5 Best Restaurants in Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

Billed as an eclectic regional dining experience, the Salopian Inn sources its food from a home garden (the menu comes with a map of the plot) as well as pasture-fed, locally sourced beef and lamb, free-range poultry and pork, and sustainably caught local seafood. Expect plenty of influences from across Asia in the cooking, which is best sampled on the A$85 tasting menu. Guests are encouraged to wander down to the wine cellar to pick an accompanying bottle.

"(Not a Greek restaurant)" warns the menu at this gorgeous restaurant on the cliffs at Port Willunga, 10 km (6 miles) southwest of McLaren Vale. Instead you’ll find plenty of seafood drawn from the aqua seas framed by large windows that make this an unforgettable dining experience---the Szechuan pepper squid with seasonal salad is a perennial favorite. There’s a two-course minimum on weekends but despite the white linen tablecloths it’s a relaxed dining experience. If you’re after something even more casual, the attached fish-and-chip kiosk is incredibly popular in summer.

With its worn floorboards and pressed-metal ceilings, this café feels like a country corner store, but you'll also find a large alfresco area and undercover courtyard, perfect in spring. Come early for a cup of coffee, a piece of chocolate, and the best breakfast outside Adelaide. For a taste of McLaren Vale, order a tasting plate for two, and for something spicier, tuck into gluten-free salt-and-pepper squid (in season).

Book ahead for weekends.

In the seaside town of Aldinga this cute little spot offers vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine accompanied by an excellent selection of wines, mostly from smaller producers. The restaurant occupies an old blacksmith’s shop and adjacent courtyard and is full of charm, while the owners are friendly and accommodating---order the "feed me" option and you won’t leave hungry. If you’re passing by in the morning, there’s a wonderful coffee roastery and espresso bar in the same complex.

Local families, winemakers, and travelers all convene here for great seafood and a stellar wine list, all in a relaxed, comfortable setting. There are daily specials not to miss, and the menu ranges from fresh oysters to excellent bar food like classic schnitzel and and salt-and-pepper squid, and also includes more composed Modern Australian dishes with fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables.

Proprietor Doug Govan is particularly fond of Burgundy, so you might get to enjoy some very special Pinot Noir if you go down in the cellar to pick out a bottle.