More restaurants and cafes opened in SA than anywhere in Australia at the end of 2024, ABS data shows

After a challenging few years that has led to several hospitality closures, a new measure shows South Australia’s dining scene is leading the country.

• SA’s top 14 restaurants named

More restaurants and cafes opened in South Australia than anywhere else in the country in the last months of 2024, new data shows.

Quarterly data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed 141 new ventures opened between September and November – representing 28 per cent of new restaurants and cafes Australia-wide for that period.

The number of openings in South Australia was 5.1 per cent higher at the end of the 2024 financial year than it was at the start.

Across the board, 2400 new businesses opened in South Australia during those three months.

Josh Baker at Sofia Bistro on Hutt St. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Hospitality identity Josh Baker opened Sofia Bistro on Hutt St in June 2024, and said the move has paid off.

“Hutt St has got a really nice feeling to it, there are so many good operators in the area and we just wanted to add to it,” he said.

“It was a property play as well, so it was the perfect opportunity for us.”

Mr Baker, who also owns Part Time Lover in the CBD, said the community has embraced the new business.

“This has been the first year that the industry has properly recovered from Covid … it’s a really healthy time for hospitality, especially with all the amazing food and wine our state has to offer,” he said.

“It’s quite fruitful out there.”

Small Business Minister Andrea Michaels said the growth within the industry was a good sign for the state economy.

“We know that the pandemic was particularly challenging for the hospitality sector and so we have worked closely with them to support their recovery,” she said.

Originally published as More restaurants and cafes opened in SA than anywhere in Australia at the end of 2024, ABS data shows