South Australia, with its diverse landscapes, food production, and wine culture, stands as one of the most multifaceted states in Australia. The Adelaide Hills, in particular, offers an enchanting natural beauty that captivates the senses. Myffy Rigby explores what's good in the Adelaide Hills Hood.
THE SCENIC HOTEL (Old Norton Summit Rd, Norton Summit )
The Scenic Hotel offers a unique pub experience with stunning views of Adelaide from its balcony. Whether you prefer the cozy dining room with an open fire or the garden's communal benches, the menu focuses on comfort food. It includes blushing rump steak with local carrots and a spectacular lamb pie with short crust pastry, showcasing a commitment to using the whole lamb.
SUMMERTOWN ARISTOLOGIST (1097 B26, Summertown 5141)
Summertown Aristologist, part-owned by renowned winemaker Anton Van Klopper, is a closed-loop restaurant specializing in regenerative farming. The hyper-local and hyper-seasonal menu changes frequently, with chefs Jude Hughes and Calum Horn presenting dishes like barnsley chop, hogget with mustard and lentils, and delicacies such as haggis served with leeks and charred toast.
THE LAND VINEYARD (5 Ravenswood Ln, Hahndorf)
Located at The Lane Vineyard in Hahndorf, this winery-restaurant is led by Chef Tom Robinson. The beautiful, open-plan setting is perfect for a leisurely long lunch. The menu features house-made sourdough with cultured smoked garlic butter, a mountain pepper brown sauce with house-made boerewors, and Angus beef produced locally.
DIRTY DORIS DINER (6 Strathalbyn Rd, Aldgate)
Generosity is the hallmark of Dirty Doris Diner. The menu offers breakfast items at any time of day, including a Breakfast Ice-Cream Sundae Negroni. Take-away options include fancy maple syrup, local coffee beans, and hot sauces, perfect for elevating your home kitchen. A menu favorite is the cheesy ragu toastie.
CRAFERS HOTEL (8 Main St, Crafers SA)
The Crafers Hotel is a boutique hotel housed inside a heritage pub, known for its remarkable wine cellar. The wine selection features local wines, including those from Gentle Folk, Ochota Barrels, and Lucy Margaux. The menu boasts old favorites with a French accent, such as French onion soup, crumbed chevre, and steak frites. Guests can enjoy the cozy atmosphere with fireside dining.
PATCH KITCHEN & GARDEN (143 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling SA)
Patch Kitchen & Garden, located in a converted sandstone architect studio, is the brainchild of chef-owner Andrew Davies. The restaurant serves a seasonal menu focusing on locally produced dishes. The menu includes elegant and simple dishes like goat ragu with house-made gnocchetti sardi, braised oxtail with root vegetables, and a rich chocolate tart, perfect for a leisurely long lunch.