There’s something magic about a road trip in winter — misty hills, moody coastlines and the promise of a slow-cooked meal waiting at the end. Just under an hour from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula comes into its own during the cooler months, with fires crackling, local wines flowing and seasonal menus that celebrate the region’s rich produce. Whether it’s a long lunch among the vines, a cosy pub roast or a decadent degustation, these seven winter feasts are more than meals — they’re reasons to make the drive.
17 Jun 2025
The Fleurieu Peninsula is putting on a winter feast and you're invited...
Maxwell Restaurant, McLaren Vale
Tucked beneath the hilltop Maxwell Wines cellar door, this award-winning restaurant blends elegance with earthy charm. Their seasonal degustation menu is a celebration of local produce, presented with precision and heart. In winter, the stone walls, moody lighting and vineyard views create an intimate space to slow down and savour — with the famous lime cave just a short stroll away for a post-lunch wander.
Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale
This converted 1850s homestead is a winter dream — cosy, character-filled and always buzzing with warmth. Chef Karena Armstrong’s menus are fiercely seasonal and always surprising, with bold global flavours woven through hearty local produce. Come for the food, stay for the extensive gin list and good-natured service that makes every visit feel like home.
Muni, Willunga
Minimalist in style, maximalist in flavour — Muni is a small but mighty presence in the Fleurieu dining scene. The intimate space, soft lighting and polished service set the tone, while the Asian-influenced set menu unfolds like a quiet story told through texture, umami and restraint. It’s the kind of place that redefines a winter night out.
Mitolo, McLaren Vale
If you’re craving a generous dose of Italian comfort with a modern twist, Mitolo delivers. Their rustic-luxe dining space is warm and stylish, with long tables perfect for lingering lunches and glass walls framing the vine-dotted landscape. Expect bold, hearty flavours — hand-made pasta, slow-cooked meats, wood oven warmth — all paired with Mitolo’s bold red wines.
Lost Phoenix Farm, Victor Harbor
Once a shearing shed, now one of the most atmospheric dining spots on the Fleurieu. Lost Phoenix Farm leans into its rural roots with roaring fires, exposed beams and a menu grounded in seasonal simplicity. In winter, it’s the kind of place you retreat to — for a long lunch by the fire, a bottle of red and a generous, produce-driven feast that tastes of the region.
The Little Rickshaw, Aldinga
Big on flavour and charm, this intimate Asian fusion diner in Aldinga punches well above its size. Warm lighting, colourful plates and a creative share menu make it a local favourite, especially when the weather turns cool and comforting flavours shine. Think rich broths, spiced meats, and bold veg-driven sides — perfect after a windswept beach walk.
d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant, McLaren Vale
Perched above the vines in a restored 19th-century homestead, d’Arry’s Verandah is a Fleurieu institution for good reason. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame rolling views, while the menu is rich with classics — think confit duck, pork belly and indulgent desserts — elevated with seasonal flair. In winter, it’s the kind of long lunch that turns into late afternoon, best paired with a bottle of d’Arenberg red and nowhere else to be.
