Where (and what) to eat in the Barossa Valley

World-class wineries, historic villages, scenic bushland – what’s not to love about the Barossa Valley? The food is pretty great, too. Whether you want to settle in for a long lunch or just enjoy a casual bite, we have found the area’s top spots to eat – including the very best burgers around.

When you want: Asian

Head to: Fermentasian, Tanunda

One of the Barossa’s best-kept secrets, Fermentasian offers sensational northern Vietnamese housed in a lovely stone cottage. Standout dishes including the squid with sorrel and coriander, the tommyruff with green mango salad, and an utterly irresistible pork belly. The wine list is encyclopedic; keep it simple and ask the sommelier for their recommendations. The best way to finish up a memorable meal here is with a Vietnamese coffee.

When you want: fine dining

Head to: Hentley Farm Restaurant, Seppeltsfield

The first time I came to Hentley Farm, it was their exquisite wines I was most interested in. So I was completely unprepared for the winery’s atmospheric restaurant and the utterly exquisite degustations it serves up. Finely-crafted amuse-bouches, like a poached quail egg on a puffed quinoa cracker, set the tone for an impressive array of dishes which may include kangaroo loin with wild fennel, salt baked parsnip puree and black garlic.

When you want: a relaxed lunch

Head to: The Farm Eatery, Nurioopta

If a poll were held to nominate the Barossa’s signature dish, Maggie Beer’s pheasant pie would probably win hands-down. After having been off the menu for years, it is finally being served up again thanks to Maggie’s daughter, Elli Beer. Head to her relaxed eatery, The Farm, to enjoy it on a special three-course pheasant degustation (book 48 hours in advance), or opt for a mouth-watering selection of shared plates.

When you want: flavour-packed food

Head to: Fino, Seppeltsfield

At Fino, it’s not just about what’s on the plate – it’s also about the plate itself. And the cutlery. And the tables. Everything here has been made by local artisans; you can check out more of their work in the excellent on-site JamFactory store. That’s not to suggest the food isn’t sensational, because it is.  Expect delicious dishes showcasing local produce such as braised leeks with ricotta and capers, or garfish with Jerusalem artichoke and wakame.

When you want: burgers

Head to: Contour Bar and Kitchen, Marananga

It’s a bit unfair, really. Not content with being the area’s most luxurious lodging and hosting one of the area’s best restaurants, The Louise has doubled down with another must-visit eatery. In contrast to its award-winning Appellation restaurant, which is all about degustation dinners, Contour Bar and Kitchen keeps things casual. The menu may sound simple – think sticky soy beef short ribs, pine mushrooms with polenta and a whole swathe of burgers, from beef to fish to chickpea and red lentil – but each dish is perfectly executed.