Spanning over 400 kilometres of the South Australian coastline, the Limestone Coast is Australia’s best-kept culinary secret.
On the Limestone Coast, producers, chefs, and winemakers collaborate to create memorable farm-to-table dining experiences that encapsulate the authenticity and breathtaking beauty of this fertile region.
The land’s limestone-rich soil, cool maritime climate, and ancient volcanic heritage have led to an abundance of world-class ingredients that delight local chefs and foodies. Think fresh seafood plucked from the region’s crystal-clear waters matched with buttery Chardonnays created from the region’s terra rossa soil.
If you’re craving an authentic culinary experience to rival that of Tuscany or Provence, here are some of the Limestone Coast’s culinary hotspots.
Step back in time at The Caledonian Inn (aka The Cally)
This quaint pub in the town of Robe, known as The Cally, transports visitors back through time – the original stonework, open fireplaces and heavy timber detailing creating a historical and vibrant dining atmosphere.
During summer, the restaurant’s courtyard transforms into Robe’s premier social scene. There’s always a clinking of wine glasses and laughter amongst friends, live entertainment and a salty ocean breeze. The Caledonian’s signature dish of crayfish with chips and salad is a winner, and locals and visitors flock to indulge in the full English roast every Wednesday during the colder months.
Sweeping views at Sails Restaurant
When dining at Sails, the large windows give guests sweeping views of Robe’s coastline, best enjoyed at sunset. The venue’s iconic Lobster Thermidor is outstanding, and to accompany it, guests can choose from wines straight from the region’s many local producers.
Chef Marty Phillips ensures diners experience the best of South Australian cuisine by maintaining strong relationships with the Robe’s local fishermen – they’re on speed dial. Sweet toothed diners will swoon over the dessert menu, with the burnt honey panna cotta being a standout.
Chilling out at Drift Cafe
Also in Robe, Drift Cafe is an architecturally designed haven channeling the area’s laidback coastal charm. Munch on some of the cafe’s famous Mexican street corn fritters adorned with avocado, lime crema, and house-made chilli jam, or start the morning right with a delicious coffee.
The owners of Drift Cafe pride themselves on a strong commitment to sustainability, using compostable packaging and garnishing diner’s plates with freshly harvested herbs from their very own garden. It’s pet-friendly, and you can relax on the deck or on the lovely lawns.
Metro Bakery & Cafe
Local street art transforms Metro Bakery & Cafe‘s facade into a wonderland of colour and curiosities. This local institution started out as a sandwich and coffee shop, and is now a fully fledged bakehouse, cafe and bar.
All goods are baked on site, and the croissants are something else – created from a 100-year-old traditional French recipe.with more than 60 folds in each!
A standout is the cafes delectable mushroom and herb gnocchi – rivalling Italy’s handcrafted pastas. During the day, foodies can watch artisan bakers preparing fresh, European-style sourdough loaves and French pastries, using traditional techniques and super fresh local ingredients.
The weekend brunch here is particularly noteworthy, featuring a blue swimmer crab omelette topped with lemon and dill. Enjoy it with a glass of bubbles in the sunshine, or order one of the region’s best coffees, made with hand-picked Giancarlo coffee beans.
Elementary by Soul Co
Don’t be fooled by the restaurant’s unassuming facade; Elementary by Soul Co is one of South Australia’s most coveted dining spots. The restaurant’s 23 seats surround the kitchen, resulting in an intimate culinary experience where diners can watch as expert chefs combine local ingredients into a six-course meal reflecting the Limestone Coast’s top offerings.
Having been featured in Gourmet Traveller’s ‘Top 10 South Australian Restaurants’ a seat here is in high demand, so reservations need to be made several weeks in advance.
The extensive drinks list features an exciting array of local wines, locally crafted spirits, and non-alcoholic options with native botanicals.
During a ‘Chefs Curation’ seven-course meal, Chef Tom Tilbury provides diners with table-side explanations, giving his award-winning dishes another level of complexity. The chive crumpet topped with smoked Philadelphia cream cheese, burnt bay oil and herbs from the restaurant’s garden is one to write home about.
The Barn Steakhouse
Set upon five acres of beautiful English-style gardens dating back to the 1860s, The Barn Steakhouse in Mount Gambier is run by the Cleves familly, who have cultivated its stellar reputation around the exceptional meat produced from their own Hereford cattle.
There’s plenty of lovely seafood to enjoy as an entree – such as tuna tartare, seared scallops and Coffin Bay oysters, but true steak connoisseurs might want to dive straight into a main course such as The Barn’s prime rump that has been aged for 60 to 90 days.
Fine meat needs fine wine, and so the on-site wine cellar is stocked with more than 750 wines from the local region, with a special focus on aged Coonawarra cabernets. After all, what could be better than some aged steak washed down with a Limestone Coast cabernet?
During the summer, The Barn hosts its highly acclaimed ‘Garden Series’ dinners, where long tables are set amongst gardens of immaculately pruned roses.
Executive chef Daniel Thompson gained some of his experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, and testament to his skills and passion for fine dining, the restaurant has consistently received Two Hats since 2018, and was named ‘Regional Restaurant of the Year’ by Gourmet Traveller magazine in 2024.
For those wishing to stay a little longer, restored stables and cottages provide visitors with luxurious accommodation for the night.
If you enjoyed this feature on the Limestone Coast’s culinary hotspots, check out the best things to see and do in Mount Gambier, click here.
