‘Mad March’ might be the time when Adelaide is at its busiest, but there are plenty of reasons to visit this incredible city all year round.

Just a short flight from Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide has it all with world-class restaurants, bars, and a festival scene that puts most cities to shame. Whether you’re planning a cultural escape during festival season or just want to eat your way through some seriously good food, here’s where to eat, drink, play, and stay in the City of Churches.

Where to EAT- the best restaurants

Arkhé

Arkhé (Ar-kay) is a must-try when visiting Adelaide. With minimalist, moody interiors, this sophisticated bar and restaurant is Adelaide’s first open-flame restaurant created by Jake Kellie, former head chef of Michelin-starred Burnt Ends, in Singapore. The menu is ever-changing, with ingredients sourced from South Australian producers charred to perfection. With a curated selection of over 150 wines and classic cocktails, it’s a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.

Shobosho

This contemporary Japanese restaurant features wood-fired dishes like charred octopus skewers, wagyu tartare, and their famous katsu sando. The menu spans from delicate sashimi and handmade dumplings to fire-kissed mains, with an intimate modern setting perfect for sharing plates and special occasions.

Garçon Bleu

This stunning modern French restaurant is located on level 9 of the Sofitel Hotel in the heart of Adelaide. Head chef Gianni Delogu brings a Michelin-starred experience to the menu with a vibrant, contemporary take on traditional French dishes. With à la carte and degustation menus available, this is a rich and refined dining experience worth adding to your itinerary.

Africola

Chef Duncan Welgemoed’s energetic African restaurant serves bold, spicy dishes like peri-peri chicken and traditional potjiekos. The atmosphere is electric with an open kitchen and the option of dining at the bar overlooking the kitchen, which makes you want to talk to strangers.

Fugazzi

This dimly lit, intimate spot specialises in house-made pasta and wood-fired dishes showcasing South Australian produce. The cosy atmosphere and signature mortadella sandwich, plus their famous gnocco fritto, make it perfect for date nights.

Golden Boy

This popular modern Thai restaurant has a signature “Tuk Tuk” banquet experience tailored to your tastes and preferences that we recommend. The sleek interior and Thai-inspired cocktails create an upscale yet relaxed vibe where the chef selects the best dishes for you.

Luma Restaurant & Bar

This award-winning restaurant is located in The Playford MGallery (see below) and features European-inspired cuisine with locally sourced South Australian ingredients. The elegant Art Nouveau design and One Chef Hat recognition create an unforgettable fine dining experience in sophisticated surroundings. Pro tip: look up! An 800m handcrafted ceiling light sculpture curves across the ceiling. It was inspired by The Playford logo and is mesmerising as it hangs over the beautiful bar (which is original to the hotel).

Where to DRINK- the best bars

Maybe Mae

This bar is the 8-time winner of the “South Australian Cocktail Bar of the Year” award from Australian Bartender Magazine, so not much else needs to be said. But you’ll find this hidden speakeasy behind an unmarked door serving expertly crafted cocktails in a moody atmosphere. The dimly lit interior with leather banquettes creates the perfect setting for intimate conversations.

Pink Moon Saloon

Pink Moon Saloon is an award-winning cocktail bar in the vibrant Leigh St precinct of Adelaide’s west end and has become a local institution since opening in 2015.

PLAY- Things to do

Festival Season – March

Adelaide transforms during the legendary Fringe Festival (the second-largest arts festival worldwide) and WOMADelaide. Over 1,000 shows across 300 venues, plus world music in Botanic Park, create an addictive festival atmosphere.

Adelaide Central Market

Adelaide Central Market is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest covered markets with over 70 stalls selling local produce, artisan cheeses, and international cuisine since 1869. Saturday is the busiest day with the best atmosphere for sampling South Australian specialties.

Adelaide Hills Day Trip

Just 20 minutes away, visit the German town of Hahndorf for wine tastings, artisan shops, and traditional fare. Numerous cellar doors offer stunning valley views and locally sourced restaurant dining. Our favourite is Shaw + Smith.

McLaren Vale Wine Region

Just 45 minutes south, this region is famous for shiraz and grenache with dozens of cellar doors from boutique to established wineries. Mediterranean climate and coastal views make it perfect for leisurely wine country lunches. Our favourites are d’arenberg and Down The Rabbit Hole. If you like gin, make sure you visit Never Never Distillery.

Barossa Valley

Australia’s most famous wine region is an hour northeast, home to the world’s oldest Shiraz vines and historic family wineries. Visit Hentley Farm for exceptional wine tastings paired with dinner in their stunning cellar door. Or spend a full day at Seppeltsfield Wines exploring wine tastings, perfume making at Vasse Virgin, gin tasting at the award-winning Prohibition Liquor Co., and lunch at acclaimed restaurant Fino. Seppeltsfield Wines is the Barossa’s most historic operational winery and the only winery to release a hundred-year-old port every year – the legendary Para Liqueur Port.

Where to Stay

The Playford Adelaide MGallery

Sofitel Adelaide

Getting There

Adelaide’s CBD is a short drive from the airport with direct flights from all major Australian cities. The compact, walkable city centre has excellent public transport, though you may wish to hire a car for wine region day trips. With so many places to eat, drink, play and stay in Adelaide, you might need to turn that weekend into a week.

For more inspo on where to go in Adelaide, follow @SouthAustralia.

Feature photo credit Samuel Graves Photography