The Best Hidden Restaurants in Adelaide You Should Try
Adelaide’s restaurant scene isn’t always flashy; our city also has well-kept secrets that might’ve slipped your radar for a long time. Don’t worry, though. We’re here to help you discover the flavors you’re missing.
From the Euro-styled Biblioteca Bar and Book Exchange hiding in the heart of Gresham St to the whimsical Sunny’s Pizza blocked by a mundane car park, we have the 411 on the top hidden restaurants, cafes, and bars in Adelaide you mustn’t snooze on.
All the essentials are in this article—their locations, finest servings, and more!
Maybe Mae
Address: 15 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0416 498 192
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5 pm to 1 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 5 pm to 1 am
Maybe Mae is worth looking for if you crave award-winning cocktails and mocktails paired with succulent oysters. It’s between Peel and Leigh St’s hidden lanes and is a total time warp to the roaring ’20s with its slick art deco design and moody atmosphere.
Our go-to drink is the Pineapple Club, a tropical sensation mixing pineapple, coconut, a rum blend, and dry curacao. For something with a stronger kick, the Pink Cadillac is a punchy and fruity libation bursting with tequila and sour fruits.
Fun times also await non-drinkers who discover the secret door and tunnel leading to Maybe Mae. For starters, the minty Green Thumb mocktail is a blend of Lyre Cane Spirit, matcha, and lime.
| Tip: If you’re planning to drink and dine with your group, booking is a must. However, keep in mind that group bookings don’t apply to a crew of seven or more. |
Folklore Cafe
Address: The Annex via Mundy St, Port Adelaide, SA 5015
Contact Details: (08) 7226 9044
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Sun – 8 am to 4 pm
Far from the buzzing main road and perched by the calm Port Adelaide River, Folklore Cafe is a fantastic brunch joint for enjoyers of satisfying bites, laid-back ambiance, and beautiful scenery.
Their menu has the goods; think eggs on toast featuring sourdough and Kangaroo Island free-range eggs. We also must mention the halloumi burger served on brioche buns with a lip-smacking combo of caramelized onions and greens.
In addition to the nosh, the coffee game here rocks too, with flat whites, cappuccinos, and lattes as the top sellers. The best part is you can bring your cups to the tree-shaded porches outside and watch life move without a hint of worry.
| Tip: The dishes mentioned above are the cafe’s staples, but it’s important to know that they follow a seasonally revolving menu. To stay updated, check their social media or website. |
Sunny’s Pizza
Address: 17 Solomon St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0455 522 356
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5 pm to 11 pm
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 12 am
- Sun – 5 pm to 11 pm
Low-key but sublime, the inventive Sunny’s Pizza is a gem often missed due to its sneaky and unexceptional location. Foodies who stumbled upon this spot, though, have praised their inventive slices and chic blend of pizzeria and nightclub aesthetics.
Their Pizza Number 5 is a show-stealer, especially if you can’t resist meaty pleasures. Pork and fennel sausage top the light dough, while provolone, San Marzano tomatoes, ricotta salata, and a hint of chili add a creamy, tangy, and fiery side.
As for their top thirst-quenching wonder, our fave is their Burnt Pineapple Mojito. It’s a refreshing concoction of rum, lime, pineapple, and a fizzy hit of soda—a palate-cleanser perfect for their meaty and savory ‘za.
| Tip: There are two ways to book Sunny’s Pizza for a special occasion: you can either rent their function room or food truck. You can find the details on their homepage. |
Ruby Red Flamingo
Address: 142 Tynte St, North Adelaide, SA 5006
Contact Details: (08) 8267 5769
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Thu – 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Fri – 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sat – 5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – Closed
Not all North Adelaide restos are just along the streets. Take the old-world Ruby Red Flamingo, for instance.
Patrons love their mezze maniche, a spiced, umami-packed pasta brimming with prawns, pancetta, cherry tomatoes, and a bold blend of saffron, turmeric, and chili. Gobble this on their leafy garden with a glass of white, and you’re in for a treat.
When it’s time for the mains, the salsiccia steps up as a carnivore’s dream. In case you don’t know, it’s chargrilled pork and fennel sausages made better by a side of cherry tomato and capsicum peperonata.
| Tip: Save precious time by ordering online. |
Peel St Restaurant
Address: 9 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8231 8887
Operating Hours:
- 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
Hurry along Peel St, and you might breeze past the narrow alleyway leading to Peel St Restaurant, an industrial-chic spot that’s a fusion of an ancient brick wine cellar, a pub, and a cafe.
The feast here starts with a bang, as they have top-tier starters like grilled sugarloaf cabbage, tofu mayo, and chili oil topped with shallots and banana blossom salad.
For the mains, you can’t go wrong with the wood-grilled market fish plated with taramasalata and salmon caviar. There’s also the Szechuan spatchcock with shiitake mushroom and fermented chili, finished with spring onion for that extra zing.
| Tip: Bringing your own liquor is permitted at a rate of $25 per standard 750-ml bottle of wine. Additionally, cake bought outside of the resto is welcomed. |
BRKLYN
Address: 260-262 Rundle St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details:
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 5 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 5 pm to 12 am
Not known to some peeps, there’s a top-shelf restaurant situated above Schnithouse on Rundle St that goes by the name of BRKLYN. This modern spot dishes out a taste of New York to its diners.
Here, you can sink your teeth into their savory, smoky, and tangy Reuben sandwich with house-smoked pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian sauce between slices of hearty rye bread.
When it’s time to wash it all down, don’t miss out on their best-selling The Rising Sun cocktail. This sweet and spiced party in a glass has Haku vodka, watermelon liqueur, a scoop of passionfruit sorbet, and more luxe liquids.
| Tip: There’s always something going on in BRKLYN, whether it’s a 90s house party or a cocktail night. Stay in the loop by checking the What’s On page of their website. |
La Buvette Drinkery
Address: 27 Gresham St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0426 017 356
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 3 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 3 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
We can’t blame you for overlooking the French-inspired La Buvette Drinkery. The quieter and not-so-crowded Gresham St hides this Paris-themed venue well.
Once you actually come across it, go for their Pinnacle Porterhouse—a French twist on the classic steak frites. This plate of steak frites is drizzled with their signature Sauce Maison and comes with crispy hand-cut fries.
Their famed Vin Chaud mulled wine complements the Pinnacle Porterhouse well. It’s a traditional spiced drink straight from Alsace with an aroma that’ll take you to Strasbourg’s sweet-smelling streets.
| Tip: This spot’s Private Vault is ideal for private parties. It dates back to 1900 and can host a group of up to 20 peeps. |
Treasury 1860
Address: 144 King William St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0413 603 987
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 6:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 9 pm
- Fri – 6:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 9 pm
- Sat – 9 am to 11 am, 3 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – 9 am to 11 am
You might not know it, but the heritage-listed Old Adelaide Treasury Building is home to Treasury 1860, a posh and tried-and-true option for breakfast and modern European chow.
Those up for a gamey and zesty feast should experience their Confit duck leg with pearl barley, prosciutto, and orange dressing. But if seafood is what you came for, the roasted barramundi covered in garlicky Romesco is a clear-cut choice.
And if you’re thirsty for a sip that’s more than just ordinary, head to their bar and ask the mixologist for a glass of Treasury 1860’s iconic Cosmopolitan. What you’ll relish is a vibrant fusion of pomegranate vodka, triple sec, lime, and cranberry juice.
| Tip: Walk-ins are not permitted. Make a reservation in advance. |
Part Time Lover
Address: Paul Kelly Ln, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 7 pm to 10 pm
- Sat – 6 to 10 pm
- Sun – Closed
Nestled on the quiet Paul Kelly Ln, Part Time Lover is where foodie dreams come true minus the city noise.
The bites here cater to everyone, with their dynamite banh mi croquettes accompanied by pickled carrot and chili as the usual pick for protein seekers. For a seafood delight, go with their crispy scallop in honey soy sauce and fried noodles.
Their stellar plant-based option is the whipped hummus with cucumber, semi-dried tomato, and parsley on ciabatta. For the whistle-wetting drink, opt for the French 75 cocktail bursting with gin, sparkling wine, lemon, and sugar.
| Tip: Part Time Lover allows outside drinks. They have a limit of two 750-ml bottles per visit, and the corkage fee is $20 per bottle. |
Delicatessen Kitchen & Bar
Address: 12 Waymouth St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8211 8871
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
- Sat – 5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – Closed
With the sheer amount of flamboyant restos and cafes in Waymouth St, there’s a high chance the smaller and more laid-back Delicatessen Kitchen & Bar might’ve evaded your eyes.
This French bistro knows the magic of steak. They’re famous for top-grade cuts of sirloin, porterhouse, and rib-eye accented by herby Cafe de Paris butter and a spicy pepper sauce.
Diners with a sweet tooth will also find pleasure in their nougat parfait with raspberry and salted caramel. For us, though, the premium pick will always be their iconic Delicatessen-style affogato.
| Tip: While booking is not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended, especially if you intend to visit during the weekend or with a larger group. |
Bread & Bone
Address: 15 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8231 8535
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 11:30 am to 9 pm
- Fri to Sat – 11:30 am to 10 pm
- Sun – 11:30 am to 9 pm
Bread & Bone is another top-quality restaurant in a secluded alleyway far from the city’s chaos. They’re famous for guilt-free wonders, but their meaty plates are also must-try bangers.
Locals love their ginger mushroom burgers. These unconventional delights feature grilled halloumi cheese, kewpie, watercress, and pickled shallots that all redefine the veggie burger game.
Guests seeking a hearty meal usually pick the 200-gram house-smoked beef brisket. Served alongside creamy mac and cheese, a hint of mustard, and crispy onion, it’s a carnivore’s choice oozing with juices.
| Tip: Keep in mind that a 20% surcharge applies when you dine here during public holidays. |
Hains & Co
Address: 23 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8410 7088
Operating Hours: Daily – 4 pm to 2 am
Not a lot of people pass by Gilbert Pl, but if you do, don’t miss Hains & Co. This eatery and bar boasts lush foliage and an enchanting, vintage wine cellar ambiance, yet it’s the exceptional food and drinks that’ll entice you for a return visit.
Get their fried halloumi with a drizzle of honey and lemon, delivering a pop of savory and sweet flavors that tingle the taste buds. But if your palate longs for heavy hitters, their beef brisket mac and cheese and Wagyu hotdogs are your best bets.
Hains & Co also knows its stuff when it comes to bottled options. They stock heavyweights like Pirate Life, Moon Dog, and Lord Nelson—all ideal for a buzzing night out with your squad.
| Tip: Elevate your enjoyment by joining their engaging gin or cocktail masterclass—a fantastic opportunity to enhance your mixology skills and savor delightful concoctions. |
The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange
Address: 1/27 Gresham St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8212 6979
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 5 pm to 1 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
Upscale bar snacks, boozy brilliance, and a treasure trove of literary hits await you at European-inspired The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange, another of Gresham St’s hidden gems.
Their snacking essentials include marinated olives, nuts and bolts, grilled camembert with homemade lavash, and toasted Turkish bread slathered in garlic butter.
For the blends, they have the fruity and nutty Lolita, a walnut and strawberry bourbon concoction perfect for lightweights. Then there’s the sweet and strong Don Quixote, a rollercoaster of glass with a distinct pruned rum and tempranillo profile.
| Tip: Bring a book you no longer need when you visit. The bar welcomes book exchanges and gladly accepts donations to contribute to its collection. |
