Based on “Best regional towns for eating and drinking in South Australia” by Sarah Bristow
Best regional towns for eating and drinking in South Australia
South Australia’s reputation for stellar drinking and dining extends far beyond Adelaide. These 10 regional towns offer equally delicious destinations across the state, perfect for food and wine enthusiasts.
This heritage town leads our list with Sticky Rice Cooking School, offering hands-on cooking classes in Thai, Mexican, Spanish, Vietnamese, Moroccan, seafood and vegetarian cuisines, plus luxury accommodation on-site.
Sweet lovers should visit artisanal chocolatier Red Cacao, while locally-focused eateries like Patch and Sri Lankan-style Marshi’s Kitchen showcase regional produce. The 110-year-old Stirling Hotel houses a contemporary bistro, pizzerie, and patisserie.
Wine-rich Barossa’s Marananga packs serious punch with vineyard dining at Appellation Restaurant (The Louise) and Hentley Farm. For casual dining, try South American-inspired El Estanco with courtyard open-fire cooking, or hearty Maltese cuisine at staġuni in a 1922 schoolhouse.
Australia’s oldest German settlement offers German-style Hahndorf Kaffeehaus, traditional sausages at Wunderbar Dog Haus, and Beerenberg Family Farm’s pick-your-own berries. Modern additions include Pot Hahndorf for specialty coffee and Ambleside Distillers for local gin.
McLaren Vale’s charming town boasts 550+ vineyards and 90 cellar doors, including d’Arenberg Cube. Sip craft beers at Shifty Lizard Brewing Co, cocktails at The Almond Door, or browse Willunga Farmers Markets.
This coastal town specializes in seafood, particularly lobster at Sails restaurant. The 160-year-old Caledonian Inn serves oysters and fresh fish, while Drift Cafe and Union Cafe provide excellent coffee breaks.
Beyond whale-watching, enjoy specialty coffee at Planted Coffee House, lunch at main street favorite Nino’s, or venture to Lost Phoenix Farm in Hindmarsh Valley for exceptional farm-to-table dining.
Coastal Aldinga surprises with South-East Asian excellence at The Little Rickshaw (housed in a 190-year-old blacksmith’s workshop), Mediterranean seafood at iconic Pearl Restaurant, and wholefood haven The Slow Kitchen.
The Clare Valley’s Watervale Hotel features Penobscot Restaurant with a 10-seat chef’s table using organic farm ingredients. Spice lovers will enjoy traditional Indii of Clare and fusion Antidote Kitchen.
Built on a dormant volcano, this town satisfies coffee cravings at Bricks and Mortar Coffee Co, Hey Presto, and Cafe Melzar. Elementary by Soul Co offers intimate modern Australian dining for just 23 guests.
Despite its tiny population (300), this remote town offers clifftop dining at Penneshaw Pub, local goods at Millie Mae’s Pantry, and sunset views at aptly named Sunset Food and Wine.
What a fantastic experience. This was our first cooking class and we’re already planning our next cooking adventure with Sticky Rice. Yukio is an excellent instructor. The menu was well planned. We had a lot of fun and learned so much. Thank you Yukiko and Daniel for all your hard work.
It was a great experience, learning some trade secrets to great cooking. Met some lovely people, a totally enjoyable afternoon. Cannot wait to do the next one!!!
Amazing experience thank you. Beautiful food, beautiful people, magical from start to finish
Best inspiration to be creative back at home!
We did the Japanese Essentials. excellent chef guide in Yukiko. food was excellent quality and class was a lot of fun. Daniel was a delightful host. We stayed in the Bali villa which was beautiful and relaxing. Wonderful get away.
I’ve done five classes so far. Great time, great repeatable recipes. Japanese cooking class was amazing. Going to repeat entire menu for family this week.
A great day at Sticky Rice Cooking School, Stirling yesterday – so enjoyed “Sensational Seafood” with chef Tania. Fantastic food, flavours, cooking tips, wonderful host Daniel and new friends Trudy & Rachael. Thanks Claire for making your dream come true – such a beautiful place filled with happiness, love & care.
Fabulous Middle Eastern Cooking class with Genevieve Harris. Wonderful day cooking a delicious menu of Hummus and flat bread, Chermoula chicken, Harissa marinated Prawns,with a beautiful eggplant and tomato salad, and bbq lamb skewers marinated in Hilbeh served with baby spinach, pomegranate seeds and yoghurt sauce.
Then deep fried almond pastries with honey and orange blossom syrup.
All served with lovely wines or fruit juice and water.
Fabulous day, heaps of fun and staying at the villas made the walk home very easy.
Highly Recommended 5*****
It’s all hands on, all interacting with each other. The food, atmosphere and setting are just awesome. highly recommended.
Fantastic fun night out
The perfect Staycation ideas for these Adelaide Hills Luxury Villas. Stay and Play. Wellness, Adventure and Relaxation. Which Villa will you choose? Bali, Yoko or Zen
