Images Supplied. Feature Image by Mikaela Frick Photography
Port Lincoln favourite has been voted South Australia’s Best Regional Asian Restaurant by the Australian Good Food Guide once again, continuing an incredible three-year winning streak and confirming its reputation as one of the state’s must-visit dining destinations.
The award is another major milestone for the small family-run restaurant Santi’s, which has built a loyal following by pairing premium Eyre Peninsula produce with bold Southeast Asian flavours inspired by the owners’ Filipino heritage.
“This recognition and support from our local community truly humble us,” shared Santi’s Jay Fajardo. “Without them, we wouldn’t have the business we have today, especially considering our small operation and limited exposure outside Port Lincoln.”
Since opening in 2022, Santi’s has embraced a simple philosophy focused on exceptional local ingredients, bright Southeast Asian flavours and friendly hospitality.
“Our simple concept revolves around using Australian ingredients and pairing them with robust Southeast Asian flavours,” said Jay. “We believe great food begins with good ingredients and we understand that memorable dining experiences are about more than just the food. It’s about well-made, honest dishes with generous and familiar hospitality. “
Being located on the Eyre Peninsula gives the restaurant access to some of Australia’s best seafood, something the team takes full advantage of.
Jay says one of their standout dishes is the smoked tuna collar, created using an often-overlooked cut sourced year-round from Dinko’s Tuna. “We brine it overnight in a cinnamon, star anise, ponzu and orange-flavoured salt mixture. The next day, we smoke it with apple wood and finish it on the grill. Served with our housemade kimchi and pickled papaya, it’s smoky with layers of juicy meat and rich fat – a completely different experience from any other tuna. The texture and taste are truly incredible.”
Another signature menu item is the chilli crab. It features fresh sand crabs hand-selected by local fisherman Jack Henderson of Henderson Seafoods and often delivered just hours after being caught.
While those seafood dishes are favourites of Jay’s, it’s a much simpler creation that’s won over diners.
“Our most popular dish, and also the simplest and cheapest, is the corn ribs. Sweetcorn is steamed, cut into quarters and quickly fried. We season it with a blend of tamarind, sweet paprika and cumin, then top it with smoked cheddar aioli and loads of bonito flakes,” he said.
To celebrate the latest award, Santi’s is launching a brand-new menu this week, continuing its mission to introduce diners to the flavours of the Philippines using fresh South Australian produce.
New dishes include Sinigang Prawn Wontons, featuring local king prawns, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts served in a mildly spicy tamarind broth, alongside an Adobo Chicken Claypot Rice with braised chicken, garlic rice, soy, vinegar and peppercorns.
The celebrations don’t stop there. Following a successful summer pop-up, Santi’s will also open a permanent second location in Coffin Bay this September. After taking a short winter break for maintenance, the new venue will reopen with an entirely new menu, giving the team even more room to explore fresh ideas while continuing to showcase the region’s outstanding produce.
So if you find yourself on the beautiful Eyre Peninsula, Santi’s continues to prove that some of the state’s most exciting dining experiences are found far beyond the city.
Santi’s
Where: Shop 5/30 Liverpool St, Port Lincoln SA 5606
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30pm to 9pm
For more information, click here.
