Dining Hit List: The Best Restaurants in Adelaide CBD

Adelaide’s CBD is a tapestry of global flavours, offering everything from indulgent French cuisine and hearty Italian to fresh, succulent seafood and dishes infused with rich traditions from Asia, Africa and Europe.

Whether seeking a laid-back spot for a lively catch-up with friends or a refined dining destination for a romantic evening or special celebration, Adelaide has a restaurant to suit every occasion. And with a constant influx of new bars, you’ll never be short of options for that perfect aperitif or post-dinner nightcap.

To help you navigate the capital of South Australia’s world-class foodie paradise, we’ve curated a list of the best restaurants in Adelaide CBD that are absolute must-tries.

Part Time Lover

… and a full-time friend. This highly sought-after laneway venue boasts an organic fit-out that is hard to miss, with a menu of punchy flavours paired with creative combinations and a talented team who make every night a fun one.

Gather the girls and head to Part Time Lover to experience a meal in Adelaide unlike any other. Sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy the delicious Modern Australian dishes. Try the infamous fried corn ribs with chilli lime, popcorn broccoli with vegan hot sauce or Kingfish sashimi with sesame cream. There are ‘feed me’ options for indecisive tummies, and if you’re up for it – a French 75 cocktail is a glamorous way to get the good times rolling. Cheers!

Pilgrim Lane, Adelaide

Niña

Tucked behind the Sofitel Adelaide, Niña is a vibrant haven of Spanish flair dreamed up by Brenda Loveday (@freakyfeedsaus), Jessica Purcell, and Leonardo Loureiro. Chic yet playful, they’re dishing out Spanish classics with a modern twist. Think chorizo croquettes with smoked aioli that melt in your mouth, jamon soldiers drizzled with hot honey ricotta, and patatas bravas that’ll have you saying “olé!”

Sitchu tip: Niña loves a collab. Working closely with Adelaide’s top eateries (think Jennie Wine Bar and Gondola Gondola) to co-host epic feasts of eats and good times. Be sure to follow along on socials to snag a seat at the next one – trust us, the vibes are unmatched.

38 Rosina Street, Adelaide

Osteria Oggi

Osteria Oggi is where sleek style meets irresistible cuisine. Highly regarded as one of Adelaide’s most loved Italian restaurants, step into the trendy space of cobblestone floors, arches, and intimate booths, oozing undeniable charm and sophistication.

The creative team in the kitchen crafts modern dishes with a nod to tradition, ensuring every bite is familiar and fresh, with everything from beef carpaccio with beetroot chips to a hearty bowl of SA Blue Swimmer crab tagliatelle. For an intimate and memorable experience, book the private cellar and indulge in a classic Italian feast with premium wines. It’s a slice of Italy right in the heart of Adelaide.

76 Pirie Street, Adelaide

La Louisiane 

Descend into the basement of a heritage building and find yourself transported to Paris at La Louisiane. A moody brasserie where classic French dishes and some of Adelaide’s best martinis await, it’s a spot for good times and romantic rendezvous’, with live jazz on weekends setting the perfect vibe.

Enjoy gruyère soufflé, steak tartare, snails with garlicky herbed butter, or the signature burger and fries. For true indulgence, don’t miss the steak frites with Café de Paris butter, followed by profiteroles—akin to chocolate, pastry, and cream heaven. Pair your meal with their world-class wine list for an unforgettable experience. Bon appétit!

89 King William Street, Adelaide  

Fugazzi

Dine in a romantic and decadent style at Fugazzi on Adelaide’s lively Leigh Street. Immerse yourself in the dining room with velvet, leather and marble furnishings, with an elegant atmosphere and quality Italian cuisine to match. The good news is there is no rush for you to cut the night short, with the restaurant open late seven nights.

Cosy up in the booth seating, order a bottle of wine, start with oysters and you’ll want to order the signature Gnocco Fritto served with whipped ricotta and honey too. Follow this with a few creative plates to share, including the contemporary Italian taglierini with blue swimmer crab.

27 Leigh Street, Adelaide

Press* Food & Wine

We’re pleased to report that Press* Food & Wine has it all. Chic and modern interiors create a space for special soirees, with plush booths and rattan seating mixed with exposed wooden beams and raw brick to give an overall loft-style feel to the restaurant.

Their menu is designed seasonally around the best available South Australian produce, with chargrilling an integral part of the kitchen’s cooking style. Choose between the set menu or an inventive la carte offering that could include anything from a Wagyu beef skewer to the signature Press* burger with fries. 

40 Waymouth Street, Adelaide

Kiin

Vibrant Thai-inspired eats get the modern-day treatment with the dining experience at Kiin (meaning ‘eat’ in Thai). Brought to you by the former chef and partner at Brisbane’s stellar Same Same, his acclaimed Thai-inspired food – with a few Western influences – delights the fussiest of foodies, with inventive dishes pushing the boundaries on classic recipes. Enjoy the likes of a red curry cheeseburger with crispy onion, provolone and ketsup, burrata with green ‘nahm jim’ and roti, flavour-packed curries and delicious sides to complete the feast. 

73 Angas Street, Adelaide

Luigi Delicatessen

Created with rich Italian traditions of sharing meals made with love with your loved ones in mind, Luigi Delicatessen is a warm and inviting haven in the heart of the CBD where authenticity reigns supreme. A fabulous Italian experience leaning towards fine dining, award-winning Luigi encourages customers to gather and reminisce over a beautiful meal.

The cafe is open each morning before welcoming dinner guests to choose from an array of exquisite pasta dishes, antipasti, fresh seafood and desserts. Only open for dinner 3 nights a week (Thursday, Friday & Saturday) with live music creating the perfect ambience, make a booking in advance to avoid missing out!

 43 Franklin Street, Adelaide

Fishbank Restaurant

Serving up some of the freshest seafood from across Australia in a fine dining setting, Fishbank Restaurant is the perfect place to splash out for any special occasion. The contemporary, opulent décor compliments the venue’s open space and high ceilings, matched by the premium food and award-winning wine list.

Fishbank’s menu features premium-grade seafood, from freshly shucked oysters, sashimi and caviar to moreish prawn toast, grilled Murray cod fillet and southern rock lobster. Flick through the 40-page drinks menu (including the recently awarded Best Wine List in SA) for a wide selection of wine recommendations curated by the house sommelier.

Ground Level, 2 King William Street, Adelaide

Koomo Restaurant & Bar

Set your sights sky-high with Koomo, where you’ll dine in Adelaide’s tallest restaurant. Inspired by Japan’s sights, sounds and flavours, escape to a light-filled space with warm timbers and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the CBD and beyond. Koomo’s impressive food offering spans from buffet breakfast to lunch and dinner. Our favourite dishes include the chef’s signature pork and ginger dumplings, and a Japanese favourite of green tea and sesame ice cream for dessert. 

Level 10, Crowne Plaza, Adelaide

Leigh Street Wine Room

What once started as a humble dry cleaners’ shop is now one of Adelaide’s best wine bars and the cosiest spot for an elevated meal without pretension. Leigh Street Wine Room has a prodigious mix of tasty dishes served within a natural and eclectic space complemented by arched ceilings, charming artwork and a library of national and South Australian wines.

Feast on an elevated spread of dishes ranging from lobster toast, spinach and ricotta gnocchi with a light butter lemon sauce, sirloin steak and grilled Garfish. Or, leave the decision-making to the experts and order the chef’s selection of six plates to share from the kitchen.

9 Leigh Street, Adelaide

The Kitchen

The warm and welcoming surroundings at The Kitchen make you feel like you’re a million miles away from the CBD, offering the perfect respite after a busy day. The menu – inspired by a New York-style grill – is packed with indulgent meals, including Coffin Bay oysters, lobster linguini, seafood platters and a premium selection of steak from the fire pit. For food fanatics, we recommend booking the Chef’s Table experience. You’ll eat your meal in the middle of the bustling kitchen and have your food made right in front of you – fire and all.

SkyCity, North Terrace, Adelaide

Peel St Restaurant

If you’re after fresh, simple and delicious food, hit up Peel St Restaurant. Sitting on the ever-popular food and bar haven of Peel Street, the industrial-chic eatery celebrates the building’s original features through exposed red brick, complemented by modern wooden touches.

Their menu is beautifully curated, bursting with flavour and generous serves to satisfy your hunger. Peel St Restaurant’s ethos is simple: the chef cooks what he’d love to be served. And what is that you ask? A menu that changes with the seasons, a sample of which includes baked halloumi with nduja, the signature banana blossom salad with shredded chicken and peanuts, lamb shoulder and a mainstay peanut butter parfait for dessert… yum!

9 Peel Street, Adelaide

The best restaurants in Adelaide CBD bring something unique, making the city a dining destination that deserves to be savoured. Ready to continue your foodie journey? Discover your new favourite restaurant, whether that’s sizzling Korean or inventive vegetarian.