Discover Adelaide’s foodie scene
Adelaide is well-known as the wine capital of Australia but it has so much more to offer than just fine wine (although it does that very well). In the past few years Adelaide’s dining landscape has changed dramatically to become the must-visit foodie destinations in Australia. The city’s eclectic food scene embraces everything from hatted restaurants, diverse ethnic cuisines, farmers’ markets and alfresco dining all served up with warm hospitality. So if you haven’t been to South Australia for a while, now is the time to do plan a visit! You’ll want to work up an appetite on the way too because Adelaide has plenty to offer to tantalise any tastebuds.
Alfresco dining
Head to Rundle Street for outdoor dining at its best. Whether you’re after a morning boost of coffee, brunch at a casual but chic café or a hearty pub feed from historic pubs, this spot is your answer. The sun-drenched street has mastered the art of alfresco dining so it’s the perfect place to unwind on a sunny afternoon. However, the vibrant outdoor atmosphere means outdoor eating is embraced morning, noon and night here.
Beachside eating
Adelaide is home to some beautiful unspoilt beaches so after a swim or tan, Jetty Road in Glenelg is the place to go for great beachfront dining options. Stroll among the palm trees and enjoy a decadent meal with spectacular scenery to match. An array of cuisines are on offer from the classic fish and chips to international flavours. Your meal will taste just that much better with the sea breeze and scenic surrounds.
Laneway fun
The once sleepy Leigh Street and Peel Street have awaken to become the trendiest of food and drink hubs. With many new boutique bars, cafes and restaurants moving into the laneways and sides streets, it is now a vibrant and lively place for lunch, dinner or drinks.
Modern Asian
If you’ve got a hankering for flavours of the Orient, the bustling Gouger Street is where to go. It is crammed pack with Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and Malay cuisines to choose from. It is also the entrance to Chinatown where you can experience authentic food, markets and grocery stores.
Food trucks
The food truck scene has exploded in Adelaide. Forget the days of cheap and questionable grub though, food trucks these days serve up a feast of gourmet fast food. Think tasty burgers, tacos and everything in between. They are great for a lazy lunch in one of Adelaide’s many parks. Download the Adelaide Street Eats app to find the nearest truck.
Related link: Australia's best food trucks
Sweet spot
Adelaide is home to one of our proudest and oldest chocolate makers, Haigh’s Chocolate. Visit the factory where it’s all made and pick up a few sweet treats along the way. You can also enjoy special chocolate tastings, watch chocolate being created and tour the factory complete with original packaging, old machinery and early photographs.
To buy
A trip to Adelaide would not be complete without a visit to the Queen of the Australian food scene, Maggie Beer. Her farm shop is brimming with artisan products for your pantry and cellar. There’s daily demonstrations, food tastings and premade picnic hampers of tasty snacks and matched wines.
Markets
With rows and rows of the finest fresh produce, the Adelaide Central Markets is foodie heaven. It’s not just a tourist destination, locals have been coming here for their food for the last 140 years. Everything from fruit and veg, meat and seafood, bread and much more can be found here and it is all proudly South Australian. Another local favourite market is the Market Shed on Holland Street which celebrates everything organic, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.
Virgin Australia Holidays offer great-value packages to Over60 to Adelaide. To book a holiday from $398pp (departing from Melbourne – but other destinations available too) that includes return airfare, checked baggage, three night’s accommodation and tour, visit the booking icon on the Travel Club page.
All bookings made from September 22 to November 29 will receive a free Penfolds Heritage Tour.