Taikunthi is bringing Australian flavours to the CBD
Taikunthi, inside the University of Adelaide, is expanding its offering to include private functions, with aims to cater to every CBD goer, not just students and university staff.
Taikunthi – the hospitality venue that recently opened inside the University of Adelaide – means to “join, unite, and partner together” in the Kaurna language.
This idea is present throughout the venue, from its shared plates to an open plan design that caters to university staff, students, business professionals and the wider Adelaide community.
“Traditionally, the university has been a home for students, staff and lecturers but this restaurant is set to change this,” venue manager Vanessa Payne said.
The menu, created by head chef Julian Nicolas, features high-quality South Australian ingredients that represent Australian flavours, but draw inspiration from all over the world.
“We don’t want to be pigeonholed to any one cuisine,” Vanessa says.
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“We try to keep a seasonal aspect to the menu… there’s also a focus on using not only seasonal produce but also showcasing native Australian produce and things that grow well here.”
The heritage-listed building was built by the Student Union in the 1970s and later was home to the UniBar. In 2019 the building underwent major renovations and the UniBar was relocated to the ground floor.
The space was vacant until October last year when Taikunthi opened its doors.
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The updated venue retains its old charm with a fresh feel, keeping its distinctive Solomit strawboard ceiling and brick walls while offering a space above the hustle and bustle of the UniBar below.
On Fridays the restaurant hosts knock offs, drawing in both students and office workers for a post work-week drink.
With the success of the restaurant and brunch space, Taikunthi is expanding its offering to include private functions, with grazing tables and customised drink lists to suit any type of gathering.
“We’ve got this amazing view, sunsets, big windows, so we want to take advantage of that” Vanessa says.
“There is a beautiful table in the middle of the restaurant that is perfect as a grazing station, it works so well for hosting private functions.”
When not hosting a private function, Taikunthi is open in the evenings with a reduced menu featuring charcuterie boards with South Australian produce and light meals that complement the local wines.
Taikunthi is located at Gate 10, Victoria Drive, North Terrace Campus and is open from Monday to Tuesday from 8am until 5pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am until 6pm, then Friday from 8am until 7pm.
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