Earlier this year, South Australia’s culinary scene was celebrated on the national stage, with the 2025 Chef Hat Awards from the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) revealing the state’s top dining destinations. The prestigious Chef Hats are awarded by anonymous inspectors and recognise the top 1 per cent of restaurants across the country, ranging from ‘Great in their category’ to ‘Internationally renowned’.
This year’s South Australian winners spanned 12 to 19 Chef Hats, highlighting their use of regional produce, technique, and storytelling on the plate. For diners, these ratings help to identify whether it’s worth a stop, worth a detour, or worth planning your whole trip around.
We’ve rounded up the state’s seven highest-rated restaurants and what makes them so special. Here’s a look at their head chefs, degustation menus, and price points, which earned them their coveted Chef Hat rating. So if you’re looking for somewhere to dine this winter, these are the names to know.
Restaurant Botanic was the highest South Australian venue on the list, with a rating of 19. Leading the restaurant is Executive Chef Jamie Musgrave, who has a keen focus on showcasing local producers while championing the beautiful gardens that surround it. Here you’re able to enjoy the set degustation dining experience for $315 per person, with optional beverage pairings ranging from $145 to $950.
“You can’t have a recognition like this without everyone on the team giving it their all. It’s such a testament to the team and Jamie’s leadership,” shared a spokesperson from Restaurant Botanic.
Following Restaurant Botanic, two spots were each awarded a rating of 18. Making the list was Hentley Farm, located in the beautiful Barossa Valley, and Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, which is just a stone’s throw away from the city. Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant is led by Head Chef Scott Huggins. Scott and his team aim to innovate with their menu, while drawing influence from the seasons, and perfectly pairing their meals with the wine that’s made the venue famous. At Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, the signature menu can be enjoyed for $285 per person, with the option of a wine pairing for between $200 and $325 per person.
At Hentley Farm, you get the joy of dining amongst the vines, with sweeping views over the Greenock Creek and their Beauty Shiraz block. Guests can choose from several dining experiences, including the popular Discovery Menu. This is $250 per person and can come with a luxury wine pairing for an additional $155 per person. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Kyle Johns, who brings over a decade of distinguished culinary experience to his role.
“It feels good to be recognised on the list. It’s the hard work of the whole team, and we were all so excited to be featured,” shared a spokesperson from Hentley Farm.
Only one restaurant was awarded a score of 17, and that was Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant at Mount Lofty House. This restaurant, which calls the hills home, has lots of options for dining. They have high tea each day, and a HVR Degustation Experience that can come with a premium or sommelier wine pairing.
Two restaurants came in with a rating of 16. Maxwell Restaurant in McLaren Vale is led by Head Chef Matt Rodger, who has worked at a swathe of top-tier restaurants around the world. He is joined by Executive Chef Fabian Lehman, who has been a part of the team since 2016. Here you can enjoy a long or short tasting menu, priced at $225 per person or $180 per person, respectively.
“We’re incredibly proud to be featured among Australia’s best restaurants. It’s a true reflection of our team’s dedication, and we’re continually striving to elevate the dining experience even further,” shared the Maxwell Restaurant team.
“Winter is the perfect time to visit Maxwell Wines—enjoy a glass of bold, estate shiraz, or indulge in the very best of Australia’s winter truffle, right here in the heart of McLaren Vale.”
Maxwell Wines
Appellation, also receiving a score of 16, is led by Executive Chef Joel Grudnoff, who has a background working all over the country. He now focuses on working sustainably and with carefully produced ingredients. This Barossa-based venue has a four-course degustation menu that features fresh, local ingredients and is paired with local wines.
Finally, The Kitchen at Bec Hardy was awarded a score of 15. This McLaren Vale venue is known for its elevated casual dining style and is led by chef Connor Bishop. The Kitchen serves up grazing plates and different degustation options, offering a more flexible and accessible dining experience.
South Australia’s highest-rated restaurants continue to raise the bar for culinary excellence, making the state a must-visit destination for food lovers. So if you’re heading this way during the winter, or a local looking for a fantastic meal, these need to be on your list!
To find out more, click here.
