Let’s be real – Adelaide knows how to do lunch right. This city isn’t just sleeping on the food scene anymore. People here are absolutely obsessed with good eats, and honestly, we’re here for it.

Adelaide locals take their lunch breaks seriously. They’re not settling for sad desk sandwiches when there are amazing spots scattered across the city. From small cafes to large restaurants, Adelaide has serious food game.

The lunch scene here hits different because Adelaide people genuinely care about quality food. They’ll queue up for the perfect burger or drive across town for that one sandwich that’s worth the hype. Plus, the city’s laid-back vibe means you can actually enjoy your meal without rushing.

Ready to discover why Adelaide’s lunch spots are causing such a buzz? Here are the 7 best lunch spots in Adelaide that are making everyone’s lunch hour way more exciting.

Best Lunch Spots in Adelaide

1- The Pantry On Egmont

Google Rating: 4.7

The Pantry On Egmont is one of the best lunch places in Adelaide if you’re craving that perfect brunch-lunch vibe.

Located at 2 Egmont Terrace, Hawthorn, South Australia 5062, this spot serves up serious food goals with its all-day breakfast and lunch menu.

Their smashed avocado on sourdough is absolutely fire – the perfect combo of creamy texture and fresh flavors that’ll have you coming back for more.

Also, Pantry On Egmont serves the best Gnocchi in town along with grilled Chicken. You can also order their Egmont burger which is a treat for taste buds.

The place rocks a quirky mid-century style that feels super Instagram-able, with a beautiful greenery view.

The outdoor seating gives major café culture vibes, and honestly, the whole atmosphere just screams “weekend goals.”

The cafe also offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, making it perfect for any dietary needs.

2- Mai Kitchen Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.6

Ready for some next-level Vietnamese food? Mai Kitchen at 1-5/34 Wright Street, Ferryden Park, Adelaide, SA 5010 is where authentic flavors meet family vibes.

This family-owned spot specializes in authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and their traditional pho noodle soup is straight-up legendary. The broth has that deep, rich flavor that takes hours to perfect, plus tender beef that melts in your mouth.

Also, their soft shell crabs are super crispy, caramelized fish is full of flavor, and the clay pot rice is amazing.

The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes Mai Kitchen ideal for relaxing and enjoying good company.

While the décor keeps things simple and understated, the food totally wins the day. The service feels genuine and friendly like you’re eating at a friend’s place.

Along with Vietnamese food, Mai Kitchen also serves vegetarian, vegan, and Asian options, so everyone’s covered.

3- Soi 38

Google Rating: 4.4

If you’re hunting for authentic Thai food in Adelaide that actually transports you to Bangkok, Soi 38 is your spot.

Originally named after the address of a famous street food market in Bangkok, this Thai restaurant started as a place to serve Thai street food snacks and dishes you couldn’t find anywhere else in Adelaide.

Their pad thai is absolutely unmatched, perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavors with that authentic wok hei taste that’s impossible to fake.

For lunch, you can have mushroom stir-fry, grilled chicken, green papaya salad, rice, sticky rice, and roti bread.

We recommend you try their massaman curry, tender chicken simmered in rich coconut milk and spice gravy. Every bite is a delight.

Soi 38 is open for lunch Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and they’re 100% MSG-free and vegan-friendly.

Guests are encouraged to share meals Thai-style, with dishes served all at once rather than in courses, and at least 30% of their menu is vegan.

The vibe feels authentic and modern at the same time, perfect for both casual lunches and special occasions.

4- GEORGES

Google Rating: 4.6

Located at 20 Waymouth Street, GEORGES is absolutely killing it in the lunch game!

Open Tuesday to Saturday, this restaurant serves up contemporary Australian cuisine with Mediterranean vibes that’ll blow your mind.

Their menu changes seasonally and focuses on local fresh produce, working with suppliers from South Australia and around the country.

For lunch, you’ve got options like Spencer Gulf king prawns, half-roasted chicken, and barramundi with prawn & mussel bisque.

But here’s the real tea – their signature Lamb Press with pancetta, cauliflower puree, broccoli, kale, and currants is literally the dish that puts this place on the map!

The signature lamb press is the best lamb dish you’ll ever have in Australia because of its perfect seasoning and cooking technique.

The vibe inside is sophisticated but not stuck-up, with an open kitchen that keeps you entertained while you wait.

The kitchen is led by Cameron Coutts while owner operator George Kasimatis handles the front of the restaurant. The staff genuinely care about your experience and treat every guest like a VIP.

Also Read: Best Breakfast Places in Adelaide

5- Parisi’s Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.4

Parisi’s at 138 King William Road, Hyde Park is where authentic Italian dreams come true!

This restaurant serves Italian cuisine with a modern touch – pizza, pasta and some amazing veal dishes, perfect for lunch or dinner with a glass of wine.

The lunch menu is packed with traditional Italian favorites that’ll transport you straight to Italy.

The pizzas are absolutely incredible – we’re talking crispy, authentic, wood-fired perfection.

But honestly, the Gnocchi is particularly good here and stands out because they use traditional Italian recipes passed down through generations.

The spaghetti marinara features tasty seafood that’s fresh and flavorful. Also, their Bologna pizza paired with Sangiovese wine is pure Italian heaven on a plate.

The cafe offers different dining spaces, including a suave, modern dining room and an elegantly rustic courtyard area.

It’s run from good Italian heritage with Andy Parisi’s daughters now running the restaurant, so you know the hospitality is genuine.

The staff makes you feel like family, not just another customer.

What sets Parisi’s apart is that authentic Italian family atmosphere – generous and delicious meals with a casual vibe and good staff that keeps locals coming back for lunches.

6- Luigi Delicatessen

Google Rating: 4.6

Luigi Delicatessen at 43 Franklin Street, is the ultimate Italian cafe experience that’s breaking all the rules!

Open Monday to Saturday, this place ditches boring standard menus for something way more exciting.

This Italian café offers five or so blackboard breakfast specials and come lunchtime, in true Italian fashion, it’s all about the pasta with the same rotating menu.

The lunch pasta options change daily, so you never know what delicious surprise awaits!

Their platters are filled with soft poached eggs, bacon, sausage, spinach, mushrooms, avocado, potato rosti, mozzarella cheese and homemade smoky baked beans that transition perfectly into lunch time.

The pasta dishes are hands-down the best because they’re made fresh daily with authentic Italian techniques and premium ingredients.

Luigi Delicatessen wants customers to experience more than delicious food platters, seafood and meat dishes – they want them to feel like family.

The atmosphere is pure Italian café culture – warm, buzzing with energy, and totally authentic.

What makes Luigi Delicatessen special is that rotating blackboard concept that keeps every visit fresh and exciting.

You’re not just getting a meal – you’re getting an authentic Italian experience that changes daily and keeps Adelaide’s food lovers constantly surprised and satisfied.

7- Social Street S2

Google Rating: 4.4

Honestly, if you’re craving authentic Thai street food for lunch, Social Street S2 is your spot.

Located at 174A Hutt Street in Adelaide CBD, this restaurant specializes in genuine Thai flavors with lunch options including pad thai, green curry with rice, red curry, and their famous handmade dumplings.

Their lunch menu features not only classic Thai dishes but also street food favorites that’ll transport you straight to Bangkok.

The standout dish here is definitely their handmade dumplings packed with prawn, squid, and chicken served with red curry sauce – it’s what makes this place legendary among Adelaide foodies.

We also recommend you try their green curry with rice and pad Thai beef.

The open kitchen concept lets you watch skilled chefs work their magic while you enjoy lunch.

Staff are super friendly, especially with families, giving baby chairs and lollies for kids, creating that welcoming vibe where you can actually chill instead of feeling rushed.