By Kelsey Llewellyn
When you think about South Australia, you may immediately imagine miles of luscious wine-country or the prestigious producers that transform juicy grapes into the rich red wines you cherish. But, don’t let these renowned wines distract you from the fine dining this region offers. Located between sandy coastal beaches and the verdant Adelaide Hills, Adelaide is brimming with upscale restaurants serving exquisite South Australian cuisine. When these authentic dishes are paired with a famous bottle of South Australian wine, who wouldn’t jump at a chance to experience one of these fine dining venues? Since there are many delectable options, we will help you narrow down the search. These are the five best restaurants in Adelaide according to Elite Traveler.
Orana
Orana, meaning “welcome” in some Aboriginal languages, reflects the heritage and commitment to preserving South Australian culture that its name suggests. Chef and owner, Jock Zonfrillo, literally welcomes guests to try a wide array of authentic Australian dishes, ranging from kangaroo and native peppers to a dish of set buffalo milk, strawberry and eucalyptus. Seating a mere 31 people across 10 tables, this intimate space offers gastronomes an opportunity to meet the chefs and hear about the historical and nutritional properties of dishes. Incorporating exotic ingredients like green ants, the seasonal tasting menu provides adventurous guests with 18 to 20 unique courses, each of which blends hyper-native ingredients to create an indigenous gastronomic experience. Wine and nonalcoholic pairings are available.
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Hill of Grace Restaurant at Adelaide Oval
Located three floors above Adelaide’s historic cricket and football stadium, Hill of Grace Restaurant at Adelaide Oval combines an aerial view with upscale dining. Adhering to a seasonal-food philosophy, this gastronomic destination uses locally sourced ingredients to create a South Australian-inspired tasting menu. Choose from 160 premium South Australian wines to sip on while looking out over the revered turf. As its name suggests, the restaurant boasts a priceless and complete collection of Hill of Grace wines, exquisite reds dating back to 1958. Guests can also enjoy the dazzling views of Adelaide with the restaurant’s Roofclimb & Dine experience.
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Chianti
For peerless Italian cuisine, reserve a table at Chianti, which has supplied award-winning fine dining since 1985. Named best ‘Italian Restaurant – Formal’ in the 2016 SA Savour Australia Restaurant and Catering Industry Awards, Chianti combines Italian recipes with local Australian ingredients. Expect a comprehensive reserve list, with wines hailing from the old and new world. Want a more intimate experience? Reserve one of Chianti’s two private upstairs dining rooms. This upscale venue offers breakfast and vegetarian menus as well.
Windy Point Restaurant
A short 15-minute drive from Adelaide, Windy Point Restaurant combines contemporary dining with breathtaking views. The full-length windows spanning the front of the restaurant are visible from every table, providing each guest with a stunning view of the city, the sea and Adelaide Hills. Priding itself on its formal atmosphere, Windy Point sets a smart casual dress code to ensure that whether gastronomes are enjoying the tasting menu, the wine list or the group trilogy menu, they are having a first-class experience.
Magill Estate Restaurant
Magill Estate Restaurant takes advantage of its location in Penfolds, commanding a striking vineyard view backdropped by the city. Although the menu changes with the seasons, don’t be surprised to see uncommon delicacies such as sheep’s brain on the tasting menu. Dedicated to gathering produce from the local community, this fine-dining venue provides guests with authentic South Australian cuisine and exemplary service. All of this is complemented by a sophisticated and aged collection of Penfolds’s wines, which a sommelier will expertly match for you. It is no surprise that this celebrated restaurant was named the best ‘Fine Dining Restaurant’ in the 2016 SA Savour Australia Restaurant and Catering Awards.
