Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot for an evening hideaway or a quick stop off to enjoy a night-time tipple, Adelaide Hills is the place to cure your cravings. Beyond its famous wineries, the region also offers a range of food-fancying bars, pubs and casual restaurants that have become local favourites.
Moreover, with so many culinary creatives choosing to set up shop in the Hills’s region, the bar and pub scene has transformed into one to celebrate.
To help you plan, South Australia Tourism has shared with us its top 10 recommendations for wining and bar hopping in Adelaide Hills.
1. Uraidla Hotel
At the newly renovated Uraidla Hotel, you’ll be treated to some of Adelaide Hills’ finest drops as well as world-famous labels from its contrasting wine regions.
The menu can be best described as sophisticated pub grub with rabbit and pancetta ale pie and humble chicken schnitty sitting side-by-side.
Choose your favourite drop and snuggle in by the fireplace as you while away the afternoon.
2. The Stirling Hotel
Boasting one of the slickest pub interiors in South Australia and a sprawling, fairy-lit alfresco dining area, this is one of the prettiest places in the Hills to wine and dine.
This multi award-winning hotel has an expertly curated drinks menu and features a seasonal bistro, gourmet pizza bar, gin bar, sizzling grill menu, cellar and patisserie.
Enjoy a glass or two overlooking the town’s beautiful leafy streetscape, or rugged up by the massive contemporary fireplace.
3. The Crafers Hotel
After growing up on a free range pig farm in the French countryside, head chef Stephane is bringing his knowledge of French cuisine to the mouth-watering menu at Crafers Hotel.
Then, wash it all down with one of the state’s most impressive wine lists, straight from the Crafers Hotel’s very own wine room.
The completely redeveloped interior features reclaimed wood, leather, iron, copper and exposed stone for a cool, avant-garde look.
4. Lost in a Forest
This wine bar and pizzeria was once a beautiful Adelaide Hills church, complete with rustic woodwork, stained glass windows and intricate mural.
These days, it also provides outdoor seating and lawn lazing area hosting huge crowds. Lost in a Forest is famous for its wood-oven pizzas with unconventionally delicious toppings while its wine list is a showcase of local Adelaide Hills labels with a few international gems splashed in as well.
5. Summertown Aristologist
Put simply, the Summertown Aristologist has some of Adelaide Hills’ best food and drink, grown and prepared mostly on-site by a community of passionate local foodies, smooth-talking group chefs, bartenders and winemakers.
6. Applewood Distillery/ Unico Zelo Wines
Experience a labyrinth of Charlie’s Chocolate Factory-esque distilling rooms and watch how the cellar door’s incredible range of wines and spirits are made.
Then, chill out in the super-stylish bar and tasting area and spend the afternoon sipping and nibbling.
7. Lobethal BierHaus
Ideal for families, this child-friendly restaurant serves a full range of excellent dishes using local produce. Grab a glass of handcrafted beer or locally made wine as you make your way to the museum area where brewery equipment used throughout the ages is on display, dating all the way back to 1851.
8. Bridgewater Inn
With a cosy open fire and shady vine-covered pergola by the creek, the Bridgewater Inn, one of South Australia’s most historic pubs, is the perfect spot for a relaxing ale and a bite to eat.
The extensive a la carte menu from the Inn’s famous kitchen is ideal for celebrations and family get-togethers
9. Bridgewater Mill
Housed in a historic 1860s flour mill, The Bridgewater Mill is one of South Australia’s most iconic restaurants.
Award-winning head chef, Zac Ronayne is renowned for his round-the-world menu consisting of Japanese, French, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, all made with produce from the restaurant’s organic Aldgate vegetable garden.
10. Hahndorf Inn
You’ll be in for the full German experience here – complete with mountainous piles of sausage and lederhosen-wearing waiting staff.
So, loosen your belt, grab a litre of beer and spend the afternoon gorging on bockwurst, wiessworst, kransky, pork schnitzel, pork hock and sauerkraut!
Find out more: southaustralia.com
Images: Supplied/South Australian Tourism Commission
Feature image: The Summertown Aristologist © Josie Withers
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