Spotted: the world’s biggest names dining, sipping, and swooning their way through Adelaide.
If you thought South Australia was just beaches and Barossa reds, think again. We might be the underdog of Australia’s east-coast-obsessed scene, but when the stars come to town, they fall weak at the knees for our sun-drenched coastline, award-winning distilleries, and effortlessly cool local energy (the Wall Street Journal literally called us one of the coolest cities in Australia).
Even Heavy metal royalty Metallica dropped by the tucked-away east end cafe Aylas before taking the stage at Adelaide Oval for their M72 World Tour concert.
And who knows? The next time you’re ordering your morning long black, you might just find yourself in line behind a global icon.
If you’re an A-list addict, here’s where you need to start frequenting. From Henry ‘The Fonz’ Winkler and P!nk to One Direction and Axl Rose, we’ve put together a guide of the dining spots that are star magnets across the state.
How do we know? That’s a secret we’ll never tell (okay fine, we Googled it). Happy hunting.
CRY BABY
Adelaide’s Cry Baby bar is a magnet for visiting stars, with global music icons Teddy Swims and Rob Thomas dropping in last month before their headline shows at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Despite running independent tours, the pair’s paths crossed in classic Adelaide fashion, sharing a relaxed evening at the city’s favourite tucked-away dive bar.
But the list doesn’t stop there. Zac Efron also made a pit stop back in 2020, with patrons reporting he was as lovely as we’d expect Troy Bolton to be.
Who: Teddy Swims, Rob Thomas, Zac Efron
Where: Cry Baby Bar, 11 Solomon Street, Adelaide
For more info, click here.
FUGAZZI
Named the ‘Best Pasta in South Australia,’ popular CBD restaurant Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room on Leigh Street is a go-to spot for many out-of-towners.
Back in 2024, Happy Days superstar and TV icon Henry ‘The Fonz’ Winkler made a pit stop upon arriving in Adelaide, enjoying lunch at the restaurant owned by MasterChef’s Laura Sharrad and husband Max ahead of his show at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
The city Nook has become a favourite for many celebs, including English food writer and television cook Nigella Lawson, Guns N’ Roses’ lead vocalist Axl Rose, The Killers, and even Jimmy Barnes. Take it from Henry Winkler, who shared his love for the award-winning Italian restaurant with his one million plus fans on X—‘FOOD TIP : Adelaide, Australia : FUGAZZI .. everything was fantastic !!’.
Who: Henry Winkler, Axl Rose, Nigella Lawson, Jimmy Barnes, and The Killers
Where: Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room – 27 Leigh Street, Adelaide
For more info, click here.
ROOFCLIMB AT ADELAIDE OVAL
When US superstar P!NK was in town, she wasted no time getting a bird’s-eye view of the city and the oval on which she was set to perform the following night. With her husband, Carey Hart, and two kids, Willow, 12 and Jameson, 7, the pop sensation went on a twilight RoofClimb adventure at Adelaide Oval, sharing her experience with her 10.5 million plus followers on Instagram.
“Hi everybody, we’re in Adelaide, and we’re coming for you tomorrow night. It’s going to look a little different, we’re going to be down there”.
Who: P!NK, Ed Sheeran
Where: RoofClimb Adelaide Oval, War Memorial Dr, North Adelaide
For more info, click here.
SWEDISH TARTS
When The Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney touched down in Adelaide in 2023, the musical legend was allegedly spotted at Swedish Tarts in Semaphore, just hours before the soundcheck for his much-anticipated Adelaide concert.
Swedish Tarts has multiple locations across the Adelaide area, including, Glenelg, Port Adelaide, and of course, Sir Paul’s preferred location, Semaphore. Selling traditional and seasonal treats, all of their product is baked fresh daily. With flavours that will transport you on a Scandinavian holiday, you need to get down to your closest Swedish Tarts in ‘FourFiveSeconds’.
Observers couldn’t help but think that the tart might be Paul’s “ticket to ride” into a fantastic show at The Adelaide Entertainment Centre!
Who: Sir Paul McCartney.
Where: Swedish Tarts, 40 Semaphore Rd, Semaphore SA 5019.
For more info, click here.
AFRICOLA
Boundary-pushing American comedian Eric Andre is just one of the many celebrities who have visited Adelaide’s dining hotspot Africola. The South African restaurant has become a go-to dining destination for celebrities touring South Australia. Celebrities come from far and wide to try Africola’s Chef Duncan Welgemoed’s acclaimed food.
Most recently, Aussie indie rock band Spacey Jane made a pit stop back in June, British comedian Steven K Amos shared laughs with Duncan in March, and PJ Harvey and her band also visited in March.
2024 saw The Crown’s star Olivia Colman, Troy Sivan and Trevor Noah (within 48 hours of each other) come through, and the list goes on and on. American rock band Foo Fighters couldn’t even get a spot in the restaurant when they visited back in 2023, and instead enjoyed a private dinner from Duncan at the nearby Exeter Hotel.
From music industry icons such as Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and Katy Perry to tennis giant, Novak Djokovic, Africola undoubtedly has the celebrity tick of approval.
Who: Eric Andre, Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Novak Djokovic, Katy Perry, Olivia Colman, Troy Sivan, Trevor Noah
Where: Africola, 4 East Terrace, Adelaide
For more info, click here.
STAAZI & CO
It is ‘all the small things’ that matter at the end of the day and blink-182 drummer Travis Barker eating at the acclaimed Greek vegan Adelaide eatery, Staazi & Co, made the day for customers and staff.
The team at Staazi & Co were so ecstatic about serving the rock legend, they couldn’t help but throw some Blink-182 lyrics into the mix as they served him – read more about it here.
Every meal at Staazi & Co is 100% plant-based and aims to change any misperception that being vegan is limiting. Voted number five on Lonely Planets’ list of best vegan food trucks in the world, Staazi & Co proves flavour does not need to be sacrificed to make vegan and cruelty-free food.
Who: Travis Barker (blink-182)
Where: 224 Grenfell St, Adelaide
For more info, click here.
LVN RESTAURANT AT BIRD IN HAND
International Sensation born and raised in Adelaide, SIA, paid a trip to Bird in Hand’s LVN restaurant located in the Adelaide Hills. The Chandelier singer was seen dining at the remodelled establishment with her Husband, Dan Bernad and other family members and friends.
LVN combines artistic creation with some of the world’s finest wines and cuisine curated by Executive Chef Jacob Davey, who aimed to infuse Australian and International culinary experiences.
“I’m inspired by the farmers, the producers, the fishers and the seasons and micro-seasons of Adelaide Hills and our kitchen garden,” Davey says. “My aim [at LVN] is to weave all of this together to create a world-class experience.” he said. Click here for more.
Bird in Hand is known for attracting celebrities from all over the world like Brooke Shields, Alexa Chung, Laura Dern, and the Beckhams to name just a few.
Who: SIA, Brooke Shields, Alexa Chung, Laura Dern, the Beckhams
Where: 150 Pfeiffer Rd, Woodside
For more info, click here.
SAMURAI TEPPANYAKI HOUSE
This under-the-radar premium Japanese spot is known for its premium degustation menus (the Kobe Degustation Menu sits at $300 a head), selection of fine seafood, and exclusive sake and wine list. And now, as the place where Canadian star Michael Buble (the voice of Christmas) and his wife, Luisana Lopilato, dined for dinner back in 2023.
Who: Michael Buble
Where: 116 King William Rd, Goodwood
For more info, click here.
SHOBOSHO
Adelaide firehouse Shōbōsho remains one of the city’s top restaurants, attracting a strong local, interstate and international crowd – and also A-listers. The spot saw American soul-singer Leon Bridges and his crew drop by for dinner before his concert at Her Majesty’s in 2023. Local icons Hilltop Hoods also enjoyed a meal in the dining room in 2023.
Who: Leon Bridges, Hilltop Hoods
Where: 17 Leigh St, Adelaide
For more info, click here.
STAR OF GREECE
Atop the grand Port Willunga clifftops is a staple of South Australia’s Fleurieu Penisula – Star of Greece. Whether it is the incredible food or the name is uncertain but the restaurant attracts the stars, specifically the talented pop vocalist Sam Smith.
The establishment offers a multi-faceted experience. Get fish and chips at the kiosk in your bathers and thongs, or dawn your finest ball gowns and suits for a three to four-class meal. With spectacular service, food, and atmosphere, it is no wonder why Star of Greece is a must-go for celebrities.
Who: Sam Smith
Where: 1 Esplanade, Port Willunga
For more info, click here.
PENFOLDS MAGILL ESTATE CELLAR DOOR
When people think of South Australia, wine is often the first thing that comes to mind, specifically the Barossa’s very own Penfolds. The Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar has seen many a star walk through its doors, including the current King and Queen of the Commonwealth, Charles and Camilla.
Penfolds wine is enjoyed globally by the likes of Ed Sheeran and Lionel Richie, and KISS’ Paul Stanley, just to name a few. The Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar Door is a must-go for anyone visiting South Australia. Experiences are provided for collectors and casual wine enjoyers. Expand your palate with critically acclaimed wine and food
Who: King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Ed Sheeran, Lionel Richie, Paul Stanley
Where: 78 Penfold Rd, Magill
For more info, click here.
MOUNT LOFTY ESTATE AND SEQUOIA LODGE
It’s a surprise that there aren’t more celebrities staying at Sequoia Lodge during their visit to Adelaide. Or perhaps, the accommodation is so tucked away and private that they’ve slipped through the cracks of Adelaide detectives.
Sequoia Lodge is an exclusive retreat sitting atop Mount Lofty, part of the luxurious Mount Lofty Estate, which just won Adelaide’s best hotel. We can confirm the accommodation spot hosted Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan earlier this year, who enjoyed a relaxing couple of days with her boyfriend, Jake Dunn.
Back in 2023, Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney also stayed at Mount Lofty Estate when he was in town for his Got Back tour.
Who: Nicola Coughlan, Sir Paul McCartney
Where: 1 Mawson Dr, Crafers
For more info, click here.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
They might not be dining spots, but these locations deserve a mention – especially when they’ve attracted people like Mr High School Musical.
Zac Efron is no stranger to South Australian soil, having been spotted many times during his visits. Back in 2020, he got a mullet from Attaboy Hair at Kent Town, channelling his inner 17 again. In 2021, he was back just after he wrapped up filming on his made-for-TV thriller in the SA outback. This time, a little further afield, swimming with dolphins in Kangaroo Island.
The icons of our youth seem to love Adelaide. Daniel Radcliffe was also spotted on Rundle Street.
Last but not least, American television host Phil Rosenthal (‘Somebody Feed Phil’ host) also got down and dirty with South Australian nature, touring Cleland Wildlife Park earlier this year.
Click here to check out more of what Adelaide has to offer.
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