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If you can’t enjoy a European summer or take weeks off to jet set across the globe, consider a weekend getaway closer to home. The Riverland region offers sun-kissed days and Mediterranean flavours right in South Australia.
Pack your appetite and embark on a culinary journey that blends local charm with international flair. Located just a 2-hour drive from Adelaide, the Riverland is an easily accessible destination for anyone looking to escape to a foodie paradise. Start your adventure at Eleni’s Restaurant at Mallee Estate Wines in Renmark, where the flavours of Greece are perfectly paired with award-winning wines from Mallee Estate. From meze platters to souvlaki, every bite is a tribute to the Markeas family’s heritage, capturing the essence of Greece in a laid-back atmosphere.
Pasta on Para
Next, head to Pasta on Para, a cosy spot in Renmark celebrated for heartwarming Italian comfort food. Here, you’ll discover a mix of traditional Italian dishes and personal favourites with recipes handed down through generations. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeaway, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and a plateful of deliciousness. The casual setting makes it ideal for a leisurely meal with family and friends.
The Lavender Cafe
For another taste of Italy tucked away on a scenic lavender farm, visit The Lavender Café in Glossop. This authentic Italian café offers house-made pastas and favourites including panini, arancini balls, lasagne, and wood-fired pizzas. Surrounded by vineyards and the scent of lavender, it’s the perfect spot to feel a world away, whether for lunch or a romantic dinner. Anthony Lippis, along with his mother Rosa and three daughters, runs this family-owned café, making it a true gem in the Riverland.
Continue your adventure at Earth Restaurant in Berri, where local ingredients meet a European twist. Known for its fresh, seasonal produce, Earth Restaurant serves house-made pasta and dishes such as linguine vongole with black mussels and cauliflower Parmesan tortellini, expertly paired with wines that highlight the region’s agricultural bounty. The dessert menu is a treat, featuring almond, date, and fig pudding with pecan and maple syrup gelato, and the popular tiramisu with Arrosto coffee and wattleseed gelato. Whether for breakfast or dinner, this is the place to savour fresh, flavourful dishes and experience a true taste of the Riverland.
23rd Street Distillery
If you’re after a relaxed afternoon, swing by 23rd Street Distillery in Renmark. A 1914 landmark turned contemporary dining and distilling destination, this venue is home to award-winning spirits that echo Mediterranean landscapes. With a variety of gins and a cocktail menu featuring European-inspired drinks such as Red Citrus Spritz, Quattro Negroni, and the classic Espresso Martini, your visit can evoke the region’s sunny vibes. The venue also serves dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, creating a unique experience where good times meet great spirits.
Earth Restaurant, and 919 Wines
Don’t miss 919 Wines in Glossop, where you can sample organic wines from a family-owned winery. Relax in their straw-bale cellar door, sip award-winning reds and whites, and enjoy a scoop of authentic Italian gelato for the perfect pairing. The peaceful atmosphere invites you to take in the surrounding beauty while enjoying the best the Riverland has to offer. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, craving gelato, or simply looking for a quiet escape, this winery should be on your list.
Come and enjoy with friends. Whistling Kite Wines.
For a perfect end to your Riverland food trail, head to Whistling Kite Wines on the banks of the Murray River. This winery offers biodynamic wines crafted with care, with a commitment to both classic and rare varietals including Mediterranean wines like Viognier, Mencia, Montepulciano, Gros Manseng, and Piedirosso, allowing you to truly savour European flavours in your glass. Surrounded by 40 acres of vines and abundant birdlife, the tranquil setting enhances every sip.
Whether you’re planning a long lunch, wine tasting, cocktails with friends, or a sunset dinner for two, the Riverland offers a European-inspired food journey that doesn’t require a passport. With each bite, you’ll feel transported to a sun-drenched corner of Europe, all while enjoying the hospitality and flavours of one of South Australia’s best-kept secrets.
Destination Riverland
For more information, itineraries, accommodation and bookings, click here.
Dining and Cooking