Pictured: Asha
OpenTable is predicting a huge year for South Australia’s dining scene, with new insights revealing that we’re hungry for more experiences, more nights out and more reasons to make a reservation in 2026. The national data paints an exciting picture, but the South Australian story and the locals who are continuing to champion suburban favourites and regional gems are what stand out. With 37 per cent of Australians planning to spend more on dining out next year and diners now averaging five restaurant visits a month, the appetite for eating out has never been stronger.
OpenTable’s research shows that dining is really integrated into our lifestyle, with 73 per cent of Australians saying that going out to eat helps them feel more connected. That feeling runs deep in South Australia, where the local restaurant, wine bar or suburban pub often acts as a spot for the community to gather. Thirty-one per cent of Australians consider these venues their ‘third place’ between home and work, a trend reflected in the increase of all-day eateries, wine rooms and hybrid venues across Adelaide and beyond. In 2025, dining was up 17 per cent nationwide, with the average spend reaching $85 per person, and all signs suggest 2026 will continue that upward climb.
One of the biggest takeaways from the 2025 dining trends is the return of happy hour, with late-afternoon dining rising 24 per cent year-on-year. In 2026, almost half of diners say they will be actively seeking out more happy hour deals, especially during the working week. Across South Australia, that could mean even more packed beer gardens on a Monday, bars popping off by Tuesday afternoon and neighbourhood spots welcoming locals to settle in early with snacks, cocktails or a cheeky glass of something chilled.
Experiential dining has also had a major moment, with OpenTable data revealing a 50 per cent rise in bookings for unique experiences, like chef collaborations or immersive events. Adelaide has long been ahead of the curve here, with our festival-fuelled culture and love of pop-ups setting the tone. In 2026, 26 per cent of diners say they’re more likely to book special events, a number that jumps to 42 per cent for Millennials. It’s no wonder birthdays became the fastest-growing dining occasion, up 20 per cent year-on-year, with more groups, more shared plates and more reasons to celebrate over a long lunch.
On the menu, 2025’s most talked-about items included sake, burrata, focaccia and mocktails, with BYO options also gaining momentum. Looking to 2026, diners are calling for a dose of nostalgic dishes like prawn cocktails and a chicken parmi.
“OpenTable’s list of the Top 50 Restaurants in Australia is a true celebration of the country’s vibrant dining scene as it recognises venues across Australia,” said Drew Bowering, Senior Director of Restaurant Sales and Services ANZ at OpenTable. “From much-loved neighbourhood gems like Grazia Restaurant in Melbourne to some of Australia’s most popular venues like Pellegrino 2000 in Sydney, the list is a reflection of the passion and creativity that defines – and sets apart – Australia’s hospitality industry.”
As South Australia, we saw Goodwood’s Asha, Melt in Hyde Park and Fiore at Down The Rabbit Hole in McLaren Vale representing SA on the national stage. These venues join an impressive list of diverse venues across the nation.
With diners spending more, going out more often, and craving connection through food, 2026 is looking to be a landmark, delicious year for South Australia’s hospitality scene.
To read more about OpenTable’s 2026 trends, click here.
To read OpenTable’s top 50 restaurants, click here.
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