Where Chefs Eat: The Most Underrated Restaurants in SA, According to 20 Local Chefs

There are so many things that make Adelaide great: the month of March, the Number Five at Lucia’s, the wine. Those are things we all know and celebrate.

Then there are the unsung heroes. The underrated restaurants, bars, cafes and dishes that make Adelaide what she is.

We asked 20 top chefs to call out an underrated restaurant which they think deserves more hype. Here’s what they said.

Daniella Guevara Munoz, La Popular Taqueria

“There’s a hidden place in the Port called Lipson Collective, where resident baker Paul makes sourdough and the family bakery, Butter Canteen, handles the baked goods. They both are really good. And it is truly a hidden gem, you need Google Maps to find it!”

Josh Cooke, Chianti, Rozelle’s & Bar Torino

“Little Rickshaw is definitely an underrated spot.”

Jamie Musgraves, Restaurant Botanic

“One night, I happened to park in front of this small izakaya-style bar Kokoni. My original intention was to go for dinner elsewhere, but the place was buzzing. Kokoni is an intimate space that’s serving up Asahi on tap and some wild cocktails. We were lucky to grab a seat at the bar as two were just leaving. They offer a short, core menu and then they just verbalise their specials to you – it’s wild. Super tasty little dishes, you just go wild with the ordering and settle in with a bottle of saké.”

Karena Armstrong, Salopian Inn

“Trinh at The Little Rickshaw. I know she’s hit some of the big lists across Australia, but people still don’t know about it. It’s in Aldinga. Her food is superb. She’s the most understated human you’ll ever meet. She doesn’t see herself as a chef, she sees herself as someone who just cooks. Humble is the right word, but her food is insane, like, it is so good. It’s so full of flavour. It’s like a little shed, literally, it’s a lean-to shed, which doesn’t sound glamorous, but they’ve made it amazing. It’s incredible, and she and her partner run it. It’s got that feeling of a small, independently owned restaurant; I think those restaurants are a dying breed and really special.”

Fabian Lehmann, Maxwell Wines

“Definitely Ernest in Hahndorf. It’s a humble delicatessen that serves up some of the best sangas I’ve ever eaten. All of Jimmy [Brinklow]’s food is spot-on and super delicious.”

Clare Falzon, Staguni

“Lai’s Pantry in Mansfield Park. It’s one of my favourites, and I often go a little out of my way to eat there. Fried chicken, beef rendang, pan mee, roti with curry chicken, nasi lemak. I love and order all of it, but my favourite is the wonton mee dry.”

Kane Pollard, Topiary & Place

“Not necessarily hidden, but not in the midst of town, is La Popular Taqueria. Daniella and Kor have something pretty special going on there. The tortilla soup is the hidden gem of the menu.”

Laura Sharrad, Nido & Fugazzi

“Manna on Kensington Road. It’s the best Hainanese chicken rice I’ve had in a long, long time. The laksa is epic, honestly. You can’t order wrong here. The chicken rice is so authentic and the sauces are punchy and insanely wild in flavour. It’s a hole-in-the-wall kinda place, casual as, but never disappoints.”

Robin Wagner, Aurora

“If you haven’t found your way to The Flying Fig in North Adelaide yet, then it’s definitely one to check out. It’s simple but great food with fresh local produce and great coffee. It channels the vibe of a delicatessen in NYC, but it’s tucked away in the back streets of North Adelaide.”

Baine Stubbs, Burdette

“Noi Vietnamese Eatery. It’s the best Vietnamese food in Adelaide in my opinion.”

Andre Ursini, Orso Kensignton, Lost Phoenix Farm, Villa Porcini

“The Almond Door in Willunga is a hidden gem. It’s a hi-fi bar and jazz cafe offering a curated selection of both international and local wines. While it’s not exactly underrated, it’s definitely flying under the radar. Owned and run by international musician Surahn [Sidhu] and his wife Jess [Sidhu], it has a truly unique vibe. Every Friday night, Surahn spins vinyl, performs a few of his own songs, and serves up a deeply personal dish: a special biryani made from a cherished family recipe.”

Terry Intarakhamhaeng, Soi 38

“Just down the road from us is Longplay Bistro. I’m not sure if they are hidden, but I also don’t think they get enough spotlight. It serves beautifully thought-out dishes that are well executed, and attentive service. For me, the highlights are the chicken liver parfait and ox tongue.”

Enrico Sgarbossa, That’s Enrico

“Falafel Station. I went there recently and the love they put into the food is amazing. Honestly, it’s the best falafel I’ve had in 15 years of living in Australia.”

Alma Pasalic, Restaurant Botanic

“Low & Slow American BBQ in Port Adelaide. They’re pretty well known, but I believe they deserve all the hype. I use any excuse to go. I always order the set menu and your only concern is whether to go the mac’n’cheese or potato salad. Or just get both. Steph and her team are so amazing and welcoming, plus they sling some of the tastiest cocktails.”

Alexis Besseau, La Louisiane

“Smokin’ Good. It’s very tasty American barbeque fare.”

Vasili Petropoulos, Vasilis Table & Billy’s Table

“We’re pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to coffee, but Lampshade in Warradale really knows its business. Perfect coffee, freshly baked cake, retro vibes – and it’s a one-man operation all run by Chris. He can chat about everything from vintage vinyl to good art. But let’s just keep it our little secret, shall we?”

Quang Nguyen, Shmochi by Shibui & Please Send Noods

“Ernest Delicatessen is a gem in Hahndorf. We make the trip for brunch when we can. It’s one of the few places where you can get a great carbonara with fresh pasta for breakfast. The liver parfait is a must. If you ever get the chance, its pasta and vino nights are great.”

Timmy Forster & Lilli Willoughby, Taco José

Willoughby: “Fall From Grace.”

Forster: “I agree. From a chef’s perspective it’s nice to go somewhere where you know the chef gives a fuck about what they’re putting on a plate.”

Victoria Lennard, Ex-Restaurant Botanic

“I don’t know if it’s hidden but Prove Patisserie is definitely a gem. I have a big appreciation for the dough lamination there as I used to work in a patisserie!”