The d’Arenberg Cube Restaurant
Housed in d’Arenberg’s mid-rotation Rubik’s Cube, The Cube Restaurant is at the pointy end of McLaren Vale dining, with Brendan Wessels and Lindsay Dürr’s fare only available via degustation. You can opt in with matched wines, or go a step further and book the Chef’s Table (6 guests), with an extended menu and personal sommelier. Either way, it’s a unique experience with spectacular views from the Vale’s most eccentric building. For a less fancy option, d’Arry’s Verandah offers restaurant fare in a restored 19th century homestead, or opt for share plates at Polly’s Wine Lounge.
A: 58 Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
Ph: (08) 8329 4888
W: darenberg.com.au
The Currant Shed
A favourite lunch spot for locals, The Currant Shed is owned by Shottesbrooke winemaker Hamish Maguire and his wife Emily (formerly manager of the Star of Greece), with Wayne Leeson the current Head Chef. The original currant-drying shed was built in 1916, and is surrounded by a lime orchard and extensive vineyards, with ornamental vines spilling from the rafters both inside and out. Outside of the magical setting, the locally focused food offer is deeply thoughtful and beautifully executed.
A: 104 Ingoldby Rd, McLaren Flat SA 5171
Ph: (08) 8383 0232
W: currantshed.com.au
Little Rickshaw
On the edge of town, nestled into an old stone and tin cottage, Little Rickshaw provides tasty and authentic Vietnamese fare to Aldinga locals and regulars from across the Vale. Expect the classics, but extremely bright and vibrant renditions. This is a hidden gem.
A: 24 Old Coach Rd, Aldinga SA 5173
Ph: 0403 784 568
Pizzateca
Pizzateca is the classic Neapolitan pizza alternative to Russell’s (below) distinctly eclectic operation. Tony Mitolo (ex-drummer of Empire of The Sun) manages to be host, pizzaiolo and DJ without skipping a beat, turning out classic Southern Italian pizza and other tweaked regional classics.
A: 319 Chalk Hill Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
Ph: 0431 700 183
W: pizza-teca.com
Russell’s Pizza
Founded in 1992, nothing much has changed at Russell’s over the years, with the pizzas still being cooked in the same water-tank-turned-wood-fired-oven. There is a two or three course prix fixe menu, with pizzas spun out until diners are satisfied. BYO and licensed.
A: 13 High Street, Willunga SA 5172
Ph: (08) 8556 2571
W: russellspizza.com
The Salopian Inn
The Salopian Inn has been revered for some (built in 1851), but current owner and chef Karena Armstrong has elevated into a new realm. Having worked at The Melbourne Wine Room, Icebergs, The Lake House and Billy Kwong, Armstrong settled in McLaren Vale for good after initial stints working at the Victory Hotel and Star of Greece. She sources a fair share of produce from her biodynamic garden and additionally sources from like-mined growers and farmers. The Salopian is also famous for their formidable collection of gin, reputedly around 200 selections, as well as its extensive wine cellar.
A: Cnr Main Rd and McMurtrie Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
Ph: (08) 8323 8769
W: salopian.com.au
Star of Greece
One of Australia’s legendary establishments, the Star of Greece is named after a ship that sank off Port Willunga in 1888, so don’t expect saganaki and ouzo here. The restaurant is housed in an unassuming beach shack perched on the sandstone cliffs, with one of the most dramatically eye-catching views you’re ever likely to come across.
A: 1 Esplanade, Port Willunga SA 5173
Ph: (08) 8557 7420
W: starofgreece.com.au
Victory Hotel
There are few pubs that attract as much devotion as the Victory. From a counter meal and a Cooper’s in the bar to a bottle of old Wendouree and a locally sourced steak in the restaurant, the Victory is the quintessential McLaren Vale pub experience. The cellar turns to an astonishing 8,000 bins, with unmatched local depth as well as deeps stocks of international wines, notably Burgundy. Owner Doug Govan also planted his Rudderless vineyard around the hotel, which share the dazzling views of the Gulf of St Vincent with the pub. There are also three cottages on site, if you’d like to stay as close as possible to this gem.
A: Old Sellicks Hill Rd, Sellicks Hill SA 5174
Ph: (08) 8556 3083
W: victoryhotel.com.au
