’s delicious.100, it’s a suburban favourite – but people swarm from far and wide for a table (culinary queen Nigella Lawson even popped in while in SA earlier this year). Food-wise, it’s celebratory Afghan flavours with soul. Popular dishes include Kabuli palaw – aged long-grain rice with caramelised carrots, sultanas, almonds and pistachios ($18), ashak – vegetarian dumplings topped with lamb mince sauce and garlic yoghurt ($22), and banjaan borani – their signature eggplant, simmered in fresh tomato ($18). It’s all ideal for sharing. You’ll leave with bellies and hearts full.

Cuisine: Afghan

BYO: $10 (donated to charity)

Open: D Tue-Sun

PICKLE IN THE MIDDLE

134 Unley Rd, Unley | 7077 0924 | pickleinthemiddle.com.au

It’s best to book a table at this bustling cafe, particularly popular among the brunch crowd. But there’s plenty more than poached eggs and smashed avo here. Pickle’s plant-centric menu is considered and creative. A satay bowl with wild rice and quinoa, tofu, grilled pineapple and pickled chilli is a hearty lunch dish – add a poached egg and still keep it under $25. You’ll also find salmon poke, roasted rosemary-infused mushrooms on fried corn bread and the cult-favourite cheese ’n’ pickle toastie, made with parmesan-crusted focaccia ($16.50). Coffee is great here, too, or opt for a soothing turmeric tonic.

Cuisine: Contemporary

BYO: $20

Open: B & L Mon-Sun

VALENTINO’S 101

101 Grenfell St, Adelaide | 7001 9534 | valentinos101.com

The foyer of a CBD office block has been transformed into an al fresco diner, cafe and bar that wouldn’t look out of place in the heart of Roma. Coffee, drinks, pastries and other treats come from a bar at the front flanked by booths and other seating. The kitchen at the back has a large display of stuffed vegetables, meatballs, croquettes and other antipasto goodies. The crisp-based, Roman-style pizza slices are irresistible, particularly those topped with mushrooms and ricotta. Valentino’s stays open late on Fridays for post-work drinks and eats, offering an expanded menu with pasta and classic saltimbocca.

Cuisine: Italian

BYO: $20

Open: L Mon-Fri D Fri-Sat

BAN BAN

Adelaide, Port Adelaide & Elizabeth | 0413 552 218 | ban-ban.com.au

Ban Ban is a handy phrase to know if you’re in Korea. It means half and half – and it’s what you ask for if you want Korean fried chicken served two ways. It’s also the name of Adelaide’s must-visit chimaek diner. Chimaek is a portmanteau of chicken and maekju (Korean for beer) and owners Ernest Koong and Darren Song have pulled out all the stops to be Adelaide’s number one place for Korean fried chook and a coldie. Their bestseller is the wings rice box with five wingettes, rice and coleslaw. Their BB chicken brioche sandwich drizzled with ‘special sauce’ is also popular.

Cuisine: Korean fried chicken

BYO: $15

Open: D Mon-Sun

GANG GANG

69 Unley Rd, Parkside | 7225 5366 | goodtimegang.co

Gang Gang is light, bright and fun, not only because of the pops of colour offsetting whitewashed walls. The gentleman so often at the helm has an infectious manner and enviable memory for faces. That big-hearted service is reflected on the all-day brunch and burger plates. Be hungry if you choose the signature chicken and waffles – it’s a towering stack of cheese waffles, crispy crumbed chicken fillets and popcorn chicken, topped with a toasty bacon rasher and drizzled with maple syrup. Phew! Burgers, for which the former food truck became known, include the Cardi B buttermilk fried chicken and Asian-inspired Spice Girl.

Cuisine: Burgers

BYO: No

Open: L Tue-Sun, D Thu-Sun

NGHI NGAN QUAN

65 Woodville Rd, Woodville | 8244 6003 | nnq.com.au

Long before banh mi rolls became part of our standard lunching vernacular, the Luong family were introducing Vietnamese food to the western suburbs. Now a second generation has become involved in the business and the NNQ empire has expanded to take in two more contemporary eateries in the CBD, as well as quick-service express outlets. While all have their place, a visit to the mothership in Woodville remains something quite special. There is the bustle of a busy service, the ridiculously long menu, the fragrance of one of Adelaide’s better phos and the weekend-only treat of a banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake).

Cuisine: Vietnamese

BYO: $15

Open: L & D Wed-Mon

NEW LOCAL EATERY

120 Port Rd, Hindmarsh | 8340 4915 | newlocaleatery.com.au

Pack your bags and check your passport. New Local Eatery chef Daniel Blencowe will be the tour guide as you explore the world’s best food destinations – all without leaving this humble Hindmarsh eatery that tends to fly beneath the radar. Start in North Africa with Coorong mullet crudo, then head to Italy for gnocchi or the Caribbean for jerk chicken. In other hands this kind of culinary free-for-all might stretch the kitchen, but Blencowe’s flavours ring true, a reflection of his own passion for travel. Larger plates are $20 or $29, so have one of each to come in under budget. On Friday and Saturday nights a fixed menu price applies but this is also great value.

Cuisine: International

BYO: $15

Open: L Tue-Fri, D Wed-Sat

PIPI AT MIDDLETON

25 Goolwa Rd, Middleton | 8554 3921 | facebook.com/pipiatmiddleton

By clever design there are quite a few spots to sit amongst the trees at this coastal cafe. Right out the front are tables under palms where you can eat in the shade and watch the world go by. Inside, fresh decor offers tables and benches if you need to beat the elements, and the paved courtyard circles a large budding fig tree. Local produce is at the fore here, with ever-changing specials. It could be a deconstructed falafel salad with spiced chickpeas and crispy kale or a vegetarian laksa. Brunchy things are popular, too, as are cold-pressed juices and healthful smoothies.

Cuisine: Contemporary

BYO: No

Open: B & L Thu-Mon

DIRTY DORIS

6 Strathalbyn Rd, Aldgate | 8370 1189 | dirtydoris.com.au

Cheeseburger and fries for breakfast? Pancakes for dinner? Mealtimes are flipped at this retro American-style diner in the Adelaide Hills. It’s an all-day menu – those pancakes are incredibly popular and come loaded with everything from ice cream to fried chicken. There are also sandos (the turkey club is a hot pick), sardine soldiers and corned beef hash. Larger meals might include miso-spiked spaghetti carbonara or breakfast ramen. Just about everything, from the bagels and English muffins to the New York style cheesecake, is made in-house. With a serious cocktail menu, you know you’re in for a good time.

Cuisine: American

BYO: $20

Open: B & L Thu-Tue, D Fri

DELICATESSEN KITCHEN & BAR

12 Waymouth St, Adelaide | 8211 8871 | delicatessenbar.com.au

Dining at an understated bistro is one of the great pleasures of a sojourn to Paris. Delicatessen takes this and reintroduces it in a relaxed South Australian setting – and the result is magnifique. For lunch, a niçoise salad with smoked chicken or tuna is simplicity at its best, finished with a soft-poached egg and vinaigrette. Or try their twist on the Caesar, made with crispy duck leg. For something warmer there’s the French onion soup served with sourdough and French butter or a range of ‘hot sandwiches’, from the croque madame to a fantastic Rueben. A more elaborate restaurant menu is offered at dinnertime.

Cuisine: French

BYO: No

Open: L Mon-Fri, D Tue-Sat

PIZZALOLA

432 Goodwood Rd, Cumberland Park | 0487 133 965 | pizzalola.com.au

These days it can be hard to find a great dine-in pizza for $24 or less. If all you and your mate want is a couple of wood-fired pizzas and change from a $50, Pizzalola has you covered. There’s no compromising on technique or flavour – 36-hour proved dough is hand-stretched, scorched in a 400° Stefano Ferrara oven imported from Naples, before being topped with quality, contemporary ingredients. Try the Funguy – the name a playful twist on the Italian word for mushrooms, funghi. Pizzalola recently expanded into the next-door shop space, the casual retro vibe lots of fun and kid-friendly.

Cuisine: Pizza

BYO: $7

Open: D Wed-Sun

MY GRANDMA BEN

Plant 4, 5 Third St, Bowden | 0431 122 760 | mygrandmaben.com

From the housemade crumpets to stracciatella draped across fresh zucchini, green almonds and preserved mandarin, My Grandma Ben is one of the most understatedly delicious cafes in Adelaide. Housed within the Plant 4 shed at Bowden, it’s a casual space with sustainability at its core. Former MasterChef star Jessie Spiby wants to inspire people to reduce waste in the kitchen, and she does this not only through her inspired use of ingredients but also pickling workshops on site. There’s nothing over $24 on the current brunch and lunch menus. It’s plant forward, but you’ll also find roo bolognese and pan-fried Coorong mullet.

Cuisine: Contemporary

BYO: $15

Open: B & L Tue-Sun

KHANA KHAZANA

535 Portrush Rd, Glenunga | 8379 9994 | khanakhazanasa.com.au

A broad palette of flavours and textures peppers this Indian curry house’s menu. Kamal Rawat’s take on what can be an everyman entree of pakora is indicative of his creative kitchen juices, particularly spinachy and savoury in style. The chicken tikka is notably tender, a refreshing mint sauce packed with spearmint-like flavour contrast. While there are dozens of lamb, beef, goat and chicken curries in both northern and southern Indian styles, seafoods come mostly in southern sauces, a prawn malabari with a Goan approach typical. The lamb shank masala is excellent, too, its rich flavours soaking right through to the bone.

Cuisine: Indian

BYO: $12

Open: L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sun

HONKI TONKI

38 Hindley St, Adelaide | 0420 682 461 | honkitonki.com.au

Everything from the comic book-inspired fit-out to the food and staff is hip, jaunty and welcoming. This is a modern take on Asian fare, but the Hindley St diner doesn’t sacrifice taste for fun. Start by sharing some dumplings – the fried pork variety has a nice thin wrapper and perfectly crisp, golden bottom (they’re also available steamed). Do add a little chilli oil from the table and the accompanying ginger-sesame soy. Handmade noodles are the star of the soups, from laksa to wonton. They’re all generous and utterly slurpable. ‘Dry’ noodles include soba with braised pork belly and Asian greens with sticky soy.

Cuisine: Asian

BYO: No

Open: L Mon-Fri, D Sat-Sun

FRANCESCO’S OSTERIA

146 Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville | 8352 8845 | francescososteria.com

The gondolas might only be chalk drawings on the wall, but Francesco’s captures a true piece of Venice. What started as a festival pop-up serving snacks known as cicchetti has evolved into a fully fledged restaurant just west of the city. There is a homely, warm-hearted quality to dishes such as the vegetable lasagne, risotto primavera and anything served on a rib-sticking bed of polenta (sautéed mushrooms, perhaps, or salted cod). A separate menu is devoted to the vegan cooking for which the owners have a following. Look out also for a sister stall at Plant 4 in Bowden.

Cuisine: Italian

BYO: $15

Open: D Thu-Sat

PIRATE LIFE

18 Baker St, Port Adelaide | 8317 2111 | piratelife.com.au

A fire pit is at the heart of a new kitchen that’s taken the food offering at this bustling brewery to a whole new level. Local chef Rocky Oliveira puts the grill to good use in dishes like squid with yuzu kosho and lemon, or scotch fillet with native butter. Those who want to keep one hand on their pints might prefer the chicken katsu sando or a cheeseburger made with Mayura wagyu. With 24 beers on tap and a selection of wine and spirits, finding a drink won’t be a problem. Tables inside can be booked; those outdoors are for walk-ins.

Cuisine: Contemporary

BYO: No

Open: L D Mon-Sun

LUCIA’S PIZZA AND SPAGHETTI BAR

Adelaide Central Market, Gouger St, Adelaide | 8231 2303 | lucias.com.au

Local food legends don’t come bigger than this. Lucia’s has been feeding (and caffeinating) the stall holders and customers of the Central Market for more than 60 years. Opened by Lucia Rosella in 1957, it introduced Adelaideans to pizza which remains a staple on a menu that also encompasses pasta, steak, schnitzel and a terrific tuna and ricotta salad. Lucia’s daughters Nicci and Maria are still behind the counter, ensuring the coffee is strong and the regulars are properly cared for. A panini from the adjacent charcuterie bar, run by the family’s younger generation, is perfect for eating on the run.

Cuisine: Italian

BYO: $8.50

Open: L Tue-Sat, D Fri

ADDIS ABABA

462 Port Rd, West Hindmarsh | 0401 556 406 | addisababacafeandrestaurant.com.au

Licking fingers at a restaurant would usually be a faux pas. Not so at Addis Ababa. There’s no cutlery here – your hands are your utensils. The family-run Addis Ababa, named after Ethiopia’s sprawling capital, is a cultural gem. Fairy lights twinkle along the straw hut-like facade, and the theme continues inside. Food is simple. Choose from a range of vegetarian or meat-based stews, or a mixed plate, with prices from $16. It’s all served with injera – a spongy, unleavened flat bread to scoop with. A highlight is the Tibs – a tender beef and lamb stew, with just a hint of chilli.

Cuisine: Ethiopian

BYO: $10

Open: D Tue-Sun

WASAI

1/9-15 Field St, Adelaide | 8221 6606 | facebook.com/wasaijapanese

The thought of eating eel tends to divide a crowd. The “eww, it’s like a snake” brigade won’t go near it. Others seek out this rich, oily meat, particularly if it’s in the hands of a skilled chef like the owner of Wasai. Eel in a rice bowl or sushi is one of many good reasons to visit. The mixed tempura is excellent – seafood and vegetables encased in the most delicate of batters; sweeter sukiyaki or spicy jigoku beef and noodle hotpots are full of nourishment. For those that can stretch the budget, the sushi and sashimi boats are amazing.

Cuisine: Japanese

BYO: $15

Open: D Tue-Sat

ADELAIDE PHO

199 Waymouth St, Adelaide | 8212 0997 | facebook.com/adelaidepho

We might struggle to pronounce it, but that doesn’t stop Adelaideans ordering pho any day of the week. The menu here epitomises affordability. There are starters for less than $10 and mains under $20. Grab a group and make a night of it. Pho is the name of the game and there are 12 to choose from. Pho tai nam combines the best of two worlds, with thin slices of cooked and raw beef, which cooks in the steaming broth that’s been simmering for hours. Pimp your own dish by throwing on accompanying herbs, bean sprouts and a squeeze of lime.

Cuisine: Vietnamese

BYO: $10

Open: L & D Tue-Sun

VIETNAM

73 Addison Rd, Pennington | 8447 3395 | vietnamrestaurant.com.au

Cheeseburger spring rolls? Sriracha corn? Generational change is underway at this revered restaurant, and these additions to its menu are one of the signs of transition. Don’t panic. All dishes that have kept Vietnam full, night after night for 40 years, remain present and correct. You can still fill DIY cold rolls with sugarcane prawn and fresh herbs, or tear into quails slathered in a lemongrass and chilli paste that’ll have you putting aside cutlery and manners. Follow with the special seafood salad or pork ribs hot pot and witness the nuanced flavours that make Vietnam such a treasure.

Cuisine: Vietnamese

BYO: $17.90

Open: L Fri-Sat, D Tue-Sun

AFRICOLA CANTEEN

Shop 1/89 The Parade, Norwood | africolacanteen.com

It’s not a restaurant. It’s not quite a cafe. Think upmarket canteen with serious salad game. The 50-odd salads on rotation boast all the flavour with a little less fire of Duncan Welgemoed’s original Africola restaurant in Adelaide’s East End. Torn kale is tossed with a lip-smacking, garlicky tahini dressing and kimchi furikake for textural umami punch. Big chunks of charred roasted pumpkin are dolloped with tahini, zhoug, chilli honey and toasted pumpkin seeds. Non-salady things include a contemporary spin on meat loaf and the ‘canteen cup-o-soup’ – a jelly bone broth with edamame noodles, which costs just $10.

Cuisine: Contemporary

BYO: No

Open: L Mon-Sun

CHICCO PALMS

437 Henley Beach Rd, Brooklyn Park | 8352 5688 | chiccos.com.au

Dazzling splashes of white, sky blue and yellow, canvas awnings and framed prints of sand and surf channel the Italian/American vibes of 1950s Palm Springs. We may be just a short drive from Adelaide Airport, but Chicco Palms feels a world away. And it’s a real hoot – the kind of place you’ll want to head to with friends and family again and again. Pizzas are the real Neapolitan deal and reasonably priced, hovering around $25. A handful of pastas, like the cicatelli with pork sausage, and meat dishes round things off. Share one of each, or opt for a pizza and snacks.

Cuisine: Italian

BYO: $20

Open: L Tue-Sun, D Tue-Sat

THE FLYING FIG DELI

161 Jeffcott St, North Adelaide | 7226 1788 | theflyingfigdeli.com.au

In the kitchen, trays of bagels are ready to cook, before being filled with house-cured lox. Smoky pastrami, giant dill pickles, latke and schug (salsa verde with jalapeno, coriander and caraway seeds) are other items also made in-house. While many are content to smash avocados and flip burgers, The Flying Fig recreates the classic fare of New York’s Jewish delis, with no corners cut. Later, the menu expands to include a matzo ball soup that should cure most ills and a reuben sandwich that doesn’t muck around – corned beef, house-made cabbage and caraway sauerkraut and dressing, all on toasted rye.

Cuisine: Jewish

BYO: $10

Open: B & L Mon-Sun

STAR HOUSE

1/31-39 Gouger St, Adelaide | 8221 6303

Even by the standards of its Chinatown neighbours, the menu at Star House is so vast it defies comprehension. This exercise narrows it down significantly (no lobster, abalone or king crab) but still leaves plenty of choices. The yum cha is rated some of Adelaide’s best, with exemplary dumplings, pork buns and pastries, as well as more exotic items such as tripe and duck feet. At other times, build a shared feast of larger plates such as e-shan chicken hotpot, sizzling beef spare ribs and stir-fried kang kong with chilli and preserved bean curd. Leave room for an egg custard tart.

Cuisine: Chinese

BYO: $20

Open: L & D Mon-Sun

THE MIDDLE STORE

118 Winston Ave, Melrose Park | 8276 6000 | facebook.com/MiddleStore

There’s no shortage of generosity at this family-run cafe headed by former MasterChef contestant Rose Adam and her sister, Haefa. Here, traditional Lebanese flavours are given a fresh take. Mother Samira hand-makes the excellent falafel from scratch; fried to a deep golden brown. They’re matched only by the hummus, also made from scratch. Enjoy them in a bountiful salad or wrap, on a mezze plate or as a side. Za’atar topped man’ouche makes for the most delicious toasties; weekly specials might include a burger, Middle Eastern beans or perfectly poached eggs with beetroot hummus. Consistently tasty and served with love.

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

BYO: No

Open: B & L Mon-Sat

CUMBIA

Central Market, Grote St, Adelaide | 8221 6879 | cumbia.com.au

Is it the Latin beats or the pisco sours that have your hips swaying? This welcoming little restaurant/cafe brings the colour and energy of South and Central America to the cultural spectrum of the Central Market. While its first ties are to Colombia, Cumbia’s culinary reach spreads across the continent with options such as an excellent kingfish ceviche, empanadas, grilled corn bread known as arepas, roasted pork belly and seafood in a Peruvian chilli sauce. Cumbia’s tables spill out onto the street and a counter sends out a steady supply of paella for shoppers on the run.

Cuisine: South American

BYO: $15

Open: B & L Tue-Sat, D Fri-Sat

SUMAC

576-590 Goodwood Rd, Colonel Light Gardens | 8177 1458 | sumacmediterraneancuisine.com.au

Is this the right place? It smells like pizza. A woman behind the counter is manoeuvring a pizza paddle inside the oven and there are takeaway boxes piled up on the counter. But those puffed discs of dough are Lebanese man’oushe, with flavours ranging from traditional za’atar to sujuk and haloumi. Enjoy it on its own or with a share platter of meat, rice, salad, pickles and hummus. A highlight on the menu is the mansaf, a rice dish with tender marinated chicken, slivered almonds and sweet sultanas. Mix it around and throw on some tzatziki-style dip to freshen it up.

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

BYO: No

Open: L Sat-Sun, D Wed-Mon

94 WEST

227 Grange Rd, Findon | 8244 4492 | 94west.com.au

Suburban gems are often tucked down side streets, but such is not the case for 94 West cafe. The local favourite is front and centre of busy Grange Rd, so find a park and step inside the welcoming space, where regulars are remembered by name and coffee order. Food is fresh and seasonal. A Thai coconut chicken salad boasts all the zest and texture for which the cuisine is loved. Gnocchi with cavolo nero, dressed with thyme-spiked butter and finished with chevre is a heartier option. Brunch is great, too, the breakfast dahl an inspired addition to the usual smashed avocado.

Cuisine: Contemporary

BYO: No

Open: B L Mon-Sun

CAFE TROPPO

42 Whitmore Square, Adelaide | 8211 8812 | cafetroppoadelaide.com

This hip little cafe that spills out onto the kerb is a long-surviving oldie for good reason. The licenced space celebrates its local suppliers, hosts live music most Friday nights and oozes community vibe. The fit-out is earthy and rustic – warm tones extend to chunky high and low timber tables with comfy seating. It’s a hive of industry in the tiny kitchen space, fronted by a glass counter full of locally made treats. The day-long brunch menu caters for all, from a vegan brekkie with mushrooms and hemp-seed ‘feta’ to sardines on toast with preserved lemon gremolata.

Cuisine: Cafe

BYO: No

Open: B & L Tue-Sun

ALMINA

140 Prospect Rd, Prospect | 7226 0709 | alminas.com.au

Some of life’s tastiest foods ain’t that pretty. Take a falafel: it’s a bumpy, brown, hockey puck of a thing. But we love them. Middle Eastern cafe Al Mina has got around this by presenting foods like falafel and kibbeh on colourful plates. The understated diner is a little pocket of calm. Baklava and other syrup-soaked sweets fill an entire glass display on the counter – be sure to leave room. The kibbeh comes recommended. Made of bulghur wheat, they’re filled with nicely seasoned beef and lamb mince – really tasty when dipped in the accompanying lemony hommus, finished with olive oil and a sprinkling of paprika.

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

BYO: No

Open: L & D Mon-Sun

THE GOOD TIGER

15/525 Brighton Rd, Brighton | 0406 475 089 | thegoodtiger.com.au

On the prowl for Chinese steamed dumplings, a hot Thai curry or Mongolian lamb ribs? The Good Tiger has all the Asian essentials covered and, despite its unlikely location in a shopping centre car park, cooks most at a high level. Shallot cakes are elite and the tempura eggplant with Sichuan caramel is also very good. Jungle curries tend to be mellow rather than anything too wild, while the snow pea salad is light and summery with a gado gado-style peanut dressing. If you can afford them, the beef cheeks in black bean are also highly recommended.

Cuisine: Asian

BYO: $18

Open: L Wed-Fri & Sun, D Tue-Sun

SISEA

Stall 76, Central Market, Adelaide | 7230 1507 | sisea.me

This addition to the aisles of the Central Market really likes to flex its mussels. The shellfish play a starring role on a short menu crammed with local seafood and a strong Spanish accent in its tapas and bocadillos. Grab a stool and choose between mussels in a Thai-style coconut broth with Spanish tomato and peppers; or prawns, pipis and fish in a Mediterranean seafood soup. The sizzling garlic prawns and crumbed mullet and chips also come recommended, especially while sipping a glass of riesling. It’s like experiencing a little slice of Barcelona market life without the need for a passport.

Cuisine: Seafood

BYO: No

Open: L Tue-Sat, D Fri

SAZON

1/24 Gawler St, Mount Barker | 8391 4641 | barker.sazon.com.au

We’re outdoors, under the dappled shade of a pretty street tree. Inside, there are well-spaced tables with a backdrop of rustic Mexican influences in colours and wall art. It’s a friendly feeling, all round. Enjoyable differences to the usual cafe fare stretch across the all-day breakfast and lunch. Chunks of crispy-edged chorizo add super flavour to huevos rancheros. Soft scrambled eggs are accompanied by fresh pico de gallo (Mexican salsa) and loaded upon two tortillas. At lunch, there’s burrito bowls, the famous Cubano sandwich, a ‘hamburguesa’ with jalapeno, a haloumi and hominy salad or tacos and quesadillas.

Cuisine: Mexican

BYO: No

Open: B & L Mon-Sun

LITTLE CANTON

173 Henley Beach Rd, Mile End | 8354 2886 | littlecanton.com.au

Little Canton is a favourite among those in the know, offering the quality of Chinatown’s finest practitioners without the hassle of going into the city. Weekend yum cha sessions are wildly popular, with laden trolleys rolling between white-clothed tables to dispense a vast array of steamed and fried morsels. The dumplings are particularly good (try the chive version), and the pork buns and chicken feet with black bean also come recommended. At other times, you will find all your Chinese regulars at more than reasonable prices, with the crispy-skinned chicken and braised beef brisket among the specialties.

Cuisine: Chinese

BYO: $18

Open: L & D Mon-Sun

LA POPULAR TAQUERIA

226 St Vincent St, Port Adelaide | 0466 105 004 | lapopulartaqueria.com.au

The name refers to the precinct of Mexico City where owner Daniella Guevara Munoz grew up, but could equally refer to the standing of this little charmer in the Port Adelaide community. The welcome is genuine, the frivolity contagious and the food prepared with pride and attention to detail. Tacos, of course, are the main game. Warm, hand-pressed tortillas come to the table wrapped in cloth. Each filling – the pork roasted slowly in banana leaves is hard to beat – comes with the appropriate pickles, salsa and other accompaniments. Add guacamole, soup or a variety of sides to build a more substantial meal.

Cuisine: Mexican

BYO: $15

Open: D Thu-Sat

BREAD & BONE

15 Peel St, Adelaide | 8231 8535 | breadandbone.com.au

Burgers and fries don’t get much better than this, particularly when accompanied by the smart drinks and service that is the calling card of everything entrepreneur Simon Kardachi touches. The first thing you notice when entering Bread & Bone is the enticing waft of meat grilling over a wood fire, an impression that carries through to the first bite of your beef pattie. Other burger options include battered fish or fried chicken, while those prepared to spend a few dollars more can opt for larger grilled proteins, including squid and peri-peri chicken. Aficionados also rate the onion rings highly.

Cuisine: Burgers

BYO: No

Open: L & D Mon-Sun

BOTTEGA BANDITO

1/96 Prospect Rd, Prospect | bottegabandito.com

A candy-apple red meat slicer in the corner sets the scene for lunch at Bottega Bandito, the next-door delicatessen of restaurant Anchovy Bandit. Sandwiches are serious business here. That shiny machine is used to create delicate slices of Italian cured meats – think mortadella and sopressa – which often make unlikely companions with flavours from afar. That sopressa, for example, is paired with fermented and pickled chilli, as well as the more familiar fior di latte, tomato and basil. Fried eggplant, meanwhile, is layered with tomato kasundi, cabbage and curry. Pair with a side or opt for the $25 sandwich-and-wine (or beer) lunch deal.

Cuisine: Deli

BYO: No

Open: B & L Mon-Sun

REGENT THAI

165 O’Connell St, North Adelaide | 8239 0927 | regentthai.com.au

A standout among Adelaide’s affordable Thai restaurants, this North Adelaide stalwart has an authentic edge to its cooking so often missing in others. This can be traced back to owner/chef Sanom Nglamai, who learnt her craft from her mother and grandmother while growing up north of Bangkok. She and husband Thao Te opened on O’Connell St more than 20 years ago, building a reputation for curries that aren’t afraid of heat and sourness, keeping the coconut sweetness in proper balance. The red curry of house-roasted duck is a stunner, as are many of the items included on a specials list.

Cuisine: Thai

BYO: $15

Open: L Wed-Fri, D Mon-Sun

POLK

114 Partridge St, Glenelg South | 0433 504 114 | 114polk.com.au

An Insta-friendly candy pink and green wrapping is the first thing you’ll notice about this little surprise package. But Polk has much more going for it than its design. Tucked away in a group of local shops, not far from the beach, this is the more adventurous sibling of the Thai-focused Sabai, across the road. The food here cuts a broad swathe through Southeast Asia, China and beyond, with convincing renditions of everything from dumplings and sashimi to a fish curry and Singaporean chilli quail. A kangaroo tataki with pickled grapes and saltbush would be at home in many mod-Oz eateries.

Cuisine: Asian

BYO: $15

Open: L Sat-Sun, D Tue-Sat

PIZZATECA

319 Chalk Hill Rd, McLaren Vale | 8323 9762 | pizza-teca.com

Life’s a party at Pizzateca and everyone’s invited. You’re just as likely to spot a big famiglia celebrating over pizzas as you are a busload of hip young things ready to line their stomachs for an afternoon of wine-tasting. Here, the Mitolo family and friends sling Neapolitan-style dough all day, blistered in a 400° Stefano Ferrara oven. It’s hard to go past the traditional margherita with housemade sugo. Or share something like the Diablo, finished with salami, chilli honey and flakes, plus a half dozen arrosticini, and still get change from a $50. Other share-style plates include arancini, burrata and antipasti.

Cuisine: Pizza

BYO: $20

Open: L Sun-Thu, D Fri-Sat

BLACK DOG GALLERY

4/455 Greenhill Rd, Tusmore | 8333 3530 | facebook.com/blackdoggallerycafe

Whether you’re a lover of ramen or want an introduction to Japanese food, this is the place to go. No sushi here, but instead what owner/chef Jun Abe describes as “grandma food”. Items like yaki onigiri (rice balls), and tofu with spicy salad come in at under $10. Ramen is the star of the show, and a choice of soup bases and toppings make it a DIY adventure. The syo-yu, cooked for about nine hours, is a soothing medley of soy, sesame and pork – the spicy negi (like spring onion) and kimchi bring heat. Slurp up those noodles if you’ve acquired the skill.

Cuisine: Japanese

BYO: $12

Open: L & D Tue-Sat

MASA

Plant 3 Bowden, Fourth St, Bowden | bowdenbrewing.com/masa

No, these tacos might not be the cheapest going around, but given the time and care put into them by the Masa team, they are something of a bargain. For a start, the tortillas are made from dried corn kernels that are steamed and then ground on a purpose-built stone. Load them with fillings such as a tangy lamb shank barbacoa with mint, cucumber and chipotle and you have something quite special. Same goes for the Spencer Gulf prawn tostada (extra points for eating the head) and nachos variations featuring a cheese sauce made with beer produced on-site by Masa’s landlord, Bowden Brewing.

Cuisine: Mexican

BYO: No

Open: L Fri-Sun, D Tue-Sun

ANTHONY’S CUCINA + PIZZERIA

683 Lower North East Road, Paradise | 8337 6028 | facebook.com/anthonyscucinapizzeria

Yes, it’s all about flavour, but service counts. A lot. As do first impressions. Sixty seconds into a night at Anthony’s and boxes are ticked. The jolly Anthony greets us, seats us and takes our drinks order as we’re pulling out our chairs. Within minutes, water and beers arrive. An institution for Italians northeast of Adelaide, it’s best to book ahead for a table. The place gets busy, and noisy, fast, yet every table gets the same social-butterfly treatment. Food-wise, expect homely Italian favourites, starting with arancini and meatballs, to pizzas and pastas. You can also opt for a steak or fish stew.

Cuisine: Italian

BYO: $15, spirits only

Open: L & D Tue-Sun

LE SOUK

Adelaide Central Market, 44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide | 0455 290 325 | lesouk.com.au

Each visit starts with the same ritual: a date is selected from a bowl with a pair of tongs, then proffered as welcome. Le Souk claims to be the only place to twice-steam its couscous, using no oil, and flavours it with house-made spices. The result is a clump-free, fluffy bowl that’s topped generously with your choice of protein or veg. Recommended is the lamb, fall-apart tender after being cooked for six hours in a ras el hanout spice mix. For little more than $20 it’s great value. There’s also an all-day breakfast menu (the chakchouka is great), plus lighter lunches and salads.

Cuisine: Algerian

BYO: No

Open: B & L Tue-Sat, D Fri

LAWASH BAKERY

115 South Rd, Thebarton | 8354 0707 | lawashbakery.com.au

Truth be told, Lawash Bakery looks like a chicken shop. Peer over the counter to witness the magic. Spears of meat are sizzling over glowing coals. Out the back, rounds of dough are being slapped onto the walls of tandoor ovens where they’ll become puffed and golden. Those breads are worth the visit alone. For the main game, a mixed kebab plate combines chicken, lamb and kufta (meatballs), pulled off the spears and placed in that bread. Pile on the accompanying salady bits and wrap that baby up. You’ll also find bolani (stuffed flatbread) and mantu (dumplings) which are great for sharing.

Cuisine: Afghan

BYO: No

Open: L & D Mon-Sun

BALLABOOSTA

289 Halifax St, Adelaide | 8232 1853 | ballaboosta.com.au

The glow of a wood oven is at the heart of the Ballaboosta experience, providing a focal point in its narrow dining space and touching almost everything you will eat. Watch as the pitas puff and pizzas emerge charred and bubbling. While it would be easy to feast from a selection of mezze – make sure to include the pastries known as sambousik – or order pizza, consider the home-style specialties from ‘Betty’s Kitchen’. A tribute to the family matriarch, this section is filled with dishes such as slow-baked cabbage rolls filled with fragrant lamb and rice stuffing. Ballaboosta now also has a larger sibling at Burnside.

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

BYO: $20

Open: L Mon-Sun, D Mon, Thu-Sat

TWO-BIT VILLAINS

Level One, Adelaide Arcade, Adelaide | 8232 1302 | twobitvillains.com.au

Hip young things are sharing loaded fries, older folk are tucking into pies and a steady stream of burgers and dogs is coming out of the kitchen. Sounds like your ordinary burger bar, only there’s no beef. Or chicken. Or sausages. Two-Bit Villains is entirely vego, with plenty of options for vegan and gluten-free diners, too. Burgers are the name of the game, from the signature falafel patty to the buttermilk fried ‘chicken’ (made with soy). But you’ll also find hot dogs and tasty sides. Most items are under $15, so you’ll have plenty of change to wash it down with an excellent handmade soda.

Cuisine: Vegetarian

BYO: No

Open: L Tue-Sun, D Wed-Sat

KHANG’S NOODLES

10 Arndale St, Kilkenny | 8244 6694 | facebook.com/khangsnoodles

Nestled behind Arndale’s cinema complex, Khang’s Noodles plays host to some of Adelaide’s finest pho. Its grilled pork is one of the best noodle dishes you’ll find in the area. A generous pile of egg noodles is bowled up with spring onion, nuts and greenery, which play host to a mound of deliciously sticky and sweet grilled pork. Served alongside another bowl of Khang’s signature broth, you can pour it over the noodles or simply dip each mouthful. Combine with fresh chilli and a dob of hoi sin, and it will change the way you eat noodles for good.

Cuisine: Vietnamese

BYO: No

Open: L & D Mon-Sun

MARINO ROCKS SOCIAL

1 Marine Parade, Marino | 8377 2642 | marinorockssocial.com.au

This community-owned seafront cafe, bar and restaurant is one of the feel-good stories of Adelaide hospitality and the positive spirit is noticeable the moment you walk in and chat with the staff, a mix of professionals and volunteers. They will guide you through a menu covering breakfast, lunch and dinner, the more substantial offerings including a marinara pasta with flathead, prawns and other seafood, as well as a generous serve of fish and chips featuring the best of the local catch. The drinks list has plenty of options for sipping as you gaze across a coastal scene that is ravishing, particularly as the sun sets. No wonder the locals didn’t want to let developers get their hands on it.

Cuisine: Contemporary

BYO: $20

Open: L Wed-Sun, D Fri-Sat