4 restaurants in Clare Valley you simply shouldn't pass by

The Clare Valley Wine Region

South Australians will undoubtedly know the picturesque beauty of Clare Valley. The wine region’s premium vineyards and gently rolling hills make up some of the the most alluring views in the state. Celebrated for its Rieslings, the Clare Valley also produces endless moorish reds such as Shiraz and Cabernet. 

Food and wine in the Clare Valley

But aside from world-renowned wines, the countryside region tucked away in a green valley, is also home to a range of rapidly expanding gourmet produce. Olives oils, free range eggs and pasta and bread made from local grains, are just some of the products produced in the region.

Nurturing beautiful ingredients across its hills, the Clare Valley is naturally home to restaurants which make the most of these local riches. Cellar doors, local markets, cafes and restaurants in the Clare Valley all reap the benefits of fresh local produce. 

4 of the best restaurants in Clare Valley

On your next trip to the charming wine region, taste the results of this abundant fresh produce at a Clare Valley restaurant. Satisfy your epicurean cravings with some classic countryside hospitality. Listed here are three special restaurants in the Clare Valley where you can kick back, relax and enjoy the true Clare Valley experience.

1. Slate Restaurant

Tucked away at Pikes Wines is Slate Restaurant; a gem in the local Clare Valley food scene. Very recently, the restaurant was awarded with Clare Valley’s ‘Cellar Door with the Best Food’ by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine. What more can we say?

Slate is loyal and committed to South Australian produce. The winery restaurant thrives in the heart of Clare Valley through its use of the freshest, local products. Working with local farms and small scale growers, a passion for food and the beautifully luscious region is charmingly showcased. Changing according to the season and to what the valley has to offer, Slate Restaurant conjures up simple yet delectable dishes. French but with a regional flair is the idea behind the menu. Pop in to discover the true taste of South Australian cuisine. 

Pikes Wines itself sits on an ancient bed of 500 million-year-old slate stone – hence the name itself. This solid foundation has been a key component in making the exquisite wines what they are today. Fittingly, the restaurant, named after this stone foundation has now become an integral part of the Pikes Wines name. If you’re after a long lunch paired with local wines in the Clare Valley, certainly give this place a go. 

2. Skillogalee Winery Restaurant

Another winery restaurant – Skillogalee Winery Restaurant – is a popular and usually very busy dining option. Upon your visit to the quaint Clare Valley winery, opt to dine under the shade of a tree. Alternatively, sit on the veranda or inside the cosy walls of the charming winery building. Look across the vines and cottage gardens whilst you enjoy locally sourced produce, crafted to perfection. Vibrant yet relaxing, the restaurant here will provide you with the ultimate Clare Valley dining experience.

Emphasis at Skillogalee is on interesting dishes not only from Australia but from around the world. Gorgeously presented food, professionally served by friendly staff is the standard. Seasonality is key to the menu and ingredients are at the height of freshness. Wine suggestions to match dishes are suggested on menus, finishing off your experience perfectly.

Quite romantically, the restaurant at Skillogalee Winery was initially only intended to serve customers food on the side of wine tasting. From 1990, the eatery blossomed to become something much more integral to the winery. Now with a reputation across Australia, this is certainly one of the best restaurants in Clare Valley. Drop by to soak up a typical South Australian atmosphere and eat to your heart’s content.

3. Terroir Auburn

Brining a hint of Paris to South Australia, Terroir Auburn is a quaint village restaurant with a French vibe. Crafted wonderfully within the walls of a building from the 1860’s, the restaurant has modern fittings and high ceilings, making for a clean yet characterful experience. Terroir Auburn is informal and relaxing, yet equally sophisticated. Stepping inside, you could be in Europe. Established in 2012, the restaurant is owned and run by a husband and wife who have a real passion for food.

With a constantly changing menu, inspired by seasonal Clare Valley produce, Terroir Auburn offers clever and contemporary presentation and simple yet delicious cuisine. Sustainability and humanely treated products are important and very integral to the food and the message here. It is only a few unique dairy products that are sourced elsewhere, since they are not made in the Clare Valley vicinity.

Consider dropping into Terroir Auburn to experience old school cookery techniques and a French style, combined with current, highly-skilled methods, interesting flavours and purely South Australian produce.

4. Conner’s Restaurant

At Clare Country Club, Conner’s Restaurant has established itself as a leading dining establishment. Dark woods and rustic decor, give the Clare Valley restaurant a a sophisticated vibe. Meanwhile, big windows looking out over the hotel grounds flood the restaurant with light. An open log fire and tub chairs in the bar area, create the perfect spot for a glass of red during the colder months. Conner’s offers tasty dishes crafted from fresh, local produce. Choose from a fabulous list of local Clare Valley wines to elegantly top of your experience here.

The menu, comprised of local South Australian meats, flavourful and fresh seafood and hearty deserts can all be enjoyed here. Drop by Clare Country Club to indulge and relax at Conner’s Restaurant. Savour your meal with a view over the hotel grounds and outdoor pool.

Which of these restaurants in Clare Valley tempts you the most?

With so many tempting eateries to choose from, you could spend a whole weekend nibbling your way around the Clare Valley.

For more information about things to do in the Clare Valley, places to eat, wines to taste and things to see, check out our Ultimate Guide to Clare Valley. Inside, you’ll find just about everything you need. Use our guide to plan your next trip to the rolling hills of South Australia’s infamous wine region.