15 Adelaide Hills restaurants you need to book when you’re in town

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Any wine-tasting itinerary deserves to be balanced with beautiful meals to complement your enjoyment. Here’s our pick of the best Adelaide Hills restaurants.

Just 25 minutes from the city centre, the Adelaide Hills is one of the most accessible wine-growing regions in the country. Not only is there a proliferation of world-class vineyards to tour, but this gorgeously rolling countryside that rises to lofty vantages and descends into sweeping valleys is also home to plenty of noteworthy eateries.

To complement a day (or several) sipping your way from cellar door to cellar door, be sure to book yourself a culinary interlude at one of these top restaurants in the Adelaide Hills.

1. Pike and Joyce

Presiding over undulating vines in Lenswood, the restaurant at Adelaide Hill’s winery Pike and Joyce unlocks your long lunch goals. Head chef Mat Kinghorn sets about assembling the region’s finest ingredients for his seasonal menus that pair with the vineyard’s cool climate drops.

the view of vineyards and rolling hills from Pike and Joyce, Lenswood
Settle into Pike and Joyce winery that overlooks vineyards and rolling hills. (Image: Adelaide Hills Wine Region/South Australian Tourism Commission)

You may encounter small plates such as charred Tommy ruff with celeriac remoulade and pickled apple or larger servings of pan-seared duck breast with quince and sunchoke.

What you’ll most certainly encounter, though, is warm hospitality and vistas that unravel in a spectrum of soft greens.

al fresco dining under umbrellas at Pike and Joyce, Lenswood
Nab a table in the relaxed outdoor setting. (Image: Adelaide Hills Wine Region/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 730 Mawson Road, Lenswood

2. LOT. 100

Once a cattle property, LOT.100  is now an eco-conscious collective of local craft and sustainable produce.

al fresco dining at Lot 100, Hay Valley
Sip cocktails from the al fresco dining of Lot 100. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Swing by the rustic shed where you can sample cider from Hills Cider Co., beer from Mismatch Brewing Co. and spirits from 78°, you can also settle in and soak up some of that alcohol with a shared long or casual lunch at the onsite Lot 100 Restaurant.

the restaurant interior of Lot 100, Hay Valley
There are also plenty of chairs to dine indoors. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Be seated in the cellar door or courtyard and graze your way through South Australian produce in dishes such as Boston Bay mussels with potato and buttermilk or a roo tail bao bun.

a spread of food on the table at Lot 100, Hay Valley
Dine on delicious South Australian produce at Lot 100. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 68 Chambers Road, Hay Valley

3. Sidewood Restaurant

Brown leather banquettes and natural wood interiors bring warmth to the vast dining room of Sidewood Restaurant  at the eponymous winery. Interior walls are adorned with artworks by Australian masters, while the dusty greens of eucalypts sway beyond the large-format windows.

lush greenery at Sidewood Restaurant
Sidewood Restaurant is set in a tropical garden. (Image: Sidewood Restaurant and Cellar Door)

At the table, attention is swiftly grabbed by plates of cider-brined pork with fig and macadamias or blue swimmer crab and ricotta ravioli. Opt-in for either two or three courses or the share-style chef’s selection menu.

the bar counter at Sidewood Restaurant
Pull up a chair and sample the ciders on offer. (Image: Sidewood Restaurant and Cellar Door)

Whatever you choose, be sure to sup alongside sips of the Sidewood Signature Range of small-batch pinot noirs.

the bar interior details of Sidewood Restaurant
The light-filled interior of Sidewood Restaurant adds to its vibrant ambience. (Image: Sidewood Restaurant and Cellar Door)

Address: 6 River Road, Hahndorf

4. Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant

Mt Lofty House has long been the pinnacle of elegance in the Adelaide Hills. And, of course, the luxury hotel’s three-hatted Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant  follows suit nicely. You needn’t be a guest to dine or take high tea in this ambient 19th century dining room that spoils guests with sweeping Hills vistas and all the charm of a gentler era. On the plate, flavours are finessed to near-perfection and may include an assiette of Maremma duck, South Australian seafood fancied up with celeriac cream and foraged herbs, and a chocolate and tonka bean torte. At this point, a nightcap at the moodily-lit Hardy’s Bar makes for an appropriate finale.

Address: 1 Mawson Drive, Crafers

5. Stanley Bridge Tavern

Most drinking establishments you encounter in the Adelaide Hills are not slinging your usual, run-of-the-mill counter meals. So it is with the Stanley Bridge Tavern , which places a big emphasis on local and seasonal produce to elevate casual dining classics with plenty of refinement.

people dining inside Stanley Bridge Tavern
Stanley Bridge Tavern is a hotspot for hearty meals.

Pick a spot in the sunshine-filled courtyard or by the crackling fire and tuck into half-baked shell scallops, a pork cutlet with apple sauce and roasted parsnip or a very well-rounded cassoulet with all the requisite meats of duck leg, pork sausage and pork belly.

a kingfish dish on the table at Stanley Bridge Tavern
Relish in casual dining classics at Stanley Bridge Tavern.

The people shuffling the pans in the kitchen are also responsible for the excellent fare across the road at Fourth Hill Providore.

an al fresco dining setup with fairy lights at Stanley Bridge Tavern
Dine under brightly lit fairy lights at Stanley Bridge Tavern.

 Address: 41 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun

6. Patch Kitchen & Garden

Once a post office and general store, this light-filled 1880-era building is now set with tables to which arrive beautifully put-together dishes from chef-and-owner Andrew Davies (Osteria Oggi). Patch Kitchen & Garden  is a come one, come all kind of deal, where you can settle in over vino and a few courses or pick your way through the afternoon in a snacking type of mood. The fresh pasta is supple perfection, the pot pies are crisp-topped and warming and the gelato is house-made and highly memorable.

Address: 143 Mount Barker Road, Stirling

7. The Scenic Hotel

Most pub menus don’t read as follows: stracciatella with French radish and vadouvan; pork terrine with Danish rye; and lamb rogan josh pie with fava bean puree. But also, most pubs don’t have the lofty vantage of The Scenic Hotel , which brushes the clouds at its Norton Summit location.

dining on the balcony of The Scenic Hotel restaurant, Adelaide Hills
The Scenic Hotel restaurant boasts verdant vistas.

The city twinkles in the distance and the days slip into the evening accompanied by beautiful wines, craft beers, good food and live music.

an aerial view of the crowds gathering outside The Scenic Hotel
Crowds gather at The Scenic Hotel.

Comfort food lovers aren’t left behind, though, you can still get your chicken schnitzel and beer-battered barra, just with a slight gastronomic polish.

a close-up shot of food on a plate at The Scenic Hotel restaurant, Adelaide Hills
Treat yourself to a satisfying plate.

Address: Old Norton Summit Road, Norton Summit

8. Dirty Doris

We’re not sure why Doris is dirty, but we’re down with her American diner-style menu. Perhaps the name is a nod to this all-day restaurant’s wholehearted embrace of anything that’s the antithesis of clean eating.

two people behind the Dirty Doris signage
Dirty Doris is an all-day American diner-style restaurant. (Image: Jack Fenby)

Put aside the rules for a moment and relish dishes such as hush puppies, pork scratchings, pancakes with all the trimmings and fried chicken benny. There are lighter (less dirty) options such as the egg salad sandwich on fresh rye, anchovies with pickles, and salads. But we do think Dirty Doris ’ the Everything Bagel with cream cheeses, pickled onion, dill and potato rosti has to be the go-to.

a spread of food and drinks on the table at Dirty Doris
Order comfort food at Dirty Doris. (Image: Jack Fenby)

Address: 2 Strathalbyn Road, Aldgate

9. Sequoia Dining

Although you do have to be a guest of the ultra-luxe Sequoia  to dine here, we can’t dispense a list of the ultimate restaurants in the Adelaide Hills and ignore this elegant fine diner. But let’s say you do have a romantic minibreak on the horizon. Well, in that case, you might consider a stay here and with that an evening at the onsite restaurant where the dusty golden sunset falls over the Hills beyond like a shimmering veil.

a waiter at Sequoia Dining pouring wine into a glass in front of a couple
Book a romantic lunch at Sequoia and share a bottle of wine. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

Dinner may be house-made gnocchi with local Section 28 cream cheese or Glacier 51 toothfish with Goolwa pippies preceded by Cape Jervis tuna tartare or a 20g tin of caviar. A deconstructed pavlova leads you to a natural conclusion and that gorgeous suite awaiting you.

a long table lunch setup at Sequoia Dining
Enjoy a sun-soaked lunch overlooking breathtaking vistas. (Image: Julian Cebo)

Address: 1 Mawson Drive, Crafers

10. Crafers Pizza Bar

Plywood booths, black-and-white checked floors and pops of red are signposts for a good-time pizzeria that brings family-style dining to the Adelaide Hills. With chef-and-owner Myles Cook flipping the dough at Crafers , you can be assured of top-shelf toppings. Tuck into classic styles, such as pork and fennel, potato and taleggio, and Margherita, or lean into the not-so-classic Hawaiian chicken, cheeseburger and greens and feta. Whether you’re all in for the traditional flavours or keen for the loosey-goosey toppings, you’ll find they’re all very good indeed.

Address: 5 Main Street, Crafers

11. Glasshouse Restaurant at Uraidla Hotel

The Uraidla Hotel has long been an anchor in the community and this charming country pub has shored up its position by creating a gorgeous menu at its Glasshouse Restaurant  that’s inspired by the local market gardeners.

the vibrant restaurant interior of Uraidla Hotel with colourful stools
Snag a spot on one of the colourful stools at Uraidla Hotel. (Image: Julie Peter)

Dishes are given the wood-fire treatment either in a smoker or a josper, which is a Spanish-style grill, but there’s also a collection of classics if punters prefer. You can expect local ingredients to make up dishes such as the baked Onkaparinga triple brie, Reuben doorstop made with smoked pastrami, and the smoked lamb rump.

beer on tap at Uraidla Hotel
Try beer on tap at Uraidla Hotel. (Image: Tyrone Ormsby)

Interiors are upcycled and eclectic with touches of whimsy that err on the side of nannacore, making the whole experience inviting and wholesome.

the restaurant interior of Uraidla Hotel
The restaurant’s eclectic interior adds a whimsical feel to it. (Image: Dimitra Koriozos)

Address: 1196 Greenhill Road

12. Comida

Eschewing Hahndorf’s usual Germanic mode, Comida  is slinging Spanish tapas in its sleek dining room and sprawling garden. Come for breakfast, lunch or later and see how you go trying to restrain yourself while ordering. You won’t. Instead, you might select a procession of plates including croquetas, pulpo a la gallega, paella and fabada asturina – a luscious chickpea stew with pork belly, morcilla and chorizo. Wines roam the state with a few Spanish drops thrown in. The cocktail list is small but noteworthy and perfect for sipping as you overlook the fruit tree-festooned backyard.

Address: 100C Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf

13. Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard Restaurant

Jostle for the best position on the deck of the Mounty Lofty Ranges Vineyard restaurant , where eye-drawing valley views make sun-soaked lunches the best sitting – although Friday night sunset dinners have their own convivial appeal.

a server at Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard Restaurant preparing the table fronting scenic valley views
Dine at Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard Restaurant with excellent views of the valley. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

If the weather is on the fresher side, the fireplace keeps diners cosy indoors, but seating arrangements are quickly forgotten once the food arrives.

group of people enjoying a candle-lit long table dinner at
Opt to keep your candle-lit dinner cosy indoors. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Focussed on provenance with an easy elegance, you might kick things off with saltbush focaccia before progressing to a smoked beef tartare and pork belly with black garlic. Slip into the cellar door before or after to sip your way through the vineyard’s collection of wine.

putting green sauce over a food presentation at Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard Restaurant
Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard Restaurant serves meticulously prepared dishes. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

 Address: 166 Harris Road, Lenswood

14. Yuki in the Hills

After enough wine tasting, a light landing on the palate is often required. If you’ve indulged in too many rich, wine-paired meals, head to Yuki in the Hills  for a Tokyo touch.

sushi rolls at Yuki in the Hills
Yuki in the Hills has their own take on sushi rolls.

Elegant, fresh and beautifully presented, this Japanese restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner and rolls through the go-to favourites with deft mastery that has won it notable accolades, such as making the delicious. 100.

an array of Japanese food on the table at Yuki in the Hills
Head to Yuki in the Hills if you’re craving Japanese.

There’s everything from wagyu tataki to green tea noodle salad, sushi and sashimi as well as gyoza, karaage, ramen and okonomiyaki.

a Japanese food platter on the table at Yuki in the Hills
Dine authentic Japanese at Yuki in the Hills.

Address: 2 Strathalbyn Road, Aldgate

15. Tilbrook Estate

The cellar door at Tilbrook Estate  has been lucky enough to snare pizza guru Enrico Sgarbossa to keep wine-sippers and day-trippers at the wood-panelled, barn-like venue well-fed. His stone-baked pizza menu unfurls with all the classics, from spicy diavola to Margherita, and there’s also a pasta of the day and a scattering of antipasti, sides and desserts.

the dining space of Tilbrook Estate
Pull up a chair in the bright and rustic dining space of Tilbrook Estate. (Image: Giuseppe Silvestro)

Open for lunch and Friday night dinner, it’s a great way to extend your wine tasting experience at this pretty vineyard.

pizza and wine at Tilbrook Estate, Adelaide Hills
Pizza guru Enrico Sgarbossa makes stone-baked pizza himself. (Image: Giuseppe Silvestro)

Address: 1856 Lobethal Road, Lenswood

Looking for somewhere to stay the night? Check out our guide to the best Mount Gambier accommodation.
Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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The top 10 events you don’t want to miss in Victoria in 2026

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025
The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River
The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures
Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival
Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival
Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival
Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival
The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape
Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards
Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.