Food and Drink News in Adelaide You Need to Know About

South Australia has it all: excellent beaches, stunning national parks, a busy events calendar and charming country towns. Yet above all, we believe it’s the exceptional dining experiences and award-winning wine that draw the biggest crowd. From premium fine dining establishments and cosy bars in the CBD and ‘burbs to wineries and cellar doors dotted 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. And, 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!  

Food and Wine News in Adelaide: Latest News

The Stag is Back—And It’s Doing Pub Things Better Than Ever

Adelaide, meet the new Stag Public House. After seven years of figuring out what makes a pub truly great, the historic Rundle Street corner spot is relaunching on 13 January 2026 — and it’s all about keeping the soul of a local alive.

This isn’t a gastro-pub trying to be fancy. In the wise words of co-owner Alex Bennet: “A pub should do pub things—but it can be bloody great”. Think hand-crumbed schnitzels, O’Connor’s premium steaks, Ocean Jacket fish, and a few playful twists—vodka-spiked parmis, truffle mayo arancini, the works. Shane Wilson, co-owner and executive chef, is behind the magic, while Studio 2049 has given the venue a slick, modern look. Expect weekly quiz nights, Steak Frites, happy hours, and live tunes rolling in before the Adelaide Fringe.

299 Rundle St, Adelaide 

SA’s Top Tables Shine at the 2026 AGFG Chef Hat Awards

South Australia is serving up some serious culinary fire. The 2026 Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards are in, and a handful of local venues are leading the pack with next-level dining. Topping the SA charts with 18 Chef Hats each are Maxwell Restaurant in McLaren Vale, Restaurant Botanic in Adelaide CBD, and Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant in the eastern suburbs — proof that modern Australian cuisine in SA is where it’s at.

Close behind, with 17 Chef Hats, are Hentley Farm in the Barossa, LVN Restaurant at Bird in Hand in the Adelaide Hills, Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, with Anvers Wines becoming the first South Australian venue to ever achieve that score on debut, placing it among the top 0.25% of restaurants nationally. Whether you’re planning a wine-country getaway or a city night out, these award-winning venues are the places to go in 2026 for flavours, flair, and a whole lot of foodie inspo.

Falcone is North Adelaide’s New Slice of Pizza Heaven

Say hello to Falcone, the latest pizza passion project from the crew behind Tonino Deli and Side Hustle Pizza. Named after their Nonna, Teresa Falcone, chefs Nick and Leo have taken their garage-baked beginnings in Carrickalinga and brought wood-fired Neapolitan magic to Melbourne Street, North Adelaide.

Think buttery breads, classic tiramisu, and Italian soft drinks — all without a drop of alcohol, because the pizza is the real star. Peek through the giant window as dough hits the blazing oven, and don’t miss The Falcone — roasted garlic butter with prawns, a proper standout. Mainly takeaway, plenty of sunny outdoor seating, and new flavours weekly.

Coming early 2026

58 Melbourne Street, Adelaide

Where to Find South Australia’s Best Wine List

The Salopian Inn in McLaren Vale has claimed Best Wine List South Australia 2025 at Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Modern Australian bites meet a wine list expertly curated by Alex Marchetti, featuring 623 wines and 41 by the glass. Prices are friendly, the cellar — just down the stairs — is yours to explore, and yes, you can fondly handle your pick before sipping. This year, the Awards have gone next-level, releasing a Top 10 Wine Lists ranking for the first time, giving you even more reason to toast your way through SA’s finest collections.

Top 10
The Salopian Inn
2KW Bar & Restaurant
A Prayer For The Wild At Heart
Chianti
Coal Cellar
Crafers Hotel
Hardy’s Verandah
Mother Vine
Restaurant Botanic
Stirling Hotel

70s-Inspired Concept Restaurant To Take Centre Stage at Festival Theatre

The Adelaide Festival Centre is about to level up their food game, with new concept dining destination, Angry Penguin. Inspired by the rebellious spirit of South Australian poet Max Harris and his legendary Angry Penguins movement, this is where art, culture, and food collide. Alex Katsman, formerly of Marriott Adelaide, Sofitel and The Henry Jones Art Hotel, will serve up South Australian seasonal produce with curated wines, while the warm 1970s-inspired interiors and indoor/outdoor seating make it a place to sip, savour, and soak up the riverbank vibes. With design by Studio Nine and local artisans Andrew Carvolth and Jon Goulder, this is more than a meal — it’s a celebration of Adelaide’s creative legacy.

Coming February 2026

Festival Theatre, Festival Drive, Adelaide

Forbes Names Penfolds World’s Second Best Winery

Penfolds Magill Estate has cemented its name on the world stage, taking out the number two spot on Forbes’ World’s 50 Best Wineries list as ranked by wine experts at Virgin Wines. Founded in 1844, the estate is the birthplace of the legendary Grange wine, where visitors can explore historic bluestone cellars, sample back-vintage Grange in private tastings, and enjoy seasonal degustation menus at Magill Estate Restaurant — all framed by sweeping vineyard and city views. From its heritage roots to its modern-day experiences, Penfolds proves that South Australian wine stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s finest.

78 Penfold Road, Magill 

$15M Glow-Up Set For Go-To Foodie Strip

Adelaide’s go-to foodie and cultural strip, Gouger Street, could finally get the upgrade it’s been quietly begging for. The Adelaide City Council is set to discuss a proposed $15 million makeover, and if it gets the nod, construction could kick off in May 2026, starting with the Market Square frontage. The plan? A greener, shadier street that’s easier to stroll, wheel, or cycle, buzzing with light, events, and welcoming spots that make you want to linger. Smarter layouts are designed to declutter the chaos, boost trade and dining, and celebrate the rich heritage of Chinatown and the Adelaide Central Market. If it all goes ahead, by late 2027 the strip could feel fresher, livelier, and more unmistakably Adelaide than ever.

Rymill Park Kiosk Upgrade Is Officially Underway

Works have officially kicked off on the Rymill Park Kiosk, with the historic landmark set for a stylish new chapter. The transformation will see the kiosk reimagined as a modern cafe with outdoor seating, run by the much-loved team behind Peter Rabbit. And yes, the iconic row boats will be back gliding across the lake this summer.

A kiosk has stood beside the Rymill Park lake since the park was first landscaped in the early 1960s. For two decades from 1998, it was affectionately known as Arnie’s Kiosk after former lessee, Arnie Rossis. This latest upgrade marks one of the final stages in the park’s multimillion-dollar renewal, which has already delivered a sustainable, award-winning lake, new paths and lighting, refurbished bridges, an island event space, and lush landscaping.

Soon, Rymill Park will be the ultimate city escape – boats, brews and all.

Food and Wine News in Adelaide: New Openings & Launches

Popular Travelling Restaurant To Call Adelaide Home

After travelling the country as one of Australia’s most talked-about pop-ups, Esmay has officially put down roots — and Adelaide is the lucky winner. The deeply personal, produce-driven restaurant by Chef Alanna Sapwell-Stone now lives inside the beautifully restored Hackney Hotel, a heritage-listed gem dating back to 1883.

Original fireplaces and stained-glass windows set the tone for an intimate 40-seat dining room. For now, the team is easing into service with a set menu, with optional add-ons if you’re in the mood to indulge. On the plate, expect thoughtful, flavour-led dishes that celebrate native ingredients and smart technique — oysters with cucumber and finger lime, sweet-and-sour sardines with muntries, crab terrine with wild celery, calamari with habanero and pomelo (lobster optional), BBQ venison with beetroot and Davidson plum, and potatoes taken to the next level with Turkish chilli. Desserts keep things playful yet refined, with highlights like rockmelon and champagne spider, wine lees ice cream with stone fruit, and local, house-made cheeses.

Every detail has been considered — from the lighting and music to Sapwell-Stone’s subtle “nanna move” of sneaking nutrient-dense vegetables into dishes. And if you’re planning something a little more celebratory, coming soon is a moody, intimate upstairs space for up to 30 seated (or 80 standing), blending Victorian charm, striking chandeliers, and Esmay’s signature hospitality.

Opening December 19th, 2025

95 Hackney Road, Hackney

Gelato Messina Goes West

Consider your sweet tooth officially warned. Messina opens its new Glenelg store on December 16th, perfectly placed for a post-beach, pre-sunset gelato run. The store brings the full 40-flavour cabinet, including classic flavours and weekly specials, plus gelato cakes, house-made dulce de leche, and Messina merch for anyone who wears their dessert obsession proudly. Designed by local architects, Sans Arc, the space is the most ‘out there’ yet — bold, colourful, and brimming with Sicilian holiday vibes, it’s an experience as much as a scoop. To mark the occasion, they’re dropping an exclusive flavour you’ll only find at Glenelg (while it lasts). Glenelg Dreaming marries creamy coconut gelato swirled with mango sorbet, crowned with tangy passionfruit and soft peaks of baked meringue. Plan your gelato run, Adelaide. This one is worth it.

Opening December 16th, 2025 from 12pm

Shop 1/1 Colley Terrace, Glenelg

Viral Souffle Pancakes Land in Glenelg

Glenelg just got a serious sweet upgrade. Momo Japanese Souffle Pancakes are here, and yes, they live up to the hype. Light, cloud-like stacks crafted with rice flour and airy meringue for that signature height and jiggle, cooked low and slow to a custard-like centre — patience rewarded, about 20 minutes per stack. Topped with house-made sauces and toppings like Yuzu Blueberry Cheesecake, Matcha Creme Brulee, Biscoff Tiramisu, and of course, a classic option, too. Grab a Japanese-inspired specialty drink while you wait and soak in the beachside vibes.

Unit 16/7 Moseley Square, Glenelg

Pepper Lunch Makes Its Adelaide Comeback

Fans of sizzling, DIY-style dining can rejoice — Pepper Lunch is back in Adelaide. The Japanese fast-steak concept, known for its signature hot plates and customisable meals is coming soon in an express format to City Cross. Whether you’re craving steak, rice or pasta, this interactive dining experience promises the same satisfying sizzle that made it a cult favourite back on Gouger Street.

Coming soon to City Cross, 31-39 Rundle Mall, Adelaide

Adelaide’s New Ramen Pop-Up Serving Up a Twist

No more than 100 bowls a day, that’s Toriok — a pop-up where every bowl is made with care, craft, and a whole lot of soul. Owner-chef Hugh Ok fell for ramen in Japan, lived it, breathed it, and spent 20+ years perfecting it. Reuniting with Terukazu Mukai, ex-Himeji Ramen Izakaya head chef, they’re serving Adelaide ramen that’s creamy, rich, but light enough to enjoy every day. The menu is tight and deliberate: signature Tori Paitan, Spicy Tori Paitan, Chicken Shoyu, brothless Mazesoba, and a veggie-friendly Creamy Miso Soy — all built on a 22-hour simmered chicken broth. It’s a small space, but it more than makes up for it in flavour.

Opening December 16th, 2025

14 Eliza Street, Adelaide

Roaring 20s Glam Meets East End Nights at Burdette

Adelaide’s East End welcomes Burdette, a new neighbourhood bar and late-night social club from hospitality duo Baine Stubbs and Saskia Lopes de Souza. Inspired by 1920s speakeasies, Burdette blends international flair with a modern, approachable vibe. Open 12 pm to 2am, they serve elevated bites like oysters, artisanal charcuterie, and daily specials, alongside expertly crafted classic and signature cocktails, Martinis with house-made twists, and absinthe creations. Moody interiors with deep reds, vintage mirrors, and candlelight create an intimate, social atmosphere. Burdette is the East End’s new go-to for quality drinks, late-night food, and community.

11 Union Street, Adelaide 

Honeydripper HiFi Now Does Mornings

Since opening on Frome Street in mid‑2025, Honeydripper HiFi Bar has been Adelaide’s go-to spot for music lovers, cocktail enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a retro‑inspired vibe. Two levels, hi‑fi speakers, and a curated record library make it feel like your cool friend’s living room — cosy, stylish, and full of character.

Now, the AM gets the Honeydripper treatment with the launch of Honeydripper Mornings. Sip perfectly brewed coffee, tuck into bagels topped with smoked salmon, tuna, or veggie options, and enjoy cheeky drink specials like guava matcha with Yakult foam and Mont Blanc coffee with orange zest and nutmeg. Free Wi‑Fi and power points in every booth make it easy to settle in, work, or meet friends.

Weekdays, 7.30am to 2pm

11 Frome Street, Adelaide

All-Day Euro Dining Darling Arrives in CBD

Patina Place has opened in the heart of the city, bringing a modern bistro vibe built around classic dishes, local produce and a considered, refined menu. Breakfast sets the tone with elevated comforts — think crumpets with marmalade and creme fraiche, polenta and greens with poached eggs, pecorino and chilli, and a house sausage-egg-cheese muffin that’s already destined to be a favourite. Smoothies, sparklings and a Bloody Mary make weekday mornings feel a little more luxe.

By lunch, things shift into European-leaning share plates and bistro staples: Comte croquettes, crab toast, whipped salt cod with fried bread, seafood rice with aioli, and a standout Angus cheeseburger, backed by roast chicken, lamb shoulder and a line-up of steaks. Desserts stay classic with lemon sorbet, poached fruit, and a chocolate soufflé.

Exclusively on Fridays, Patina Place transforms into a bar-style destination, perfect for drinks and small plates to kick off the weekend. A polished new addition to the CBD — and an easy one to keep on your radar.

56 Exchange Place, Adelaide

Mercato Opens New North Adelaide Flagship

Mercato at 88 O’Connell Street isn’t just a store, it’s a destination. Think Marks & Spencer’s food hall — but Italian, just as luxe, and right in North Adelaide. Polished interiors and curated pantry goods set the stage, while the vibrant bar serves authentic Italian coffee, house-made pastries, small and large plates with a modern Australian twist, plus aperitivo and antipasto for your afternoon or pre-dinner ritual. From browsing premium groceries to lingering over a glass of wine, it’s a playground for food lovers to shop, taste, and savour.

88 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

Joe’s at Sabella Bring Taste of Mexico City to McLaren Vale

Hold onto your sombreros, the legends behind Joe’s at Sabella have dropped Taco Jose, a new Mexican dining venture in the courtyard of their McLaren Vale restaurant (a century-old church) — and we’re here for it. Charcoal slow-cooked meats, corn tortillas stacked to the heavens, mezcal slushies that hit different, cacti everywhere, and Mexican dance vibes that demand a shimmy. You’ll regret nothing… except maybe the chilli.

Opening October 31st, 2025

Midnight Spaghetti Finds New Home at The Ed Castle

Midnight Spaghetti has landed at The Ed Castle Hotel. Once calling Grenfell Street home, the old spot’s gone, but Tuesday night takeover vibes are very much alive — pastas from $15, entree specials, and yes, the iconic Midnight Spaghetti with anchovies, olives, chilli, pangrattato and pecorino, is now on the menu all week.

233 Currie Street, Adelaide

Late Morning Turns Late Night with New Dessert Bar

Lumi is clocking in for the night shift and we are very here for it. Late Morning Cafe is flipping the script and launching Lumi Dessert Bar this Friday at the same Wright Street spot, serving handcrafted treats under a dreamy glow from 3pm. Expect soft-opening sweetness like chewy dango in flavours including matcha cream, taro, strawberry and cream, plus that cosy-cute vibe that makes one more bite feel completely reasonable. Consider your evening plans handled… and your dessert bestie notified.

Launching November 7th, from 3pm

43 Wright Street, Adelaide

Multi-Million Dollar Modachau Set to Ignite Prospect’s Dining Scene

Big things are happening on Churchill Road — say hello to Modachau, a multi-million-dollar, two-storey restaurant from the powerhouse Nguyen family, the team behind Ong Vietnamese Kitchen, Noi Vietnamese Eatery, Devour Café, Shibui Dessert Bar and Shmochi by Shibui. This time, the siblings are going all in with modern Asian cuisine that’s equal parts fire, flavour and finesse.

Leading the charge is Thy, who calls Modachau a true family project and a love letter to both their roots and the community they’ve grown with. Designed by Mavtect Designs and built by Beyond Built Projects, the custom space will pair warm walnut tones with sleek, architectural lines.

Set to rise from the site of the former Rose Garden Restaurant — we’re calling it now — Modachau is shaping up to be the next big name on Adelaide’s culinary map.

125 Churchill Road, Prospect

Coming 2026

Haigh’s Chocolates Officially Opens New $120M Facility

The Haigh’s Chocolates Salisbury South HQ is complete — and yes, it’s basically South Australia’s version of Willy Wonka. The 18,000m² hub will double chocolate output to 2,000 tonnes a year for Haigh’s 22 stores nationwide. Inside, there are design nods to the chocolatier’s most-famed treats, including chocolate frogs and freckles, plus a staff lounge for its 400 staff. For a 110-year-old family business, it’s proof that big, clever and slightly cheeky chocolate dreams are very much alive.

South Australia’s Biggest Food & Drink Festival Just Dropped Its 2026 Dates

Tasting Australia, presented by Journey Beyond, will return May 8th to 17th, 2026, bringing ten flavour-packed days of chef collaborations, long lunches, exclusive dinners and culinary adventures across South Australia. Festival favourites Kane Pollard, Meira Harel and Banjo Harris Plane are back as curators, joined by acclaimed chef Duncan Welgemoed and music festival visionary Jessica Ducrou as Festival Advisor. The full program is on its way — save the date and get ready to feast.

May 8th to 17th, 2026

Various locations in Adelaide and surrounding regions

Justin James to Transform Historic Church Into Hills’ Culinary Destination

After redefining fine dining at Restaurant Botanic, US-born chef Justin James is bringing his next culinary chapter to the Adelaide Hills — one that feels less like a formal affair and more like an unforgettable dinner party.

Housed in a 156-year-old converted church in Stirling, Restaurant Aptos blends Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese elegance to create an immersive dining experience that will feel both intimate and imaginative. Over three hours and three floors, only 14 guests will settle in for a 16-course journey, where lounge chairs replace linen, beers come by the bucket, and the playlist sets the mood. And it doesn’t stop there…

This multifaceted venue will offer more than one reason to visit the historic church. Restaurant Aptos will deliver the signature dining experience, Bar Cruz will bring a vibrant, approachable bar and dining destination with its own identity, and Bar Mary will set the tone for an intimate whiskey sanctuary tucked away upstairs.

Already making headlines before the doors open, the venue is shaping up to be Adelaide’s next must-visit dining destination.

Opening 2026

147 Mount Barker Road, Stirling

Food and Wine News in Adelaide: Experiences & Events

Bird in Hand x Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

In exciting news for our friends in the Southern state, Adelaide Hills’ much-loved winery Bird in Hand is getting ready to introduce its renowned hospitality to the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Following the success of their new restaurant opening, LVN in Woodville, Bird in Hand has cemented itself as a leader in exclusive and elevated food and wine experiences. Working closely with the team at the Botanical Gardens in Hobart, the expansion will introduce a new tasting room and restaurant, set to open in mid-2025. Watch this space!

Opening mid-2025

Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Lower Domain Road, Hobart

Food and Wine News in Adelaide: Awards

Maxwell Wines Celebrated Among World’s Wine Elite

South Australia’s Maxwell Wines is putting McLaren Vale on the global gourmet map. Named a global winner at the 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in Bordeaux, France, the cellar door is being celebrated for making three-hatted dining accessible with a snack menu crafted by award-winning chefs. Bite-sized, fine-dining-level treats + world-class wines = a tasting experience you won’t forget. With this kind of accolade, it’s safe to say McLaren Vale is officially a must-visit for wine lovers worldwide.

Olivers Road, McLaren Vale

Reno’s Italian Bistro

A modern Italian bistro inspired by family, flavour and tradition, Reno’s is bringing authentic meals and a cheeky list of house rules to Pirie Street. Brought to life by the team behind Bluprint, Reno’s is a tribute to their dad and Calabrian roots, with a menu made for sharing — think truffle pici, lasagna rotolo and eggplant parmigiana. Open from 7.00am with breakfast dishes, focaccias, fresh salads and coffee to kickstart your day, the bistro also serves hearty plates, a curated wine list and cocktails that’ll draw you back in the afternoon. The space? 70s Milan meets Italian futurism, packed with personality, bold design by RAD Studio — and now officially recognised with a commendation at the 2025 Eat Drink Design Awards.

45 Pirie Street, Adelaide

McLaren Vale Wineries Shine At 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards

South Australia was an undeniable star at the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards, and we are absolutely here for it. Wine of the Year went to Thistledown’s This Charming Man Grenache 2024 – a McLaren Vale standout that lives up to its name with elegance and finesse. Sourced from old vines in Clarendon, this small-batch beauty impressed judges for its provenance, quality and depth of flavour. Think black fruits layered with warming spice, violet, mineral notes and a touch of black cherry – drinking beautifully now, but built for the cellar. It’s a true love letter to Grenache.

The wins didn’t stop there. McLaren Vale’s Bondar Wines took out Best Value Winery, proving that world-class wine doesn’t need a luxury price tag. This husband-and-wife team is celebrated for producing vibrant, savoury drops that showcase both quality and sustainability. Structured yet approachable, Bondar’s wines are the ultimate pick for those who want standout bottles without breaking the bank.

Find the full list of winners here.

SA Steals the Spotlight At Australia’s Largest Spirits Awards

South Australia has cleaned up at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards, with Prohibition Liquor Co taking home top honours including Champion Australian Distiller and Champion Gin for their Juniperus Gin. Other local legends won big too — Never Never Distilling Co grabbed Best Design and Best Fruit or Wine Gin, Ragazzi e Succo’s Aperitivos took Best Bitter, Imperial Measures Distilling won Best Liqueur, St Agnes Distillery scored Best Brandy, Mid North Distilling Co landed Best Other Gin and Fleurieu Distillery picked up Best Blended Malt Whisky. Once again, SA proves it’s the place to watch in the spirits scene.

Willunga 100’s History-Making Pour

Big things are happening in Blewett Springs. Local favourite, Willunga 100, has taken home three of the country’s most coveted awards at the 2025 National Wine Show of Australia. Their vibrant and floral 2023 McLaren Vale Grenache stole the spotlight at a night of celebrations at Parliament House in Canberra — winning the Grenache Trophy, the James Halliday Red Wine of Show and the Prime Minister’s Champion Wine of Show — the first of its kind to claim the top prize! We’d like to think Mr Albanese raised a glass to that.

Global Cheers for Adelaide’s Prohibition Liquor Co.

Prohibition Liquor Co. has shaken up the global spirits scene, taking out top honours at the prestigious World Drinks Awards in London. Their smooth, rich Bootleg Coffee Liqueur was named World’s Best Coffee Liqueur (that’s two years running!), also winning World’s Best Nut Liqueur for their hazelnut and macadamia blend. Adding to their impressive list of accolades, the distillers were crowned Brand Innovator of the Year and Australia’s Country Winner for their mesmerising Moonlight Gin, known for its colour-changing magic. It’s 5’oclock somewhere…

Clare Valley Cellar Door Recognised in Global Design Awards

The reimagined cellar door at Clare Valley’s Taylors Wines has been awarded not one, but two prestigious accolades at the international LIV Hospitality Design Awards. Up against 550 submissions from 58 countries, this striking spot was only one of two Australian venues to be recognised, taking home the Destination Winner for Interior Design (Australia Pacific) and Brand New Interior Design awards.

The awards focus on ground-breaking, boundary-pushing design in hospitality, prevalent in Taylors Wines’ stunning transformation by Georgie Shepherd Interior Design and Kristina Soggee of GP Architects. With warm, welcoming interiors taking direct inspiration from the earth and Taylors Wines’ ethos of craftsmanship and sense of place, the light-filled space is modern yet cosy, paying homage to a traditional Australian barn. Overlooking manicured gardens, a large lawn and rolling vineyards, the natural materials used in the building perfectly complement the regional beauty of the Clare Valley.

89 Winery Road, Auburn

Now that you’re across the most important food and drink 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.