McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast boast 31 kilometres of pristine coastline, world-class food and wine and charming townships – all just 40 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD.
This is where you’ll find the good life…along with delicious dining at Readers’ Choice Award-winning destinations like these four venues:
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Regional:
Ideal for Intimate Occasions
Discover the beauty of McLaren Vale at Serafino, a winery, restaurant and accommodation venue nestled among 200-year-old gum trees, lakes and rolling hillsides. The largest venue space in McLaren Vale, Serafino is an ideal location for weddings, functions and intimate occasions, with an onsite winery and cellar door adding to the experience.
From a carefully crafted menu of Modern Italian-Australian fare created using seasonal produce, begin with pork belly, scallop, roast red papaya, pink oyster mushrooms, pomelo and nam prik pao; then delve into cornfed duck breast, blood orange, currant grape, creamed spinach and crisp pancetta, enjoyed with an estate wine.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Modern Australian:
Focusing on Fresh, Local Produce
Much more than a restaurant, Red Poles on McMurtrie Road is the ultimate McLaren Vale dining destination. Combining an art gallery, bed and breakfast and restaurant, this stunning venue offers indoor and outdoor dining on the verandah, quirky courtyards and garden; there’s plenty of room for guests to relax on the bush block with vineyards and enjoy warm hospitality.
Experience seasonal breakfast and lunch menus focusing on fresh local produce, along with craft beer, wine and gin paddles – start a memorable feast with plates such as BBQ pulled pork, Asian salad and crispy noodles, followed by juniper kangaroo, beetroot hummus and Chef’s greens.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Mexican:
Fiesta of Flavours on the Plate
Gorge on a fiesta of flavours at Loco Mexican, a vibrant hot spot to see and be seen in Victor Harbor on the upstairs level of the Harbor Mall. Radiating warm and lively colours, inside feels energetic with a wallpaper backdrop of orange and red apartments and tables in burnt orange, adding character, while a window gives a sneak peek into kitchen creations.
As much as possible is prepared from scratch in-house, including smoked meats, pickled vegetables, spice mixes and sauces to ensure fresh and zesty flavours tingle the tongue. Snack on street food like Mexican corn with chipotle, queso and lime, before devouring sriracha twice-cooked pork belly with pineapple, slaw, capsicum and almond Romesco.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Bakery:
Sweet Temptations and Freshly-baked Bread
Kangarilla locals and visitors to McLaren Vale head to Gourmet Gluten Free Bakery on Colbert Road for all manner of sweet temptations and freshly baked bread. The only gluten-free bakery in the area, this little gem is also the place to find awesome coffee to go with decadent brownies, vanilla slices and pies, or take home a celebration cake for your next special occasion.
Catering for most special dietary requirements, from dairy, lactose, soy and nut-free to vegetarians and vegans, this bakery delivers gourmet pies such as curry beef and chicken parmigiana; or chow down on a burger with a housemade beef patty, egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, mustard and tomato sauce.
