The CBD is about to welcome a brand new saké bar just south of Rundle Street in a beautiful corner spot worthy of a unique new watering hole. It’s bound for the side of town that’s always a little calmer, where you notice the breeze, and you can still soak up the buzz without feeling swept away by it.
So far, Sodewa Saké Bar has revealed a logo and an ambition to open before the end of the year. Beyond that, details remain under wraps as work begins on a new fitout, which we expect to complement the uniqueness of the building’s striking mix of timber framing, brickwork, and terracotta tones.
Sodewa is moving into 268 Pirie Street, the former home of ‘in. Coffee’, a cafe that opened in 2018 and was linked to its neighbouring co-working space ‘in. Studio’.
Almost a decade ago, Adelaide’s first ever dedicated saké bar, Saké Society, ran as a three week pop-up 2017, and since then, there hasn’t been a permanent spot solely to drink saké. It appears Sodewa could fill that gap.
We think they’re making the move at the right time, with Australian tourism becoming a massive export for Japan. If you’re reading this, we bet you can name at least one person who has been to the country in the past year.
With plenty of us travelling to Japan and soaking up the food and drink scene there, and ramen restaurants already booming here, there’s likely an active market for saké too. If you’re new to saké, it’s often described as sweet, acidic, and rich in umami. And of course, absolutely delicious. But there’s more to it, and the ritual of pouring saké from a delicate, chilled vessel into small, decorative cups is just as fun as drinking it.
If you’re looking to get out and about and try some saké in the CBD before Sodewa opens, there are plenty of great spots. Yakitori Takumi is known for its extensive saké menu, along with its amazing food and service. The Melbourne Street restaurant is a go-to for all your saké sipping needs. Leigh Street’s Shobosho also immediately comes to mind, set among a bustling strip off Hindley, it’s always ambient and exciting, and of course, saké’s on the menu. Another great spot is Shiki Japanese Restaurant, in the upper lobby of InterContinental Adelaide. While it’s an elegant Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant first and foremost, it’s also a great spot for saké.
So while we wait for Sodewa’s full concept to emerge, and its fitout to come together, we’ll be quietly anticipating a vibey new spot with a difference, dedicated to sharing saké with Adelaide.
Sodewa Saké Bar
Where: 268 Pirie St, Adelaide
When: Set to open mid-December 2025
For more information, click here.
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