Food and Wine News in Adelaide You Need to Know About

South Australia may be home to excellent beaches, stunning National Parks and charming country towns, but we know the food and drink draws a crowd. From premium establishments and cosy bars to wineries throughout the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Clare, there is no shortage of hospo hotspots.

In a cut-throat industry that can see businesses flourish or fail in a flash, the best eateries and bars in South Australia constantly bring their A-game, making headlines for new openings, rebrands, awards and recognition of excellence.

Because we know it can be hard to keep up, we're rounding up the food and drink news in Adelaide you need to know about. 

South Australian Venues Win Big in Wine List Awards

The annual Australian Wine List of the Year Awards took place in NSW this September, and while a South Australian venue didn't take home the gold medal (that went to Melbourne's Gimlet at Cavendish House), a few venues did receive recognition for their expertly curated drinks menus.

The Best Wine List in South Australia went to the Salopian Inn, while Restaurant Botanic took home the Best Food & Wine Matching List and Best Nob-Alcoholic List. The Crafers Hotel took home the top spot for Best Pub Restaurant Wine List. So, next time you're looking for a stellar selection of wines to go with your meal - you know where to go.

Adelaide Hills Wine Wins Best Wine in Show at ICCWS

For the third consecutive year, wines from the Adelaide Hills have claimed the prestigious ‘Best Wine in Show’ title at the International Cool Climate Wine Show (ICCWS) in Melbourne. Sidewood Estate’s 2023 Mappinga Chardonnay took home the top honour in 2024, following in the footsteps of Wicks Estate’s 2022 Pinot Noir and Sidewood’s Chloe Cuvee 2015 Chardonnay Pinot Noir, making it a Hat Trick for the Adelaide Hills. 

Sidewood Estate's Chardonnay also won ‘Best White Wine in Show’ and ‘Best Australian Wine,’ while Vinteloper’s 2023 Pinot Noir was named ‘Best Red Wine in Show.’ This consistent success highlights Adelaide Hills' emergence as a world-class cool-climate wine region and solidifies the region's reputation for excellence. 

Check out the winners list here.

Banana Boogie Bakery On a (Sausage) Roll

Another highlight for the Adelaide Hills, the long-standing Banana Boogie Bakery has picked up a string of awards at this year's South Australian Baking Show. Well-loved for their slices and savoury bites, this is the second year in a row that the talented bakers have taken home first place for Best Sausage Roll. Also gaining a win was their steak pie, chocolate donuts and light rye bread.

To make things even sweeter, in August in Merbein Victoria, the bakery finally won first place for best traditional and innovative vanilla slice in Australia at the Vanilla Slice Triumph Awards - an award many thought they had already achieved!

The bakery now finds itself on many a must-visit list following its brilliant achievements, so be prepared to wait a while next time you make the trip to Belair for an award-winning pastry.

Shop 4, 10 Main Road, Belair

Shop 5, 44/50 Hawson Avenue, North Plympton

Vinteloper

Turning tragedy into triumph, Vinteloper has transformed its 1920s farmhouse into a stunning new cellar door and tasting room after it was destroyed in the 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfire. Near Lobethal, the latest, architecturally-designed space (by Detail Studio and Melbourne's Studio Beal) blends modern design with the site's history, featuring the charred beams and original red bricks that survived the fire.

With a strong ethos of sustainability, solar power, EV charging and rainwater harvesting are integrated into the build, however, the biggest drawcard may be the immersive experience - perfect for wine lovers in a stunning space that feels homely and inviting.

Now open.

589 Cudlee Creek Road, Lobethal

Ambleside Distillers Launches Wild Safari Gin

South Australia's largest independently owned distillery, Ambleside Distillers, has launched its latest batch - a Wild Safari Gin - with 15% of proceeds supporting global conservation projects. 

Continuing their partnership with Zoos SA, this gin blends favourite Kifaru and Kiboko gins, with refreshing notes of toffee apple, lemon verbena and native herbs. Perfect for a sundowner (a traditional African safari experience), purchasing a bottle supports local conservation and anti-poaching efforts in South Africa. Here's to a drink that tastes good, and does good, too!

Wild Safari Gin is $89 per bottle, purchase online here.

Corner of Ambleside Road & Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf

The Lodge

There's something so tranquil about enjoying a meal surrounded by lush greenery and foliage, and you can now do just that at The Lodge, which has recently opened its doors in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

A laidback sibling to the award-winning Restaurant Botanic, you can expect to find a venue that is proud of its offering, from a seasonally changing menu that reflects the bounty of the surrounding gardens, to hand-crafted plates and a serene ambience.

Open 7 days a week, stop in for coffee and sweet treats or dine a little longer with lunch served from 11.30 am.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide

Daisy Sweetie Cafe

Sometimes finding a late-night dessert spot in Adelaide can be more trouble than it's worth, but now, Daisy Sweetie Cafe is answering our sweet prayers! The newest cafe to enter the scene in Bowden, expect to find Vietnamese-inspired desserts such as boba milk tea cake, coffee flan and moffles.

The sweets are filled with flavour and texture, and the savoury menu covers vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements, so gather the girls and head to Bowden for a laidback and delicious feed.

49C Torrens Road, Bowden 

Station Road 

Adelaide's Festival Plaza will gain a chic new dining destination this November in the form of Station Road. In a prime location on the ground floor of Festival Tower by Walker, this central city spot is set to elevate Adelaide's already booming restaurant offering, with a French-inspired, modern Australian menu.

Led by Head Chef Baine Stubbs (who has worked in Melbourne's Vue de Monde) who will bring a refined yet unpretentious menu, expect a world-class wine list, lobster cannelloni and wagyu 9+ eye fillet. With venue design by Studio Nine Architects, this exquisite space will be complete with a marble bar, intimate wine room and alfresco seating. 

From casual walk-ins to private events, Station Road promises an unparalleled experience and premium service in the heart of Adelaide.

Opening November, 2024

Festival Plaza, Adelaide

Hey MooMoo's

Following successful starts to sister venues Hey Juj in McLaren Vale and Hey Zozo's in Henley Beach, best mates Elliott Brown and Mitchell Ward have set up shop again with a coffee shop in the family-friendly suburb of Aberfoyle Park.

Hey MooMoo's follows the footsteps of Juj and Zozo's, providing top-notch takeaway coffee, delicious pastries, fruit salads and cold-pressed juices from creative and modern digs. This welcome addition is already gaining traction among Aberfoyle locals looking for the next caffeine hit, perfect for a stop-in on the way to work or during a lunch break.

To make the news even better, Mitchell and Elliott have taken the search for the golden cup of coffee into their own hands, crafting a blend of quality coffee beans imported from Brazil and roasted in Panorama.

Hey Beans was developed after the team struggled to find great coffee in Adelaide and the blend has received rave reviews from regulars. You can try it for yourself at any of the Hey venues in Adelaide, or even take home a 500g or 1kg bag to create your perfect brew at home. 

5 Canberra Drive, Aberfoyle Park

Roma Adelaide

A modern Italian eatery and deli has opened in Adelaide's CBD, and the hype is hard to ignore. Roma Adelaide is the new venue taking over Eleven Restaurant (which closed its doors on August 3rd this year), breathing new life and Italian flare to the city location.

The rebrand from Sprout Food Group introduces a more casual atmosphere where customers become friends and a Rome-inspired alfresco becomes the perfect spot for mates, colleagues and family to unwind over great food, with all-day dining from Monday to Saturday.

Now open from Tuesday - Saturday

11 Waymouth Street, Adelaide

Homeboy

It's not every day that a humble cafe in the Adelaide Hills can claim over 300k followers on Instagram, but that's exactly the case for Homeboy, a coffee shop originally opened in Hahndorf in 2023. While the Hahndorf Homeboy was only temporary, owner Tom Oswald has found a permanent residence on Adelaide's North Terrace and is set to open in October 2024.

Finding fame on TikTok through a series of day-in-the-life and behind-the-scenes style videos documenting the struggles and realities of owning a cafe, Homeboy is now known for its simplicity; great coffee, fun banter, tasty sandos and good vibes.

Within proximity to Adelaide's universities and student housing, Tom is hopeful he can create a small, welcoming community in this new location. If he continues to show his authenticity and charismatic nature, we have a feeling his dreams will quickly become a reality!

Opening late October 2024

266-269 North Terrace Adelaide

Sea to Shore Long Lunch

A first-time seafood extravaganza is coming to Glenelg in October! As part of the weekend festivities celebrating the annual Sea to Shore Festival, guests are invited to join the Sea to Shore Long Lunch, where you will be dining on a 63 m-long table, set up on the iconic Glenelg Jetty.

Not only will the sound of the waves crashing beneath you, and the sun shining above set the scene for a lunch like no other, but with celebrated chefs Laura Sharrad, Shannon Fleming and Max Sharrad whipping up mouthwatering dishes with premium South Australian seafood - this is set to be something special. After lunch, head to the foreshore for live entertainment and more seafood delights.

Saturday, 26th of October, 12 pm - 4 pm

Tickets $220, book your spot here.

Glenelg Jetty, Glenelg

Cheesefest 2024

Calling all cheese lovers! Returning to Rundle Park this month, the annual Cheesefest promises to be bigger, better, and cheesier than ever. Held over a weekend, the timetable of masterclasses, tastings, demonstrations and activations is full and fabulous.

From tastings of all varieties including French raclette cheese, wine and cheese pairing masterclasses and free cooking demonstrations from Callum Hann and Themis Chryssidis from Sprout and Matt Preston showing you how to make one cheese four ways - prepare for a cheese overload. Live music, sunshine, wine and cheese... we'll meet you there.

October 19th - 20th, 2024

Tickets from $24, purchase here.

Rundle Park, Adelaide

Sparkling Spring 2024

Fun, fabulous and dazzling events are coming to the Adelaide Hills with the return of Sparkling Spring. Originally held in October, this year's offerings have been pushed back to November for more fun in the sun.

From the 15th to the 17th of November, 18 participating wineries and cellar doors in the region will open their doors for stylish garden parties, picnics, long lunches, masterclasses, tastings and dancing. Sip on the Hills' best sparkling wines under the sun, and enjoy local produce, high tea bites and even chocolate tastings. If you're looking for a brilliant weekend activity - this is it. 

 November 15th - 17th 2024

Ticketed events, book your event here.

Adelaide Hills, Adelaide

Bottomless Lunch Launches at Paper Tiger

Adelaide's favourite Southeast Asian Fusion hotspot has officially launched its new offering - bottomless lunch! Paper Tiger is hosting two bottomless sessions every Saturday, where customers can enjoy a three-course menu featuring prawn toast, DIY pork belly bao, laksa dumplings and coconut mango mousse.

To make the deal even juicier, your two-hour sitting includes free-flowing sparkling prosecco, Paper Tiger Spritz and wines from Alpha Box & Dice, we'll cheers to that.

Every Saturday, 12.30 pm & 2.30 pm sittings

285 Rundle Street, Adelaide

Culinary Excursion at SkyCity

Have you heard the news? A flavour-packed foodie journey takes place every Thursday evening at Adelaide's SkyCity - and you're invited! Running until mid-December, this four-course progressive dinner takes diners through four premium participating restaurants in the complex, complete with drink pairings.

While the menu is subject to change, expect your experience to begin with champagne and small, fresh fusion bites at Madame Hanoi followed by rustic entrees inspired by modern Australian dining at The Kitchen. For mains, it's all about pizza and pasta at iTL, and your evening will come to a dazzling finish with dessert and city views at Sol Rooftop. 

We recommend booking ahead for this in-demand event. Oh, and wear your stretchy pants!

Running until mid-December. Book your ticket here.

SkyCity, North Terrace, Adelaide

Now that you're across the most important food and wine news in Adelaide, it's time to start seeing what the hype is about! Start with our guide to the best fine-dining restaurants, followed by the best wineries to sip and swill your way through.