Adelaide knows a thing or two about fine dining, good booze, bars and great hospitality – so much so that Leigh Street (and its neighbouring sister Peel Street) has become an iconic destination and foodie capital in itself.
Leigh Street has put the CBD’s west end on the map and hankered Adelaidians passion for small bars. As the bar scene and window restaurants evolve and mature, this CBD laneway is a must-visit for South Australian’s and tourists alike.
Here’s our guide for where to eat, drink and play along Leigh Street:
Shōbōsho
Shōbōsho centres around the concept of ‘fire’ – and whilst not strictly Japanese – the offerings take inspiration from various Japanese ingredients and cooking styles. The menu travels from raw to cooked, with yakitori, noodles, dumplings, bao, robata grilled and spit-roasted meats. Seriously, this restaurant is downright delicious.
Pair your meal with their crisp saki, or if you prefer, a Japanese whiskey, and you’re good to go. A culinary institution in itself, Shōbōsho keeps spreading its love and fantastic flavours, opening sister eatery Shomen next door and to King William’s sibling tempura restaurant Sho Sho.
Find Shōbōsho at 17 Leigh Street, Adelaide
Shomen
The little sister venue to Shobosho, Shomen takes the flavours you know and love from next door, transforming them into delicious hot soups, spicy ramen, indulgent burgers and Katsu sandwiches.
The signature style of smoke, steam and fire from Shobosho is subtly intertwined through the new Leigh Street eatery, yet packaged in a more palatable way for city slickers and office-goers to grab when passing through the laneway. Shomen is the answer to those who love (or need) a grab ‘n go lunch, yet are seeking a meal that packs a flavourful punch.
Find Shomen at 17a Leigh Street, Adelaide
Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room
This Italo-American Bar steps away from the familiar flavours crowds know from culinary powerhouse duo Laura and Max Sharred’s first eatery, Nido. Fugazzi brings the CBD a high-end menu of small plates, pasta and sides; inspired by the foods the pair grew up eating.
From a Mortadella “Finger Sando”, with pickled shallot and pecorino to Kingfish crudo, with lemon and rocket, the menu is equal parts nostalgic as it is fine dining. Guests can also indulge in blue swimmer crab pasta or a lasagna pizza, as well as an incredible array of wines and spirits.
Find Fugazzi at 27 Leigh Street, Adelaide
Udaberri Bar and Pintxos
Udaberri boasts an intimate atmosphere that acts as the perfect setting to get lost in their comprehensive list of gin selections. Udaberri’s bartenders show their love of gin through their craft, working hard to find the perfect garnish that highlights each individual gin.
If gin’s not your thing – never fear. Udaberri is also home to an array of wines (European & SA) and beers on tap.
As for the latter part of the small bar’s moniker – Udaberri brings Barcelona to you with its food offerings. Shuck SA oysters with watermelon vinegar and lemon, chow down pintxos or indulge in larger Spanish-inspired plates to share.
Find Udaberri at 11 Leigh Street, Adelaide
Pink Moon Saloon
Pink Moon Saloon resides on the iconic laneway and is home to perhaps the most unique fit-out seen in Adelaide’s small bar scene. Its timber A-frame is nestled in a nook next to Shobosho. While from the pathway it appears as a tiny wooden home, inside a cosy bar retreat awaits. The narrow venue is split into three sections, with a leafy courtyard and booths that sit alongside a kitchen serving up small eats and wood-fired favourites.
Perfect for gin lovers, wine aficionados and people who with a passion for good (and strong) cocktails, Pink Moon Saloon has cemented itself as an Adelaide small bar institution.
Find Pink Moon Saloon at 21 Leigh St, Adelaide SA 5000.
Leigh Street Wine Room
This is a multi-award winning wine bar, and it is clear to see why. Leigh Street Wine Room has become something of an Adelaide institution in the short time since its inception in 2019. The natural wine bar boasts over 400 wines and a food offering that makes locals return time and time again.
If the seriously good booze and bites aren’t enough to entice you, its classic Euro fit-out – with a long narrow bar, funky prints and low lighting – set the mood for a fantastic, wine-fuelled night with friends.
Leigh Street Wine Room is located at 9 Leigh St.
Plain Jane
Plain Jane is anything but plain. Elegant and open, the heritage-listed building has been transformed into a funky, inviting bar and restaurant.
The two-storey venue is the place for lovers of the dance floor and boozehounds, making it the perfect destination for your Saturday night out or after-work knock. However, perhaps more in tune with its name – Plain Jane know that keeping it simple makes things special, which is exactly what they’ve done. Expect good drinks, tasty tapas and an enticing atmosphere.
You can find Plain Jane at 18 Leigh St, Adelaide SA 5000.
Leigh Street Luggage
Taking over the former travel retailer from which it gets its name, this European-inspired bar has transformed the iconic Leigh Street Luggage storefront, slinging spritz and pouring nips of strong spirits inside a timeless fit-out.
The experience of Leigh Street Luggage occurs in two stages. It’s the perfect place for sophisticated drinkers, the CBD’s after-work crowds, and surprisingly, the precincts’ late-night revellers. The narrow bar stars an impressive array of amaro, vermouths and digestifs – a 50/50 split between local produce and European regulars. As your night continues, discovering Leigh Street Luggage’s hidden bar, Never Mind, feels like a godsend. Behind a sliding door, the exposed brick and red-lit cocktail den is a world away from the adjoining front bar.
Without ever leaving the venue, you transcend into the part of your evening where your worries and inhibitions wash away.
Find Leigh Street Luggage at 22a Leigh St.
Happy boozing, biting and booging!
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