Some of the best restaurants in South Australia stand out for their unique use of regional ingredients sourced from local farmers, vineyards and producers. Whether you’re taking a day trip from Adelaide or spending time exploring the state, enjoy some of the region’s most sought-after wines and produce at some of the best restaurants in South Australia boasting everything from chic, relaxed wineries to stellar Australian fare with stunning views.
It should be no surprise that wine is a highlight at many of these gems, with some restaurants also operating as boutique shops so you can take home your favourite bottle. If beer is more to your taste, there’s a fun local brewery in Melrose that always has something tasty to try. Have a relaxed meal on the coast out in Wallaroo, or enjoy Italian delights in Broadview. The Adelaide Hills are home to a charming paddock-to-plate community farm restaurant and an unforgettable fine-dining experience in an elegant estate.
Hosting locals and out-of-towners, read on for the best restaurants in South Australia serving regional produce and secure your table on OpenTable today.
The best restaurants in South Australia for local produce and stellar wines – read on for a guide
For one of the best wine-tasting experiences in South Australia – visit Down the Rabbit Hole Wines in McLaren Vale
Climb aboard Down Down the Rabbit Hole’s tasting bus and enjoy a guided experience. Alternatively, grab a table outside and order cheese boards, Sicilian-style pizzas or crispy arancini balls off the casual à-la-carte menu. With Tempranillo, Sangiovese Cabernet, Grenache and more, enjoy your favourite or try something new. For a more substantial meal, try the organic feed me lunch menu. Settle in and spend a leisurely two hours relaxing over dishes and glasses of wine. On Friday nights in winter, Down The Rabbit Hole hosts a special Nonna’s Table experience. Enjoy a traditional Italian dinner that will make you feel right at home with comforting pasta and rich desserts.
Discover more restaurants in South Australia
For one of the best regional restaurants in Australia – head to Bec Hardy Wines in McLaren Vale
For generations, the Hardy family has been making the best of McLaren Vale’s wine-growing conditions. With Bec Hardy Wines, Bec Hardy is continuing the tradition bringing her own modern take to the winemaking process. Book a table in The Kitchen, awarded Two Hats from the Australian Good Food Guide in 2024, and enjoy dishes designed to complement the wines. The restaurant creates dishes with local produce (some from the winery’s Tipsy Hill Estate) and sorts them into two menus: The Short Story and The Long Story. Alternatively, try one of the grazing platters like the regional platter, which includes flavour-packed chorizo, pastrami and smooth chicken parfait. Housed inside a remodelled winemaking shed, enjoy the rustic yet refined atmosphere with premium furnishings, quality crockery and an old oak vat. Bec Hardy Wines places a strong focus on sustainability, in the restaurant and throughout the winemaking process. Dry-grown vineyards, sheep grazing in place of herbicides and a commitment to compost are just a few of the ways this winery steps up its sustainability.
Discover more restaurants in South Australia
For one of the best regional restaurants in South Australia with ingredients from the kitchen garden – book at Appellation in Marananga
Appellation welcomes diners to a small slice of tranquillity, out in the beautiful Barossa Valley. Large windows let in plenty of natural light and views of acres of vineyard backed by towering hills. The dining space is carefully designed to give each group of diners their own space. This restaurant is the beating heart of The Louise, a luxurious accommodation offering suites styled with a Southern European flair. Sourcing ingredients from the kitchen garden and farmers in the surrounding valley, each dish served at Appellation reflects a fleeting moment of this vibrant region. You might enjoy a tender duck breast with sweet plum puree or free-range lamb saddle with a confit garlic puree. As the Barossa Valley is renowned worldwide for its wines, it’s no surprise that the wine list at Appellation is special. A carefully curated selection of bottles from the valley and beyond means there’s always a perfect pairing. And, the restaurant can suggest both wine and non-alcoholic pairings if you’d like some advice.
Discover more restaurants in South Australia
For one of the best restaurants in the Barossa Valley – try Lou’s Place in Rowland Flat
Lou’s Place is the seasonal Italian restaurant in the Lou Miranda Estate winery, serving up a menu that is both classical and modern. You’ll find the deep-blue doors towards the southern end of the Barossa Valley. The seasonal menu includes creative takes on classic Italian dishes, like creamy ricotta gnocchi with sticky pancetta or slow-cooked lamb shoulder with a sweet and spicy touch from pomegranate, yoghurt and chilli. The feed me menu offers a full-course meal (including dessert). With a relaxed atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating and unforgettable wines, book your next group gathering at Lou’s Place.
Discover more restaurants in South Australia
For a wine-focused restaurant with impeccable hospitality – book at Vino Lokal in Tanunda
A chic, bistro-style restaurant led by three women with over 35 years of industry experience, Vino Lokal is the epitome of great service. Let them welcome you to a table by the window or a spot at the bar and pursue the creative, curated menu. Wines are the focus at Vino Lokal, and you’ll find plenty of bottles on the shelves to take home with you (along with some other culinary treats). With menus built to complement the wines on offer, the staff will be happy to provide recommendations. Try a creamy baked camembert with spiced pear chutney, followed by a sweet orange glazed chicken with fennel and cardamom rice. Or, choose the feed me menu and let the chef take charge with an ever-changing selection of dishes.
Discover more restaurants in South Australia
For a community-focused restaurant with paddock-to-plate principles – stop by Kitchen Farm in Mount Barker
Kitchen Farm stretches across eight hectares of land in the Adelaide Hills. With a mission to create a sustainable farm using regenerative and permaculture principles, Kitchen Farm offers paddock-to-plate dining in a fun, community atmosphere. At The Pantry, diners can enjoy wholesome, nutritious meals made with ingredients sourced from local suppliers (while Kitchen Farm gets its seedlings going). The all-day menu offers a variety of your favourite brunch dishes, including eggs served on soft buttered sourdough and delicious sweet clafouti. Pair them with creamy smoothies like sweet chocolate blends or spinach-packed green smoothies. A place to eat, gather and share, grab a table indoors or outdoors, and enjoy the natural atmosphere at the Kitchen Farm Pantry.
Discover more restaurants in South Australia
For relaxed coastal dining – visit The Shores Eatery in Wallaroo
Located directly on the Wallaroo foreshore, head to The Shores Eatery for sea air and sunshine. The all-day brunch menu includes light bites like chicken focaccia with sun-dried tomatoes. Pair it with fruit-packed smoothies, like the 50 First Dates with banana, dates, cinnamon and caramel protein. Open from 7 am to 3 pm, it’s the perfect spot for an early morning meal or an after-lunch pick-me-up. The kitchen closes at 2 pm, but there will still be plenty of pre-made snacks like paninis, muffins and cookies ready for you. On warm days, quench your thirst with a watermelon sugar juice (watermelon, pineapple and orange), and in cool weather, a hot cappuccino or dirty chai is the perfect way to warm up.
Discover more restaurants in South Australia
For one of the best regional restaurants in South Australia near Mount Remarkable National Park – try Jacka Brothers Brewery in Melrose
Gather under gum trees amidst the stunning vistas of the Southern Flinders Ranges at Jacka Brothers Brewery near Mount Remarkable National Park. Housed in a heritage-listed site, it’s been lovingly redeveloped to maintain its historic beauty while adding contemporary comforts. The brewery hosts a Taphouse where bartenders will pour you glasses of Jacka Brothers Remarkable Ale and Melrose bitter along with a range of other local craft beers. The restaurant has partnered with Nosh On Garden Goodies and Little Nibble Co to bring you meals perfect for pairing with a pint. Little Nibble Co offers tasty light meals like crispy tacos, sweet corn ribs and varenyky (homemade Ukrainian dumplings). At Nosh On Garden Goodies, you can nosh on unique, woodfired artisan pizzas made with hand-stretched, slow-fermented dough.
Discover more restaurants in South Australia
For fine dining in the picturesque Adelaide Hills – book at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant in Crafers
High tea in the afternoon, fine dining in the evening, Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant is the epitome of luxury. This 3 Hat restaurant out in the Adelaide Hills offers an unforgettable Degustation Dinner Experience inspired by the fine taste of Arthur Hardy, who called the building his home in the summer of 1852. With a seasonal Valley to Verandah menu, expect a rotating selection of dishes like soft wagyu tenderloin and refreshing crème fraiche sorbet. The From the Garden menu offers veggie dishes like buttery beetroot tartare, while the From the Ocean menu serves up crispy pan-roasted blue eye. Beyond the food, the elegant, calm atmosphere at Hardey’s Verandah is unbeatable. Add in tranquil views of the Adelaide Hills and you’ll enjoy a fine dining experience like no other.
Discover more restaurants in South Australia
For one of the best restaurants in South Australia with homemade pizzas and Mediterranean fare – try JIBBI & CO in Lightsview
JIBBI & CO serves up top-notch Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. With huge windows letting in plenty of light and a gorgeous view of the pond out front, this hidden gem is perfect for your next group gathering. Try rich, creamy pasta sauces like alla panna with mushrooms, ham and cheese or pesto chicken with semi-dried tomato. Perfectly fried arancini balls with house Napoletana sauce are the perfect starter for dinner, while the flavour-packed Portuguese chicken is an easy lunch option. Vegetarians can find plenty of options here too, with options like halloumi burgers, quinoa salad and hearty vegan bowls. The restaurant uses hand-rolled fermented dough to make thin, crispy pizzas topped with D.O.P. San Marzano Napoletana sauce. Fired in an Italian-made wood oven heated by premium red-gum wood, these pizzas are unforgettable.
Discover more restaurants in South Australia
From wineries to breweries, cafes to fine-dining restaurants, regional produce, local ingredients and outstanding Australian fare shines throughout these gems’ menus. Pairing well-crafted dishes with stunning views, the best restaurants in South Australia are perfect for special occasions. By using local produce to create seasonal dishes, diners will get to experience the true flavours of each region.
