
If you’re after a pre-footy drink or a bite between games, here is our guide to some of Adelaide’s best bars and restaurants and what they’re showing off this weekend.

For one night only, the newly opened home of cheesy food truck favourite Project Burrata is hosting an Italian Street Party with non-profit Renew Adelaide on Thursday. Expect free tastings of their signature burrata, $15 bowls, vino, beer and limoncello shots.
The team behind the project are celebrating moving into their first city store, and invite anyone in town to have a bite, say hello and “maybe spill some olive oil on your outfit” – just be sure to RSVP via their Instagram.
They’ll wrap up at about 6pm, so you still have plenty of time to get to the Crows clash with Carlton at Adelaide Oval.
Where: Wyatt Street, Adelaide
When: 4:30pm ’til 6pm Thursday, April 9

A short walk from Adelaide Oval, 2KW’s sweeping city views set the scene to enjoy a cocktail or a snack pre- or post-game.
The bar and restaurant has become a city staple in its decade on the King William rooftop. CityMag always recommends a serving of salt and vinegar shoestring fries with your cocktail of choice.
For something heartier, opt to dine in at the restaurant, where SA produce is at the fore, from oysters to lamb.
Where: 2 King William Street, Adelaide
When: Open from 12pm–12am Thursday and Sunday, 12pm – 2am Friday and Saturday

The Adelaide Marriott has always had dining at the centre of its offering since it opened in the old General Post Office building in 2024, with two restaurants, Penny Blue and Exchange Lane.
For Gather Round, Exchange Lane is hosting Grill & Groove, complete with wagyu beef sliders and a Coopers Pale available from the grill on Thursday and Friday night. The laneway spot will also host live DJ sets, pulling in walk-ins only.
Where: Exchange Lane laneway, near 141 King William Street
When: Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10 from 4pm ’til 7pm.

The Hurley Hotel Group’s pubs all get in on the celebrations with the footy filling screens in their venues around the state, but none more so than the Arkaba. The publican Anna Hurley says she’s optimistic for the weekend, after steady bookings and a sold-out three-course lunch today hosted by AFL legend Billy Brownless.
For Collingwood supporters, the Arkaba is hosting Jamie Elliot and Brayden “Bruzzy” Maynard in an uncensored one-night-only live show. At the ticketed event, phones are left at the door, media is not allowed, and the uncut stories of premierships, footy trips and more are laid bare.
Where: 150 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton
When: Saturday, April 11 from 8pm

Bread & Bone has dubbed itself Adelaide’s “unofficial official footy burger bar” for Gather Round weekend. Nestled between bars on the trendy Peel Street in Adelaide’s west end, it has a direct walking path to Adelaide Oval.
They’ll be running food and drink specials all weekend, with a menu covering everything from the humble cheeseburger to a standout prawn burger – lighter, sweeter and perfect to grill.
Where: 15 Peel Street, Adelaide
When: 11:30am ’til late
The newest addition to the Parade is this coffee shop from CIBO founder Roberto Cardone. It’s the sibling venue to Eccoci, which opened in Burnside Village last year.
The spot is great to grab and go on your way to a match or to sit by the bistro and enjoy fresh pastries, pizza by the slice and plenty of Italian sweets.
Where: 161 The Parade, Norwood
When: 7:30am – late Mon – Saturday, 8am – 5pm Sunday

Also a short walk from Adelaide Oval is the maritime bar CityMag favours for its killer Negroni, Hains & Co. The venue will have a pop-up bar out front on Friday and Saturday to keep drinks flowing so footy fans can enjoy a queue-free G&T.
Food-wise, Currie Street’s Munch Deli is taking over the kitchen for two nights. Usually known for their sandos, the Munch Deli crew are serving sticky Viet-style wings and crispy eggplant with chilli-whipped tofu from 4pm ’til sold out.
Where: 23 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide
When: 4pm onwards Thursday & Sunday 4pm, 3pm onwards Friday and Saturday.

If you’re catching a match at Norwood Oval, consider introducing yourself to Lola: Norwood’s newest resident after taking over the East End Cellars spot in October.
Expect the same quality wine list from the spot with a seasonal menu featuring sophisticated snacks from beef tartare with house-made crisps for scooping to fluffy foccacia.
Where: 88 Magill Road, Norwood
When: 5pm ’til 11pm Thursday, 12pm ’til 11pm Friday and Saturday

Any fans also looking to celebrate Orthodox Easter alongside the footy will be well serviced at Greek-inspired bar and grill OMADA, which is hosting a traditional Greek Easter lunch on April 12.
The lunch, costing $65 per person, will feature lamb on a spit, octopus, and slices of traditional Greek bread, among other Mediterranean treats. Orthodox or not, the venue says all are welcome to celebrate this weekend.
Where: 46 Currie Street, Adelaide, 5000
When: Easter lunch on Sunday, April 12 and open Thursday – Sunday from 12 pm ’til late

The team behind 2KW are also responsible for the southern European Paloma bar in Peel Street – Adelaide’s home of trendy bars.
The wine list is thoughtful, and will have you craving a cheese platter in the intimate setting. Perfect for a nibble and a glass of vino before moseying over the footbridge to the oval.
Where: 20 Peel Street, Adelaide
When: Thursday 4pm ’til 12am, Friday 12pm ‘tl 2am, Saturday 4pm ’til 2am, and Sunday 4-9pm

In 2026, Penfolds is celebrating the 75th birthday of its Grange variety, so the hero red is on show all Gather Round weekend, and paired with a luxe take on the humble steak sandwich.
The sandwich is a limited edition from Magill Estate Restaurant Chef Scott Huggins, with panko crumbed Mayura Station Wagyu fillet on soft white bread with pickled cabbage and red onion, served with chips and a glass of 2018 Grange.
The venue’s Magill lawn is decked out with large screens in a purpose-built marquee so footy fans don’t miss a match while indulging in Penfold’s wines from the bar or the cellar door.
Where: 78 Penfold Road, Magill
When: From 11am daily Thursday April 9 ‘til Saturday April 11
In the heart of Rundle Mall, the Richmond Hotel is slinging $25 burgers, fries and pints all Gather Round weekend. The heritage spot is open all day, for a coffee, lunch or dinner – flexible around your match day schedule.
You’ll be able to spot it right by the Mall’s golden Ball – a double celebration of Rundle Mall’s 50th year in 2026 and the footy festival.
Where: 128 Rundle Mall, Adelaide
When: 9am ’til 8:30pm Thursday and 9am ’til late Friday and Saturday.

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