11 must-try foodie experiences in Adelaide

Not just one of the happiest and most liveable cities in the world, Adelaide is a paradise for passionate food lovers, whether you're in the mood for a quick bowl of laksa or celebrating with silver service.

From hole-in-the-wall patisseries and local traditions to award-winning, globally renowned dining experiences, you'll find a plate for every craving in Adelaide.

While "classic pub" and "fine French Champagne" might not be regular bedfellows, it's a local tradition you can only partake in at The Exeter on Rundle Street.

Order a bottle of Krug and it'll come out with the humble butcher glass— originally designed to hold 200mL of beer, it's now the tried-and-true way to sip your fizz at this East End institution. A chicken schnitzel to accompany your tipple is highly recommended.

An NYC-inspired gem tucked down a laneway, Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room is lauded for its bold interiors, slick Italian menu and top-tier service.

While so many dishes are loved by patrons, those in the know will unanimously recommend the gnocco fritto. One swipe of puffy fried bread through whipped ricotta and honey, and you're a fan for life. 

Honorable mention: tableside tiramisu.

Visit the Adelaide Central Market any lunchtime and you'll find hungry patrons hovering, waiting to pounce on a table at Lucia's. The prize? A steaming bowl of their housemade spaghetti, lasagne or penne with your choice of sauce.

If you're after a quick lunch to take on the road, stop next door at their charcuterie bar for a loaded panini packed with cured meats, pickles and local cheese.

This dealer of delightful baked treats is only open from Wednesday to Sunday, with doors from 12:00pm till 9:30pm. 

Roll in, join the line and be rewarded with playful flavours like Matcha Baked Cheesecake; Blueberry & Sour Cream with Fennel, Olive Oil & Sea Salt; and Salted Butter Caramel on Sourdough Toast.

There's no bowl of stale pretzels or questionable peanuts in Duncan Welgemoed's South African joint, recently featured on Netflix's Somebody Feed Phil. Instead, choose this next-level bar snack to begin your meal at Africola, a favourite of visiting high rollers and locals alike.

The humble tea sandwich, with crispy chicken skin tucked in white bread, is served with drippings for your dipping delight. Best consumed perched atop their bar stools while you watch the chefs at work.

Pull up a pew at this intimate two-storey wine bar and chances are you'll soon be treated to a savoury, cheesy waft of goodness. Follow your nose and find Proof's menu of oozy, delicious toasties, perfect for a (very) late night snack or cheeky pre-dinner bite. All are great, but the mushroom ragu has a special spot in our hearts.

With chefs approved by Italy's Accademia Italiana della Pizza, you know Tony Tomatoes is serving up good slices. There's pizza options for both traditionalists and risktakers alike, so you know this family-friendly gem will satisfy all ages and palates.

Plus, there's plenty of non-pizza options, including fluffy arancini, juicy meatballs, stuffed ravioli and more.

Step into Penny Blue at the Adelaide Marriott, where heritage meets modern flair. From kangaroo tartare to slow-roasted lamb backstrap and an exceptional Beef Wellington experience, the menu offers a fresh spin on modern Australian flavours, all served in the historic Adelaide General Post Office.

Located in the Adelaide Botanic Garden, Restaurant Botanic draws on 51 hectares of land to create a sense of place through their thoughtful consideration of provenance and produce.

Leaves, herbs, flowers, fruits, and seeds are foraged just metres from the restaurant. Combined with ingredients sourced from local growers, the menu highlights native produce as an essential expression of Australian identity.

Is it a little bit of a cheat to recommend a whole street (and a few laneways) as an entire experience? Maybe. But call us cheaters—there's too many excellent restaurants in Adelaide's Chinatown to pick just one. 

There's options for lovers of yum cha, dumplings, Peking duck and stretchy noodles, plus ramen, sashimi and curries. One thing's for sure: it's a guaranteed good night out.

See our list of unmissable dishes in this lively precinct here.

Sprinkled with cinnamon or served as is, a warm Portuguese tart (or pastel de nata) from Saudade in the Central Market is a little bite of heaven.

Handmade and baked fresh every day, bringing a six-pack of these authentic treats is sure to make you the party favourite (but we don't blame you if they don't all make it to their destination).