David Knight

Hit the road and discover rustic outback boozers, upscale pubs in wine country and plenty in between. Here’s where to find them.

There’s no doubt 2020 has been a tough, topsy-turvy mess. But it also delivered a surprisingly strong list of outstanding new eateries, including a CBD sibling for a regional heavyweight, a neighbourhood izakaya, and a raft of upscale fish ‘n’ chippers.

There’s been a wave of new upscale fish’n’chip joints this year. From the sea to the Hills, here’s what’s got us hooked.

After a two-year closure, the cafe is back with an approachable menu of native and wild Australian produce by a former Comida and Pink Moon Saloon chef.

With a hearth in the kitchen, expect a menu of fire-cooked dishes from around the world, plus ramen and smoked-plum gin sours – all in Japanese-inspired surrounds courtesy of Sans-Arc Studio.

Skip the food trucks (for a day at least) and enjoy a sit-down, six-course meal with table service – from one of Adelaide’s most popular chefs and restaurateurs.

Expect late-night laughs, live music, immersive spectaculars and a new food and drink menu (with native ingredients) at Tandanya.

Adelaide’s dining scene has welcomed a clutch of new pizza joints in the past seven months. Some are broadly Mediterranean, some are inspired by New York-Italian flavours, while others are more specialised. All are worth a try.

Beachfront kiosk Kuti Shack’s take on the area’s famed pipis is well worth that three-hour round trip from Adelaide.

The newly restored heritage venue is back in business – serving pub classics with Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian-inspired touches, a 100-per-cent South Australian beer and wine list, and a fancy new take on the Fruchoc.

Summer eats are sorted with these expert tips on where to find the best fish and chipperies in Adelaide and beyond.

Italian favourites are the order of the day at the newly renovated Aces venue, which is now a restaurant and bottle shop with Africola’s Duncan Welgemoed on board as executive chef.