Enjoy Dinner with a View at the Best Restaurants in Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is one of those places you simply need to see to believe. With natural wonders galore, a brilliant national park and some of the most luxe accommodation out there, there's no shortage of things to do in this magical part of South Australia. With all the exploring you're bound to do, we know it's important to find the right places to fuel up on a fabulous and hearty feed. As this stunning spot rises in the ranks of must-visit destinations, we are spilling the beans (and maybe some wine) on the best restaurants in Kangaroo Island.

No holiday or weekend getaway is complete without the perfect breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the good news is the locals and talented chefs of Kangaroo Island are turning locally sourced fresh produce into mouthwatering meals daily. From fresh oysters and seafood to loaded bowls of pasta and cheesy pizza - this island has it all.

Amadio Wines Vino e Cucino

Sitting on Kingscote's main street, Amadio Wines Vino e Cucina channels authentic Italian trattoria vibes. It's all about traditional rustic cuisine paired with the exceptional Amadio Wines, all crafted in-house. Renowned Chef Ricciardi - once the culinary lead for Ferrari’s Formula 1 team - infuses the flavours of his hometown into Kangaroo Island's local ingredients. From spaghetti allo scoglio to his signature gnocchi cacio pepe e tartufo, the menu is a journey to Italy, right in the middle of Kangaroo Island.

1 Commercial Street, Kingscote

Cactus

For a nourishing breakfast or laidback lunch, head straight to Cactus – a go-to spot for a lively and vibrant cafe in the heart of Kingscote. Open daily from 7.30am, it's the perfect pitstop for coffee, fresh juices and simple, tasty bites featuring locally sourced goodies to fuel a day of exploring the island. This cafe is small but mighty, with mouthwatering lunch dishes that pack a punch, like chicken curry, KI salt and pepper squid salad, and deliciously juicy pork dumplings. Stop in for a laid-back, delicious feed on the go, or stay a little longer and enjoy the atmosphere.

54 Dauncey Street, Kingscote

Gastronomo's Enchanted Fig Tree

For one of the best restaurants in Kangaroo Island, you cannot look past Gastronomo’s showstopping dining at The Enchanted Fig Tree. Bringing out the Island’s fairy tale feel, once upon a time a small fig tree was planted on Kangaroo Island to provide food. Over a century later, guests are now invited to settle in for lunch within the sun-dappled limbs of the 120-year-old tree beneath a canopy of shimmering leaves. Within the twisted limbs, you’ll sip on a welcome cocktail made with Kangaroo Island Spirits alongside delicious canapes. You will then venture through the ‘entrance’ of the tree into natural dining rooms, decked out with whimsical table settings. Sit down and enjoy a meal of native foraged foods in an enchanting setting you won't soon forget.

This experience is available in seasonal periods throughout spring, summer and autumn

6015 North Coast Road, Middle River, Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island Lodge Bar & Lounge

The newly opened Kangaroo Island Lodge Bar & Lounge sits within the Mercure Hotel, with a premium yet relaxed feel welcoming guests to unwind over lunch and dinner. Enjoy a beer at the bar or savour a local glass wine by the fireplace – a quintessential Kangaroo Island experience. Open to all, walk-ins are welcome and the bar is open to both hotel guests and visitors exploring American River. This chic destination promises a laid-back atmosphere, making it the ideal locale for a casual bite or refreshing drink.

73 Scenic Drive, American River, Kangaroo Island

Reflections Restaurant

Continuing the Mercure experience, venture to the water's edge and discover Reflections Restaurant, an absolute gem in the charming town of American River. Indulge in a seasonal menu featuring the region's finest fare and wines, an offering that has earned Reflections TripAdvisor's Travellers Choice Award on more than one occasion. Well known as one of the best restaurants in Kangaroo Island, we recommend booking ahead to secure a spot here. With a menu of mushroom arancini, American River oysters, 12-hour pressed lamb shoulder, and crispy skin Barramundi – a feast awaits for even the fussiest of foodies.

73 Scenic Drive, American River, Kangaroo Island

Penneshaw Pub

The historic Penneshaw Pub has commanding and uninterrupted views over Kangaroo Island's Backstairs Passage, with absolute water frontage from a cliff-top on the western side of town. Open for lunch and dinner, it is the perfect venue for all occasions. where you get to experience the best of both coastal and countryside atmosphere. Choose from inside and alfresco dining areas, as you settle in for the extensive menu of fresh and locally inspired coastal and classic food options that the whole family will love. Their Sunday roast is well worth the boat trip across, served up with a side of roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and Yorkshire puddings, and you can never go wrong with their classic serving of fish and chips. 

The pub also serve up a vast array of local, Australian, and international wines, and has well over 100 years of experience pouring the perfect pint. Cheers to that! 

North Terrace, Penneshaw 

The Kiosk

Make your way into The Kiosk in Penneshaw and find a coastal paradise of laid-back dining with stunning ocean views. This fully licensed venue is adorned in white washed walls and bright accents, offering not just great coffee and delicious food, but a relaxed atmosphere that captures Kangaroo Island's vibe. Stay tuned on socials for exciting events (like spontaneous bottomless brunches), and allow some extra time to browse the unique giftware collection. Ideal for no-fuss dining, the menu boasts all the classics like burgers, fish and chips, spaghetti, pizza, and wings.

8 North Terrace, Penneshaw

Dudley Wines

The team here may be focused on tasteful wines, and while it isn't a full-blown restaurant, the family-owned Dudley Wines is a must-visit, easily earning its spot on our list of the best restaurants in Kangaroo Island. Settle into your sitting with a glass (or two) of 100% Kangaroo Island wine on the spacious lawn, enjoying woodfired pizzas hailed as some of the island's best, and seal the deal with the gluten-free choc fudge brownie we can't stop raving about. On top of this, you'll be blown away by the breathtaking Backstairs Passage views to mainland Australia, and you can browse local treasures like All Season’s clothing and KI artworks on site. Swing by the one-hole golf course for extra fun – a Dudley Wines experience is a Kangaroo Island treat.

1153 Cape Willoughby Road, Cuttlefish Bay

Millie Mae's Patry

For possibly one of the most charming restaurants on Kangaroo Island, stop into Millie Mae's Pantry, a KI gem celebrating community and local flavours in a quaint and welcoming garden setting. With breakfast and lunch offerings crafted from the island's produce, you can dine out on the deck or in the lush garden. For those passing through - grab a quick bite to take on your island adventure. The pantry store offers a selection of Kangaroo Island's best – from honey to health foods - and you'll want to give yourself enough time to browse the selection. Swing by in the afternoons for local paninis that pair well with the island's wines, beers, or KI Spirits gin.

1 Nat Thomas Street, Penneshaw

Sunset Food & Wine

The first restaurant on Kangaroo Island to be awarded one Chef Hat from the AGFG in 2017, Sunset Food & Wine is an unmissable experience. This modern bistro overlooks beautiful American Beach, and works closely with food producers and growers from the island and around South Australia to only use what is in season and what produce is at its very best. Chef Sam Ingram previously worked with Shannon Bennett at Melbourne's highly acclaimed Vue de Monde. finishing up as Chef De Cuisine at Bistro Vue, the sister restaurant to the main Vue de monde restaurant. Expect delicious dishes like local fish and braised fennel with a white bean skordalia and salad Provençale, as well as Kangaroo island lamb loin and slow cooked shoulder with turnip.

Reopening 15th December 2023

4564 Hog Bay Road, Kangaroo Head, Kangaroo Island 

Made your way through the best restaurants in Kangaroo Island and ready to explore more of beautiful South Australia? Why not hit the open road for a memorable day trip, or start ticking off your South Australian Bucket List?