What Food To Try in Adelaide and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Adelaide for 2025.
National currency: Australian Dollar, symbol — A$ (international currency code AUD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Adelaide cafes and restaurants
$23.3
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $9.97
$123
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $66.46
$10
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.61
What to Try in Adelaide
Must-try Dishes
Full Breakfast - Big Brekkie - A hearty plate piled high with eggs, crispy bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, and locally-made sausage. Locals love to enjoy this filling breakfast especially on weekends at their favorite cafes.Fried Dough Cake - Poff Poff - Lightly sweetened dough balls, deep-fried to a golden brown and often dusted with sugar. You’ll typically see people enjoying them as a quick snack on the go at markets or street stalls.
Slow-Cooked Lamb - Yiros (or Gyros) - Tender lamb, marinated with herbs and spices, slow-cooked and served on pita with fresh salad and tangy yogurt. This dish is often eaten for lunch or dinner, especially after a late night out.
Pork Belly - Kransky - Juicy, herby sausages grilled to perfection, served with sauerkraut and mustard. Many locals think of this as a go-to for Saturday lunchtime BBQs with friends.
Vegetable Pie - Veggie Pastie - A flaky pastry filled with local vegetables and spices, often enjoyed as a comforting lunchtime meal. It's common to find them at bakeries and roadside stands, especially on cooler days.
Sweet Potato - Kumpir - Baked sweet potatoes stuffed with a surprising mix of toppings like cheese, mayo, and chili sauce. It’s a favorite late-night street food, perfect for a filling dinner after a night out, especially in warmer months.
Seafood Paella - Paella de Mariscos - A colorful blend of rice, fresh seafood, and aromatic spices, lovingly cooked in a wide, shallow pan. Locals often gather for family-style dinners during festive occasions, enjoying a leisurely meal together.
Roasted Vegetables - Seasonal Ratatouille - A medley of seasonal veggies, slowly roasted and enriched with herbs and olive oil. Perfect for sharing, it's best enjoyed during local harvest festivals, celebrating fresh produce.
Desserts & Drinks
Long Black - Long Black (rich coffee) - A double shot of espresso poured over hot water, creating a bold and smooth flavor profile. Locals usually sip on this as their morning fix, often paired with a newspaper at their favorite café.Pale Ale - Pale Ale (hoppy beer) - This local beer is brewed with pale malt and hops, giving it a crisp and refreshing taste. Best enjoyed at outdoor pubs during warm evenings, it’s a common choice among friends unwinding after a long week.
Froyo - Frozen Yogurt (creamy dessert) - Soft-serve yogurt topped with fresh fruits, nuts, and local honey, creating a tangy yet sweet experience. It’s a popular treat during summer evenings, often found in city parks where families gather.
Vanilla Slice - Vanilla Slice (custard pastry) - Flaky pastry layered with rich vanilla custard and topped with icing, offering a delightful creamy texture. Typically enjoyed at afternoon tea, it's a local classic that sparks childhood nostalgia for many.
Peach Melba - Peach Melba (frozen dessert) - A refreshing mix of ripe peaches, raspberry sauce, and vanilla ice cream, served cold. This dessert is especially loved during the peak of summer when peaches are in season, often seen at festive gatherings or casual picnics. By the way, if you see it on the menu, don’t miss out!
Food and Groceries in Adelaide
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.6 |
| Bananas | $2.96 |
| Oranges | $3.98 |
| Potatoes | $3.12 |
| Apples | $3.21 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.84 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $5.13 |
| Imported Beer | $5.46 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $13.29 |
| Milk 1L | $1.56 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $19.59 |
| Chicken | $8.91 |
| Cigarettes | $26.59 |
| Rice | $2.66 |
| Local Cheese | $15.61 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Adelaide's food culture offers an inviting blend of traditional influences and modern flair, showcasing what the city has to offer beautifully. Eating in Adelaide features a variety of experiences, from casual cafés to more upscale dining establishments, providing options for all budgets. The city has its dining hotspots, like Gouger Street, which is famous for its array of Asian cuisines, and Rundle Street, where trendy eateries thrive alongside local shops.
Meal times in Adelaide generally follow a relaxed schedule. Breakfast usually kicks off the day around 7 to 10 AM, with many locals enjoying a leisurely start. Lunch hours tend to fill the streets between noon and 2 PM. Dinner typically runs from 6 PM onward, but late-night dining is also an option, especially on weekends. A common misconception visitors have is that dining is strictly formal; however, there's a delightful informality to many restaurants, where local cuisine and a laid-back vibe go hand in hand.
When it comes to costs, Adelaide food prices cater to various preferences. Budget meals generally hover around $10 to $20 for a decent bite, while mid-range dining can set you back by $30 to $60. If you’re feeling indulgent at a high-end restaurant, expect to spend $70 and up. Surprisingly, some areas like Adelaide CBD can offer great value when it comes to dining, while trendy spots might spike prices unexpectedly.
Local Customs
One charming aspect of local eating habits is the practice of sharing meals, especially at dinner. It’s not uncommon to see friends gathered around a table trying various dishes as a group, embracing that communal spirit. This openness extends to interactions with staff, who are often keen to recommend their favorites if you express interest. One etiquette note: in casual settings, most locals don’t tip, as good service is expected without extra, though rounding up the bill at fancier spots is appreciated.
Paying can be a straightforward aspect of dining here. Cash is widely accepted, but many restaurants also prefer card payments, so having both on hand is a smart idea. Notably, some eateries might only take cash, particularly in the smaller, family-run places, making it worthwhile to check ahead.
Budget Tips
If you're after budget meal options, consider exploring the local markets, like Adelaide Central Market, where delicious food can be found at fantastic prices. Street food stalls scattered throughout the city are also great for grabbing something quick and affordable. During the week, lunch specials can be a fantastic way to save while enjoying quality meals; numerous restaurants offer deals that feature their chef's specials.
If you plan to enjoy dinner at popular spots, try to reserve ahead, especially on weekends. I've learned it’s better to book a few days in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly during events or festivals when the dining scene tends to get especially busy.
To sum it all up, Adelaide's dining scene reflects a rich tapestry of local preferences and traditions, combined with a vibrant atmosphere that seems to celebrate every mealtime. Keep an eye on meal times, explore local customs, and don’t be shy to engage with the staff – they can often lead you to delightful experiences. With a bit of planning and curiosity, your time eating out in Adelaide will surely be memorable.
Meal times in Adelaide generally follow a relaxed schedule. Breakfast usually kicks off the day around 7 to 10 AM, with many locals enjoying a leisurely start. Lunch hours tend to fill the streets between noon and 2 PM. Dinner typically runs from 6 PM onward, but late-night dining is also an option, especially on weekends. A common misconception visitors have is that dining is strictly formal; however, there's a delightful informality to many restaurants, where local cuisine and a laid-back vibe go hand in hand.
When it comes to costs, Adelaide food prices cater to various preferences. Budget meals generally hover around $10 to $20 for a decent bite, while mid-range dining can set you back by $30 to $60. If you’re feeling indulgent at a high-end restaurant, expect to spend $70 and up. Surprisingly, some areas like Adelaide CBD can offer great value when it comes to dining, while trendy spots might spike prices unexpectedly.
Local Customs
One charming aspect of local eating habits is the practice of sharing meals, especially at dinner. It’s not uncommon to see friends gathered around a table trying various dishes as a group, embracing that communal spirit. This openness extends to interactions with staff, who are often keen to recommend their favorites if you express interest. One etiquette note: in casual settings, most locals don’t tip, as good service is expected without extra, though rounding up the bill at fancier spots is appreciated.
Paying can be a straightforward aspect of dining here. Cash is widely accepted, but many restaurants also prefer card payments, so having both on hand is a smart idea. Notably, some eateries might only take cash, particularly in the smaller, family-run places, making it worthwhile to check ahead.
Budget Tips
If you're after budget meal options, consider exploring the local markets, like Adelaide Central Market, where delicious food can be found at fantastic prices. Street food stalls scattered throughout the city are also great for grabbing something quick and affordable. During the week, lunch specials can be a fantastic way to save while enjoying quality meals; numerous restaurants offer deals that feature their chef's specials.
If you plan to enjoy dinner at popular spots, try to reserve ahead, especially on weekends. I've learned it’s better to book a few days in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly during events or festivals when the dining scene tends to get especially busy.
To sum it all up, Adelaide's dining scene reflects a rich tapestry of local preferences and traditions, combined with a vibrant atmosphere that seems to celebrate every mealtime. Keep an eye on meal times, explore local customs, and don’t be shy to engage with the staff – they can often lead you to delightful experiences. With a bit of planning and curiosity, your time eating out in Adelaide will surely be memorable.