Quirky and Flavorful: Unique Restaurants in Adelaide
A touch of uniqueness adds an extra zing to any gastronomic journey, especially when you’re in a pretty quirky city like Adelaide.
Whether you’re gobbling African bites in Africola’s festive grounds or enjoying a taste of Louisiana in NOLA’s soulful dining halls, you can’t deny that flavor and fun mix well.
If you’re interested to know more about the CBD’s flavorful and unique dining experiences, we’re sharing the savory specifics here!
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
Sunny’s Pizza is not your everyday pizzeria because of its legit Napoli-style slices that come with a twist of creative sides.
Their crowd-favorite Pizza No. 5 steals the show with its mouthwatering combo of pork and fennel sausage, provolone, San Marzano tomatoes, ricotta salata, chili, and more.
For the sides, the wood oven cauliflower bake is a game-changer, loaded with gorgonzola bechamel, pecorino, pangritata, and curly parsley.
The drinks are successful experiments as well, with the Burnt Pineapple Mojito (rum, lime, pineapple, mint, soda) as the chart-topper.
Peel St
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
Peel St’s uniqueness comes from its industrial-hip setting that’s like a fusion of an old brick wine cellar, a pub, and a chic café. The dishes here are Asian, Middle Eastern, and European.
Their menu has Szechuan chicken—a fiery mix of shiitake mushroom, fermented chili, and spring onion. They also serve garlic oregano braised lamb shoulder with tzatziki and iceberg lettuce, a must-have Middle Eastern dish.
And when it’s time to sweeten your taste buds, go for their pineapple tarte tatin, a French treat featuring pineapple crowned with brown butter ice cream and pecans!
NOLA Adelaide
Address: 28 Vardon Ave, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 4 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 12 am
NOLA’s plush leather seats, hypnotic neon signs, and charming brickwork establish the diner’s retro-cool vibes—design choices that make this spot resemble the jazzy and bluesy diners of New Orleans and Louisiana.
In addition, live music takes the stage every Wednesday and Thursday, turning up the ambiance and bringing that groovy blues spirit of New Orleans alive!
As for the nosh, you should have a taste of their po’boys, which are traditional Louisiana sandwiches stuffed with pulled pork or smoked brisket.
Don’t forget their gumbo too, a spiced stew known for its thick, savory broth topped with meat like sausage, chicken, or seafood and veggies such as onions, peppers, and celery.
Casablabla
Address: 12 Leigh St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8231 3939
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Thu – 4 pm to 12 am
- Fri – 4 pm to 2 am
- Sat – 4 pm to 3 am
- Sun – 4 pm to 12 am
The jaw-dropping Casablabla is noteworthy because of its multicultural design. One step and you’ll see a fusion of antique Portuguese mosaic tiles and Moroccan lanterns in a wild mishmash that somehow clicks together in perfect, chaotic harmony.
Adding to Casablabla’s allure is its low-lit red room, where live entertainment spices up the atmosphere.
And when it comes to bites, tapas rule the tables here, particularly the coq au vin, a dish of braised chicken cooked with preserved lemon, white wine, and an array of spices. There’s also the marinated beef eye filet served atop garlic crostini.
Osteria Oggi
Address: 76 Pirie St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8359 2525
Operating Hours: Daily – 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
Osteria Oggi isn’t your run-of-the-mill Italian joint. The space has midcentury modern decor, cobblestone flooring, and pastel walls that transport you to a mix of a classic Italian trattoria and a trendy cafe.
Romantic booths set underneath the interior’s arches add a cozy feel, making it the perfect place for a date night or a gathering with friends who appreciate good food and great vibes.
Classic Italian spaghetti with smoked passata, capers, olives, chili, and basil is the crowd-fave for the bites. Their dessert treats are also hard to top, especially Osteria Oggi’s tiramisu affogato featuring coffee anglaise, choc hazelnut parfait, and vanilla.
Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant
Address: 78 Penfold Rd, Magill, SA 5072
Contact Details: (08) 8301 5569
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 5 pm
Penfolds Magill Estate tops other vineyard restaurants because of its artistic and modern design. This spot has interiors mixing fine glass and woodwork with artsy decor you expect to see in art galleries or museums.
Here, you’ll be sipping world-class vino while taking in the scenery of the vineyards and the CBD’s buildings.
As per the menu, the vineyard restaurant keeps things interesting by serving seasonal chow. From dishes like chicken liver parfait to deboned chicken wing with scallops and lobster, their lineup is as fresh as the air here.
Shobosho
Address: 17 Leigh St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8366 2224
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 5 pm to 11:30 pm
- Thu to Sat – 12 pm to 11:30 pm
- Sun – 12 pm to 10:30 pm
Beyond its modern take on yakitori aesthetics, Shobosho joins this list thanks to its fusion of traditional Japanese grilling techniques with a dash of contemporary flavor.
They have unique and diverse cooking setups—a custom-made ensemble with a wood oven, hydraulic grill, rotisserie, and a specialized yakitori pit. The results are seriously smokin’ and sizzlin’ Japanese-Australian meals.
Our recommendations include the Spencer Gulf prawns with umami butter and black vinegar and the BBQ corn with shichimi, golden curry, sesame, and finished with chili oil,
Restaurant Botanic
Address: In Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Plane Tree Dr, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8223 3526
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – Closed
- Thu to Sat – 6 pm to 12 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 5 pm
Restaurant Botanic is a one-of-a-kind spot where dining isn’t just a meal; it’s an entire sensory journey. The open pavilion-inspired setting is light, airy, and surrounded by lush greenery that changes its hues with the seasons.
As you dine, expect to hear birds belting sweet tunes. In addition, the flowers’ sweet fragrances will add magic to the entire experience.
In terms of food, the exciting menu here doesn’t play it safe. They serve dishes like roasted crocodile tail swimming in a daikon broth and seared kangaroo served alongside camel hump and a shiso mix!
B’Churrasco Brazilian BBQ Restaurant Adelaide
Address: 12 East Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8232 5111
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Thu – 6 pm to 9:30 pm
- Fri to Sat – 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sun – 11:30 am to 3 am
B’Churrasco looks like a chic and chill restaurant, but it’s an all-out meat mania here. What makes them stand out is their unlimited dining featuring 12 mouthwatering Aussie roasted meats and poultry.
These heavyweights are dished out alongside sausages and sauces straight from their specially designed Brazilian Churras grill.
You name it; they probably grill it, whether it’s succulent picanha (rump cap) for those casual dinner cravings or the sweet and smoky asa de frango (chicken wing) that pairs perfectly with ice-cold brews.
Two-Bit Villains
Address: Adelaide Arcade, Shop 150, Level one, 111/117 Rundle Mall, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8232 1302
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue – 11:30 am to 3 pm
- Wed to Thu – 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
- Fri – 11:30 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 11:30 am to 8:30 pm
- Sun – Closed
Two-Bit Villains is a vegetarian resto with a quirky mix of tiki decoration intertwined with neoclassical design. It’s weird, but hey, it works!
The premier meals are their bowl of chili fries, where crispy potato sticks meet a delicious and fiery pool of chili and cheese.
Diners who prefer top-sellers should go for The Villains Burger, which is a meaty alternative that’s all veggie! This bad boy stars a falafel patty, doing a tango with hummus and sweet chili sauce.
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
Africola defies African resto conventions by opting for a mix of traditional, contemporary, and electrifying decor. Here, you’ll find multi-colored floors and walls, eclectic artwork, low-hanging lamps, modern furniture, and pristine glasswork.
Their must-try dish is definitely their bold and spicy peri peri chicken, a meaty and tender dish with tangy and aromatic undertones.
Seafood lovers have options too. Our favorite is the kingfish sashimi with nectarine and buckwheat—best eaten with a glass of their wine specialty, the fine-boned and tart Korner Vermentino.
KOKKO
Address: 1/1 Margaret St, Norwood, SA 5067
Contact Details: 0402 655 797
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Sat – 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 5 pm to 8:30 pm
- Sun – Closed
KOKKO offers Korean fried chicken served in a pop-art-themed diner with playful, toy-like block chairs and super colorful tables. The entire spot exudes whimsy and a cartoonish atmosphere, but it’s the dishes that truly make a lasting impression.
We suggest their volcano chicken, fresh breast fillet drenched with homemade extremely spicy sauce tossed and served with chips and optional pickles.
Another must-taste meal is KOKKO’s citrus mayo chicken with fried chicken breast and wings coated with handmade mayo sauce and onion coating.
British Hotel
Address: 58 Finniss St, North Adelaide, SA 5006
Contact Details: (08) 8267 2188
Operating Hours: Daily – 11 am to 12 am
Established in 1838, the British Hotel, a certified old-world pub, is a testament to history, offering an experience that seamlessly blends the yesteryears’ visual charm with a trendy culinary twist.
The food here is multicultural, starting with Thai Green chicken curry, a tantalizing bowl of aromatic spices served with jasmine rice, mango chutney, and naan bread. They also have affogato, a combo of espresso, Frangelico, and velvety vanilla ice cream.
And, of course, classic pub food like bangers and mash, lambs fry, and schnitzels are also prepped here!
Midnight Spaghetti
Address: 196 Grenfell St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 7123 6125
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Sat – 6 pm until late
- Sun – Closed
Midnight Spaghetti sets itself apart from other Italian restaurants by being a prime destination for late-night dining in the CBD, catering to those seeking a regional feast as late (or early) as 3 am.
Our go-to meal here is their signature Midnight Spaghetti, a flavorful pasta with the punch of anchovy, the tang of kalamata olives, and a kick of chili, all topped with pangratatto (crispy toasted breadcrumbs).
Aside from their pasta, this eatery has lamb ragu cooked to perfection with rosemary and tomato. Midnight Spaghetti also whips up dreamy tiramisu and creamy cannoli desserts to ensure that your late-night sweet cravings are met.
Jolleys Boathouse
Address: 1 Jolleys Ln, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8223 2891
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Fri – 12 pm to 3:30 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
- Sat – 5 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – 12 pm to 3:30 pm
Jolley’s Boathouse’s standout feature lies in its picturesque riverside location along the River Torrens. You pair this locale with a cozy fireplace and an elegant terrace, and you have a fine dining resto that tops the typical streetside/hotel ones.
In addition, this spot’s Chef Harry Bourne takes pride in crafting a seasonal menu that screams European classic with a dash of French influence—all while shining the spotlight on the freshest produce sourced from South Australia.
Their current menu features masterpieces like the market fish paired with sugarloaf cabbage and smoked mussels velouté, or dive into the comforting half-roast Nomad Farm chicken with mushroom ragu and tarragon chicken jus.
