We’ve listed some of our favourite places to eat on the Fleurieu Peninsula from Aldinga Beach through to Hindmarsh Valley.
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.
UPDATED OCTOBER 2023
Best places to eat on the Fleurieu Peninsula:
Pearl
Pearl is nestled in a beautiful natural location and they are continually challenging themselves to ensure that they minimise the environmental impact of the business.
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: Natural location and sustainability focus
They specialise in: High-quality produce from the Gulf St Vincent, Fleurieu Peninsula & wider South Australia
Boat Ramp, Aldinga Beach
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 – Ngarrindjeri people are 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 Peninsula. 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
They specialise in: Goolwa pipis
Beach Rd, Goolwa Beach
Little Wolf Osteria
Little Wolf’s focus is on house-made, house grown and locally sourced produce that delivers striking modern flavours influenced by the surrounding sea, and amazing wines.
Embracing tradition and much loved flavours of the Italian kitchen, cooked over fire and made by hand.
Chef: Vincenzo La Montagna
What’s to love: Good value for money, modern aesthetic
They specialise in: Italian flavours cooked over fire
141 McMurtrie Rd, McLaren Vale
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
The Little Rickshaw
The Little Rickshaw is a family-run tiny tin shed kitchen and bar located in a former blacksmith’s workshop. 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
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 and Will Doak
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
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
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 and is one of the best places to eat on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
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 reliable service.
Chefs: Michael Collins and Jason Coppin
What’s to love: Clifftop views and crisp sea air
They specialise in: An approachable, friendly fine dining experience
1 Esplanade, Port Willunga
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
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 our 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
They specialise in: Creative and interesting flavours, try the chef degustation menu
104 Ingoldby Rd, McLaren Flat
Coriole Restaurant
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.
What’s to love: Beautiful cottage garden
They specialise in: Award-winning wines paired with the tasting menu
79 Chaffeys Rd, McLaren Vale
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
Singapore Circus
The newcomer of the d’Arengberg cube. Singapore Circus is a melting pot of South-East 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
What’s to love: An eclectic and kitsch dining room
They specialise in: The show stopping whole crab
58 Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale
Pizzateca
Rustic-chic locale in a country house & 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 and Vito 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
Maxwell Restaurant
The award-winning fine dining restaurant, led by Executive Chef Fabian Lehmann, is an outstanding culinary experience not to be missed. Using the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers, every dish is carefully crafted. As you dine enjoy spectacular views of the winery, vineyards and the Fleurieu Peninsula. The restaurant offers a truly memorable dining experience.
Chef: Fabian Lehmann
What’s to love: Seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers
They specialise in: Exclusively offer a multi-course tasting menu
Olivers Rd, McLaren Vale
Salt at the Elliot
Salt at the Elliot boasts a clean and modern coastal vibe, the front Wine Bar is open to the public daily for lunch and dinner, and on weekends a Breakfast menu is available. Tables can accommodate groups of up to twelve, plus they offer seats along the windows and bar for casual drop-ins, and a cozy lounge area by the fireplace to sit and enjoy a night cap late into the night.
A brand new menu specifically for the space, giving locals and visitors alike a perfect destination to meet up for a glass of wine or a cocktail while sharing a few plates of food together.
What’s to love: Cozy, coastal chilled vibes
They specialise in: Pub classics with a modern touch
35 The Strand, Port Elliot
