Suggestions for 3 days in Adelaide?

[EvilChrisPriestly]

My request for some Kangaroo Island suggestions hasn't had any luck (it is likely below a bit if you have any), so I'm moving north into Adelaide.

I've had a local friend recommend both Mesa Lunga for tapas and Amalfi for Italian. We're looking for one more dinner and some breakfasts (although he recommends Cibo for coffees) or lunches.

Any ideas are welcome. =)

[klyeoh]

For dinner, try Cheong Liew's Grange at the Hilton:

http://www.thegrangerestaurant.com.au/

[PhilD]

I last went to Kangaroo Island nearly 12 years ago so can't really help much. By chance we found a great cafe/restaurant in Cygnet River but I doubt it is still there. The island is very natural and unspoiled so the rough and ready cafe we found with simple rustic food was ideal - I remember we ate in the barn at the back. Good luck it is a lovely island.

As you are heading to or from the ferry you could stop at "The Star of Greece" in Port Wilunga - a very regarded beach kiosk that does great food right by the water. Simple but good.

I lived in Adelaide for two years and must say that the range and quality of food is very good. Some strong established restaurants and a very vibrant scene of new restaurant openings, so the hot restaurants change quite frequently. I last ate there about three yeas ago, but here are some classics:

The Grange - a good recommendation from Klyeoh, the Chef there is Cheong Liew is the father of Australian east/west fusion cuisine who cooks some challenging food that stretches culinary boundaries. I ate there a long time ago and enjoyed it, but now want to go back to see if I appreciate it more now that my palette has matured. An iconic restaurant.

Maghill Estate - this is owned by Penfolds and sits on a small vineyard (the home of Grange) on the outskirts of Adelaide (10 min by taxi). It is a stunning location with stylish food and as you would expect a very special wine cellar (although most wine lists in Adelaide are very strong given the state's wine industry).

T-Chow - is a very casual, very crowded, small authentic chinese restaurant, it is BYO and inexpensive.

Lots of other great places, with some good restaurants in the inner suburbs. As far as I know there isn't a reliable food guide to Adelaide, the one that used to be published by the local paper was advertorial rather than critical.

A good spot for breakfast is to head down to the central markets, this is great just to browse with lots of fantastic produce, and it also has some good cafes for breakfast/coffee. The food and atmosphere is always good. Quite a lot of choice so choose one you like.

Cibo is quite good for coffee, quite a few branches around town (16+) so quality varies, the original location "Cibo Ristorante Pasticceria" in O'Connell Street in North Adelaide maybe the best bet for breakfast.

[legume]

Can endorse Grange and Mesa Lunga http://www.mesalunga.com/ plus Chianti Classico www.chianticlassico.com.au . Try the central markets for breakfast http://tinyurl.com/5cv7ey

[levalegs]

Cibo is pretty good. If you're after a steak you can go to AlphHutte. But you should definitely trying going out to the Barossa Valley. It's about an hour from Adelaide. Try a cellar door winery tour. They're awesome. This one is a little pricey but is awesome! http://www.godo.com.au/activity/GGCA1...

[ShannonD]

Zootz at Henley Beach and East Terrace Continental (in the City) are both really good for breakfast.

[marielee]

I have family in Adelaide. "The Brown Dog" on Goodwood Road does gorgeous breakfasts...plenty of places in Adelaide do good coffee.

I'd have to second "The Star of Greece" I have family out that way and can remember stopping for an icecream after a swim growing up...before it became a celebrity favourite of course! Food is good and the view is lovely...but having grown up in the area I am biased.

[rani_banani]

I grew up in Adelaide, and live for food, so heed these suggestions!! Adelaide has some of the best produce in the world, and more importantly, people that know how to bring out the best from it!!

Barossa:
Maggie Beers Farm Shop - Barossa local and local gourmet food guru
Lour Miranda Estate - Family owned boutique winery, best hospitality at their cellar door, excellent chef for weekend lunch, awesome wines!!

Adelaide:
Don't do mesa lunga - over rated and takes too long!! For a spanish inspired place, the paella

Don't do Chianti either - it's a bit wanky, and overpriced, but good for a special occasion. Don't listen to anyone who tells you to eat at Citrus - it's even wankier, and the staff don't give a crap about you or how long it takes for your meal to come out.

East Terrace Continental - good breakfast in the heart of the trendy part of the city, awesome coffee too!

On Gouger Street in the city-
- Matsuri japanese - good service, awesome authentic japanese food and experience. You can take your shoes off and sit traditional dining tables on floor with feet in a pit or at a normal table

Chinatown:
- Dumpling King: Awesome Chinese treats like pan fried dumplings make this one a winner at VERY affordable prices

-China town cafe: cheap, and always busy. Staff are often rude, but best laksa in town!

-Nanna Hot Bake: Asian Bakery with sweet and savoury filled bread buns that make the mouth water

Ding Hao - Book ahead for great Yumcha/Dimsum - extremely busy though!!

Ying Chow - Chinese thats quick, and good. The staff will rush you in and rush you straight out again due to popularity. Bookings mean nothing.

Norwood:
Gusto italian : service is good, can get a bit rowdy due to it's popularity, but reliably yummy italian offerings, at good prices.

Kangaroo Island - Penneshaw - apparently the seafront hotel has a good restaurant. My boyfriend's parents have a beach house on the island in penneshaw and often go there for dinner.

[rani_banani]

Oooh ooh, and three more;

- Enzo's Italian on Port Road, just outside of the city- an italian institution!!
- Farina Bar and Restaurant - heart of the CBD - new, modern italian that the locals are raving about
-Argentinian Grill - also on Port Road - they used to own Gaucho's on Gouger street, and sold out and started again.

[brunelleschi]

Rani-Banani is on the money. Amalfi on Frome St is an institution....it shouldn't be. I much prefer to get a simple panino from Cibo which is next door. And yes, both Citrus and Mesa Lunga are also over rated. You should definitely get to Grange. Nobody mentioned Bridgewater Mill. It's a fine dining restaurant in the Adelaide Hills. Part of the Petaluma Winery. A great lunch but also a beautiful drive to get there.

[minibrings]

Id wander about Melbourne Street in North Adelaide. You'll have a plethora off nice dining options. I personally like the Lion Hotel Restaurant for dinner. Heaps good.

BTW I go Cibo's for their gelato.. really good.

And for desert, PLEASE go to:
http://www.cocolat.com.au/

[redips]

Mantra on King WIlliam in Goodwood/Hyde Park. You WILL NOT be disappointed.

Food in Adelaide is great...

[mandarin]

I think Cibo is more for a quick breakfast not so much sit down bacon & egg etc.. but yes the one in North Adelaide is different. And I agree East terrace Continental a great breakfast choice (plus it's near Rundle Street for shopping.... Central markets also a good choice.

Enzos on Port Road is fabulous for Italian (not the usual pizza/pasta) - more formal and a tad more prciey than the usual cafe (well worth it)
Sparrow on O Connell St is fantastic! They have a Tapas menu & a la carte (fantastic steaks), I would give Mesa Lunga a miss (pricey & not so good)
For Indian I have tried so many in Adelaide and would have to recommend the Village on Gouger St (actually opposite Mesa Lunga) or hands down best Indian in Adelaide is in Nairne (Adelaide Hills) a restaurant called Chingari. It's 45 minute drive but if you are exploring the hills is a great dinner stop.

[minibrings]

cibo's is for an afternoon cuppa or gelato.. well done...
for Indian.. I love Shanker's.... this is where I go with Indian mates when I'm in town.. classy resto, excellent food.. find out when they have chili crab night and go.. owner is Indian/Tamil from Singapore.. yummy food.. omg.. one of the best in the city..

Id also say go to Addis Ababa cafe for Ethiopian food.. good value, great taste, try not to fill up on the ingera bread.

Finally.. after a few too many beers (find a nice hotel in north Adelaide).. go to the 24 hour bakery on O'Connel street for a pie floater. I miss pie floaters in ADL and was chagrined when they moved the pie carts away from the railway when them extended the Glenelg tram to UNISA. Was told the pie vendors are now on Victoria Square? But O'Connell St was much closer to where I lived.