Afro Bites: The Must-Try African Restaurants in Adelaide
There’s no need to deal with hair-pulling travel shenanigans for a taste of Africa. All you need is to hit Adelaide’s streets and scour the city for exceptional African restaurants.
The details you need are just below, whether it’s the 411 on the dishes’ price, handy tips, or general info about the restos and cafes!
Africola
Address: 4 East Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8223 3885
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 6 pm to 11 pm
- Wed to Fri – 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm
- Sat – 6 pm to 11 pm
- Sun – Closed
Oozing with swagger and energy, Africola is a resto where African flavors and colors rule the roost.
From their mushroom with white bean and chili crisp dish to the kingfish sashimi with nectarine and buckwheat, every bite is a celebration of Africa’s usual protein and veggie combo.
The 3-ingredient cocktails pack a spirited punch, too, particularly the Ranga Banga with Mandarin, 78 Degrees Vodka, and Sparkle. But if you can’t eat without wine, opt for their selection of international and local reds and sparklings.
| Tip: Remember that dining times are structured in two-hour intervals. Bookings also consist of a set kitchen menu priced at $85 per person. |
Aunty Meg’s Kitchen
Address: 7 Ebenezer Pl, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0433 512 113
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Thu – 9 am to 4 pm
- Fri to Sat – 9 am to 9 pm
- Sun – 9 am to 5 pm
With soothing neutrals, vibrant textiles, a passion for natural lighting, and timeless Afro bites, Aunty Meg’s Kitchen is a love letter to the heart and soul of casual but flavor-packed African dining.
The best-seller is bunny chow, a chunk of white bread stuffed with your choice of lamb, beef, or chicken and complemented by a side of carrot salad. You can get it as regular hot or “hot hot” for those who like to feel the burn.
Another must-try is the boerewors rolls, the ultimate South African street food delight.
Think juicy South African-style sausage finished with all the fixings—onions, chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish), tomato, mustard, and a splash of Nandos sauce to give it that extra kick.
| Tip: If you order online, spend at least $60 to enjoy free delivery. |
Le Souk
Address: Adelaide Central Market, 44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0455 290 325
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 9 am to 4 pm
- Thu – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
- Sun – Closed
Le Souk is all about whipping health-conscious meals prepped for groups and fams, but don’t worry, they don’t sacrifice flavor for the sake of your waistline.
It’s hard to resist their chakchouka, the house specialty brimming with twice-steamed couscous. You can load this up with lamb or chicken, but patrons typically go for the homemade merguez sausages—a true slice of Algeria in the Adelaide CBD.
For the herbivores in the house, they have a veggie-only chakchouka option. This version features poached eggs and roasted aromatics seasoned with a special spice blend.
| Tip: Bring Le Souk’s flavors to your home or office by booking them as caterers. |
AURORA Restaurant at ILA
Address: Light, 63 Light Square, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0422 245 511
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Thu – 6 pm to 9 pm
- Fri to Sat – 6 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – Closed
South African soul food with a welcome Aussie twist is what you’ll be wolfing down at the feel-good AURORA Restaurant.
Picking your dinner won’t be easy, as each dish is sensational, from the kangaroo with BBQ onion to the quail Scotch egg with turkey and smoked cream.
Our solution for this dilemma is to let the chefs lead the way, as there’s a tasting menu of $130 per person. It’s a 5-course feast boasting the resto’s top picks—all expertly prepared and cooked for every diet and preference.
| Tip: Check AURORA’s calendar of events to see what they’re cooking. Expect nights filled with smooth jazz or classical dances. |
Marrakech Restaurant
– From rah.vision
Address: 91 O’Connell St, North Adelaide, SA 5006
Contact Details: (08) 8361 9696
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Sun – 5 pm to 12 am
When it comes to halal dining, Marrakech Restaurant sets the standard with its time-honored Moroccan menu.
The magic starts with their melwi, a Moroccan bread stuffed with goat’s cheese, baby spinach, and harissa (chili pepper paste) drizzled with argan oil. Then there’s bestella (sp), chicken pie in filo pastry with ground cinnamon, roast almonds, and icing sugar.
Our personal fave, though, is the afrah tagine—lamb cooked until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender. The infused prunes, nuts, cinnamon, and honey add an extra pop of flavor worth splurging for.
| Tip: The most convenient way to book a table is through this form. |
Sahara Moroccan Casbah
Address: 187 Sturt St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0405 490 781
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 pm to 9 pm
From the grub to the decor, the emporium-themed Sahara Moroccan Casbah is an absolute stunner. Colorful rugs, intricate textiles, and artisanal crafts give this Sturt St staple a bazaar’s energy—but it’s the food that’ll make you stay and return.
For starters, there’s the plate of safari prawns, marinated and char-grilled king prawns covered in an authentic coconut cream sauce.
The showstopper is the Sahara Feast, flaunting marinated chicken filet jazzed with tongue-tingling exotic Moroccan spices. It’s char-grilled and served with rice in a Saharian sauce.
| Tip: Swinging by Sahara Moroccan Casbah during holidays is a smart move if you’re into special and discounted banquets. |
Le Riad Restaurant
– From allieborgelt
Address: 314 Pulteney St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8223 6111
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 6 pm to 10:30 pm
- Tue – Closed
- Wed to Thu – 6 pm to 10:30 pm
- Fri to Sat – 6 pm to 12 am
- Sun – 6 pm to 10:30 pm
Le Riad Restaurant’s food and decor are both straight out of Morocco. The upper floor offers a unique spin, too, with its Casablanca-inspired aesthetics.
As for the food, their bowl of bisara is a must-try. This comforting soup is a traditional Moroccan dish bursting with flavor from green garlic, olive oil, split peas, and, of course, Moroccan spices.
Then, dive into their selection of tagines, like the lamb tagine, where supple lamb is coupled with vegetables and a Moroccan herb sauce, creating a dish that’s both hearty and delicious.
| Tip: For a more intimate dining experience, visit Le Riad Restaurant during non-peak hours, typically between 6 pm and 8 pm. |
African Village Center Restaurant
Address: 2A Northcote St, Torrensville, SA 5031
Contact Details: (08) 8352 1492
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 5 pm to 10 pm
- Tue – 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm
- Wed to Fri – 5 pm to 10 pm
- Sat to Sun – 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
Ethiopia is renowned as the land of bread and honey, and the cozy African Village Center Restaurant is living proof of this reputation.
The right way to start your feast here is by munching the iconic injera—a spongy unleavened flatbread priced at just $2 a pop.
Follow this up with the ye sega aletcha, and you’ll leave smiling and satisfied. This dish consists of mild beef stew simmered in a yellow curry sauce flavored with spices. It’s comfort food at its finest.
| Tip: You can score a variety of Ethiopian spices here. Contact the restaurant via the number above if you’re interested. |
Abyssinian Restaurant
Address: 126 Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville, SA 5031
Contact Details: (08) 8443 4300
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Sun – 3:30 pm to 10 pm
There are so many things you can do at Torrensville, and feasting on Abyssinian Restaurant’s Ethiopian food is without a doubt one of the highlights.
Spice specialists will fall in love with their doro wot, a bowl of seasoned chicken legs swimming in a sauce of red chili pepper and clarified butter.
For those who prefer lamb or beef, derek tibs is a must-try. Robust Ethiopian spices and cheese enhance this plate’s flavor, while a myriad of aromatics add a fragrance even those strolling by the resto can catch a whiff of.
| Tip: Torrensville isn’t a world away, but if your schedule is tight, consider ordering online. |
Inside Morocco
Address: 149 Magill Rd, Stepney, SA 5069
Contact Details: (08) 8132 1414
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Sun – 6 pm to 10 pm
Inside Morocco started as a hotspot for Moroccan homeware, but it quickly transformed into an A-grade restaurant teeming with colors and flavors that’ll knock your socks off.
Diners usually go for their Moroccan chicken burger, which has a grilled spiced chicken filet, harissa mayonnaise, avocado, and salad on a toasted brioche bun.
But, if you ask us, the real stars of the show are their tagines—slow-cooked and savory stews that’ll warm your soul with every spoonful.
| Tip: Inside Morocco is one of the most jaw-dropping restaurants near Adelaide. Hit them up if you’re looking for an eye-catching venue for your event. |
Jambo Sana
Address: 72 Old Princes Hwy, Nairne, SA 5252
Contact Details: (08) 8188 0398
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Fri – 9:30 am to 4 pm
- Sat to Sun – Closed
Jambo Sana is one of the most unique cafes in town with an interior beautified by African arts and crafts. The bites and brews are attention-hooking too.
Their Rolex, a fried omelet packed with tomato, red capsicum, onion, baby spinach, and Himalayan salt, is a diet wrecker. Pair this with the cafe’s floral and fruity Ethiopia Yirgacheffe coffee, and you’ll be on cloud nine.
Those dropping for lunch can indulge in the Ugandan-style lamb stew, offering slow-cooked lamb and basmati rice with aromatics and veggies galore. Homemade scones and apple pie crumble go well with this pick.
| Tip: You can’t miss Jambo Sana’s seasonal banquets. Head to the website to see what they’re currently serving. |
Addis Ababa Cafe
Address: 462 Port Rd, West Hindmarsh, SA 5007
Contact Details: 0401 556 406
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 5:30 pm to 9 pm
- Fri to Sat – 5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – Closed
Addis Ababa Cafe whisked us away to Africa’s soul with its eclectic artwork and homely hut-style aesthetics.
Their menu is Ethiopia on a plate, and one of the headliners is kitfo, a lip-smacker with prime cuts of lean beef diced and drizzled in kibe (clarified butter). It’s then sprinkled with mitmita (chili) before getting served alongside homemade cheese.
We’re also head over forks for their gored gored—soft cuts of beef cubed and smothered with awaze (chili paste) and kibe over a warm pan. Traditionally, this is served raw but available lightly browned upon request.
| Tip: Before heading straight to West Hindmarsh, it’s wise to send a message to the restaurant first, as they may be fully booked at times. |
Mama Rashida’s African Cuisine
Address: Shop 6/240 Peachey Rd, Smithfield Plains, SA 5114
Contact Details: 0415 072 862
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 10 am to 9 pm
- Fri – 10 am to 10 pm
- Sat – 12:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – 3 pm to 8:30 pm
The unbeatable hospitality, authenticity, and flavor of Mamar Rashida’s African Cuisine are too exceptional to skip.
Their menu keeps it simple, with true-blue African grub, like fufu, a delightful combination of smoky fish and hearty okra in a savory stew, perfect for warming your soul on a chilly day.
Other belly-pleasers include the goat curry, which has succulent pieces of meat and intense spices, and the chicken with jollof rice, a fan-favorite flexing delicate chicken and tomato-infused rice.
| Tip: If you’re ordering online, place your delivery order in advance, especially during peak times or weekends. |
