Fourteen seats. Sixteen courses. Three floors. A 156-year-old converted church. Restaurant Aptos, the highly anticipated debut (as owner-operator) by former Restaurant Botanic chef Justin James is on track to be one of the most ambitious Adelaide openings in recent memory.

When the restaurant opens this winter in Stirling – in the old Aptos Cruz Galleries space, in a historic sandstone church – guests will move between three levels during the almost three-hour dining experience, which is set to bring a dinner party vibe to the fine dining space.

The main event will unfold on the ground floor, where diners will sit inside the open kitchen. Fans who dined at Restaurant Botanic can expect to see James work his magic again with key ingredients like kangaroo and marron. After the savoury courses, it’s up to the glass-walled second floor for dessert before ending with a selection of amaros and other digestives.

Restaurant Aptos will open this winter at 147 Mount Barker Road, Stirling.