ADELAIDE’S DINING SCENE GOES ‘BOOM’
ADELAIDE’S dining scene is experiencing a “massive boom” and customers are waiting up to two weeks for a table at some top restaurants as easing of close-contact rules and an influx of interstate travellers have lifted demand.
SkyCity Australia chief operating officer David Christian recommended patrons book at least two weeks in advance – especially on weekends – to secure a spot at their Adelaide venues Sean’s Kitchen, Madame Hanoi and iTL Kitchen.
“We’ve been buoyed by the return of high volumes of customers at our restaurants,” he said.
“We’re certainly seeing moves in the right direction with midweek dining too, and to reflect this we are continually looking at increasing our opening hours to move towards prepandemic trading.”
City hotspot Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room was often booked out for “weeks in advance”, said the venue’s owner and head chef Max Sharrad.
“Try to book as soon as you start making plans. Although we are allowed to have 100 per cent capacity, sometimes we are not able to service the entire restaurant because of a lack of staff (due to Covid-19),” he said.
Restaurant and Catering Association chief executive Wes Lambert said there’s “definitely been a shift” in recent months.
“I think people are really trying to make hay while the sun shines,” he said.
“A culmination of restrictions easing and consumers getting their confidence back has seen SA’s hospitality industry experience a massive boom.”