A restored Art Deco pub in Naracoorte, a Murray River hotel picking up two of the night’s top honours, and a chef in the Adelaide Hills named the best in his division. The 2026 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence, announced on 20 October, offer a handy shortlist of the best pubs and hotels in South Australia right now.
The winners range from city bistros to country hotels worth the drive. Here are the ones we’d book first.
For a long lunch in Adelaide
East End Cellars won Bistro Casual Dining (Inner Metropolitan). It’s a wine-led East End favourite, the place to book for a long lunch that drifts into the afternoon.
If you’d rather eat with a view, 2KW Bar & Restaurant took out Restaurant (General Division, Metropolitan). The rooftop overlooking the city remains one of Adelaide’s best spots for a birthday dinner or a glass of something at sunset.
Port Adelaide’s COLAC was one of the night’s big winners, collecting awards for Draught Beer Quality, Bar Presentation & Experience (Metropolitan) and Bistro Casual Dining (Outer Metropolitan). It also shared Redeveloped Hotel (Metropolitan) with Lockleys Hotel. A good excuse to spend an afternoon in the Port.
For a relaxed family meal, Payneham Tavern won Family Dining, which is handy to know when the grandchildren are in charge of choosing.
Country pubs worth the drive
The standout regional winner was Kincraig Hotel in Naracoorte, named Overall Hotel (Country). After an extensive redevelopment, the Limestone Coast landmark has its Art Deco character back, along with refreshed dining spaces and boutique rooms. It also won awards for Deluxe Pub Accommodation, Bistro Casual Dining (Country) and Redeveloped Hotel (Country). Make it part of a Coonawarra weekend.
In the Riverland, Hotel Renmark won Restaurant (General Division, Country) as well as the WT Spurr AO Award for Tourism & Regional Promotion. A strong case for a stop on any Murray River road trip. Further downstream, Loxton Hotel won both Bar Presentation & Experience (Country) and Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility (Country).
Two smaller winners also deserve a mention. Kangaroo Island’s Penneshaw Pub was recognised for Innovation, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency, and Vine Inn Barossa won Community Service & Support.
A night (or two) away
Mount Lofty House was named Overall Hotel (Accommodation Division). Its restaurant, Hardy’s Verandah, won Restaurant (Accommodation Division), and chef Alessandro Mangione was named Chef of the Year (Accommodation Division). With its valley views and historic estate, it remains the Adelaide Hills’ classic choice for a special occasion.
Nearby, Sequoia Lodge won Luxury Hotel Accommodation for its private suites high above the Piccadilly Valley. It’s the more contemporary choice for a slow weekend in the Hills.
In the city, Adelaide Marriott Hotel won Deluxe Hotel Accommodation. The Oval Hotel at Adelaide Oval won Superior Hotel Accommodation, so you can watch a Test match and sleep a few steps away. By the sea, Durham Serviced Apartments in Glenelg won Apartment/Suite Accommodation. It’s close to the beach and Jetty Road, and makes an easy base for a few days by the coast.
For music lovers
The Gov in Hindmarsh was named Live Music Venue, recognition for one of Adelaide’s best-loved gig rooms. In Fullarton, the Arkaba Hotel won both Entertainment Venue and Meeting & Events Venue (General Division), so it’s worth checking what’s on there for a night of music or comedy over dinner.
The newcomer
The newly opened Hotel Panorama in Adelaide’s south was named Overall Hotel (Metropolitan) in its first year. It also won Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility (Metropolitan) and Sporting Entertainment Venue, and was a joint winner of Retail Liquor Outlet. With rooms, dining, a sports bar and rooftop drinks under one roof, it’s one to try this summer.
The South Australian winners now go on to the AHA National Awards for Excellence on 30 November 2026. We’ll be watching to see how many come home with national honours.
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