For those who haven’t heard of it , Eat Local SA is a fabulous initiative, focusing on everything South Australian. It gives people a way of identifying restaurants, cafes, cellar doors and even experiences that are all about SA made products and produce. They do this through their classic “Eat Local SA” signage, their website, app and social media channels.
I love Eat Local SA because I love supporting local. Many of these foodie haunts source goods from local farmers, use seasonal produce and give back to the community- all things that we should jump on and support. Even better is that Eat Local SA has over 230 places (and growing) registered with them, covering a variety of regions from Kangaroo Island to The Finders Ranges- so you will find Eat Local SA places where ever you go.
I’m slowly making my way through the Eat Local list, but here are a few of my favourites so far-
Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop
I am in love with Maggie Beer. And her salted brandy caramel. And her verijuice (you get the picture). So there’s no question why I love her Farm Shop in Nuriootpa. Stocking the Maggie Beer range, from cider to chutneys, this is the place to go to stock up on all the good stuff. If you have time on your hands stop in and enjoy a light lunch- I can’t look past the Pheasant Farm Pate Picnic Basket. It’s best enjoyed in the beautiful gardens with a glass of wine.
The Salopian Inn
Located in Mclaren Vale, The Salopian Inn offers ridiculously good food using nothing but the freshest seasonal and locally sourced produce. The interior is cosy, the service is always good and the meals are hearty. When it comes to drinks they have a cracking wine list and cellar door, as well a Gin list boasting over 200 SA, interstate and international gins. I’ll cheers to that.
Blessed Cheese
Easily one of my favourite cafes in Mclaren Vale. Blessed Cheese has you covered for breakfasts, long lunches and picnic supplies, and is perfect for people of all ages. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a menu to suit all tastes and excellent coffee on offer. If you are looking for somewhere to stock up on Cheese and platter supplies then make this your new local!
Motherduck
Hidden away in the main drag of Goolwa, Motherduck is a healthy lovers dream. They have plenty of breakfasts and lunch options on offer, all packed full of flavour but keeping your health in mind. The interior is rustic and comfortable and the staff are more than accommodating. If the Moroccan Chicken Burger with sweet potato fries is on the specials menu it’s a must.
Wild Saffron
This little gem is a bright and family friendly spot in Clare. They have a good selection of meals for breakfast and lunch, as well as takeaway options from their “Grab and Go” fridge if you’re on your way home. They also had a selection of locally made produce and gourmet supplies on offer, and even picnic hampers so you dine in the vines.
Leonards Mill
Located in Second Valley in the Fleurieu Peninsula, Leonards Mill is one of my favourite restaurants to date. Their menu boasts food from the Fleurieu and their wine list is extensive and solely South Australian. The dishes are impeccable, the service is top notch and the degustation menu- well, it’s just ridiculously good.
Woodside Cheese Wrights
photo credit- Woodside Cheese instagram
Cheese and flowers. Two of my favourite things. So when you give me cheese topped with flowers- I just explode with excitement. Woodside Cheese is hidden away in Woodside next to the Melbas Chocolate Factory and is the perfect place to get cheesy. Stocking award winning cheeses like their Monet and Capricorn Goats Brie, you will find it hard to walk away with just one block.
Adelaide Farmers Market
Fresh food lovers unite, this is the place for you. Held every Sunday at the Adelaide Showgrounds, the Adelaide Farmers Market stocks the best in local and ethically sourced produce. You can do your whole weekly shop here- stocking everything from fruit and veg, to meats, ready made meals and delicious desserts. There’s also hot coffees on offer, as well as fresh flowers and nibbles if you are looking for a place just to wander in the morning.
Smiling Samoyed Brewery
Tucked away in Myponga, Smiling Samoyed Brewery is home to fluffy white dogs, plenty of room for the kids, great beer and delicious food. Foodies will love their Brewery plate, snacks, woodfire pizzas or my pick- the “Feed me option” (for groups over 10). It’s the perfect place for long lunches, functions or just a relaxing afternoon with mates.
No 4 Robe
Seriously good food. Seriously good coffee. I just wish it was closer to home! No 4 Robe dishes out gorgeous fare from the Limestone coast for brunch and dinner. They have a strong focus on supporting local producers as well as local artists- the works on the wall change regularly with the seasons. And the coffee- damn good. I can’t wait to come back!
Other special mentions include my favourite Sunshine Iceblocks (not just for little kids) and the Homegrain Bakery (in Aldinga, Mclaren Flat and Morphett Vale) and Scoop SA for always having the freshest produce.
Have you got a favourite Eat Local SA place you like to visit? I would love to know about it! Let me know in the comments below.
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