Adelaide is FULL of delicious cafes, restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries. Some you’ve probably never heard of, until you stumble past them on your way home from work or the pub and think to yourself, ‘I’ll have to go there one day”. Then you forget in the morning. Chloe, the gorgeous creator of Chloe Jane Candle Co. has shared with us 4 great eateries that you might not have heard of — but should definitely try!
Hayley x
By Chloe-Jane from Chloe Jane candle Co.
If you’re anything like me, then you believe that the only thing that makes great food taste better, is knowing it’s from a local hole-in-the-wall location. Then, you know it’s run on pure passion.
There’s something special about stumbling upon somewhere that doesn’t have an interior-design firm fit but does have a whole lot of soul. Adelady is all about sharing, so here are a few of my favourite eateries, that you might not have heard of.
1. Rice Bar
:: 90F Winston Ave, Melrose Park
Their regulars would go there for their traditional Bipimbap; a mixed rice dish, full to the brim with meats, veggies and a variety of sauces. I, on the other hand, would travel 40 minutes just for their sushi. Ah, I’m salivating just thinking about it! Rice Bar offers a wide variety of freshly made, sushi rolls.
And the combinations are truly delightful — The Salt and Pepper Squid is beyond words! The squid holds a tinge of warmness to it and it melts delicately in your mouth with every bite. The tempura veg is my pick for the herbivore; slightly crunchy and always delicious. It’s worth mentioning, too, the service at Rice Bar is consistently great.
2. Waffle King
:: 85 Sturt Rd, Dover Gardens
Waffle King is likely one of those places that you’ve driven by a million times and thought ‘Wow, I have to go in there one of these days!’ One word – DO! When my friend Tash and I ran through Adelaide’s pouring rain and gale force winds to get there, I remember one of us shouting over the chaos “This had better be worth it!” Half an hour and 2 waffles later, it WAS definitely worth it!
The first thing you need to know about Waffle King is that they hands down make the best waffles in Adelaide.
The owner and director is a Belgian expat, and holy macaroni did he bring the best of his country with him. They are ridiculously fresh, and made with such love and care that you can taste it in every bite. The toppings are simple. I recommend silky Belgian chocolate and strawberries. A second shopfront has just opened up in Glenelg, and to be totally honest, I personally prefer the lively decor and convenience of take-away in such a bustling location. In saying that, they’re as good as each other. Really, really good.
3. Spargo’s
:: Westfield Marion
Okay, let me first address the elephant in the room and say that Spargo’s didn’t used to have the best rep. But we’ve all got a past that we might not be super proud of.
The new chapter of this restaurant’s life began in early March, when it’s doors were thrown open after a lengthly refurbishment — everything has changed, for the better!
The menu is now contemporary and very reasonably priced. Students (and other poor people like me), will love the two-for-one-pasta Mondays! Their Schiacciata is some of the best in Adelaide: warm, crunchy, salty and soft. Because I’m difficult, I like to add prosciutto to the tomato-basil base for true mouth and tummy happiness. Their avocado chicken pasta is my other pick of the menu, but really, it’s all excellent.
Fresh, fun and flirty, Spargo’s decor, food and atmosphere all get a big tick from me! If you’re going to the movies afterwards, you’ll even be out with time to score some popcorn and a choc-top (that’s if you have room!)
Image credit: Spargos Cafe Marion
4. Greek Olive
:: 2/4 Rupert Ave, Bedford Park
I like to finish with a bang, and here we are. I’ve never been to Greece, so I have no idea what to expect, but I can only imagine that this cosy cafe would fit in very well in Athens. The second you walk in, you’re treated like a guest rather than a customer, and it is very clear that the Greek Olive is run by a family. The incredible pictures on the wall from their homeland aren’t pulled off Stockphoto, that’s their wedding, her cousin’s gorgeous smile, someone they know standing on a donkey, beaming down at you.
This service extends to the food. The meals are authentic, and like the most caring hosts, the Greek Olive chef has also catered for the inexperienced. The vegetarian moussaka is perfect. Every layer is dotingly prepared, and each ingredient: sweet potato, eggplant, a creamy béchamel sauce, is mind blowing. It’s enough to linger in your mind for days. The paidakia is less daring than it sounds; a simple and delicious trio of lamb cutlets marinated and served with a greek style potato salad. Cheap eats? Absolutely. You’ll come into this place because a friend told you to, and come back because you’ve fallen in love.
Image credit : The Green Olive
You’ve probably noticed that all of these sweet street eats are from the south-side of town because that’s where I spend most of my time. So I could be missing some incredible spots across the rest of our city! Where can you recommend, just between you and me?
Chloe xx
Chloe Jane Candle Co was born over a love of three things: sweet fragrances, local products and making people happy. The delightful creator Chloe, makes sure that each candle captures a natural lifestyle and a bohemian vibe. She provides people with little pots of joy, hand-poured and made with love. Her candles are 100% natural and made from sustainable soy wax, coconut oil and fragrance oils. They’re presented in beautiful frosted glass containers with wooden lids and are beyond amazing!
:: WEBSITE
