Foodie Faves: Where To Eat & Drink in Norwood & Kent Town
These neighbouring suburbs outside the city fringe pack a punch with cafes, eateries and outdoor fun. Spend the day exploring the best things to do in Bowden and Brompton with our suburb guide.
Just minutes from the CBD, Norwood and Kent Town are where suburban charm meets serious foodie credentials. Kent Town – sitting past Rundle and Rymill Park on the city fringe – offers a relaxed, quiet escape while keeping you close to the action. Neighbouring Norwood has long been a weekend hotspot for excellent cafes, boutique stores, bookshops and amenities – making it a one-stop destination for families, friends, food and fun.
Whether you’re craving brunch or an early-bird coffee, freshly-baked pastries, loaded burgers or sandos, creamy gelato, family-friendly dining or fancy fare for a special occasion, these neighbourhoods have you covered… and then some. Literally, whatever you’re in the mood for, our guide to where to eat and drink in Norwood and Kent Town will have you on your way to tasty bites and stylish sips. Let’s dig in!
here to Eat and Drink in Norwood & Kent Town: Cafes
Henry’s by Frankie Lie
Kent Town’s newest go-to coffee shop, Henry’s by Frankie Lie is part cafe, part providore and part wine shop! Not only is this a fabulous spot for a coffee, sando, catch-up or a sweet treat while you work, but it also happens to be drop-dead gorgeous. Dark blue tiles, considered lighting, white brick and beautiful artwork make this the kind of cafe where you can certainly linger a little longer.
68 King William Street, Kent Town
Argo On The Parade
With a relaxed canteen-inspired fit-out and a menu spanning several pages, Argo is the perfect spot to take your crew of fussy eaters. Covering everything from vegetarian and paleo to keto-friendly and gluten-free dishes, feast on bowls of veggies, plates loaded with bacon and eggs, or our personal favourite, their ‘Benny Way You Like’. When the sun is shining, you can’t go past their mammoth smoothie bowls, customised to suit your taste with toppings and base flavours. Did we mention they have an entire page dedicated to hot chocolates and an alternative latte menu? Turmeric latte, coming right up.
212 The Parade, Norwood
Jenny’s Bakery
When it comes to baking perfect pastries and brewing delish coffee, Jenny’s Bakery knows what’s up. Making fluffy cakes, fresh loaves, savoury bites and sweet crumbly pastries every morning, the bakers create that irresistible smell of freshly baked goods to greet you as you approach the store, just steps from The Parade. The drool-worthy selection will have you in a quandary over what to order… but then again, who says you have to order just one treat? From New York cheesecake to croissants and baguettes, this is carb-loaded heaven.
Sitchu tip: If you want to make someone’s day – pick up a box of cronuts or cannoli for a special tasty gift!
166 The Parade, Norwood
30 Acres
There’s no denying – The Parade in Norwood is the place to be on a Saturday morning, consistently outdoing itself when it comes to finding the perfect brunch spot… and 30 Acres is no exception! Serving up beautiful meals crafted from produce sourced from small and local family farms, their all-day menu is as fresh as it gets. Step into the open space with high ceilings in rustic charm, and pick your breakfast poison – are you more a walnut croissant pudding with roasted apple person, or does the Harvest Plate with roasted vegetables, wilted greens and house hummus speak to you? Either way, don’t skip the fresh juice bar to accompany your dish!
Sitchu tip: 30 Acres is open late on Fridays and Saturdays, serving housemade pasta and Turkish-style pizza.
233 The Parade, Norwood
78 on Rundle
We love this charming corner cafe in Kent Town – and their expertly crafted chilli scramble! Freshly renovated and cute as a button, 78 on Rundle is a perfect brunch experience, with elevated dishes, fantastic coffee and cosy vibes. It also deftly transforms from a warm and welcoming brunch destination to a suburban wine bar, open late on Fridays for end-of-week knock-off drinks.
78 Rundle Street, Kent Town
Rodeo
Rodeo is home to the sandwich pros that serve up more than just mighty sandos – it’s a hub of good vibes. Despite its small size, Rodeo exudes vibrant energy, thanks to some big personalities and a steady flow of Pogo coffee to complement your sando. With a menu featuring toasted and fresh varieties, as well as flavour-packed rotating specials, there’s no shortage of combinations to explore.
Our top pick? The loaded halloumi sando, complete with smashed avo, pickled onions, beetroot relish, and rocket.
224 The Parade, Norwood
Where to Eat and Drink in Norwood & Kent Town: Restaurants
arkhé
Immerse yourself in arkhé and its charcoal black walls, brass fixtures and open-flame dining. Elements of fine dining are tuned to a cool clientele that keeps coming back for more, thanks to the changing seasonal menu. A range of seating includes intimate booths, bar stools, a chef’s table or a spot in their private outdoor courtyard, making this a perfect spot for all occasions and celebrations.
Order multiple smaller plates designed to share, with each delivering a variety of flavours and textures within a single bite. A few larger dishes offer open-flame indulgence across seafood, meat and vegetables. Begin with a curated cocktail then move on to plump oysters, fried artichoke, glazed miso Kingfish and pork chop with housemade kimchi and sweet soy dressing.
127 The Parade, Norwood
Mensa Kitchen
We warmly welcome any establishment serving delectable Italian, and Mensa does just that with its elevated flavour profiles, dreamy desserts and stylish surroundings. Exposed brick, terrazzo, earthy tones and textures draw guests in for a memorable meal of Italian staples fused with a modern, Australian influence.
Think pasta fritta with nduja, honey and mascarpone, zucchini and eggplant scapece with anchovies, pappardelle with rabbit and green olives, and 200-day grain-fed Angus Porterhouse steak. Save room for sweets – we are eyeing the authentic Cannolo alla Siciliana filled with sweet ricotta, cedro citrus, pistachio or chocolate.
44 The Parade West, Kent Town
Gelato Messina
Okay, busted. This doesn’t fall under the restaurant category, but since it’s located right next door to Mensa, it’s almost impossible to resist going for round two of dessert at Gelato Messina. A long-term staple for ice cream fanatics interstate, Adelaideans waited patiently to get their hands on the best ice cream in Australia, and no one has been disappointed with the introduction of this gelataria. Enjoy over 20 flavours, fancy fortnightly specials, take-home tubs, celebration cakes and creamy thick shakes. The fitout? Chic. The ice cream? Oh-so-creamy. The vibes? Immaculate.
And don’t be discouraged if there is a line out the door – it allows plenty of time to pick your scoop of choice.
44 The Parade West, Kent Town
Nordburger
Sometimes all you need is a juicy burger with a side of fries, and Nordburger is serving some of the best in Adelaide. With a modern branch serving hungry tummies in Norwood, the central location on the Parade makes it all too easy to pop in for a chicken, beef or breakky burger. Make it a meal with chilli cheese fries, cauli pops, chicken nuggets or Tator tots, and enjoy a hard-to-find drink that screams USA with cans of Dr Pepper, creamy thick shakes and AW Creaming Soda.
168 The Parade, Norwood
Where to Eat and Drink in Norwood & Kent Town: Bars
KHOU Cellar and Wine Bar
If you love a chic suburban wine bar with an excellent wine list and elevated bar bites, check out KHOU Cellar and Wine Bar in Kent Town. Take a seat in their modern indoor bar, complete with terrazzo, marble, mood lighting and tasteful archways, or relax alfresco at outdoor tables on the quiet street. Choose from a menu of wine, cocktails and bar plates to enjoy at your leisure, or order a pizza from Pan + Vine across the road to enjoy alongside your marg.
Keep an eye on their socials for upcoming dining deals, including bottomless cocktails on Thursdays and Sip Back Sunday specials!
65 King William Street, Kent Town
The Bath
A meeting point for visitors and locals since 1856, the Bath Hotels sits proudly on The Parade as a fuss-free watering hole. While some of the original architecture remains, The Bath is anything but old-fashioned, with a sun-drenched beer garden, pastel-hued main bar, a modern dining room and a very cool New-York-style converted garage serving cocktails and wood-fired pizzas. Weekly specials entice, from taco boards on Tuesdays to a pint and parmi deal on Thursdays for $25. As friendly as it gets, you are always welcome at The Bath.
232 The Parade, Norwood
Bar Lune
For great food and fine wine, you can’t look past Bar Lune, a gorgeous neighbourhood wine bar for pours and pairings. Travel a little further up The Parade and cross over to Beulah Park for pan-seared scallops, pork shoulder skewers, beef tartare and whole roasted chicken – the list of rich and interesting menu items at Bar Lune never fails to impress. Order the ‘Feed Me’ menu to taste the delicious rainbow of flavours these Adelaide chefs turn out, or stop in between 4-6pm from Wednesday to Sunday for Golden Hour, with seasonal cocktails from $12. Stunning!
303 The Parade, Beulah Park, Adelaide
Bibo Bar & Eatery
Coffee, brunch and lunch by day, wine bar by night, Bibo Bar & Eatery was designed with friends in mind. Open late on Friday and Saturday evenings, you can try a new drop from a winning local and Italian wine selection, order a cheeky cocktail – the classic Aperol Spritz here always hits the spot – and grab an antipasto to pick at while you catch up with the crew. The space itself is intimate and modern, with a striking back-lit bar, cosy booth seating and textural accents that beg to be photographed. Friday night knock-offs, sorted.
97 King William Street, Kent Town
If you loved our guide to the best food and drink offerings in Norwood and Kent Town, you’re in luck! We have more where that came from, from the best beaches in South Australia to the best markets in town to help you make the most of Adelaide.