Food Drink

Adelaide’s most popular hidden gem dining spots revealed

A new study has revealed Adelaide’s best-kept culinary secrets, with Ambrosini’s Restaurant in Norwood leading the charge.

Image: Ambrosini’s Restaurant  

A new study by SEO for Restaurants has uncovered Adelaide’s top hidden gem restaurants, with Ambrosini’s Restaurant in Norwood taking the crown as the city’s best-kept culinary secret. The Italian eatery topped the list with an impressive score of 84.49, earning an average Google rating of 4.7 from 292 reviews.

Established in 1988 Ambrosini’s is a family business that has survived the test of time. The family is originally from the province of Sondrio, located in an alpine valley in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region.
This area borders on the regions of Piedmont and Switzerland, and these influences are seen in the tastes and flavours at the restaurant, making it a favourite from locals and visitors alike.

“We couldn’t fault our dining experience,” shared one of the Google reviews. “A very sophisticated and classy restaurant with exceptional service and attention to detail. All of our plates left the table cleaned right off!”

“This is exactly where you want to be when you want to treat yourself and those you love to a delightful Italian restaurant,” shared another user.

In second place is the vibrant Que Onda Wey! in Goodwood, which secured an overall score of 82.44 and boasts a stellar rating of 4.9 from 237 reviews. Other top contenders include Le Pas Sage, Maison Clement, and Aunty Meg’s Kitchen, rounding out the top five.

The study, conducted by the restaurant marketing agency ‘SEO for Restaurants’, analysed Google Maps data from Australia’s 10 most populated cities. Restaurants with 100–300 reviews and ratings of 4.5 or higher were evaluated based on their average rating (70%) and review count (30%), uncovering the nation’s most underrated dining experiences.

Top 10 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Adelaide

  1. Ambrosini’s Restaurant – Score: 84.49, Rating: 4.7, 292 reviews
  2. Que Onda Wey! Adelaide – Score: 82.44, Rating: 4.9, 237 reviews
  3. Le Pas Sage – Score: 80.37, Rating: 4.9, 212 reviews
  4. Maison Clement – Score: 77.23, Rating: 4.7, 240 reviews
  5. Aunty Meg’s Kitchen – Score: 72.09, Rating: 4.9, 173 reviews
  6. Favourite Fillings Lunch Bar – Score: 63.81, Rating: 4.9, 107 reviews
  7. HELLO INDO – Score: 62.74, Rating: 4.7, 170 reviews
  8. Jack & Jill’s Bar and Restaurant – Score: 60.72, Rating: 4.6, 271 reviews
  9. Nagomi Japanese Kitchen – Score: 52.44, Rating: 4.6, 235 reviews
  10. MAY Q Korean Restaurant & Bar – Score: 49.32, Rating: 4.6, 209 reviews

“Our study highlights the culinary landscape of Adelaide’s lesser-known dining scene, offering food enthusiasts a chance to experience something truly special that most others might overlook,” shared Andrea Abbondanza, CEO of SEO for Restaurants.

“These restaurants embody the essence of what travellers seek when they hunt for hidden gems – a unique, authentic experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.”

The study’s findings demonstrate the diverse culinary offerings across the country, with similar hidden gems revealed in cities like Brisbane, Perth, and Wollongong.

For Adelaide locals and visitors alike, the list provides a fresh perspective on the city’s dining scene, encouraging diners to explore beyond the usual hotspots and discover the charm of its hidden treasures that you simply can’t find in guidebooks or popular food chains.

Check out Ambrosini’s Restaurant, here.

For more information about the study and its methodology, click here.

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