Africola

A Warm and Memorable Evening at Africola We enjoyed a lovely Friday evening with the work crew at Africola, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The three-course chef’s selection menu was delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavour without being overpowering. The mild spice added just the right touch, leaving everyone feeling comfortably full and satisfied. The wait staff were genuinely friendly and engaging, creating a welcoming atmosphere and clearly enjoying what they do. Even though we were seated outside on a crisp winter night, the outdoor heating kept us cosy throughout the evening. Africola is definitely a great spot for catching up with friends, family, or colleagues over a relaxed and memorable meal. Highly recommended!

Amazing food, great atmosphere, phenomenal service. We did the feed me menu and every dish delivered, you will not go home hungry. Whatever you do make sure you try the chicken skin tea sandwich, they more than love up to the hype.

This was by far the best place I have had dinner at in Adelaide. The food flavors are out of this world, and I would recommend the Feed Me option. For drinks, definitely try the Smacked Cucumber cocktail. There is just nothing like it! They had run out of ingredients for it, so we could not order more which means everybody else must love it too. Yep, I will keep on going back until I have tried everything on the menu this amazing and talented chef has created.

The chicken skin tea sandwich was amazing. We went with the feed me special, but regret the options provided, should have gone with our own selection. Service was attentive, so would recommend if you're in Adelaide!

What an incredible venue! A friend and I sat at the bar on a busy Friday night and fell in love with this place. The staff were so friendly and helpful. The kitchen is nice and open which provides plenty of entertainment. The entire team seems to work together effortlessly. The flavours were incredible and unique. The peri peri chicken and eggplant dip really blew us away. Be mindful that the beetroot with goats cheese has quite an unexpected kick to it but that’s half the fun of trying a new cuisine! I can’t recommend this place enough!

Adelaide is such an amazing town for food, so I had anticipated our last night visit to Africola all week. While it was good, it was not the mind blowing experience I had hoped for. Food is good, just not amazing. Staff maybe had an off night, but we felt abandoned for long periods of time. Best dish for me was the hummus, but even that lacked punch. The steak was good, but I was expecting something really tasty.

6/5 stars for range of dishes, quality of dishes, and wait staff and service. Staff came in and checked on us multiple times during the hours long dining experience where the dishes just seemed to come on and on and on. I don’t remember what I ate but I remember everything was delicious and exceeded expectations everywhere There was way too much food for what you paid for

This place is ABSOLUTELY unreal. The plates are inventive, sinfully decadent and the spices are spot on. I can’t wait to come back. Shout out to the staff who could not have been more friendly - Gio the bartender was an angel. I’m so excited to bring my partner when I return to Adelaide!!!!

This was an amazing experience. The food was delectable. The ambience was exuberant and the service was attentive and kind. If you're ever in Adelaide Australia and want to have a gastronomic experience unlike any other, please try Africola

The overall atmosphere was good and the staff were friendly, however the food was mediocre and not what I expected. I was keen to try African cuisine but left feeling as though that wasn't it. They served very basic dishes that tasted ok, but are way too expensive for what it was.

"Africola", someone shouted! I thought World Health had eradicated it. "Hola, Africola". I shouted back entering the jammin' little joint. Black ceiling with 20 globe fixtures dangling like earrings, art work cheek to cheek on the the walls, a 24 seat bar snaking it's way around the room (10 seats at the Chefs Bar and 14 more for the plebes), or snag a small table if you can. There'll be a butt in every chair by 6:00 PM. The kitchen anchors the space, and is not just open, it's as totally exposed as a serial flasher. Settle into a Bar stool as comfortable as Qantas Business Class and have a house spiffed Prosecco to loosen your taste buds as they are going to be ravished like a Bride on her wedding night. Smiles for everyone involved. The Staff: Essential. First timers will need some encouragement to eat outside the box offered inside this buzzin' box. Can't decide? A little timid, are we? Have Diner's doubt? "Let's see" sez L. C. "I'll see to it". She's a charming little Minx who knows the menu and the wine list like it was her own Joey. The Vibe: Adelaide's young blades and maids out to make East Terrace feel like Paris. (Plus a few know it all's who've come to eat it all). The Bar: Yes, there are a few signature cocktails but the Wine List is so unusual with such unusually delicious wines (most all by the glass) I say stay with that as the food will come out like shot from a Gatling Gun so it's best to work your way through the Wine List. Now, that's work to enjoy. The Food: Chef Welgemoed flipped the concept from South African to North African and that's when Africola took wing and soared to the heavens. The menu is as playful as the line cooks who make it. The kitchen is bold, confident and assertive and the food can be described in one word; brilliant and not even a Tat insight. These vittles have pushed food porn to a hallucinogenic food fantasy. The Black Cod Roe was a religious experience. Crispy Peppers (Poblanos?) charred as black as King Leopold's soul, cuddling a soft Piquillo Pepper inside and all stacked in a black bowl of Squid inked Cod Roe paste dusted with Chili powder. The dish was visionary. Even the Cod was smiling. The Chopped Eggplant was a riff on something you'd get for breakie in Jeruselem. Perfectly cooked cubes of Eggplant and Tomatoes laid out on a island of Hummus-y Sesame floating in a sea of Chili Oil. It was Hummus yummus and came with house made pregnant Pita the size of a Holden hubcap. Perfect for sopping up what's in the bowl or on your shirt. This dish was magical and did what great food should do...play to all your senses. Next, out came the Pan Fried Brussels with Za'atar and N'duja (a dried Middle Eastern Herby sprinkle and spreadable spicy Pork). Ooh baby...this was bliss in a bowl. Brussel's are ubiquitous these days. You can get them at a gas station convenience store so I was reluctant until L. C. urged me onward. Onward to the Brussels which were positively stellar. Cooked just right they were so garden fresh I could I could smell the farmer's after shave. The Peri Peri Chicken was off the chart terrific. 12 hours in a brine, 1 hour in the smoker, a turn on the grill, slathered with Lemon, Paprika, Cayenne, Ginger, Garlic and buried under some Vinegar, Bay Leaves and braised Radicchio meant only lasted a few minutes on the plate before it was gone. I was too busy bowing to the Chef and scraping up the sauce to make notes for this review. The Tahini Ice Cream with Pepita Praline around the base of a large scoop shaped like a volcano with a pool of Olive Oil in the caldera. This was Krakatoa moments before and explosively wonderful after. The Almond Cake with Creme Fraiche and Orange Syrup was almost sane considering it was insanely good. My slice was as large as a ping pong paddle and complimented by a glass of Unicorn Tears fortified white I happily surrendered. Africola's got soul, oh yeah!

Thank you for a truly unforgettable dining experience. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was unreal. Our waiter, Aaron was fantastic and made our night. We will definitely be back the next time we are in Adelaide. Thank you again!

This is one of those places that is definite "must do" in Adelaide. Everything was interesting, exceptional, and absolutely delicious. We had the best seats in the house, sitting at the bar, watching everything being created. How do we describe the food? We went for a four course chefs selection, and from the starters to, through the chicken piri-piri, and onto the ice cream desert, it was all wonderful. To give you a taste, the starter included a chicken sandwich, on white bread. "Really?" I hear you say. Yep. Chick was dehydrated, crispy, and flavorful. The sandwich included creamy concoction. And it was served with jus from chicken piri-piri that you dipped your sandwich in. Heavenly. And the rest of the menu was similar in its surprises. People were patient and fun. Place is best described as funky. Great experience! Highly recommended.

Unbelievable. Such a great spot. Hip, non pretentious and random. Everything you could want. Food and drinks were insane. Can't say enough good things. My favorite dish was the piri piri chicken. Loved it.

Good! Good placer to eat with friendly staff Pros Eclectic mix of small and large plates of food. Menus change slightly and get printed daily depending on the food delivery. Wines also change on a regular basis. Presentation of food excellent and flavours awesome. Dessert to die for we had a deconstructed baklava filled with cream cheese and pistachio ice cream! Cons Recommende 4 plates two would have been fine very large Food not hot enough probably because plates were cold Coffee lukewarm. Biggest down side do not go for a table near the door, far to cold. Show less

I have been telling people about this place for the longest time but haven't had the chance to go there myself. Also I have been referring to it as the "place that Katy Perry dined when she came to Adelaide". Suffice to say I was not let down. The decor when you step in immediately welcomes you and transports you to another part of the world with its bright colours. The open kitchen/bar is such a lovely touch, and the open doors brought in the wonderful smell of rain and grass. Perfect location I think, to be in the whole East Terrace precinct. Service was great, the girls that were serving us knew their stuff and were attentive, courteous and had a great sense of humour. I love waiting staff who clearly care about their job and their customers. Give them a pay raise! As for the food... It was amazing. I have nothing too bad to say about it. We got for entrée the ceviché fish (which could've been bigger) and the charred leek (which could've been bigger). The mains were the peri peri chicken (yes), the snapper (uhh yes) and the scotch fillet (heaven). Because the food was so pleasing we got dessert as well which was the hot cake with pistachio ice cream. Also worth mentioning was the cocktail which was a passionfruit and vodka (?) concoction in the biggest wine glass ever. A+. Overall, I will definitely return. Africola, keep it up. (Side note to Africola, your website interface and design is a bit dodge...)

I've been wanting to go here since it first opened and was not disappointed! This is a great venue for getting a few things to share or let chose the 'feed me' option for $75. We weren't that hungry so grabbed three things to share, which was plenty. There are definitely more things on the menu that sounded tasty and can't wait to go back to try them all. Staff were super friendly and service was fast. I would recommend dinner here to everyone

My absolute favourite restaurant in Adelaide right now. To die for. From the brightly coloured decor, Nelson Mandela adorned menus, to their amazing wine list and of course delicious food. This place is heaven! We ordered a bit if everything to share, they were sold out of venison as we had a late dinner. We did however get the piri piri chicken, baked cauliflower, carrots and polenta. If I could give one tip it would be you MUST get the cauliflower. Best. Dish. Ever. Hanging out for my next visit.

I'm calling it now. Africola is one of my dining highlights of 2015. From the moment you walk in the door and get smacked in the face with bright colours, bold music and a warm greeting, to the very final delicious morsel you'll squeeze in to your full belly; it's an experience unlike anything you've had before. Sitting at the kitchen bar is an absolute treat. You'll be able to watch the chefs move around the small homely kitchen grilling, roasting, chopping, plating, and if you're lucky head chef Duncan will present each dish with an explanation of the ingredients. This was something I really enjoyed, as I had a lot of questions about the ingredients and preparation. The menu at Africola lists all sorts of interesting ingredients, many South African in origin or concocted in the basement of the restaurant. There's plenty of ingredients you'll recognise - chicken, prawn, kingfish for example - but interwoven in a dish will be unusual items that you've never heard of and probably can't pronounce. There's South African herbs, foraged seaweeds, intriguing pickled concoctions and the "Boom Shaka-laka", a fermented radicchio that can only be described as South African kimchi. That stuff is delicious and I wish I had a jar in my fridge at home. The booze selection is tight but pushes the boundaries on flavours and textures just as the food does. There's house made tinctures and cocktails with a subtle link back to South Africa, either through the spirits used or the flavours that they're trying to present. After several hours of eating and drinking at Africola, I left in a bit of a daze. Yes I'd probably had a bit too much to drink but the main reason for my state was the excitement and the adventure that I'd been on whilst dining. This is a one of a kind experience and worth getting on a plane to Adelaide for.

There is a new talent in town, and it is at Africola! A Chef friend of mine referred me to this restaurant. I was told that I had to try it fast before they develop a long waiting list. I now know why; Africola is all about amazing food, experience and customer service. It is the whole package. From making my booking, to the following day, Africola looked after me. I made my booking online on an interesting colourful website. On the day of the booking I received a text message asking for confirmation form my booking. All I need to do was respond with a "Y" or "N". Coming from a hospitality background, I love this! It helps staff, saves time and let's your customer know you are ready for them. I received a little love after my dining experience in another text message saying thank you and to welcome my feedback and reviews. Customer feedback is how a strong business model grows! Embrace, learn and improve! When we arrived the music and atmosphere was so cheerful and inviting. The lighting was perfect and décor was thoughtfully themed and festive. We were referred to our table and immediately greeted by a very charming waiter. He talked us through the menu, beverage list and made recommendations. He ensured that we were comfortable and happy throughout our sitting. Often laughing, smiling and interacting with the clientele. I am always one to please the Chef and choose the degustation option on the menu if there is one. This way I can try what the Chef has to offer. It is generally a good opportunity to try something that is not generally on a set menu. We were served a 6-course meal paired with some amazing wine and liqueurs. The Peri Peri Chicken was amazingly tender and juicy, spiced perfectly and served with chargrilled baby sweet corn still in the husk. The Spit Roasted Pork Belly was to die for, with smoky hints and the fat had reduced on the spit to not make it too heavy. As I understand the Spit Roast changes daily, which I love. It is great getting something new each time you visit. I am so very impressed with the attention to detail in the food at this restaurant for the price you pay. There is something homely about the meals, just a perfect balance of flavours, textures and ingredients. I also love watching Chef's work, so next time I must request a table closer to the open style kitchen. If you like cocktails, this is the place for you! It was my anniversary with my partner, so I wanted to splurge a little and try all of the cocktails. I am a Whiskey Girl, so I immediately fell in love with the "Cheerz - Akubekuhle". Pig fat-washed whisky, Mpumalanga fire, and Africola pickle served in two cups to be consumed one after the other. Such an unusual mix, but worked so well! Just to let you know, it was not a fatty drink; it was smooth, smoky, and just a little acidic with a chase of heat. There was also a liqueur that was served with the dessert course that was accompanied with a little flame. So aesthetically pleasing! My verdict.. I will be taking all my foodie loving friends to Africola. This restaurant is not only about the food; it is an experience. This is something that many restaurants forget. I have noticed that you get more enjoyment out of your dining experience when you are away from white table linen and silver. Foodies want an experience, a place where it feels like all aspects are thought out and matched carefully. The only fault I could pick was that the music was quite loud and at times I struggled to hear my waiter's tasting notes. But this is a catch 22 for me; I liked the volume of the music as it created this fun atmosphere. But I also wanted to hear my tasting notes. Maybe this is something for them to consider and test for the future. I look forward to my return to try the "Slow Roasted Cows Head"!

As someone who loves a good feed, and atmosphere, was not disappointed. We came here with a party of 9 and everyone tried something different. The menu required some interpretation but overall we googled things we didn't understand. The reason for not rating as a 5 is purely that there wasn't a huge amount that i felt comfortable ordering from the menu (I'm not typically into the raw meat and weird animal parts types of food) and had to check what everything was. I did however surprise myself by trying all of the strange things that my friends ordered and ended up with at least an appreciation of each and liking most! A definite MUST for any foodie in Adelaide

Still a great place. The Piri Piri chicken was fantastic. We preordered the cow skull which I heard was filled with cooked brains etc but it was just a skull and the food was on the side. Other than some beef cheek the food supplied with it was just normal beef so it was a let down. We checked their wine list out ahead of time but brought our own as it wasn't that great. Great cocktails and a fantastic atmosphere.

Africola's going down in my history books for two reasons: firstly, because it's where I found out that my sister was a vegetarian (thankfully she spoke up before we ordered), and secondly, because it may be the only time I can think of in my life that a banquet option actually made me and everyone with me so full that we felt mildly ill and didn't stop feeling full for an hour or so after eating. Yes, it still gets five stars for that. Seriously, how many times have you been to a restaurant and taken the banquet or "feed me" option (I like not having to make food decisions, just give it to me) and walked away thinking "I could have kept eating", or "I reckon I had room for one more plate", or even felt pretty good on leaving but then gotten home and an hour later had a pre-bedtime snack? Look, friends. Come to Africola. Have no fear, the food is near. Speaking of food. Wowsers. We started with pickles and only went uphill. To be perfectly honest, the best of the food was vegetarian (or at least vegetable-based). Maybe that's why we were so full, so many vegetables? Having said that, if I was to return to Adelaide I'd make a beeline for Africola but I'd go the vegetarian feed me menu instead of the full one! The cabbage heart, the cauliflower steak... the EGGPLANT. Seriously, vegie me baby. And it just kept coming. Each time we'd be sure it'd be the last round, we'd be wrong again. My mouth is watering just thinking about it again and it's been months. TAKE ME BACK. The only negative was that we were at the bar, but I'm not marking it down at all because it was due to my own lateness with booking that we got stuck there. If it had been the food bar at least we could have watched the cooking, but it was the booze bar! Four at a bar doesn't make for easy conversation. Next time I'll book with more notice and I'll make sure it's at a table... or I'll just take myself out for a nice meal.

Amazing!!! Recommend to everyone. Best suited for groups or couples sharing. We ordered meals 'as is' from the menu, however I asked about dietary needs, eg, veganism, allergy to gluten.. and they said they could make almost every dish to whatever the customer needed. And when they couldn't they were happy to make whatever... Food was incredible, atmosphere amazing, service, well presented but more important very thoughtful and kind and happy to cater to whatever you needed. From working in hospitality myself and managing several bars, cafes and restaurants, I have come to the knowledge that the smaller the menu the better quality the meal. So don't come here to expecting to have 20 choices. Come here with a group or a loved one who you want to share a meal with and grab a cocktail and some dishes to share and enjoy. Also hung out with Geoffrey Rush there.... Highly recommend to strangers and friends. Food-10/10 drinks 10/10 service 10/10 atmosphere 9/10

Quiet and dreamy Adelaide has its share of restaurants, but it can be difficult to find something special that stands out from the rest. Maybe this is because as a travelling Melburnian there's a certain vibe that is being looked for, but I digress from the blatant jibe at Adelaide as that special something has been found. Meet Africola. Tucked away on the north eastern corner of the CBD is this little pocket of excitement that offers a taste of South Africa. From the moment you walk in the door, it's hard not to notice the colourful mismatched interior filled with random nick-nacks and snippets of local slang plastered across walls, modelled off a typical African shebeen (illegal bar). The website is just as nuts and worth a visit in it's own right. Perfection is out, crazy is in. Seating is a mixture of small tables and bar seating. The kitchen bar shows off all of the action and excitement of the food preparation and the star of the show - the wood grill. If you're sitting close by, expect the distinct lingering smell of smoke on your clothes by the end of the night. The craziness extends to the menu, again with a colourful cover that exhibits a retro pink desk fan because...why not. It is divided into a few simple sections; snacks, starters, vegetables and meat. Descriptions of dishes are riddled with South African slang and local names, so some sneaky Googling may be needed to understand what you're ordering; try guessing what the "Cooring Angus onglet with pap and sheba" is going to be. There's a little bit of everything with dishes including Boerewors sausages, curried lamb buns, charred octopus and various meats (available as mixed platters) cooked on the wood grill. The highlights are the "proper" peri peri chicken and the slow roasted cow's head. Many of the dishes are designed for sharing, so ideally bring a friend. There is also a six course tasting menu option with a random selection of dishes for those that can't decide. The dishes all make you feel like your having something at home in Africa even though there's a touch of styled presentation. It's hard to describe many of the exquisite flavour combinations and so the advice is to simply have an open mind and just choose something unusual sounding from the menu. Drinks are a modest selection of wines and beers with a mixture of Australian and imported South African varieties on offer. There is also a number of creative cocktails; one is named the "Cheerz Akubekuhle!" and consists of pig fat-washed whisky, Mpumalanga fire and an Africola pickle. Africola is a unique and fun experience and to quote a line from the menu, go visit and have a "supa hepi time"!

Amazing evening. Took easy option and chef selection. But will have to go back and try more as it was sooooooo good and I have now read other reviews. Such a different array of foods for my taste buds they are left tingling.

Africola was visited as a party of four. Making a reservation in advance made us aware that we were only allowed to stay for 2 hours. I was expecting a timer on the table. Menu was small, which is good. Dishes varied in quality. The pork was meh, the clams were great. The lamb, fish and chicken were ok. The wine list is quite decent, with many wines from basket range in the hills. Service? Far from good. We ordered a second bottle of wine to pair with the mains, and they forgot about it, so we just cancelled it. Other small incidents just added to this. Overall, it was just over $300 for 4 mains, two appetisers and one bottle of wine. Will I return? Not in a rush, there are far better places at this price point in Adelaide.

I dined at Africola for a second time on Wednesday night and this time sat at the bar overlooking the kitchen. Our waitress was the same amazing girl that served our group in September - hands down the friendliest and most personable waitress in Adelaide. And it goes without saying that the guys in the kitchen know what they're doing. Thanks for a great night.

We came here with as a party of four (one chef included) for an impromptu Friday night dinner a couple of months ago. The Fringe was in full swing so the city was busy as anything. The lovely wait staff snuck us in a corner after a short wait which was an amazing surprise, we didn't really expect to get a table considering how manic everything in the city was. The decor is pretty funky, a wonderful mish-mash of stuff and perfectly dark without being dank! The only draw back was that it was a little loud in the restaurant, the music is loud (but enjoyable) and voices travelled to create a bit of a hum. The menu can be a little intimidating, especially if you're naturally indecisive. Africola is prepared for that with their "let us feed you" option. The price for this has increased since we ate there, although at $85pp it's still pretty reasonable and you can pay extra to have booze matched to the food. We started with some of their biltong, which is like a thick jerky. I am not a 'jerky person' but damn it was tasty, it wasn't overly hard and chewy and had a little bite to it. Now, my partner would have been happy if they'd left a kilo of biltong in front of him for the evening, however it was time for the next course. All of our courses came with an explanation from our waitress, which was much appreciated and sometimes surprising. We got six dishes in total, and I can't say that any of them were weak. Many of them combined flavours and textures that you wouldn't expect which was a wonderful surprise. The sweetbreads which were thoroughly enjoyed by our whole table unfortunately don't seem to be on the menu currently, but a bowl of them in the middle of winter would be perfect! The prawns with preserved pumpkin had such a great 'pickle' punch. The desert felt as though it didn't quite 'match' the rest of the evening, although I happily ate and enjoyed it! Africola is a breath of fresh air for Adelaide diners, and great for people who want something a little more adventurous than the standard Adelaide fare. The degustation was well put together with a perfect amount of food to keep you full but not uncomfortable and was served in a 'fine dining' style, artfully presented on the plates. I did on occasion have order envy watching plates of highly stacked, juicy meat being dropped at the table next to ours which made us swear to come back for a proper carnivorous affair! Good food, great atmosphere (if not a little noisy), knowledgeable staff and a good drinks menu. A little pricey, but worth the money.

Came highly recommended by a friend, for two people who were not eating meat this night, our meal was inspiring! Delicious, filling and mouth watering vegetarian dishes. Exceptional customer service and a very funky venue.

This place is amazing. Not an extensive menu but we ate with seven people and my partner and I are vegetarians. We all ate like royalty. The flavours are amazing and the price is reasonable. If you dony eat here you are missing out!!! The crispy eggplant and the rice was to die for and delicious dips with freahly made hot pita-like bread. So amazing. Do it.

Where do I even begin with this place. I was taken here for my birthday and straight away I was blown away, the decor is amazing and staff, super friendly! We were lucky enough to have a seat at the bar which allowed us to watch over the chefs whilst they prepared the delicious offerings. You have the option to order what you like off the menu or you can ask them to "feed you" this will give you a taste sensation you never thought possible. Being quite a fussy eater myself, it was safe to say I was nervous. Everything that was served to me, I ate and I was left wanting more! This is a great place for parents who may be looking for a night out without the kids or corporate functions! Highly recommended.

We paid ridiculous prices for horribly small servings. For example, $18 for a small bowl of corn with a bit of salt and seasoning. Overall our group of 4 regrettably forked out $140 and we weren't even vaguely full. Avoid this place if you want anything of quality at reasonable prices. I'm almost certain this place is some sort of scam.

Excellent restaurant with kind and unpretentious service. Interesting dishes but avoid the set menu that contains a few boring dishes. Very loud so turn off your hearing aid, it is impossible to hear anything anyway

Well worth the wait to book in, understandably popular and with good reason. Everchanging menu, high quality food and service. I had snapper and shared vegetables including roasted cauliflower and polenta and greens which were all amazing. Great vibe

Excellent food and service was effective and friendly. Would give it 5 stars but dinning at 8.30 on a Wednesday a good portion of the menu was sold out which was a shame.