Gather at Coriole, Star of Greece among 15 of the best restaurants south of Adelaide
When it comes to cuisine, Adelaide’s south has plenty to offer any type of food-lover. We’ve picked out 15 of the region’s best restaurants from McLaren Vale to Willunga and Sellicks Hill to Noarlunga.
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It is home to one of the best wine regions in the country (and possibly the world) but it isn’t just drinks that Adelaide’s south has to offer.
Whether it’s fine dining or a classic pub meal, there’s a meal to impressive any foodie from McLaren Vale to Willunga and Sellicks Hill to Noarlunga.
We’ve narrowed it down to the top 15 restaurants in the region so scroll down to see the list.
If your favourite isn’t featured, leave a comment telling us your pick and why they’re one of the best in the south.
Gather at Coriole
With multiple-course tastings and an ethos centred around bringing people together through the joy of local, seasonal and sustainable produce, Gather at Coriole brings a whole new dimension to winery dining.
Who can say no to house-grown produce paired with local meat and seafoods and a glass of Coriole’s best drop?
Must try: Seven course tasting menu
Pearl
In the midst of pandemic, Aldinga Beach’s Pearl has made it their mission to take customers’ tastebuds on trip around the globe with Friday Night Fish.
The weekly set seafood menu focuses on sustainably sourced seafood and local produce all in a stunning setting overlooking the beach.
For a more casual meal, treat yourself to mussels or fresh Spencer Gulf garfish from the takeaway menu.
Must try: Crispy school prawns tossed in tapioca, seasoned with housemade saltbush and nori salt, lemon, rocket and aioli dipping sauce
Star of Greece
Known for its stunning panoramic views of Port Willunga, Star of Greece’s location would be enough to earn it a spot on the list.
But with a fine-dining menu this impressive, the view is just an added bonus.
If high end isn’t your thing, this southern icon has fish and chips to die for at its connected kiosk.
Must try: Kangaroo Island Szechaun pepper squid with a kimchi, cucumber, peanut and green mango salad with chilli sauce.
Victory Hotel
It may have been voted SA’s best pub but the Victory Hotel isn’t your everyday watering hole.
The landmark hotel’s menu features the classic pub fare alongside roasted duck breast and smoked Nomad chicken.
Food aside, Doug Govan’s specially curated wine list alone is enough to warrant a visit Sellicks Hill.
Must try: King Henry pork cutlet with parsnip gratin, fennel puree, green beans, caramelised pear and jus
The Coterie Wine Bar & Kitchen
Woodstock Coterie’s Wine Bar & Kitchen may be taking a more casual approach to winery dining but it isn’t holding back.
Classic nibbles and grazing platters sound impressive however it is the flammekueche which sets the menu apart.
The traditional crispy, light and delicious pizza base comes from the French German border and is the perfect accompaniment for wines – especially at Woodstock.
Must try: Dessert flammekueche – sour cream base, apple, cinnamon, honey, crushed walnuts
woodstockwine.com.au/winebarandkitchen
Salopian Inn
The Salopian’s worldly menu is described as an eclectic edible story of co-owner and head chef Karena Armstrong’s culinary journey.
It features homegrown organic fruit, vegetable and herbs and only the best pasture-fed, locally sourced beef and lamb, free range poultry and pork as well as Australian caught seafood.
Must try: Wild Coorong Mullet with roasted cauliflower, cauliflower puree, pickled raisins and kefir butter.
Maxwell Wines Restaurant
Serving up degustations, cellar door tasting flights and even the occasional test kitchen, you never know what you’ll get at Maxwell Wines Restaurant.
Chef Fabian Lehmann’s dishes are known not only for their Instagram worthiness but for the elite, modern European approach which is set to impress.
Must try: Degustation menu
maxwellwines.com.au/restaurant
The Currant Shed
It may be a “shed” but this McLaren Flat eatery is no basic operation.
Menu items appear only as a list of components leaving it up to you to imagine the culinary wonders that await.
The team of chefs take great pride in creating edgy and eclectic seasonal menus that feature the best produce the Fleurieu and the shed’s own garden have to offer.
Must try: Six course chef’s selection
Ekhidna Wines Restaurant
Set among the vines, the Ekhidna Wines Restaurant compliments stunning local produce with the best imported international ingredients.
Choose your own two course or indulge in the six course LUFY (Let us feed you) Chefs selection for a truly remarkable McLaren Vale dining experience.
Must try: Foraged forest mushrooms, house-made Dutch cream potato gnocchi, thyme, parmesan, crispy prosciutto, and truffle
ekhidnawines.com.au/mclaren-vale-restaurant
d’Arry’s Verandah
Situated in a restored 19th century homestead, d’Arry’s Verandah isn’t overshadowed by the d’Arenberg cube next door and neither is its impressive menu.
Whether you settle in for just two courses or indulge in the full degustation, d’Arry’s is the perfect spot for a luxurious long lunch.
Must try: Bruleed Gorgonzola pudding with pear, radicchio, walnut salad and Peter’s vino cotto
darenberg.com.au/darrys-verandah-restaurant
Pizzateca
It is the main attraction but it is not just pizza that this popular McLaren Vale spot excels at.
With Adelaide Hills lamb skewers, housemade arancini and Nonna’s tiramisu on offer, even the non-pizza lovers rate Pizzateca as one of the best spots in the region.
Must try: Bianco pizza – portabello mushrooms, fior di latte, garlic, basil, parmigiano/reggiano, cracked black pepper and truffle oil
Shingleback Kitchen
Starting with a visit to the Tasting Room, Shingleback’s four course chef’s table is an experience to remember.
Guests sit at a shared table in the kitchen as a beautiful menu (courtesy of Chef Horst) of seasonal and locally sourced fish, meat, salad and vegetables is presented course by course.
Must try: Four course chef’s table with Shingleback wines
Little Wolf Osteria
A menu embracing tradition and much loved flavours of the Italian kitchen but executed with striking modern flavours earns Mitolo Wines Little Wolf Osteria its spot on the list.
Chef Vincenzo La Montagna takes inspiration from his childhood memories of the family table for his impressive menu.
Must try: Spaghettini corte d’Assise blue swimmer crab, fresh herbs, chilli and bottarga.
Hortas
This award-winning seafood restaurants brings the rich flavours of Portugal to the Port Noarlunga coast.
And with its beachfront balcony, Hortas is the perfect spot for a shared meal of Portuguese tapas or succulent seafood.
Must try: Chorizo com peperonata – grilled Spanish sausage with roasted peppers and onion.
Victor’s Place
Set among the rolling hills of the Onkaparinga Gorge, Victor’s Place is the home to award-winning Varney Wines.
Its sophisticated dishes featuring exceptional Fleurieu Peninsula produce are the perfect pairing to Varney Wines and Victor’s Place beers.
Must try: Fleurieu yoghurt parfait sandwich, macadamia biscuit and native peach jam
Tell us what you think. Are there other deserving restaurants that should make the cut? Let us know in the comments.