When Queensland-born chef Alanna Sapwell set her sights on Adelaide as the permanent home for her roving restaurant Esmay, locals were rightly excited. She brings a fresh take on the familiar to a chic space within the revamped Hackney Hotel. Dishes such as house- made pappardelle in creamy alfredo sauce, levelled up with duck and heart. Or a knockout wild venison with Dutch cream potatoes, beans and bone marrow sauce that rewrites what ‘meat and veg’ can be. It’s skilled cooking that’s free of pomp but full of flavour. 95 Hackney Rd, Hackney; esmay.com.au

Modern Italian meets New York swagger at Fugazzi, a venue that oozes glamour and fun. A swipe of warm gnoccho fritto through creamy whipped ricotta and honey will cure any ill, while excellent house-madepastas (the crab tagliarini is a perennial favourite) and fire-scorched meats will satisfy hearty appetites. 27 Leigh St, Adelaide; fugazzi.com.au

South Australia’s most anticipated restaurant has arrived and boy, does it live up to expectations. US-born chef Justin James is behind the roving dining experience, which takes place across three levels in a historic former church in Stirling. The 16-course journey aims to surprise and delight, showcasing native Australian ingredients in fresh and boundary- pushing ways. Yes, there are green ants, but also wallaby, kangaroo and marron, plus all the wonderful berries and herbaceous things that add layers of interest to every plate. Matched wines, and the non-alc pairing, are excellent. Every single detail has been thought through the design, from the scent upon entry, to the door handles made from salvaged slate. Savour your time, here – this one is special. 147 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling; restaurantaptos.com

Thelma has made an art of relaxed overachievement. Working alone in a kitchen with only two burners, chef Tom Campbell produces an ever- shifting menu of soulful, seasonal food that will likely include a smattering of offal along with super-fresh produce from a neighbouring farm. Each dish is a conversation starter, and a lesson in letting good ingredients shine. 176 Piccadilly Rd, Piccadilly; thelmapiccadilly.com.au

The dining room makes an impression, from the handcrafted burnt orange Venetian plaster feature wall to the textural ceiling that blends architectural design with acoustics. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors lead out to the courtyard if dining alfresco appeals, or nab a seat at the bar to watch the team in action. With restaurateur (and OG MasterChef contestant) Andre Ursini at the helm, quality is high. Start with zeppole (Italian doughnut) with whipped ricotta and roast tomato jam, then move towards small plates like fish crudo with apple, verjuice, buttermilk and horseradish, or excellent octopus with Ursini’s version of XO sauce. Larger dishes include pastas and fire-fuelled veggies and meats. 36 Kensington Rd, Rose Park SA. orsokensington.com.au

It’s more than the flavour-packed food that draws people from far and wide to restaurant Parwana – even Nigella Lawson has paid a visit in recent years. Founded in 2009 by Afghan refugees Zelmai and Farida Ayubi, Parwana is rooted in culture and connection. Menu favourites include mantu dumplings cloaked in mince sauce and yoghurt, and the eggplant, simmered in tomato until near-collapse. Then there’s the kabuli palaw – a celebratory rice dish bejewelled with carrot, sultanas and almonds. It’s all delivered with warm hospitality in a colourful space, where walls are adorned with photos of family – the restaurant’s beating heart. And that, really, is what draws people back. 124B Henley Beach Road, Torrensville; parwana.com.au

Perhaps you’re feeling peckish – a snack and vino would be great – or you want to linger longer with friends. At Fall From Grace, there are no expectations – just grab a seat and let your heart (and belly) guide you. Former Salopian Inn head chef Jimmy Toone and his partner Jo Leale took over the Aldinga wine bar in 2025 and have curated a menu that is equal parts approachable and exciting. His tuna tartare fast received cult status, served with an aerated tonnato sauce, while belly warmers might include cassoulet or house made pasta. Homely, hospitable and oozing that lovable laidback Aldinga vibe, it’s a sure thing. 206 Port Rd, Aldinga; fallfromgrace.com.au

The booming beachside suburb of Aldinga is home to this buzzy spot inside a charmingly ramshackle 190-year-old blacksmith’s shop. It’s booked out weeks in advance, thanks to the skills of cook Trinh Richards, whose exquisite (and very reasonably priced) set menus unfold in a joyous parade of flavours from across Southeast Asia and beyond. Her punchy creations go heavy on flavour but still exhibit a delicate touch – think Nannygai sashimi with nashi pear, basil nahm jim and wasabi oil, and local squid that’s barely out of the water before it’s thrown on the grill with gochujang glaze and katsuobushi butter. 24 Old Coach Rd, Aldinga;

If a bottle of wine in the cellar takes your fancy, don’t hesitate – the entire shop is at every diner’s disposal. If that’s an intimidating option, don’t worry, the staff at East End Cellars will find the perfect drop to match your food. Graze your way through olives, oysters or charcuterie and cheese platters, or pick a few small plates to share – stracciatella with roasted tomatoes, or cured salmon with pickled beetroot and labneh, perhaps. Dinner? Wagyu rump steak frites and bearnaise should cut it. A spot outside is the perfect people-watching perch, at any time of day. 25 Vardon Avenue, Adelaide; eastendcellars.com.au

A former classroom sets the scene for a dining experience that’s as soothing for the soul as it is for the body. Chef Clare Falzon’s refined touch can be seen in dishes such as the nannygai – where preserved lemon rind offers bursts of zingy freshness – and frozen yoghurt parfait puddled in thyme-spiked syrup. Understatedly beautiful, it’s the kind of place that calls for a swift return. 457 Seppeltsfield Rd, Marananga; staguni.com.au

Embracing the seasonal bounty of its own garden is at the core of The Salopian Inn, shaping a menu that shifts with what’s ripe for the picking. With the garden now located on-site, the inspiration is richer than ever. Chef and co-owner Karena Armstrong continues to find ways to make the simple seem surprising, from the spiced beef buns (a twist on the former pork buns), to house made cavatelli with mushrooms and just-plucked herbs. Sustainability is of utmost importance, and zero waste techniques – fermenting, pickling – are always on the go. You’ll also find an impressive range of gins and wines with an Australian focus. Cnr Main Rd & McMurtrie Rd, McLaren Vale; salopian.com.au

From a seat at the counter (highly recommended), it’s enthralling to watch it all unfold: the fire powering furnace-like ovens, grills and cauldron deep-fryer; the preparation of unlikely ingredients such as a kingfish collar; the synchronicity of it all. Meat is certainly a highlight – a selection of dry aged Mayura Station 9+ Wagyu sure to delight any carnivore. But you’ll also find elegant starters like chickpea tacos with grilled eggplant and macadamia, and larger dishes like grilled rock flathead with burnt citrus beurre blanc and white asparagus. The bar is also open for snacks in the afternoon, alongside cocktails and a thoughtful selection of wines. 127 The Parade, Norwood; arkhe.com.au

Still one of Adelaide’s coolest places to hang out, Africola fizzes with creative energy and mischievous intent. Centred around an open kitchen, wood-fire oven and well-equipped bar, the dining room guarantees a good time. Expect big flavours across a menu inspired by South African fare, and that can once again be taken a la carte as well as the “feed me” option. That cult-loved crispy chicken skin sandwich is still there, as is the peri peri chicken. You’ll also find Goolwa pipis with fermented chilli, and a selection of veggie-forward dishes that will make any meat-eater rethink their life choices. 4 East Terrace, Adelaide; africola.com.au

Few things improve with age – wine, cheese, George Clooney – but Herringbone makes the cut. It’s impressionable, from the tree that stands in the middle of the enclosed deck to the convivial atmosphere, and the skilful cooking that repeatedly raises the bar. Paper-thin slices of rockmelon paired with prosciutto and caramelised persimmon jam is a fresh take on the Italian classic. To the heavier end of the menu, slow-cooked Middle Eastern-spiced lamb shoulder with torn falafels, creamy hummus, green harissa and pickled red cabbage is everything you want in a winter – and more. Finish with the scorched lemon tart – it’s a mainstay for a reason. 72-74 Halifax Street, Adelaide; herringbonerestaurant.com.au

There’s good reason why this rooftop restaurant continues to thrive a decade on – and it’s not just because of the postcard views. Sure, that lookout is the perfect place to call in the weekend – especially when the cocktails are this good – but the menu also consistently delivers. Executive chef Sam Christopher is behind the hearty fare, from Josper-fired mortadella skewers to a mighty slow-cooked lamb shoulder to share. And don’t miss the sourdough flatbread with nigella seeds and confit garlic butter – you’ll be thinking of it long after you’ve left. For party vibes, a private outdoor cabana is hard to beat. 2 King William St, Adelaide; 2KW Bar and Restaurant