Chew City: Guide to the Best Restaurants in the Adelaide CBD
If you’re hungry for a foodie frenzy in the Adelaide CBD, oh boy, have you stumbled onto the tastiest scoop in town! From Osteria Oggi’s exquisite Italian bites to Golden Boy’s modern Asian delights, we know the city center restos foodies would die for.
Ready for the juicy deets? We have all the info you need—the locations, best dishes, opening hours, and more!
Stem
Address: 188 Hindley St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0411 343 072
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 11 to 4 pm
- Tue to Sat – 11 am to 12 am
- Sun – Closed
Set in the laidback Hindley St, Stem is a trendy restaurant with rustic brick-lined walls and inventive bites.
Patrons and critics enjoy their gluten-free woodfired cauliflower smothered in smoked almond puree and a sprinkle of dukkah. Fans of rich and earthy seafood will also love their Coorong mullet served with green tomato, tarragon, and shallot.
For the sweet finale, go for the melon sorbet with pet-nat jelly or the chocolate and coconut tart topped with coconut sorbet. And don’t forget to complete your meal with a glass of Hersey Estate Pinot Noir, a citrusy and fruity red that ties the feast together.
Golden Boy
Address: 309 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8227 0799
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 6 pm to 11 pm
- Tue to Fri – 12 pm to 2 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm
- Sat – 6 pm to 11 pm
- Sun – Closed
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing botanic garden or a cutting-edge dining hall with neon-draped styling, Golden Boy has you covered. The meals here are a modern take on Asian cuisine, and each fusion dish is a standout.
If we have to pick, though, we’ll go with the fiery and creamy green curry chicken boasting some real punch with its scud chili and Thai basil. Those who can’t handle the kick can ease the hotness by ordering GB’s banana fritters layered with ice cream.
For a healthy dish that still pops with flavors, their savory Asian mushroom stir-fry with vermicelli noodles is an obvious choice. The brilliant addition of coriander paste, garlic stem, and green chili gives this plate a dash of zing and aroma.
Sean’s Kitchen
Address: SkyCity Adelaide, 125 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8218 4244
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Wed – 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Thu – 2 pm to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Fri to Sat – 2 pm to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – Closed
With a high-end NY brasserie theme, Sean’s Kitchen is one of the poshest looking eateries in town. The food is also hard to top, as every dish is from Aussie celeb chef Sean Connolly, a true master of the kitchen.
We suggest sinking your teeth into their iconic dry-aged burger or savoring a fire-kissed 220-gram tenderloin. Those swinging by with a partner can opt for the savory and salty lamb shoulder for two.
But if you want to savor this luxe resto’s finest nosh, request the Chef’s Table experience. The plates will be tailor-made to your preferences, and there’s the added satisfaction of seeing every dish prepared right in front of you.
Peel St Restaurant
Address: 9 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8231 8887
Contact Details:
- Mon to Fri – 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sat – 5:30 pm to 11 pm
- Sun – Closed
From the entree to the dessert, every dish at Peel St Restaurant is a specialty of Chef Phil Helyard, guaranteeing top-notch quality and flavor in every bite.
For starters, feel the heat with their Szechuan chicken—a fiery ensemble of shiitake mushroom, fermented chili, and spring onion. Then, balance the spiciness with their French tarte tatin with pineapple and ice cream.
Diners who want to savor Middle Eastern flavors should pick their garlic oregano braised lamb shoulder offered with tzatziki and crisp iceberg lettuce. It’s a flavorful and fulfilling plate of savory meat and herby undertones ideal for famished food fans.
Koomo Restaurant and Bar
Address: Level 10/27 Frome St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 7077 2233
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 6:30 am to 10 am, 6 pm to 9 pm
- Tue to Wed – 6:30 am to 10 am, 12 pm to 2:30 pm
- Thu – 6:30 am to 10 am, 12 pm to 2 am
- Fri – 6:30 am to 10 am, 12 pm to 2:30 pm
- Sat – 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 6 pm to 9 pm
- Sun – 7 am to 11 am, 6 pm to 9 pm
The relaxing and rustic Koomo Restaurant and Bar is a taste of Japan right in the heart of Adelaide. It has timber walls, dining halls flooded with light, and, of course, Japanese meals with just the right amount of Aussie culinary magic.
Kick off your feast with Spencer Gulf king prawns and vegetable tempura for a crispy and umami-packed start. Foodies craving something fancy should go for the delicately savory Koomo lobster rolls or herby duck breast confit.
For the highlight, have the 200-gram farm Wagyu beef tenderloin with a 7-marbling score. This bad boy is a meaty flavor bomb accentuated by the earthiness and aroma of truffled mushrooms, garlic shoots, and miso yakiniku (sliced meat with soybean paste).
Osteria Oggi
Address: 76 Pirie St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8359 2525
Operating Hours: Daily – 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
When it comes to style and authentic Italian flavor flair, Osteria Oggi is hard to topple.
Our team recommends starting your tasting party with their mildly salty and spicy roasted burrata dish featuring a delightful mix of asparagus, salsa verde, and green chili. The premium beef carpaccio is a meatier and more peppery alternative.
Osteria Oggi’s highlight is their classic Italian spaghetti, jazzed up with smoked passata, olives, and basil. If pasta isn’t your jam, go big with the 800-gram, melt-in-your-mouth wood-grilled ribeye with a buttery and savory flavor profile.
Press Food and Wine
Address: 40 Waymouth St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8211 8048
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 12 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sat – 5 pm to 11 pm
Press Food and Wine is a culinary hub highlighting South Australian produce and chargrilling. Diners will have two choices here: either go with the special set menu or select dishes individually from the renowned à la carte offerings.
For the set menu, you can indulge in a mix of pork loin with fennel seed, raw kingfish with capers and orange mint, heirloom carrots with pine nuts, and so much more.
Those who pick the à la carte option can savor burrata with cherry tomatoes, hand-chopped steak tartare, and smoked cauliflower with yogurt. Both work well with their Rosato Sangiovese, a berry-heavy rosé with an herby aftertaste.
Africola
Address: 4 East Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8223 3885
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Sat – 6 pm to 11 pm
- Sun – Closed
The ever-bustling and color-filled Africola sets a high bar to clear when it comes to modern African cuisine.
You can’t go wrong with their chart-topping bold and spicy peri peri chicken, a juicy, aromatic, and tender dish that packs a serious punch of tangy, spicy, and salty flavors. This one goes hard with their yogurt ice cream with rockmelon granita.
Seafood lovers are in for a treat with their kingfish sashimi plated with nectarine and buckwheat. Pair this with a glass of their specialty wine, the Korner Vermentino, known for its fine-boned and tart profile that complements the seafood goodness.
Fishbank Restaurant
Address: GROUND LEVEL/2 King William St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8310 0120
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 12 pm to 2:15 pm, 5:30 pm to 9 pm
- Sat – 5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – 8 am to 2:15 pm, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Fishbank Restaurant is a luxe-looking spot that only preps and serves the freshest catch from across Australia that’ll have you hooked from the first bite.
Their appetizer game is on point: think fresh oysters shucked to perfection and drenched in Chardonnay and shallot mignonette. The caviar with hot buttered toast and sour cream is also a banging and bougie way to start your meal.
For the mains, it’s a toss-up between their grilled sweet Southern Rock lobster and the savory miso-glazed Robarra filet with soba noodles swimming in tentsuyu broth.
Cumbia Bar Kitchen
Address: GR Central Market, 43 Grote St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8221 6879
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7:30 am to 10 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 10 pm
- Sun – Closed
Cumbia Bar Kitchen is a Latin American joint with flavors hotter than a salsa dance floor!
Our favorite is their Australian crab meat and prawn sauté sizzling in olive oil and made fiery by a drizzling of Peruvian chili sauce. The South American Paella, featuring saffron rice, chorizo, chicken, and spices, is also worth every penny.
If you have kiddos in tow, ask for the kid’s menu. This selection’s top grub includes cheesy empanadas with chips and grilled arepa (flatbread made from maize flour) loaded with Nutella.
Veggie Vie Cafe
Address: 16 McHenry St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0479 010 539
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 8 am to 2 pm
- Thu to Fri – 8 am to 2 pm, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- Sat to Sun – Closed
Veggie Vie Cafe is our go-to destination for guilt-free, wholesome vegan fare that doesn’t lack in the flavor department.
Their brunch menu is a hit, showcasing 100% vegan smoothie bowls filled with granola, mango, berries, and coconut milk. The avo on toast here is also iconic, popping with earthy flavors with a hint of subtle spiciness.
When it’s time to wet your whistles, you should sip on their fruit and vegetable smoothies. The best-seller is Zingy Green with baby spinach, apple juice, lemon, banana, and ginger.
Sôl Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
Address: SkyCity Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 7077 3960
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Thu – 12 pm to 10 pm
- Fri – 12 pm to 1 am
- Sat – 11 am to 1 am
- Sun 11 am to 10 pm
Perched majestically on Level 9 of Skycity Adelaide, Sol Rooftop Bar and Restaurant is a sky-high dining spot with high-quality drinks and bites.
When it comes to libations, the NV Alpha Box & Dice Prosecco takes the crown with a crisp and refreshing blend of green apple, citrus zest, and subtle hints of white peach. If you’re more of a cocktail person, their classic margaritas are worth a shot.
The snacks here are as sophisticated as the views, with smoked scallops and porridge bread with ricotta and basil syrup as the top picks. You should also sample the Wagyu tartare with emulsified egg yolk, crispy puff, and crackers.
The Meat & Wine Co.
Address: 39 Currie St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8127 0888
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 12 pm to 10 pm
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sun – 12 pm to 10 pm
Everything at the African-themed Meat & Wine Co. is gold, from the gorgeous and glimmering hand-woven fixings to their exceptionally marbled meat.
Speaking of the meat, the 240-day-aged Wagyu rump steals the spotlight here, promising a buttery finish and incredibly tender flesh. The fattier Wagyu ribeye is no slouch either, flexing sweet and savory undertones and better marbling.
Remember to sweeten the deal with their chocolate and hazelnut fondant that has delicate white chocolate snow, balancing the richness of dark chocolate. It’s crowned with melted salted caramel and hazelnut praline gelato, adding more complexity and flavor.
