Our favourite suburban spots
Everyone has their favourite places to frequent on their own patch. Here, we hero some of the best suburban spots around Adelaide.
North
The Piccadilly North Adelaide
This stunning venue was opened in 1940, and since 1983 has been operated by the Wallis family, who saved the iconic building from demolition. Today, guests can make the most of The Piccadilly with the Boutique Cinema experience, complete with deluxe armchairs and two-person sofas with lamp-lit consoles. Drinks, snacks and a full dinner menu can be ordered in-seat with QR codes. Choose from new releases, classics, retro, and series-based sessions in the two new boutique 48-seat cinemas. Cinema One remains the same with its large screen, traditional stadium seating and 35mm screening option. After the credits roll, visit the Piccadilly’s elegant art-deco lounge and bar.
Mercato
We’ve been devotees of the Campbelltown store, and now they’ve upped and moved to North Adelaide, we’ll be following them. It’s a bit of a wonderland – wander through the shelves of sweet treats, Italian wine and homewares. Whatever we discover on each visit, we always leave with a packet of pasta and their pre-made cacio e pepe sauce. It’s been our go-to weeknight dinner more times than we care to divulge. If you’re a little more organised, you’ll find all the trappings for a hearty homemade meal, with a delectable selection of cheeses, meats and seafood. There’s also a cafe on-site, so you’re covered for coffee and cannoli.
Rosemont Hall
Although you’ll find dinner service dimly-lit and cosy, there’s nothing sleepy about this Prospect spot. Serving up an impeccable Asian menu, it’s hard to go past the beef cheek and the banana blossom chicken salad. We’re yet to find a dud menu pick though, so the banquet might be your best bet to try as much as you can. It can sound like a bit of a gimmick, but trust us when we say the cheeseburger spring rolls are worth ordering.
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West
Tunki
With waterfront views from its prime location within the Lakes Resort Hotel, Tunki is the first restaurant in Adelaide to offer Nikkei cuisine. Launched in late 2023, Tunki brings together a fusion of Peruvian flavours and Japanese culinary techniques to create a unique experience that is designed for sharing. Executive chef Krish Dutt sources local ingredients where possible and uses woodfire techniques to elevate each dish. The venue features limestone, terrazzo, and a large Venetian plaster ceiling that sets the scene for a special lakeside dining experience. Tunki also hosts ceviche masterclasses.
Ocean
The location doesn’t get any better than at Ocean – an Italian-inspired restaurant created by celebrity chef Adam Swanson on the first floor of the Henley Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Adam opened the doors to Ocean in December 2023, with friend and business partner Josh Harkin. “Traditional, coastal Italian-style food that uses the best seasonal produce, local where possible, consistent and served in a place where people feel comfortable – that’s what we do,” he says. “And of course, the ocean speaks for itself.”
The Lost Loaf
Artisan pastry chef Emma Shearer has garnered a cult following in the western suburbs for high-end French pastries and 36-hour fermented sourdough loaves at her Bowden bakery, The Lost Loaf. So much so, Emma – former head pastry chef at Penfolds Magill Estate – had to recently move the bakery into a bigger location, just 100 metres away in Plant 3. The Lost Loaf offers seasonal tarts, cakes, biscuits and donuts, filled baguette sandwiches and sourdough toast (on the weekend) served with a range of jams and spreads. Emma has also elevated the bakery’s barista offering, sourcing beans from 1645 Specialty Coffee.
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South
The Middle Store
From crisp falafel to creamy hummus, irresistible Saturday morning bakes (hello, cinnamon scrolls) and expertly-brewed coffee, there are many reasons why The Middle Store at Melrose Park is a local favourite. Middle Eastern staples like falafel are made entirely from scratch, while ever-changing specials bring a fresh take to beloved brunch dishes. Rose Adam (of MasterChef fame) leads the kitchen, while her sister Haefa crafts exceptional coffee using Coffee Barun beans. Unpretentious, welcoming and proudly family-run, The Middle Store is as much about community as it is about food.
Bandit Pizza and Wine
Say you just want a pizza, or some snacky plates to accompany excellent wine. You’ve got some news to share with friends – a private booth would be great – or perhaps a people-watching perch at the bar is more your style. Bandit Pizza and Wine at Hyde Park covers all bases and more, in a fun and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a popular haunt in the inner city ‘burbs. Neapolitan-style pizzas are tops – you’ll find both traditional and contemporary spins here – as are share-style plates such as truffle prosciutto, and whipped cod roe with anchovies, bottarga and chives.
East
Catlin on Magill
Along Magill Road at Magill, this little wine bar welcomes with lights strung up out the front. Inside, it’s the epitome of a cosy neighbourhood venue, with a mid-century vibe to the styling and a range of Catlin Wines available. If wine isn’t your thing, the fridge is stocked for wider tastes, and if you’re hungry, the snack menu is full of treats, from a charcuterie board to delicious cheesy quesadillas. Keep an eye on their socials for the slew of events hosted in the space. There’s also a pool table – the fee is 40 cents, which all gets donated to charity. That’s worth a few games at least.
Ern Malley
The sign out the front promises good drinks and sensible advice and that should be enough to beckon you in. Perched on Magill Road at Stepney, you never quite know what you’re walking into when you step through the door at Ern Malley. There could be swing dancing, sea shanties (we absolutely recommend going along for this), or poetry reading. The ham and cheese toastie is an elite late-night snack, or you’ll find other nibbles on their blackboard.
Secrets by the Parade
From the team behind Secrets by the Sea at Henley Beach, this fresh seafood spot has opened a second location on The Parade at Norwood. Start with bloody Mary oyster shots – or a sparkling oyster shot – and move on to the entree list. Then, the secrets trio gives you a taste of a few bites, or, for something more substantial, bring a friend and enjoy one of the platters. If you’re not a fan of seafood, there are other options, and kids are catered for. The drinks list is extensive and varied, and desserts are made in-house.
This article first appeared in the 2025 issue of SALIFE Food+Wine+Travel magazine.
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