River Cafè has one of Adelaide’s most superb city locations. A floating pavilion, literally sitting on the water, the restaurant has beautiful river views and wonderful night time city views from every seat in the restaurant. River Cafè is one of those rare restaurants that is as atmospheric during the daylight hours as it is as night.

On hot days the windows roll away to give a really magical dining experience. Primarily Italian head chef Sarah Whetstone has ample opportunity to display her Italian heritage, but also enjoys small touches of the Mediterranean and an occasional splash of spice and colour from the Middle East.

The restaurant is a 10 minute walk along the River Torrens from the Adelaide Festival Centre and a 10 minute cab ride from any city hotel. Additionally there is ample free parking. The River Cafè is a spacious stylish contemporary room and our approach to service is professional and informed without being stuffy. Adelaide (probably Australia’s) only gondola taxi can bring you along the river to the restaurant, or equally you might like to take one of Adelaide City Council’s free bikes from the rear of the restaurant, cycle to the beach and back along the very safe and scenic cycle track and we’ll have a cold beer or a great glass of fizz waiting for you on your return. And of course after that a great lunch or dinner!

Owner and executive chef Ray Mauger and head chef Sarah Whetstone are passionate about the food at River Cafè and are backed by a young but enthusiastic kitchen team who share their love of fresh, seasonal local food. Desserts are particularly good.

Our restaurant manager Nick Sparr is well known to Adelaide diners and especially the corporate sector. Nick is the driving force behind the restaurant who ensures an excellent dining experience. Our waiting staff are committed professionals conversant in all aspects of the River Cafè’s food and wine and love nothing more than to guide our guests to a perfect dining experience.

Tables with views — it is impossible to give everyone dining in the restaurant an absolute window front seat, however the clever tiered dining arrangement means that every table in the restaurant has an equally splendid view.

At River Cafè we offer a world class dining experience that clearly identifies the passion of our chefs and management for the total dining experience!