Nothing says summer holidays like walking off the beach into a local pub or cafe to enjoy some of SA's regional fare.

Words Hannah Lally

Taste the Yorke

Regional, seasonal and local produce is celebrated daily at Moonta’s Taste the Yorke. With a fresh approach to the menu, Taste the Yorke supports local farmers and growers in a cafe emporium of regional breads, honey, oils, salts, dukkah and art, alongside the lunch and daily bites menu. 

The Boatshed Wallaroo

Next to the Wallaroo jetty, The Boatshed is a relaxed seafood dining experience for lunch and dinner with panoramic waterfront views. With menus featuring locally-sourced seafood, enjoy the interior of the rustic building or the alfresco area with a selection of wines and desserts, and live music on weekends. A takeaway option is also available, with vegetarian and vegan selections.

Coffee Barn and Gelateria

The Coffee Barn and Gelateria in Moonta is now in its 12^th year. Owner Franco Martini still makes his own gelato on the premises, thriving in constantly developing new flavours. Meanwhile, his wife Janette Martin also makes gourmet pancakes fresh to order, with many fillings including fruit and Italian custard, along with homemade truffles and coffee.

Port Victoria Hotel

On the western coast of the Peninsula, Port Victoria has a wealth of maritime history and is always a popular fishing spot. The Port Victoria Hotel is a pub on the water, full of classic country warmth with a menu to match. There are also 10 rooms available for accommodation.

Marion Bay Tavern

The Marion Bay Tavern is at the gateway of Innes National Park, with 13 beers and ciders on tap, a huge range of craft beer and an extensive wine list. The menu focuses on fresh local produce and seafood with wood-oven pizzas, to be savoured in the beer garden with a view of the jetty. There’s also a range of premium spirits in the new cocktail lounge, with occasional live music.

Wild Ma’s Bistro

In an old shop up the hill from the Stansbury pub, Wild Ma’s Bistro is a favourite with the locals for gourmet seafood, wood oven pizzas, craft beers, boutique wines and a rebellious interior design enlivened by a colourful mural. Visitors can grab a cocktail, or enjoy freshly cooked lunch, dinner or sweets from 11am to 11pm Thursday to Sunday.

Inland Sea

Located at Warooka, Inland Sea Restaurant has been open since 2005, serving freshly caught crayfish, snapper and King George whiting, steaks, chicken and game. Nestled in its rural setting, Inland Sea dishes can be savoured for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday.

The Smelter

Wallaroo’s The Smelter is famous for fish and chips, but now also offers dine-in options created by the in-house chef. The space is modern, relaxed and welcoming for fresh coffee, cold drip, nitro coffee with their own Smelter coffee beans roasted in Adelaide, or smoothies and Megashakes as well as breakfasts. 

George Peart Curries

One of the Yorke Peninsula’s best kept secrets is local George Peart’s curries. For the past six years, George has been cooking up his curries and personally delivering them to locals’ homes. Choosing from more than 13 different recipes from countries such as Thailand and Jamaica, recipes using native ingredients, or his new and experimental options, George changes the menu each week, ready for Marion Bay locals or visitors to place their order and see him soon.

The Dalrymple Hotel

Set metres back from Oyster Bay, the Dalrymple Hotel at Stansbury has earned the reputation as one of the Peninsula’s top seaside dining venues. Having been owners for more than 15 years, Robbie and Georgie Rankine have evolved the Dalrymple with its fresh modern Australian cuisine presenting a high quality country pub. Head chef William Glazbrook sources South Australian and local produce, including oysters supplied by Pacific Estate Oysters, to create food for all tastes, whether regular pub fare or more healthy options for lunch and dinner daily.

 

This story first appeared in the SALIFE Food & Wine List 2019.