Cover image: Antica Pizzeria. Venues listed in no particular order
March in Adelaide means one thing: festival fever.
With the dazzling Adelaide Festival bringing world-class theatre, dance and music to town, and WOMADelaide filling Botanic Park with global beats and golden-hour magic, the city is well and truly in party mode.
But you can’t survive on beats alone. So, whether you’re chasing a pre-show bite, a quick bite between sets, or a post-performance feast, we’ve rounded up a few nearby favourites to keep you fuelled from first encore to final curtain.
1. Part Time Lover
Part Time Lover is basically your festival survival HQ, just a hop, skip, and a shimmy down the street from Botanic Park, making it perfect for a preWOMADelaide fuel-up or a post-gig celebration. With its sunsoaked timber interiors and relaxed Californian vibes, this bistro is all about sharing good food and even better times.
Dig into fried corn ribs that flirt with your taste buds, salt & pepper bug rolls, fresh seafood, and hearty mains that’ll have you dancing your way back to the park. Add cocktails, coffee, and a buzzing, laid-back atmosphere, and you’ve got a spot that’s as essential as your festival lanyard.
Location: Paul Kelly Ln, Adelaide
Hours: Monday to Friday 7am – late;
Saturday 6pm – late
2. Botanic Lodge
Botanic Lodge is another perime festival chill-out, just a leafy stroll from Botanic Park and WOMADelaide’s action. Nestled in the Adelaide Botanic Garden with lakeside views, it’s perfect for a morning coffee, a long lunch, or a relaxed post-gig dinner.
Seasonal South Australian produce shines on the menu, and the serene, sun-dappled setting makes it an easy favourite for festival-goers looking to pause, sip, and soak up some calm before, or after, the music.
Location: Main Lake, Adelaide Botanic Garden
Hours: Daily 9.30am – 4pm
3. Jolley’s Boathouse
Jolley’s Boathouse is the riverside rendezvous that doubles as one of Adelaide’s most beloved dining spots, and it’s an easy wander from WOMADelaide’s Botanic Park beats. Set right on the tranquil River Torrens, this historic boathouse turned stylish bistro serves seasonal, locally driven modern Australian cuisine with plenty of flavour and flair.
Whether you’re sipping South Australian wine with friends as the sun glints off the water, popping in for a leisurely lunch before the first set, or toasting to a day of live music with a postfestival dinner, Jolleys’ chic yet relaxed vibe makes it a standout place to eat, unwind and revel in Adelaide’s festival spirit.
Location:1 Jolleys Lane, South Adelaide
Hours:Tuesday to Sunday 12pm – late
4. Antica Pizzeria City
Antica Pizzeria is throwing dough on festival grounds itself, but if you’re looking to dine comfortably, the City location is just a stone’s throw from the WOMADelaide scene. With its woodfired oven churning out blistered, chewy crusted pizzas topped with fresh, flavour-forward ingredients, this spot makes for a perfect pre-festival feast or a post-gig carb celebration.
The vibe is lively and welcoming, think buzzing tables, shared plates, bottles of Italian wine, and that irresistible aroma of pizza straight from the oven. Whether you’re lining up for your favourite act or unwinding after dancing in the park all day, Antica delivers big smiles (and even bigger slices).
Location: 226 Morphett Street, Adelaide
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 5.30pm – late
More ideas on where to dine in Adelaide
To wrap up your festival dining adventure, remember that this guide is just a taste of what Adelaide has to offer. Beyond the spots we’ve highlighted near WOMADelaide, the city’s vibrant food scene stretches from hidden laneway gems to waterfront favourites and classic institutions, with something to suit every palate and occasion.
For even more ideas on where to eat in Adelaide, check out this roundup of the Top 60 Restaurants to Book Now in Adelaide that covers a whole host of brilliant venues worth exploring!
