Best Eats
Best regional restaurants South Australia
05/12/2024
We can all agree that South Australia has a smorgasbord of world-renowned wineries, breweries, bars, distilleries and, of course, restaurants. But, unknown to some, there are plenty of award-winning eateries plotted around the most regional parts of the state.
These regional restaurants are backed by leading chefs, adorned with a rustic countryside charm and, there are even a few with chef hats to their name too.
From the McLaren Vale to the Barossa Valley, over to Kangaroo Island and up to Clare Valley, join us on this culinary quest finding and listing the five best regional restaurants around South Australia for this summer!
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Bush Devine Cafe @ Paulette Wines
Polish Hill River, Clare Valley, South AustraliaUnder two hours directly north out of Adelaide will land you at one of South Australia’s best regional restaurants. Welcome to Bush deVine! Led by head chef Thomas Erkelenz, Bush deVine is, first and foremost, an award-winning restaurant that showcases the best of Australian native ingredients. Set on a Clare Valley winery, Bush deVine offers a three- and five-course shared plate lunch from Wednesday to Sunday. Alternatively, we highly recommend the daily changing Chef’s Long Lunch degustation with matching Pauletts wines of course!
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The Fig Tree
Middle River, Kangaroo Island, South AustraliaIf you’re travelling to Kangaroo Island this summer, we must introduce you to one of the most unique dining destinations in South Australia, The Fig Tree. The experience, entailing exactly what its name suggests, sees curious visitors feast under a thick, ancient fig tree canopy. Enchanting and nothing like anything you’ve ever done or seen before, The Fig Tree is led by chef John Stamatakis who has a passion for fermenting, Eastern flavours and locally foraged ingredients. A must add to your list!
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Hentley Farm
Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley, South AustraliaSet on 60 hectares of sprawling vineyards in Seppeltsfield is Hentley Farm, one of our favourite regional restaurants in South Australia. Just shy of an hour’s drive out of Adelaide, Hentley Farm will transport you to a world where boutique wine and truly sensational food comes to life. The restaurant, housed in the original 1840s homestead, is led by head chef Kyle Johns who uses the picturesque surroundings as his inspiration. Visitors can choose between one of two tasting menus or, sit alongside the kitchen for the eight seated Chef’s Table experience.
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The Kitchen at Bec Hardy
McLaren Vale, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula, South AustraliaIf you prefer feasting at a family-owned wine company, get ready to tipple your tastebuds with The Kitchen at Bec Hardy. The menu, which was obviously designed to complement the wines produced onsite, has a strong focus on fresh, sustainable and seasonal produce, with a heavy modern Australian pull. Set within a converted winemaking shed, The Kitchen at Bec Hardy plays on that much beloved rustic barn feel – allowing the spotlight to truly shine on the dishes served which has gone on to earn them two hats.
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Maxwell Restaurant
McLaren Vale, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula, South AustraliaPlanning a getaway to the McLaren Vale this summer? Wine lovers will be tippled with temptation at Maxwell Wines restaurant of the same name. Open Friday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, Maxwell Restaurant offers either a six- or nine-course tasting menu brought to life by head chef Fabian Lehmann. The food, which can only be described as award winning, blends fine craftmanship with seasonal produce and has since gone on to give Maxwell three chef hats in the 2024 Australian Good Food Guide awards.
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