Image: David Roberts Creative
Set among vineyards with views across the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges is Ekhidna Kitchen, a small family-owned and run restaurant which offers à la carte dining, chef’s degustations, small plates, boards and weekend wood-fired pizzas.
The venue is owned by couple Erin Mutton and Kane Livingston, who are both hospitality veterans, having worked in the industry most of their lives. It had long been a dream to have a place of their own; this was the beginning of their dream and in one of the couples favourite regions.
Fast forward to 2026, when Time Out Food & Drink Award winners were dropped, naming the all Australian state and territories best restaurants, pubs and bars. The awards, decided by the public and expert panel of editors, named Ekhidna as South Australia’s best restaurant.
Erin said the couple were more than ecstatic.
“This is the first-year other states have been included in Time Out’s awards, and we are so proud to represent SA,” she said. “People’s Choice awards always hit different as they aren’t decided by a judging panel or a critic you know, it’s real people, it’s our community, which makes it even more special to us.”
Ekhidna Kitchen owners Kane Livingston and Erin Mutton.
The venue opened back in 2023, when the couple joined up with Ekhidna Wines winemaker, Matt Rechner, to open the doors of Ekhidna Kitchen. The current wine list leans heavily into McLaren Vale reds, including Ekhidna Graciano, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
“Kane and I just wanted to be a part of something bigger, more community focused,” Erin said.
“It’s been 2.5 years now, we’ve been steadily building the business, being spoilt enough to hand-pick our incredible team and we just have this mentality of keep chipping away, keep being consistent, the whole “if you build it, they will come” kind of thing.”
The couple run the restaurant with support from Sous chef Paul Perkes and restaurant manager Hamish Phillips. Kane also happens to be head chef, having a passion for locally grown and sourced produce, creating culinary delights using fresh and fine ingredients.
“I always knew Kane was a fantastic chef and I guess my experience in leadership and genuine love for hospitality, we thought we would make a great team,” Erin said.
The menu isn’t about over the top pretentious meals but centres on consistency and variety.
“The food is technically sound but full of creativity and character, it’s food we love to enjoy, like, there’s nothing better than sharing a table with your favourite people right!”
“Our small hard-working team is professional yet personable, they really do want to be here, and I think that truly makes them shine.”
When the venue first opened Erin told Glam Adelaide that they had put heart and soul into the menu and it’s clear they followed through on that, with South Australia now taking notice.
The part wedding venue, part cellar door destination was also named SA’s best restaurant wedding venue in the 2026 ABIA awards and has been given two Chef’s Hats.
“Picking up another AGFG Chef’s Hat and a huge win in the ABIA awards, this is just another really humbling award,” Erin said.
“I don’t think we ever imagined we would reach this level, especially not so soon but we do believe we have something really special going on here, it’s exciting and it really makes it worthwhile.”
As owners, Erin and Kane believe the great experience starts with a healthy supported team, without competition and the genuine feeling of wanting to see everyone succeed.
“We’re also all about advocating and supporting the local community, our farmers and producers and other small businesses alike.”
Ekhidna Kitchen
Where:Â 67 Branson Rd, McLaren Vale SA, 5171.
When:Â Wednesday to Sunday, 11.30am to 5pm
For more info, click here.
