The Best Restaurants in Semaphore That Won’t Waste Your Money and Time

Adding the sun-kissed Palais Hotel to this list was a unanimous decision.

We opened up with their famed antipasto, a mouthwatering cornucopia of meats, cheeses, and bread such as delicately salty prosciutto, bold salami, sharp cheddar, and crispy ciabatta.

For the mains, we followed the charming staff’s recommendation of the smoky Tasmanian salmon and buttery Porterhouse steak. The salmon was terrific, but the steak was too fatty.

The other bangers we wolfed down were timeless pub snacks prepared gourmet-style. We’re talking about jazzed-up pizza and crumbed chicken tenders. We had the schnitzels, too, but the flavor and texture were lackluster.

To wash it all, we had reds, pina coladas, and margaritas. The pours’ crisp and lingering flavors were refreshing, but the banging rave music was extremely distracting and not appropriate for the location.

It also got crowded during our visit, so the “breezy” aspect of the resto quickly faded.

Will Visit Again

“Had afternoon drinks here – there’s plenty of outdoor seating with umbrellas for shade and as the afternoon progresses it’s the perfect location to catch a nice sunset, located just behind the sand dunes. Every meal we ordered was delicious!! Will visit again!!”

Jane B, Google Review

Great Atmosphere

“Amazing place to have your birthday celebration during summer. Staff are helpful and kind. Food is very generous and reasonably priced. Drinks at the bar are nice. Great atmosphere with DJs later at night. Will definitely be back soon! hard to find a park on a good day so make sure you’re getting some other way in.”

Brooklyn Morcom, Google Review

Gopal’s Kitchen redefined the way our team thought of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan restaurants. Some of them can be bland, but not this one!

The samosas, golden pastries filled with curried potato and peas, were exceptional. The pakoras or vegetable fritters that burst with warm, savory, and fiery essences, also pleased even our most hardcore food critics.

However, we were disappointed with the chickpea curry. The resto didn’t really capture the dish’s iconic earthy and spiced-up profile, plus the presentation looked unappealing.

Fortunately, the comforting rice pudding and decadent chocolate tart with silky-smooth ganache did wonders for our palate. This was a surprise to us, as they didn’t cost a fortune.

For the other snags, we have to mention the not-too-spacious dining hall. The lack of picturesque views is also a bit of a downer, especially if you consider the more scenic alternatives.

Amazing Food, Beautiful Atmosphere

“Pleasantly surprised by this lovely vegan cafe on a Monday night when everything else is shut in Adelaide. Amazing food, beautiful atmosphere and very lovely staff. I’ll definitely support this local business.”

Teddy Mitchel, Google Review

Value for Money

“In a mood for healthy vegan lunch? Gopal’s kitchen newly opened restaurant offers $15 all you can eat vegan lunch. The environment inside is so peaceful and spiritual. Food quality was very good. Value for money”

Ji Bhatia, Google Review

We have teammates who say Skara is as Greek as Zeus himself—minus the lightning bolts, of course.

You must start with their magnum opus: the lamb yiros. One bite overflows with the smoky, seasoned flavor of succulent lamb nestled in a fluffy pita, while tomatoes and tzatziki (a creamy and herby dip) bring a refreshing contrast.

However, the main problem is the wait time. Dishes here, even the simpler ones, take around 30 to 40 minutes.

In addition, the spot’s heat makes the wait more frustrating.

We’re also not fans of the befteki (Greek meat patty), one of their best-sellers. The first time we tried one, the oiliness stood out instead of the beefy and herby flavors.

Their delectable desserts, though, can sweeten things up a bit. Our favorite is kataifi, a soft pastry made of filo dough, layered with chopped nuts, and sweetened with honey.

Authentic Greek Flavors

“Delicious Greek Street Food! My visit to Skara Greek Street Food was an absolute delight. The yiros were bursting with flavor, and the perfectly cooked chicken left me wanting more. If you’re a fan of a little heat, don’t miss their hot sauce—it’s a must-try! The warm ambiance and friendly staff made the experience even better. Skara Greek Street Food is a gem in Semaphore, and I highly recommend it for anyone seeking authentic Greek flavors.”

Rajthilak Murugesan, Google Review

Next Level

“Skara is super delicious and super authentic. After spending December in Greece, I was super impressed with the quality of their dishes and how much it was like the food I loved whilst in Athens. Friendly service and the taramasalata was next level. Generous serving sizes.”

David Maddison, Google Review

Sarah’s Sister’s Cafe is a spot greener than a rainforest—both in regard to scenery and food.

Picking the cafe’s best offering was no walk in the park, but we eventually decided to start with the summer poke bowl. Tangy, sharp, and nutty, this one is a snap and drool-worthy bowl of beetroot, spinach, cashew cheese, and almond feta.

We also can’t have enough of their carrot lux coated with nori furikake and crowned with pickled greens. Its layered mix of umami and sweet notes is irresistible.

Their classic shakshuka also delivers, especially with a glass of homemade tea on the side.

Just prepare for prices that go through the roof. For instance, their toast with mushrooms will set you back for a whopping 23 bucks.

The 20-minute wait for the brews is another hassle. To make things worse, we were also given the wrong coffee by the staff.

Loved the Flavors

“Had the “tuna” melt and it was awesome. I loved the flavours. Also tried the rosti and that was really good too. I love how everything on the menu is vegan. The watermelon and berry juicy was soo good too.”

connollys55, Google Review

Yummy Selection of Cakes and Biscuits

“Delicious homestyle food served with love in a relaxed garden setting. Staff are friendly and passionate about sustainability. Always a yummy selection of cakes and biscuits, full table service, toilets and a whole $1 off takeaway coffees when you BYO cup!”

Kristen D, Google Review

The rustic and quirky La Adelita Mexican Cantina is one of the reasons why we believe burritos by the beach will never go out of style.

A number of factors come into play as to why we included them. For starters, the restaurant’s 180-degree view of the coastline is divine, and they can adjust the sharp flavors of Mex food to suit your kids’ preferences.

On top of that, their specialty cocktails keep the tropical feel buzzing, particularly the Coconut Dream and Spicy Skinny Margarita. For the food, your picks include time-honored chimichanga, quesadilla, burrito, chili con carne, and grilled meats.

To cap off the fiesta, order their fan-favorite churros drizzled in Bailey’s chocolate sauce. Oh, and try to dine during the golden hour. You’ll be all smiles!

On the downside, though, the wait time can extend up to 45 minutes. We also can’t vibe with the moody staff.

Lovely Atmosphere

“This is a perfect place for a Mexican inspired meal. Great food and lovely atmosphere. Generous portions made for good value. Highly recommend this restaurant.”

Scott Prebble, Google Review

Good Priced and Very Filling

“We ordered jalapano poppers and a Prawn dish for starters. They were good and had chimichanga and 3 amigos for main. They were good priced and very filling. Their sangrias were very refreshing, especially the white one”

Sonia Anwar, Google Review