Top 10 Places to Eat This Summer in McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu
McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula have never been more exciting places to eat.
From exciting newcomers creating plenty of buzz to long-established regional icons that continue to set the standard, there's no shortage of reasons to plan a long lunch, family dinner or weekend catch-up close to home.
Here are our picks for 10 great places to eat this summer.
One of the newest additions to Willunga's dining scene, Tread Lightly has quickly become one of the most talked-about venues in the region.
Thoughtful, seasonal and firmly connected to local produce, it's helping cement Willunga's reputation as one of South Australia's most exciting country towns for food lovers. If you've been looking for an excuse to spend a day in Willunga, this might be it.
McLaren Vale isn't all winery restaurants and long lunches.
Joe's at Sabella has built a devoted following thanks to its vibrant Mexican menu, relaxed atmosphere and strong social media presence. Set in a local Church on the main street in the Vale, It's vibrant and energetic and exactly the sort of place you want to find on a warm summer evening with friends.
3. Vasserelli's
One of the Fleurieu's quiet institutions.
We've enjoyed a couple of excellent meals here in recent months and keep finding ourselves recommending it to friends. Good food, welcoming service and a relaxed atmosphere combine to make Vasserelli's well worth adding to your summer dining list.
A genuine family favourite of ours.
Some Friday afternoons it's just for a drink. Other weeks it turns into dinner. Either way, the food is consistently excellent, the atmosphere is welcoming and the views are spectacular.
Located only minutes from Tipsy Hill Estate, Vale Tap House enjoys sweeping views across the district towards Tipsy Hill, and captures everything people love about the Fleurieu.
Set amongst the vines of McLaren Vale, The Kitchen takes inspiration from the great country kitchens of France, where food, wine and conversation naturally belong together.
The menu focuses on generous, seasonal dishes designed for sharing, making it the ideal setting for a leisurely lunch with family and friends.
Proof that great dining doesn't need white tablecloths.
The Old Bush Inn combines elevated country pub food with one of the best wine lists on the Fleurieu. It's been quietly winning fans for years and remains one of the region's best spots for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
Few restaurants in South Australia can rival this setting.
Perched high above Port Willunga Beach, Star of Greece pairs spectacular coastal views with Mediterranean-inspired food that keeps people coming back long after the photo opportunities are forgotten.
A regional heavyweight for good reason.
The Currant Shed continues to deliver one of the Fleurieu's most polished dining experiences, showcasing exceptional local produce in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
Few venues have shaped the McLaren Vale dining scene quite like The Salopian Inn.
From its kitchen-garden philosophy to its creative seasonal menus, it remains one of the benchmark dining experiences in the region.
Some places become classics because they never stop getting it right.
Beautiful gardens, exceptional wines and a stunning setting have made Coriole one of McLaren Vale's most enduring dining destinations.
A Quick Tip for RAA Members
If you're an RAA member, it's worth taking a moment to check whether your chosen restaurant participates in the RAA Dining Programe before making a booking.
Several restaurants across McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu offer member benefits ranging from complimentary cocktails to special menu offers, including The Salopian Inn, which currently offers member benefits when booking its Feed Me menu.
Sometimes the easiest way to save money on a great meal is simply remembering the membership card already sitting in your wallet.
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