Help me find... the best pre-show dining spots this Adelaide Fringe

Want to be right in the thick of it? Book your pre-show dinner at Monica on East Terrace, directly opposite The Garden of Unearthly Delights! 

This Hong Kong-inspired spot serves up wood-fired dishes fusing the best of Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisines, all in a vibrant neon-lit space with a hint of nostalgia and plenty of quirk. Try the Char Siu Pork Tomahawk or Burrata with Crispy Wonton Skin and don't forget to grab one of their specialty cocktails. Cheers!

The home of "unauthentic" Australian Indian dining in Adelaide City, this colourful Rundle Street is not just close to the action (choose alfresco dining for max) but has generous 'Feed Me' options that accommodate for small and larger groups.

We recommend the 'Balls of Happiness', but every item on their menu is sure to delight your table.

If a bowl of pasta is your idea of a good night out, look no further than Ruby Red Flamingo. Located on Tynte Street in North Adelaide, this family-run Italian restaurant has a warm and buzzing atmosphere and a '50s style decor that sparks nostalgia.

Take a seat inside next to the vintage-inspired Italian artwork or outside in the lush garden and order from their extensive menu of Italian classics.

Catching a show at Fool's Paradise? Head straight from work to Thai Room, recently crowned Adelaide Dining Magazine's Best New Restaurant Venue 2025. With their elevated atmosphere, impeccable service and authentic Thai flavours, we can see why!

After a refreshing mango matcha or spicy chicken sando before a daytime show in the East End? Room 19 is the place to be. Located amongst the hustle and bustle of the Fringe festivities, this Asian-inspired cafe has quickly become a crowd favourite for its fusion menu, which also caters for vegan and gluten free requirements.

Amazing brunch options (hello, hojicha hotcake) and playful drinks (sign us up for a yuzu kombucha), are all served up with epic views of the buzzing East End.

Visit this Italian-inspired aperitivo bar (from Osteria Oggi alum) for homemade pasta, anchovy-topped pizzetta and the "Best Cosmo Ever". Open until midnight most nights, head back after your show for a cheeky nightcap!

Retro diner Two Bit Villains may be 100% plant-based but the burgers are meaty enough to fool even the most dedicated carnivores. You’ll find this American-style restaurant upstairs in Rundle Mall’s historic Adelaide Arcade, conveniently located halfway between the East End and West End.

Pull up a chair inside or score a seat on the balcony where you can enjoy extensive views overlooking Rundle Mall while you wait for your meal. Choose from homemade cheeseburgers, sloppy joes, hot dogs, mac and cheese...this list goes on. All menu items are vegan with dairy-free and gluten-free options available, and all completely delicious.

The Original Coopers Alehouse is the place to be in the city's South East. Treat yourself to a pub classic like bangers and mash, salt and pepper squid, dry-aged steaks or one of their legendary schnitzels. 

Pizza fans will also be right at home, with the pub specialising in woodfired pizzas that range from the traditional (margherita and Hawaiian) to the adventurous (Nostinimi lamb, anyone?). You’ll also find the best Coopers on tap in the city, and an extensive list of South Australian wines and spirits.

Heading to a show at the Courtyard of Curiosities? Stop by this family-friendly Italian spot on the ground floor of SkyCity Adelaide before you go. Serving up fresh pasta, pizza and more, their contemporary menu is designed to bring people together, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Running low on time and need to grab a bite next door to your Fringe venue? Head inside Fringe hubs The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Gluttony or Fool's Paradise and be spoilt for choice with food options ranging from delicious pizza and pasta to inventive naan-chos, fragrant butter chicken and more at one of the many food courts.