Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
seafood, and chicken), and
chawan mushi
(a steamed custard dish). The service
is friendly and considerate. Corkage fee is a steep A$4.50 (US$2.90) a bottle.
167 Gouger St.
&
08/8231 3494.
Reservations recommended. Main courses A$8.60-A$28
(US$5.60-US$18). AE, DC, MC, V. Lunch Fri noon-2pm; dinner Wed-Mon 5:30-10pm.
Mekong Thai
THAI/MALAYSIAN/HALAL Though this place is not
much to look at—with simple tables and chairs, some outside in a portico—it
has a fiery reputation for good food among in-the-know locals. The food is spicy
and authentic, and the portions are filling. It's also a vegetarian's paradise, with
at least 16 meat-free mains on the ethnically varied menu. It's Adelaide's only
fully halal (suitable for Muslims) restaurant.
68 Hindley St.
&
08/8231 2914.
Main courses A$11-A$13 (US$7-US$8.40). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily
5:15pm-late.
Rigoni's Bistro
ITALIAN Located on a narrow lane west of King William
Street, this traditional Italian trattoria is often packed at lunch, though less fran-
tic in the evening. It's big and bright with high ceilings and russet quarry tiles.
A long bar runs through the middle of the dining room; brass plates mark the
stools of regular diners. The food is very traditional and quite good. The chalk-
board menu often changes, but you are quite likely to find lasagna, veal in white
wine, marinated fish, and various pasta dishes. There's also an extensive salad bar
with a variety of antipasto and an outside dining area.
27 Leigh St.
&
08/8231 5160.
Reservations recommended. Main courses A$15-A$22 (US$9.50-US$14);
antipasto bar (lunch only) A$12-A$14 (US$7.50-US$8.90). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm and
6:30-10pm; Sat 6.30-10pm.
Ruby's Café
MODERN AUSTRALIAN Situated in suitably unpreten-
tious surroundings for a former market cafe catering to the local workers, Ruby's
is an Adelaide institution. It still has its laminated tables and the “no spitting, no
coarse language” sign behind the bar, despite being far more upmarket than that.
Basically, you get a very good restaurant meal in an old-cafe atmosphere at very
good prices. Served up are filling curries and pasta dishes, hearty meals such as
lamb shanks, and quite a few vegetarian options. For dessert I recommend the
toffee pudding with toffee sauce. The menu changes every 6 weeks.
255b Rundle St.
&
08/8224 0365.
Main courses A$11-A$20 (US$7.15-US$13). AE, MC, V. Sun 9am-5pm
and 6:30-11.30pm; daily 6:30-11:30pm.
IN NORTH ADELAIDE
The Manse
SEAFOOD Swiss chef Bernhard Oehrli has a fine touch when
it comes to seafood, and I recommend this place wholeheartedly. This cozy restau-
rant spreads out into several rooms, with log fires to keep you warm in winter
and room to dine outside on sunnier days. As for the food, the scallops are
almost fresh enough to waddle off the warmed cucumber base and head for sea,
while the rare tuna in Japanese-style tempura is so delicate it literally melts in
your mouth. If you want something other than seafood, then you can't go wrong
with a signature dish of venison with black pepper and a spiced beet glaze. For
dessert try the warm chocolate gâteau or the rhubarb gratin with ice cream.
142 Tynte St., North Adelaide.
&
08/8267 4636.
Reservations recommended. A$30 (US$20) for 2 courses.
AE, DC, MC, V. Fri noon-3pm (set menu); Mon-Sat 6:30-10pm. Bus: 182, 224, 226, 228, or 229.
The Oxford
MODERN AUSTRALIAN This restaurant has won nearly
twice as many gold medals for cooking as Mark Spitz won for swimming (seven
golds in 1972 Olympic Games, by the way). The Oxford is praised for its creative,
Value
