Where to eat in Adelaide right now

When it comes to dining in Australia, Adelaide stands out for its quality ingredients – thanks to South Australia’s varied climate and diverse terrain. Surrounded by coastal waters, fertile hillsides and rich grazing pastures, the region yields exceptional wines, fruits, cheeses, meats and mineral-rich seafood.

The city still treasures its fine-dining icons, but a bold new wave of chefs and restaurateurs is reshaping Adelaide’s food scene. Moving beyond traditional haute cuisine, they’re embracing South Australia's premium fresh produce. Here are the best places to eat in Adelaide right now. 

arkhe 

A celebration of modern Australian cuisine, arkhe  is located in the upscale Norwood neighbourhood. Led by Australian-born Chef Jake Kellie – formerly of Michelin-starred Burnt Ends in Singapore – the restaurant is lauded for its locally sourced premium ingredients and mastery of open-woodfire cooking and bold, boundary-defying global flavours. Favourites include the 32-day dry-aged Mayura Station 9+ wagyu tomahawk, char siu wagyu skewers and Peking duck dumplings in clarified duck broth – all complemented by its dynamic range of South Australian wines. 

Ode Bistro

Helmed by chef-owner Simon Ming, Ode brings bold creativity and an eco-conscious philosophy to the city’s dining scene with his “smart bistro” concept – and a coveted Chef’s Hat to boot. Ming pairs fine-dining finesse with laid-back bistro charm and spotlights South Australian ingredients through creative compositions with minimal waste, in-house dry-aged meats, homemade sauces and rare seasonal finds, all sourced from local growers. Indulge in imaginative dishes like bluefin toro with cultured cream, beef cheek on rice crisp and Basque cheesecake with berry compote. 

Fino Vino

Fino Vino offers a progressive and mindful take on modern Australian cuisine through a seasonal tasting menu rooted in local produce. Co-owners Sharon Romeo and David Swain champion ethical sourcing and regenerative farming, favouring simplicity – or “restraint”, as they put it – to let ingredients shine. From sustainable oysters from Coffin Bay and free-range Barossa chooks to grass-fed black angus from Limestone Coast and fresh seafood from Port Lincoln, each supplier relationship is built on trust and shared values.This is reflected in the way the team works in harmony to help guests fully experience and understand the provenance behind every dish and wine. 

Sora

Sora is Adelaide’s dazzling new rooftop bar and restaurant. Boasting elegant interiors, high ceilings and panoramic views of the city, the place radiates sophistication and sets the stage for a menu pairing modern Asian cuisine with local products. Standout dishes include wagyu beef potstickers and “Korean army” Smoky Bay Pacific Oysters. Its signature cocktails are packed with unique flavours, like the chilli-infused Seven Samurai and the fruity Dragon's Kiss, featuring Australian-distilled gin. Take a seat on the terrace, sit by the open kitchen for a front-row seat, or unwind in The Vault for a cigar or rare whisky. At night, the air buzzes with live music.

Ozin

Ozin , located in a 1920s heritage building in Adelaide CBD’s East Terrace, offers globally inspired flavours with a distinct homegrown spirit. With a firm focus on local produce, wines and spirits, it embraces health-conscious cooking, forgoing oil in favour of cooking techniques like charcoal grilling, roasting and steaming. The result: vibrant, aromatic dishes across vegetarian, vegan and meat options – paired with delicious craft cocktails. “We’re here for the people,” says owner Neeraj Kumar, whose commitment to community, flavour and mindful dining is woven into every aspect of the experience.

Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room

Fugazzi brings Italian-American food culture to the bustling Leigh Street in the heart of Adelaide CBD. Its menu features South Australian ingredients sourced from local producers, farmers and artisans – from Mayura Station wagyu to Two Gulfs blue swimmer crab. It also partners with the city’s vibrant Italian community to provide premium and authentic Italian staples like salumi and ricotta. While its menu evolves seasonally, two standout signatures remain: gnocco fritto with whipped ricotta and honey, and hand-cut tagliolini with crab, fermented chilli and salmon roe. 

Shobosho

Fire shapes every detail at Shobosho , from charred timber interiors, finished with shou sugi ban technique, to locally handcrafted tableware and premium South Australian ingredients. This izakaya on Leigh Street fuses flame, creativity and quality, boasting standout dishes like Spencer Gulf prawn tacos, blue swimmer crab udon and 9+ grade wagyu tartare with soy-cured yolk. Even the cocktails spark playful and bold flavours, such as the toasted sesame old fashioned – a warm, cheeky, smoke-kissed impression.

Knead

Knead is a gluten-free pizza haven in quiet Henley Beach, a pleasant stroll from the shore. Specialising in 72-hour fermented sourdough and Napoli-style hand-stretched bases, it’s indulgence without the bloat. Meats are 100 per cent Australian, while cheeses, oils, relishes and jams are proudly sourced from South Australian farms and producers. Favourite pizzas include the lamb-based Bah Bah and the creamy Burrata & Me. For seaside snacking, the graze-and-go platter or baked brie are perfect picks – all served with a slice of sunshine and warm hospitality.