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Images via North Kitchen
Adelaide’s far north isn’t usually the first place foodies think of for a feast of the senses.
But North Kitchen plans to change this perception and offer a premium dining experience in Munno Para, a destination that usually leans more into takeaway and casual dining venues.
Owner AJ Kady has been a local since 2019 and is a bit of a hospitality veteran having worked in restaurants for 15 years across Melbourne, regional Victoria, New South Wales and now South Australia.
“You could say it’s modern Italian-influenced,” he said. “We put a twist on old dishes and keep them alive.”
As a Munno Para local, AJ likes the feel of being away from the bustle of the city, and he wants North Kitchen to lift the local dining scene without the extra cost.
“So we’re trying to do that, but we’re keeping it within an affordable price range, especially for the locals and especially where we’re located.”
“It gives a really upmarket feel, and the food will too.”
“We’re getting all the flour from Italy, and we’re using San Marzano tomatoes shipped from Italy.”
He’s also been refining the pizza dough for seven months, creating a recipe made with ancient grain, no sugar and less than 0.04 per cent yeast. Fresh pasta and homemade gnocchi are also part of the offering, helping shape a menu that feels considered from the ground up.
As AJ puts it, “We’re not cheaping out on the ingredients,” but at the same time, “It doesn’t break the bank.”
The venue’s design and feel are something AJ and his wife, Elissa created together, aiming for a warm Italian colour palette with earthy tones. The fit-out has reportedly come at a significant cost, but the goal wasn’t to build something stuffy. The husband and wife duo wanted to create a place where people can settle in for a whole dining experience, not just a takeaway stop.
“My biggest support and help through designing the place was my wife Elissa, and our project manager Sam Mosleh, and the best for last to Bellevue finance for making this venture possible by the big support they been from the start.”
At North Kitchen, that experience comes through in a menu centred on woodfire cooking, Napoli-style pizzas, homemade gnocchi and a larger open-flame grill designed for meat, seafood and vegetables.
“The inspiration for the menu was mainly late-night dining in Europe that we don’t really have here.”
The meats are all cooked over an open flame using natural wood, a signature approach that adds a bold, rustic flavour.
“My favourite dish is the mussels, but we also have tacos, and I’m pretty sure the tacos are going to be a hit,” he said. “I want people to be able to enjoy the meal, enjoy the atmosphere, have drinks and make a night out of it.”
North Kitchen is set to open on April 7, and you won’t have to wait until 6pm, with breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings for an all-day dining experience.
North Kitchen
When: Doors open April 7th
Where: 2 Curtis Rd, Munno Para Downs
For more info, click here.
Dining and Cooking