The South Australian city of Adelaide is known for many things, but mainly for being home to some of the best wine regions in Australia, and even the world. Adelaide is also known as the “City of Churches”. Another thing Adelaide is known for is its fantastic and diverse culinary delights. From fresh, locally caught seafood and locally grown produce, to delicious treats from Asia and beyond. Adelaide is a melting pot of different cultures. Eating in Adelaide is a tantalising experience for everyone’s tastebuds.

Adelaide – Five Great Places to Eat

Here are some of my recommendations from my most recent trip to Adelaide.

Star of Greece – A’la Carte – Port Willunga

Located about an hour south of the city, in Port Willunga is a beautiful little place called Star of Greece. We had been recommended by friends to try this restaurant, but we were not told why. Based on the name we were expecting a Greek restaurant. However, upon arrival we found something extremely different.

We arrived at a beautiful little restaurant perched on a small cliff, overlooking a stunning bay. I booked in advance as we were advised that it gets very busy, which was very wise, as when we arrived on a Friday lunchtime it was packed. Once we were seated at our table we were presented with a stunning A la Carte style menu, offering everything from beautiful oysters and seafood to stunning meat dishes.

The price of the food was slightly higher than your average restaurant, but it was worth every penny! A truly stunning place to eat, and the panoramic coastal views were to die for.

Mangosteen – Thai – Tea Tree Gully

Nestled in the green Adelaide Hills, in the settlement of Tea Tree Gully is Mangosteen, a superb Thai restaurant. I’ve passed this place many times before on past visits to Adelaide, but on this trip I decided to give it a try.

One thing I have found in Australia, especially in Adelaide, is that being closer to Asia than we are here in the UK, the Asian food is a lot more authentic and flavoursome. The food in Mangosteen definitely didn’t disappoint. From tasty curries to sizzling stir fry dishes I couldn’t fault the food in any way at all. Well worth a drive up to Tea Tree Gully from the city to enjoy the stunning food this place has to offer.

Ei8ht, Marina Pier – Oysters and Seafood – Glenelg

Glenelg is one of the more stylish costal areas of Adelaide. Glenelg has a picturesque waterfront and beach, as well as a very smart marina packed full of bars, restaurants and cafés. You can drive to Glenelg within 15-20 minutes from the city centre, or why not hop on the tram that will whisk you to Glenelg from the city in no time at all.

Ei8ht is located on Marina Pier, with many tables outside overlooking the boats in the harbour. They have a range of dishes, mainly seafood, and their speciality is their oysters. They serve oysters in many different ways, my favourite style was their Oysters Mignonette. These come highly recommended! Their other dishes, in particular their seafood dishes offer beautifully cooked local seafood, delicately presented, and stunning in taste.

Schild Estate – Wine Tasting & Sharing Platters – Barossa Valley

A wine tasting trip to the Barossa Valley will no doubt leave you feeling peckish. Many of the cellar doors offer lunches and platters, but for a real treat visit Schild Estate cellar doors in Lyndoch. Schild Estate isn’t one of the big well known wine producers of the Barossa, such as Jacobs Creek or McGuigan. Schild Estate is however a hidden gem just awaiting your discovery. From a stunning array of whites, rosés and sparklers, to an amazing range of sumptuous reds. All of which are guaranteed to please.

Once you have sampled all you can at the bar, head outside to their stylish courtyard and indulge in one of their amazing lunch platters. Everything on the platters is made from locally sourced produce. A visit to Schild Estate will definitely not disappoint.

Hahndorf Inn – German – Hahndorf

Hahndorf is a traditional German village nestled in a serene setting, deep in the Adelaide hills. Founded in 1838 by settlers from Germany, the village has a huge German influence. From its architecture and cuisine, down to the everyday life of the generations that now inhabit the village.

You will find a few traditional German Inns in Hahndorf, the best I have found is the Hahndorf Inn. Sample a platter of traditional Bavarian cuisine, from a range of different Wursts to pork knuckles, sauerkraut, Bavarian potatoes and delicious pickles. Just make sure you are hungry as the portions are definitely on the large side!

This is just a small sample of some if the places I have tried and loved. You could probably eat out in Adelaide every night for the next ten years and never eat in the same place twice. With such a huge range of bars, cafés and restaurants, you will always find what you’re looking for in Adelaide. I can’t wait until my next visit so I can continue to explore some of the great places to eat in and around Adelaide.