Adelaide, Australia

With more restaurants per capita than any other Australian city, Adelaide offers an abundance of opportunities to exchange the grumbling of empty stomachs for the symphony of chinking cutlery and singing tastebuds. All enclosed restaurants in Adelaide are non-smoking, allowing untarnished enjoyment of South Australian flavors. The fact that Adelaide's two most famous contributions to the culinary arena are its world-class Barossa Valley wines, and its "Pie Floater" (or pie in pea soup), bears witness to the dazzling variety of cuisine available.

Relish the flavors on offer, accompanied with the kind of stimulating conversation that sublime food and a vibrant atmosphere seems to encourage. Then again, when food is this good, who really cares about conversation?

Rundle Street

The succulent and sophisticated core of all things edible in Adelaide is undoubtedly Rundle Street, in the city's East End. Rundle Street is basted with drifts of garlic, slowly marinated in ridiculously long alfresco lunches, chargrilled under pulsating, cocktail-enhanced nights, and served drizzled with a warm and lively atmosphere. With over 50 restaurants, cafés and pubs, offering a plethora of international and local flavors, there is something to please the most pernickety palate. Try Piatto or Scoozi for Italian, Lemongrass or Cafe Michael 2 for Thai. Sample South Australia's own Coopers beer at the Exeter or Austral hotels, or dance till dawn at the trendy Stag Hotel.

Gouger Street

Gouger Street, in the city's southwest, offers another rich hotchpotch of cultures and cuisines. The Central Market oozes fresh produce and divine aromas savor its tantalizing charms before pausing for coffee or an inexpensive meal at one of the numerous cafés. For truly authentic oriental flavors, choose from the wide selection of restaurants in Chinatown, the market's western seam. Gouger Street, however, stubbornly refuses to be defined according to any one style of dining. The street is studded with many tasty gems, from the elegant French, La Guillotine, to the authentic Malaysian, A Taste of Spice, the hearty Argentinean, Gaucho's, and numerous seafood restaurants.

Hutt Street

Hutt Street, to the east of the city, is another favorite café belt. Graceful, but not uptight, the street is popular for sunny breakfasts, business lunches and anytime coffees. Choose from the wide range of baguettes at Roma's, enjoy an alfresco brunch at the Citrus Café, or experience a classy dinner at Nediz-Tu.

Hindley Street

In the west of the city, Hindley Street is beginning to shed its once sleazy reputation in place of a more hip and arty image. A number of dining institutions have held their ground as nightclubs, cinemas, amusement arcades and alternative shops elbow for space around them. For Lebanese, try Quiet Waters or Jerusalem Sheshkabab House. Marcellina's Pizza Bar or Hindley Pasta Palace are the places for Italian.

North Adelaide

Even the most casual eatery in this up-market suburb exudes a certain sophisticated ambience. Follow a film on O'Connell Street with a meal or a coffee; try Najjars, Cibo or Paesano, or fashionable and attractive pubs such as The Oxford and Royal Oak Hotel. The nearby Melbourne Street is elegant and dignified, yet simultaneously warm and charming. For something out of the ordinary, sample Cajun flavors at Bacall's, or watch a spot of belly dancing with your meal at Babylons. For late night, meaning-of-life type discussions, settle into the intimate Elephant Walk Cafe.

King William Road

Take a short trip south along King William Street, to the prestigious suburb of Hyde Park, where the street becomes a "road" and bitumen turns into paving. Dip into designer boutiques and funky gift stores as you wander along this enchanting leafy precinct, then indulge in waist-expanding cake at Cafe Piccante or Cafe Paradiso, or a slice of syrupy baklava at Zoe's Greek Restaurant. Chocolate lovers will be in a swoon over the miraculous creations at Cocolat. Be warned, even if you are "just looking", calories will throw themselves at your body!

Norwood Parade

Just east of the city is Norwood Parade, boasting a cinema complex and a vast array of predominantly Italian cafés. Soak up the lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere and the rich, garlicky smells, as you catch up with friends at the Star Cafe, Caffe Buongiorno, Caffe Medici or Cafe Bravo.

Seaside Dining

Adelaide is blessed with a 30-kilometer stretch of clean, sandy beaches, the closest of which are only a 15-minute drive from the city. In culinary terms, this equals numerous pockets of picturesque, seaside eateries. The most popular beach is Glenelg, with Jetty Road offering every dining choice. For a memorable evening, dine alfresco at Sammy's, or Lido on the new Marina Pier. North of Glenelg is Henley Square, overflowing with delectable offerings. Taste traditional Greek mezze at Estia or contemporary Australian at Bacchus Wine Bar. Other tempting ocean-flavored eateries include the Semaphore Palais, Grange Jetty Kiosk and Cafe Salsa at West Beach.

Wineries

No visit to South Australia would be complete without an inspection of its much celebrated vineyards. If your stay is limited, ensure you see and taste the best by booking a tour, such as Barossa Valley Supreme, Barossa Wine Train, or McLaren Vale Food and Wine.

Beyond the Culinary Hot Spots

Make sure you do allow your tastebuds to venture beyond these dining hot-spots, as numerous culinary delights are also sprinkled in less obvious locations. If Indian cuisine appeals, sample Australia's finest at Jasmin Indian Restaurant in Hindmarsh Square. Enjoy classy, multiple-award winning dining overlooking the River Torrens at Jolleys Boathouse. For a unique local dining experience, purchase a "Pie Floater" from The Pie Cart outside the Adelaide Railway Station. Even though it is an Adelaide icon, most Adelaidians swear they have never actually tasted it!

Adelaide is the heart of food and wine in Australia. A few meals in this city will provide ample compensation for any drab and uninspired dining experiences your tastebuds may have endured over the years. Whether you prefer your meal fine or fast, riotous or restful, candle-lit or on a spit ... you will be impressed if you have it in Adelaide.