The West End
Adelaide CBD’s once grungy precinct has evolved into a vibrant area of laneways adorned with fairy lights, cool bars and excellent eateries, writes Jo McKay.
Eat PETER RABBIT
With its green patch out the front and rustic interiors, Peter Rabbit (peterabbit.com.au) is designed to evoke Mr McGregor’s potting shed and garden. Dishes are fresh and wholesome, from buckwheat and nut granola to housemade banana crumpets.
SHŌBŌSHO
The Japanese-inspired fare at Shōbōsho (shobosho.com.au) is reliably innovative and delicious, whether you choose spit-roasted teriyaki chicken or wood-roasted broccolini with miso and cured egg yolk. Downstairs on street level is Shōbōsho’s little sister, Shō, a yakitori-style grill with just eight seats. It’s also excellent.
SUNNY’S
Delicious pizzas, cool natural wines and rocking tunes – Sunny’s (sunnys.pizza) certainly has a way of bringing the sunshine. Order the eggplant parmigiana pizza with sides of burnt cauliflower and fried squid. Book a booth in advance or be prepared to wait for a table.
Drink MAYBE MAE
Hidden in the basement between Peel and Leigh streets, Maybe Mae (maybemae.com) is a sophisticated drinking den that comes complete with Art Deco detailing, low lighting and leather booths. The distinctive cocktails eschew anything that's typical so expect unusual additions such as tonka bean, shiso and green tomato.
CRY BABY
At this retro-style dive bar
(11 Solomon Street, Adelaide; 0452 199 082) next to Sunny’s, it’s calm and low-key at 7pm but completely crazy by the time midnight comes around. Behind the bar are 12 rotating taps of craft beer and a hefty array of international and local spirits.
Do EXPERIENCE THE ARTS
At the Jam Factory (jamfactory. com.au), view creations from local and interstate ceramicists, furniture makers, glassblowers and other artisan crafters.
CHECK OUT LIVE MUSIC
The West End is the epicentre of Adelaide’s night-life, with plenty of live-music venues. Take your pick from Jack Ruby (jackruby.com.au), Grace Emily Hotel (graceemily hotel.com.au) and Fowler’s Live (fowlerslive.com.au).
FIND THE JOY IN SCIENCE
Adelaide’s newest museum, MOD. (mod.org.au), describes itself as a "free science experience like no other” aimed at teens and young adults. Melding science and art in a continually changing series of interactive exhibitions, it's fascinating and educational.
Stay MAYFAIR HOTEL
This elegant 1930s Romanesquestyle building (hotel.qantas.com. au/ may fair hotel adelaide) has 170 rooms that nod to its rich heritage, with patterned carpets, padded bedheads and marbletopped bedside tables, all in a refined palette of black, white and grey. In the basement, the Mayflower Restaurant offers upscale classics, while the rooftop bar, Hennessy, pulls the crowds with great cocktails.
But first, caffeine…
The cool interiors and attentive service at Fairweather (fairweather coffee.com) earn a tick of approval but it’s the consistently excellent coffee choices that impress most. A range of small bites and a few substantial dishes round out the menu.