Spots to eat in the Adelaide Hills
Just a jaunt away from the city, the Adelaide Hills are rich with vineyards and places to wine and dine. Here are some top spots to eat, from casual pubs to fine dining fare.
Fred Eatery
Dining and shopping at one stop? Yes please. For 10 years, Fred has been a much-loved go-to diner in Aldgate. It has more recently included Fred Living, a chic shopping and homewares space, so get going if you love a double outing. More to love includes hearty all-day breakfasts, generous bowls that can be nutritious or a little bit decadent, or Fred’s signature Reuben. With wines and ales to sip with meals inside, in the courtyard or mezzanine library, it might be a little difficult to find the motivation to do much more Hills exploration on this day.
Grunthal
In the afternoon, when so many doors close, Grunthal is the place to go. And it is now open for breakfast at weekends as well. Local hospitality mavens Sheree and Saul Sullivan are behind the bespoke building, an impressive blend of stone and significant timbers hugging a giant complex split into informal spaces. There is even a fireside lounge, cheese corner, a pizza belt and an excellent outdoor zone. It comprises a cider and beer microbrewery and restaurant. Grunthal gin and Hesketh wine are featured in a range of experiences. Cheese-making class anyone? And this is one great venue for all manner of parties.
Lot 100
What a big, beautiful collection of spaces to wine, dine and even frolic. This is an industrial-like paddock-to-plate food and beverage destination worth considering for groups, families and your keenest visitors. The 84-hectare property is part of a highly sustainable enterprise with renewable energy and water treatment feeding the more public drawcards including a working craft brewery and small batch distillery. The restaurant tables, a giant bar and extensive deck are all about fabulous views with your food. A lush lawn area featuring live music on weekends is for more casual dining, and pizzas, where the kids can play and pooches are welcome.
Crafers Hotel
Loaded with warm Hills-style character, this is a popular local as well as a fun pub destination. The owners are at the helm of a number of Hills venues and understand their clientele. They are tuned in to the call for local produce, not least Port Lincoln sardines and Smoky Bay oysters. The menu has the pub musts, yes, but also some hearty twists such as chicken and black pudding terrine, confit duck and delicious short ribs with risotto. Bar platters and snacks are also popular. For a meal, be sure to book.
Stanley Bridge Tavern
This delightful country tavern ranks among our best pub-style destinations. It has all the welcoming features from open fires and a mix of cool and cosy spaces to shaded tables outside. The front door opens into a snug bar area if you only want drinks, or a spot to start before your meal. The entire tavern is always busy. Wine lovers will enjoy a browse in the whopper cellar and bar area. SA’s best wine regions are featured alongside some global well-knowns. And while many pubs allow takeaway, Stanley Bridge encourages it with a dedicated menu of food that travels well.
Ondeen
Head chef Adam Bowden is now behind this Adelaide Hills jewel, in the space formerly known as Maximilians. Adam champions local and sustainable ingredients with skill. Only seasonal elements at their peak will appear on the Ondeen plates, artistically styled, always with a keen sense of nature. With an exclusive wine room showcasing nearby small-batch wines, dining here is an exceptional event.
Ernest Deli
Sometimes, a good lunch is about quick and easy food in a light bright cafe rather than a formal restaurant. Ernest Deli in Hahndorf fits this bill, winning valuable recommendations from locals as a “cute little daytime place also open every second Friday night for pasta”. And sometimes, it’s a curry night. On the daily menu, kudos goes to great “deli meat” sandwiches, simple all-day breakfasts and good coffees. Also, cocktails, beers and a nice selection of soft drinks. It’s quite cheap and cheerful.
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Honey Bang Bang
Flavour “bangs” bring us back to this Southeast Asian diner in Littlehampton. About six years ago, husband and wife team Montie and Hailey Waraich, formerly of Singapore House, wanted their own place. They opened the mod lunch-and-dinner diner fronted by a sunny deck successfully delivering “bangs of flavour” from locally sourced produce. Hailey is behind the pink and green decor, created with a sense of fun. More of that attitude is on the menu. For a playful twist, try the Bang Bang chicco roll to start, or sticky lamb ribs, then a saucy red duck curry or Honey’s version of sweet and sour pork.
The District Hotel
The District Hotel in Nairne is an ideal spot to spend a relaxing afternoon. We recommend finding a spot either in the beer garden or up on the balcony to enjoy the feeling of being nestled amongst the oaks. The menu champions local produce with elevated pub dishes alongside the classics. The drinks list encourages plenty of Adelaide Hills sips, as well as a couple of special French drops. Bring the kids – they’re well catered for and they’ll love the playground area.
This article first appeared in the 2025 issue of SALIFE Food+Wine+Travel magazine.
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