Press* Food & Wine: Adelaide’s sustainable standout
Located in lively Waymouth Street, Press Food & Wine has become the go-to for Adelaide diners in the know, effortlessly blending laid-back charm with polished, produce-driven cuisine. Known for its sustainable approach, communal energy and an unwavering commitment to local produce, Press* manages to strike the perfect balance – refined yet relaxed, familiar yet always fresh.
A sublime space
With a high-end 2022 refresh that seamlessly blends its heritage architecture with classic European sophistication, Press* reminds Adelaide that evolution doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Whether you drop in spontaneously or linger for a long evening, the two-level venue, a former printworks, effortlessly adapts to the moment with a balance between lively buzz and quiet elegance that makes it a destination for every mood.
Downstairs, the Italian marble bar buzzes with energy, offering a lively setting for casual bites and after-work drinks. Upstairs, sunlight streams through generous windows, casting a warm glow over a space that feels both relaxed and refined, an ideal setting for casual dinners or special occasions.
Produce with purpose
At Press* Food & Wine, executive Chef Tom Tilbury’s menu puts South Australia’s sustainable produce front and centre, using respectful restraint to bring out each ingredient’s best.
Start with the fennel and dill dip with warm bread and house-pickled vegetables that are a thing of colourful beauty. Entrees are another delight. Buttery and briny Gazander oysters, fresh from Port Lincoln, are served natural or with a refreshing blood orange granita. Scallops arrive just set, resting on a bed of cauliflower purée with crispy chicken skin and a splash of pistachio oil. And the kangaroo and saltbush tartare shines a thoughtful spotlight on native ingredients.
Larger plates showcase fire and finesse. Barramundi topped with saffron-infused Goolwa pippies and Jerusalem artichoke shares the spotlight with slow-braised kangaroo tail resting on silky polenta and finished with warrigal oil. Pasta lovers might gravitate toward the pappardelle with blue swimmer crab and chilli. Should you crave a steak, there’s a perfectly seared Kilcoy sirloin served with a punchy chimichurri. And, of course, the classic Press* burger remains a beloved mainstay.
Then finish your meal on a sweet note with a blueberry and white chocolate mille-feuille that’s crisp and light, or a creamy, vegan-friendly, coconut panna cotta paired with charred pineapple, ginger and lime gel.
World class wine
Wines at Press* are chosen with the same intention as the food. The cellar is extensive but curated with care, featuring a strong showing of South Australian varietals alongside American and European classics. The staff, generous with their knowledge, are always ready to guide guests through the perfect pairing. Cocktails are crisp and confident, like the Fuego, a bold blend of chili and herb-infused tequila, with a hint of Amaro Montenegro and a citrus kick from blood orange and lime.
An evolving classic
There’s something reassuring about a restaurant that evolves while staying unmistakably itself. Press* Food & Wine does exactly that, offering an experience rooted in substance, shaped by the seasons and always ready to surprise. Sophisticated but never stiff. Familiar but never boring. It’s a place that doesn’t chase trends – it sets its own.