A guide to group dining in the city

Looking for somewhere to get together with friends, family or workmates? We’ve scoured the city to see where Adelaideans are eating and drinking with their nearest and dearest to find you some great spots to make warm memories.

With a fun name like Ballaboosta you have to get the back-story! Yiddish for ‘good homemaker’ – this Lebanese-inspired cafe was named in honour of the owner’s mum, Betty, who personifies the term and they definitely serve up their food with love. 

From the wood-oven baked pita and the baba ganoush to house-made sweets like baklava and shortbreads – Ballaboosta is sure to take you on a Middle Eastern journey you and your friends will be reminiscing about all year. Also worth noting is the plethora of vegetarian and vegan options available. From the salads and pizzas to the street mezze and soups, this is any vegetarian's idea of feasting heaven!

Mexican Society is an award-winning restaurant and from the moment you walk in the door you get the feeling you and your amigos are in for something special. There’s a great use of playful colour in the restaurant, giving it a very modern Mexican vibe.

What better way to share food with friends than with a table full of tacos, enchiladas and Margarita’s? Mexican Society is all that and more – a sophisticated and artistic take on the classic Mexican. Some of the dishes landing on your table almost look too good to eat.

Banquets (min 2 people) have $40 (vegetarian), $49 or $58 options

If you’re looking for a place that serves up woodfired delights at any hour of the day, look no further than PIPPO. The masterminds behind PUBLIC and Bowlsome have recently opened their doors on O’Connell Street, where the woodfire oven is cranking from 7am until late (Tuesday to Saturday, 7am-5pm Sunday and Monday).

The menu has a Mediterranean influence, with dishes such as wood oven pizzas and slow cooked lamb shoulder primed for sharing. If brunch is more your scene, the offering includes heavenly baked eggs, coffee, and fresh pastries daily.

With dusty pink booths and timber details, the stylish interior is light, bright and relaxed – perfect for bigger groups and special occasions.

Located in Chinatown, T-Chow's menu is full of unique dishes not seen anywhere else in Australia. Open every day for lunch (11am-3pm) and dinner (5pm-11pm), Chinese dishes served at T-Chow really taste genuine to people who are familiar with the way these dishes taste in China. 

Banquets at T-Chow start at $38.80 per person (minimum four people) where you'll have nine different dishes to try and you can finish the meal off with your choice of hot or cold desserts. 

Planning a catch-up for dinner and drinks? Head over to Hindley Street and enjoy both at Stem!

Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a sleek mix of curved lines, timber finishes and the eye-catching mural work by local artist, Nicole Black.

Rest assured the menu is just as pleasing, with woodfire pizzas and handmade pasta, plus a selection of Mediterranean-inspired share plates if you’re in the mood for a taste of everything. The oven-baked gnocchi is a must-try, although fair warning it’s one you won’t want to share!

Extra touches include a private dining area for group bookings and expert advice to help you make a selection from their 1,400 bottle cellar room.