Overview
Africola is an Adelaide dining institution that refuses to be boxed in — a sensory explosion of bold South African-inspired flavours, boisterous personality, and non-stop energy. Since opening in 2014, it’s been one of the city’s most talked-about and awarded venues, celebrated for its fearless food and unpretentious fun.
The brainchild of Duncan Welgemoed, Africola focuses on vegetables, fire, and ferments, with a regularly changing menu that’s as playful as it is punchy. You’ll find dishes like charcoal-roasted cauliflower with tahini and pomegranate, peri-peri chook with lemon, or smoked lamb with zhoug and labneh — all rich in spice, texture, and creativity. Ingredients are locally sourced and treated with serious care, often hitting the grill before being dressed in house-made sauces, pickles, and ferments.
The drinks list is equally fun, featuring funky natural wines, South African beer, and bold cocktails that match the food’s tempo. There’s also a chef’s selection "Feed Me" menu, which is the best way to dive into Africola’s eclectic offerings.
Inside, the space is buzzing with colour and rhythm. Bright murals, neon signs, open flames, and thumping playlists set the scene for a night that feels more like a party than a dinner. Service is fast, friendly, and full of character — just like everything else here.
Africola isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a full sensory experience and one of the best places in Adelaide to let loose and feast hard. Come hungry, bring friends, and be ready for a flavour-packed ride you won’t forget.
Last update April 2024
