5 minute read

FLEURIEU eats

Just a 40-minute drive from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula on the south coast of South Australia boasts stunning beaches, world-class wineries of McLaren Vale and some of the finest culinary experiences SA has to offer.

We’ve listed some of our favourites from Aldinga Beach through to the deep south coast of Goolwa Beach. We really are spoilt for choice in SA!

Pearl

Pearl is enviably located overlooking Aldinga Beach with views of the hills and ocean. They are continually challenging themselves to minimise the environmental impact of the business. Pearl has a strong focus on fresh South Australian seafood and local garden harvest.

The menu has an emphasis on future-friendly seafood, fresh garden harvest, great coffee and local beer and wine – their focus is to showcase the high-quality local produce.

CHEF: Julian Rydon

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Ocean views and sustainability focus

THEY SPECIALISE IN: High-quality produce from the Gulf St Vincent, Fleurieu Peninsula & wider South Australia

Boat Ramp, Aldinga Beach pearlaldingabeach.com.au

Kuti Shack

Neighbouring the sand hills of Goolwa Beach, Kuti Shack is a seafood kiosk and cafe.

Kuti is Ngarrindjeri word for cockles or pips - an ode to the Ngarrindjeri people the traditional custodians of the eastern Fleurieu Peninsula.

The creative menu highlights pipis and other indigenous ingredients, with plenty of other seafood, produce, wine and craft beer from the Fleurieu. Whenever possible their seafood and produce is sourced from local and sustainable producers.

CHEF: Brendan Roach

WHAT’S TO LOVE: The use of local indigenous ingredients and ocean views

THEY SPECIALISE IN: Goolwa pipis Beach Rd, Goolwa Beach kutishack.com | @kuti_shack

Silver Sands Beach Club

Located on the beachfront of the idyllic Silver Sands Beach, the restaurant and bar that is Silver Sands Beach Club is the jewel of the Mclaren Vale coastline.

Bistro-style dishes with a Mediterranean bent are served in a relaxed atmosphere with a world-class wine list by FIFTY+SA’s very own Nick Stock.

CHEFS: Alessandro Gramazio and Annika Berlingieri

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Stunning beachfront views

THEY SPECIALISE IN: Seafood heavy Mediterranean menu

Norman Rd, Aldinga Beach silversandsbeachclub.com.au

@silversandsbeachclub

Lost Phoenix Farm

Lost Phoenix Farm is tucked away amongst the trees and situated on top of rolling hills, with a picturesque view on offer overlooking the stunning Hindmarsh Valley.

Enjoy simple and delicious food accompanied by beverages from the best local wineries and breweries.

CHEF: Bridget Corver

WHAT’S TO LOVE: A relaxed vibe in an idyllic rural setting

THEY SPECIALISE IN: Australian ingredients and flavours inspired by the flavours of the world

34 Mont Rosa Rd, Hindmarsh Valley lostphoenixfarm.com.au | @lostphoenixfarm

Star Of Greece

Atop the spectacular cliffs of Port Willunga, Star of Greece, with its focus on fresh, local produce, is known for delicious dishes that let you taste the region.

Showcasing the best of the Fleurieu within a fancy setting and serving pretty food and just as pretty views. At the heart of it all is a love of great food and wine, with the team always striving to deliver friendly and welcoming service.

CHEFS: Michael Collins and Jason Coppin

Down The Rabbit Hole

In between rows of vineyards, Down The Rabbit Hole Cellar Door and Restaurant is nestled in the picturesque countryside of Mclaren Vale.

Down The Rabbit Hole’s kitchen is focused on locally sourced, organic ingredients; they’ve been as mindful with their food choices as they would cooking in their home for their families.

CHEF: Cameron Clarke

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Beautiful outdoor atmosphere

THEY SPECIALISE IN: Grazing platters to share

233 Binney Rd, McLaren Vale downtherabbitholewines.com.au | @downtherabbitholewines

The Little Rickshaw

The Little Rickshaw is a family-run tiny tin shed kitchen and bar located in a former blacksmith’s workshop, in the heart of Aldinga.. Cosy surrounds incorporate a mix of corrugated iron, exposed stone and timber beams. The South East Asian menu is handcrafted, seasonal and designed to be shared.

CHEF: Trinh Richards

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Great vegetarian options, cosy atmosphere

THEY SPECIALISE IN: Bite-sized and share-styled dishes

24 Old Coach Rd, Aldinga thelittlerickshaw.com.au | @thelittlerickshaw

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Clifftop views and crisp sea air

THEY SPECIALISE IN: An approachable, friendly fine dining experience

1 Esplanade, Port Willunga starofgreece.com.au | @starofgreece

Muni

Muni, a restaurant and natural-wine bar, offers an intimate and vibrant dining experience in Willunga. Moody surrounds of timber and concrete overlook the action of the open kitchen.

The menu is a one-set tasting menu. They work directly with producers to serve dishes that reflect the sensitivity of the seasons and the tireless efforts of the people that work the land and the sea.

CHEFS: Mug Chen and Chia Wu

WHAT’S TO LOVE: The whole menu is structured based on minimum wastage and sustainable practices

THEY SPECIALISE IN: A low gluten, low dairy, low garlic and onion menu with a focus on seasonal vegetables

2/3 High St, Willunga munirestaurant.com | @muni.au

The Currant Shed

A stylish lunch-only restaurant set between a glorious lime grove and beautiful vineyards. The Currant Shed is known for its inherent charm, proud history and seasonal menus featuring a plethora of local produce.

The estate is also home to their sister businesses, Shottesbrooke Vineyards and McLaren Vale Getaways accommodation. Together, they have formed a unique single destination that offers visitors the ability to drink, dine and stay in one location.

CHEF: Wayne Leeson

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Authentic, genuine hospitality and beautifully plated food

THEY SPECIALISE IN: Creative and interesting flavours, try the chef degustation menu

104 Ingoldby Rd, McLaren Flat currantshed.com.au | @currantshed

Singapore Circus

The newcomer of the d’Arengberg cube. Singapore Circus is a melting pot of SouthEast Asian-inspired cuisine. A passionate fusion of Singaporean, Chinese, Malay, Indian and other parts of South-East Asian cuisine.

Channelling the vibrant, bold and exciting flavours found at the junctions of colliding cultures. A loud, comfortable and inviting collection of dishes suitable for a shared experience.

CHEF: Jamie Steele

Gather at Coriole

The Coriole restaurant serves innovative food created from ingredients that speak to the providence of McLaren Vale. The food is fresh, seasonal and sourced from local producers and their own kitchen garden and farm.

It's an evolution and amalgamation of styles, and embraces the ethos of both Coriole and Gather Food & Wine.

CHEF: Tom Tilbury

WHAT’S TO LOVE: An eclectic and kitsch dining room with panoramic views of McLaren Vale and the Willunga Hills

THEY SPECIALISE IN The show stopping whole crab

58 Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale darenberg.com.au

@darenberg_singaporecircus

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Beautiful cottage garden

THEY SPECIALISE IN: Award-winning wines paired with the tasting menu

79 Chaffeys Rd, McLaren Vale coriole.com

The Salopian Inn

The Salopian Inn takes great pride in their craft, making all they offer from scratch. Their organic garden provides a large percentage of fruit, vegetables and herbs. It is the epitome of the restaurant; local, environmental and ethical.

Likewise, only pasture-fed, locally sourced beef and lamb, pasture-raised free-range poultry and Berkshire pork and South Australian ethically sourced seafood feature on their menu.

CHEF: Karena Armstrong

WHAT’S TO LOVE: The Modern Australian-meets-Asian menu

THEY SPECIALISE IN: Local, seasonal produce cooked from scratch

Main Rd, McLaren Vale salopian.com.au | @salopianinn

Pizzateca

Rustic-chic locale in a country house and garden offering classic, carefully sourced Italian fare. This is relaxed and carefree dining done exceptionally well.

Pizza is the central focus but other Italian treats are available to share - from arancini balls to rich and creamy tiramisu.

CHEF: Tony Mitolo

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Vibrant atmosphere with hospitable, friendly staff

THEY SPECIALISE IN: Traditional Nepolitan wood oven pizza

319 Chalk Hill Rd, McLaren Vale pizza-teca.com | @pizza_teca

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