Adelaide’s world of cuisine
Adelaide has a world of flavours on offer thanks to our multicultural hospitality scene. Whether you’re after a trendy Japanese sando or elevated French bistro fare, here’s where to start your culinary journey.
Afghanistan
Parwana
Behind lauded restaurant Parwana is the Ayubi family – and family is at the core of the Henley Beach Road venue. The Ayubis say patrons are welcomed into their home when dining at Parwana. When eating at the Adelaide institution, which opened in 2009, be sure to order the narenj palaw – a long grain rice dish with candied orange peelings, and slivered almonds and pistachio, or the famous banjaan borani, their signature eggplant dish.
Greece
Dino’s
From the previous owner of Meze Mazi comes Dino’s, a casual dine-in and takeaway spot on the corner of Hindley and Gresham Streets. Dino’s specialises in traditional Greek pockets rather than pita, as is the style in Crete. They have the flavours of traditional Athens yiros, with your choice of lamb, chicken or pork with onion, tomato, tzatziki and chips. Their menu also boasts meze (share plates) like saganaki cheese and grilled halloumi, and larger plates of orzo pasta with chicken or lamb ragu.
France
La Louisiane
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When you walk down the steps of La Louisiane, you’re instantly transported to another world. There are snail shots on arrival, martinis on the menu and live jazz music filling the ears. The food follows the traditional French cuisine and our top pick is the classic steak frites. But there’s also options, such as escargot and gruyere cheese souffle.
India
Daughter in Law
Daughter in Law, on Rundle Street, does Indian food but not in a traditional way. On the menu, there’s ‘unauthentic butter chicken’ with marinated chicken, tomato and Fenugreek curry, ‘colonel tso’s cauliflower’ which is an Indo-Chinese style with a hint of spices and much more. Much like the food, the interiors are bright and colourful with neon lights, pink walls and blue velvet bar seating.
Italy
Tarantino’s
We are spoilt for choice for Italian options in South Australia, but The Big Easy Group’s latest venture – in the former House of George space in the East End – has to be our top pick at the moment. It follows a ’70s New York Italian vibe, and is an experience from the moment you walk in. The menu follows a traditional Italian three course menu: snacks, pastas and mains. Our top pick is the rigatoni pasta with guanciale, Sicilian olive, chilli, tomato and stracciatella.
Korea
Plus 82 Pocha
Pocha translates to ‘covered wagon’, referring to food carts, and the Plus 82 team have brought the best Korean street food flavours to its Pocha venue tucked away on Grenfell Street. The neon lights and K-pop stars postered on the walls set the fun, laid-back tone. Of course, you’ll find crunchy Korean fried chicken (and even a vegan alternative). Other crowd pleasers include the kimchi pancake, bulgogi and of course Tteokbokki, with different iterations of the simmered rice cake dish including soy mushroom or carbonara.
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USA
Smokin’ Good
From the team behind Good Gilbert and Good Burger, comes Smokin’ Good – the latest good thing at Henley Beach Road, Torrensville. With award-winning barbecue pitmaster Grant Neal on board, they’re serving authentic low and slow barbecue. Their menu features classic barbecue favourites like 12-hour smoked beef brisket, pulled pork, hot links and smoked wings with sides like mac and cheese and potato salad. The team will change the menu regularly to showcase different cuts and recommends trying it all by building your own barbecue box.
Japan
Yuku dō
If you’re looking to be transported to Japan, you could do far worse than a trip to Yuku dō on Hindley Street. You’ll find traditional grab and go Japanese sandos and onigiri – similar to every second Seven Eleven and convenience store in Japan – as it’s the cafe’s specialty. Our top picks are the tonkatsu and the strawberries and cream sando.
Vietnam
Ong Vietnamese
Since Ong opened at the end of 2020, the Rundle Street restaurant has cemented itself in Adelaide’s foodie scene, helped by its collaborations with festivals and sister restaurant, Noi. Ong’s style is punchy, classic flavours injected in small-plates and bar-snacks. An absolute must-try is their dumplings with pho broth. The imaginative dish hasn’t just mastered the dumpling, but packs all the flavours you expect from a big bowl of pho.
Mexico
La Popular Taqueria
Bypass the cheesy burritos and loaded nachos that we’re so used to when we’re presented with Mexican food, and make your way to Port Adelaide for Daniella Guevara Muñoz and Kor-jent van Dijk’s very authentic no-fuss restaurant. You have to experience the crunch of the tortillas – the corn is cooked in-house, processed in the restaurant’s stone mill and cooked fresh. Unbeatable. When Daniella and Kor moved to Australia from Mexico, Daniella saw so much potential in Adelaide’s food scene – she’s even just released a cookbook so you can try it at home. But we absolutely recommend trying the real deal first.
This article first appeared in the 2025 issue of SALIFE Food+Wine+Travel magazine.
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