Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is a diverse, multi-cultured city that loves its great food and wine as much as its sun and beaches. Located close to the largest wine region in Australia, the city boasts over 600 restaurants, pubs and cafés. There is something in Adelaide for every type of foodie. Whether you’re looking to try fresh Barramundi, Adelaide’s popular oysters, rich chocolates at a local sweet shop, a spicy Barossa Shiraz paired with triple-cream brie, or sip a coffee at a chic café, Adelaide is well worth a few days to explore the variety of cuisine and local wines.
Adelaide is a compact city, making it easy for travellers to explore. Photo: Jessica Bartetzko.
Wine Tasting in the famous Barossa Valley
Locals refer to Adelaide as the wine capital of Australia. With 200 cellars in Adelaide and the Barossa Valley only an hour from the city, there are many great wine tasting options for travelers. Home to Jacob’s Creek, Seppeltsfield Winery, Penfolds, and many of Australia’s other famous wineries, the Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. For travellers without their own car, wine tours leave from Adelaide for daytrips to the Barossa Valley or hop on the public bus, which stops throughout the valley. Interested in staying in town? Take a cellar crawl through many top wineries’ cellars in Adelaide.
Picnic at the Central Market
Adelaide’s Central Market is the biggest undercover produce market in the southern hemisphere. It’s a great spot to pick up items for a picnic lunch, peruse local food, or just take in the ambiance. The region around Adelaide produces a wide variety of food, and much of it can be found at the Central Market. Nibble your way through South Australia’s well-known fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, meats, sweets, pastries, or the day’s local catch, and in between all that eating, take a break with a long black coffee or a flat white, and interesting people-watching at an atmospheric café.
Adelaide’s Central Market is the largest covered market in the Southern Hemisphere. Photo courtesy Jessica Bartetzko.
Haigh’s Chocolates is a favorite sweet spot amongst the locals. No trip to the Central Market is complete without a few of these goodies. Photo courtesy Jessica Bartetzko.
Dine on Fresh Seafood on the Beach
Given Adelaideans’ love of the sand, sea and sun, the beaches around Adelaide could be considered the heart of the city. Located a short tram ride from the city center, the coastal restaurants, sea promenades and beachside bars are great spots to have a beer and watch the sunset or enjoy Adelaide’s excellent seafood. A favorite among locals, visit Glenelg Beach to dine on the day’s catch, try the city’s famous oysters, and enjoy a leisurely sunset stroll along the Gulf of St. Vincent.
Sunset at Glenelg Beach. The promenade is a favorite local spot to jog, bike, leisurely stroll or enjoy one of the nearby cafes and beachside restaurants. Photo courtesy Jessica Bartetzko.
Café Crawl or Bar Hop through Leigh Street
Pedestrian-only Leigh Street, lined with beautifully restored 19th century buildings, is a perfect spot for a café crawl or night-time bar hop. By day, locals pack the cute, quirky and stylish cafes along the laneways to enjoy a long black coffee, flat white, a savory pastry or some of Adelaide’s best dining. It’s customary in the country, even if only enjoying a mug of your favorite steaming drink, to take time to linger. Embrace this tradition and turn café crawling into a full-day event. At night, Leigh Street becomes a popular area to enjoy a drink at one of the many trendy bars.
Getting There
Interested in your own culinary adventure or wine tasting extravaganza in Adelaide? Join one of G Adventures’ tours to South Australia. Check out the incredible journeys we offer and start planning.
