Wow i love this place Patch d I've taken lots of my friends there and all of them have loved the…read moreowner, Belle a d her husband d Andrew, the chef. His bread is cooked on an outdoor bonfire, daily and is delightful as charred on the outside a d crunchy. I aim to visit every week and have managed to achieve this these past 3 months or so. Belle is warm And moves around so quickly, service is quick and food very hot. Homemade pasta meals my daughters love as do I. The starters are out of this world like cherry tomatoes covered with Greek yoghurt and olive oil. Outdoors is also glorious surrounded by very tall trees. 10 stars if 10 is excellent Anne Rosewarne

*I shall preface this review by saying that I've only ever eaten here when it's been sunny/warm…read moreenough to sit outside* I'm going to give Patch a five. For my liking, they do a ripper brekky, the service is friendly and the atmosphere is typical of this end of the hills - easygoing, but with just a splash of 'nose-in-the-air', which I find very amusing. Before we first went (2nd day they were open) we had heard they were trying to push the kid friendly vibe. Although they seem to cater for the young mum audience, according to reports I've heard come from the owners, the young mum crowd stopping in for a coffee once or twice a week doesn't pay the bills, so they are trying to expand their clientel to include people who will buy cocktails and spend money! Fair enough too. I hope this place has legs and is around for a while; The old indian restaurant in this spot seemed to thrive for years, whereas other restaurant spots in the same area of Stirling have a very hard time, turning over every couple of years. Seems like you're doing the right thing at the moment Patchies, keep it up! And to any of you curious about somewhere to go in the hills for a bite, with or without kids, get into patch. Well worth a look!

A city slicker like me looked at this place from the outside and thinks "hang on, am I in the right…read moreplace?" But I persevered, wondering if the simplistic looking cafe set overlooking a car park and hosting canteen style menu board of sandwiches aimed to fool the hipsters of Parkside into thinking they should move on an eat at other hard wood floored establishments on the main road. I was right. It's the essence of things, it's the friendly country service (even though you're 20 mins from the city), it's...Mabo. Hearty soups and huge baguettes caught my eye on a cold winter's day in Stirling. My seasonal veggie soup came out with crusty bread and steaming hot. All I wanted to do for 15 minutes was eat that bloody soup but I had to wait for it to be less than burning. That soup-er temptress was worth the wait as she was peppery and full flavoured and very filling. I'm currently planning my return for a less heated affair and one of their big brekkies. Soon my pretty....

I've been wanting to review this place for ages, but I had to try every baguette first…read more (and the burrito) (and the New York Rueben) There are 15 different baguette options on the menu, not including variations. It's a tad overwhelming but I prefer this to the chain sandwich store, production-line style of ordering. Also, The Essence baguettes are well over a foot long with heaps of filling all the way to the end. No need for a tape measure. The staff are really friendly, and it seems genuine. Even when they aren't having the best day, the inner awesome shines through. Given the success of the place in it's hidden location, it would seem the fickle people of Stirling agree. The baguettes. They're just that good. All the ingredients look, taste and smell super fresh. I haven't been able to decide on a favourite, but all that come with pancetta are droolworthy. Crispy salty awesome with fresh herbs, it sounds simple but it's done so well. The chicken ceasar is really good too, as are the turkey cranberry and the chicken avocado. The philly cheese steak owns my stomach, so filling, so good. The smell alone makes my mouth water. When I tried The salami baguette I had my standards set pretty low (I'm not a mad salami fan) but upon recommendation I had it toasted. To say I was impressed is an understatement. Possibly the best cheese toastie I've ever had. There are two vegetarian baguette options on the menu, both are really good quality full of roast vegetable and herb deliciousness. I haven't looked for a vegan option, but I'm sure these friendly folks won't bight your head off if you ask nicely. They also do good coffee, and like most places in Stirling these days they do breakfast. Unfortunately I'm yet to have the Essence Breakfast experience but it's certainly on my to do list.

Well, well, well... it seems that Aldgate Providore has re-branded and had a facelift. All for the…read morebetter. This feels a lot more modern and quite classy. I think this is a really great thing for Aldgate. Kind of stepping up and showing the Community it is ok to change your image. I hope that a lot of the neighbouring businesses take note. For too long has the Adelaide Hills been old and outdated. Over the last 5 years we have seen some impressive changes. This is one of them. The décor inside is really well planned. All the colours work together, green being their spark of colour. And certain little touches of green are really clever. For example, I brought my dogs along to the café and I was handed two green bones on a plate for them to enjoy! How sweet is that? Do you know any other cafes that offer your pups a treat? Not many that is for sure! The menu is simple, but well thought out. I ordered the DIY Brekkie, which you have poached eggs and toast as the base and you can add other items. I decided on haloumi and avocado. Eggs were cooked prefect. But only one slice of bread? It was quite a costly meal of over $20, so I thought I would get two slices at least. Oh well... My partner tried the truffle scrambled eggs. Which I thought was much better value. So much flavour and cooked really well. Fluffy and not overdone! I am glad to see this café in Aldgate. I am sure the Community will love it. As for myself, I will try a few more items on the menu.

Newly renovated Fred Eatery is the shinning gem that is drawing locals and visitors alike to…read moreAlgate. Brunch was what we came here for and boy were we keen to refuel after 8kms of hiking. Our reserved table was waiting for us upstairs. We were all enjoying the warmth from both the heaters and the interior fitout as we walked through. Green and wood is used throughout the space. A very lovely fitout indeed. First shock would be the pricing of the food dishes. I don't mind paying for quality, however, I think it is a tad outrageous to charge customers $12 for two eggs on toast or $23 for smashed avocado which came with two eggs. Getting over the initial shock, we queued up to order. It was the longest wait for the amount of people in the line. Not sure why the staff taking the orders was so slow. It became apparent that a second staff was needed. Food came intermittently, which is understandable as we didn't order together. Having said that, one of the ladies who ordered first had to wait till everyone received their food before hers came. Hangry would aptly described her emotions. The food was delicious! I had the croque monsieur. Never heard of it before, I took a gamble and was pleasantly surprised. Other dishes included a little of a lot, smashed avocado, mushrooms on toast and the Frederick special. Really glad we stopped here for brunch. It is definitely popular. I still maintain that it is overpriced for what we received though. Worth checking out, but bring a big wallet!

If you ever wake up on a day off on a Friday or Saturday morning (8.30-4) and you're feeling…read moreeasy-breezy and you're looking for a cruisy, quaint, casual cafe brekky or tea then I highly recommend the Piccadilly Kitchen (PK). The coffee is good, at a good price and perfect with a cheeky slice of cake if you're so inclined. We indulged in scrambled eggs with kasundi relish (amaaaazing!) And avocado and tomato on homemade buttermilk bread. All tasty and filling too. Its uber-kitchy decor and open kitchen gives PK a unique home-meal type charm with a rustic hills cafe quality. The service is an OK pace, if you're not in a rush...i can't imagine this would be the sort of place you'd stop if you were, but as I said, if you go in feeling loosey-goosey, no fuss, no stress, PK is a definite winner. Glad we finally made it and looking forward to returning to try the rest of the lunch menu.

This is a beautiful little spot in the Adelaide Hills. Adjacent to the lower entrance to the Mt…read moreLofty Botanic gardens and situated on Piccadilly road which runs from Stirling/Crafers to Uraidla/Summertown, this little cafe is quite often pumping on the weekend. They have a fairly simple set-up; a small open kitchen and a few tables inside and then a few more tables outside. My first visit was on my brother's wedding day when the three of us bro's went out for breakfast beforehand. The breakfast wasn't huge or elaborate but was well cooked and the coffee was fantastic. I've been back for coffee and cake and the quality is still high. They sell all sorts of jams and spreads made locally in the hills and have a rack of plants out the front for purchase. I also read that they have a barter system there; so when we visited they were asking for lemons and were offering food or coffee in exchange. I like that initiative. If you live in the hills and have driven past on your way to somewhere else and thought "is that place any good?", the answer is yes, so you should pop in and support your local hills cafe. You never know how long these places will stay open if you don't.

We stayed at the adjacent Lodge, making Hardy's Veranda a convenient stroll across the property…read more We were in the mood for more casual than the fine dining experience, thus chose to dine in the bar. Very comfortable, quiet, charming. The bartender was very helpful with my husband's choosing of a local whiskey. I had a delicious cocktail and we both had wine with our dinner. Service was efficient and friendly. Food was high quality/seasonal and delish. Positive all around.

Set in the nicely renovated Mount Lofty House (previously there was a 'Hardy's Restaurant" in the…read morecomplex but now this brilliant gem has opened on the Piccadilly side of the building. As the name indicates it has a verandah, although most tables are not on the verandah, although most have a view. Fantastic decor', staff, view. The menu looks the part and everything is presented with precision throughout the degustation. No doubt everyone will love this place and if you stay here you should eat here. For me it was "The King has no clothes". The lovely waitress rapid fire parroted off the description of each dish, intertwined with French or food jargon words most of which I had to ask her to repeat or explain. Many dishes were Minuscule wafers of air dried beef, mouses, tiny scraps of slightly over soused produce and chef's ego concoctions to justify the price. Then amongst the minuscule portions an unexplained giant sugary sour milk roll (potentially a palate cleanser). The desert with the old 'fizz wizz' trick was good and the petite fours nicely presented, although the chocolate tasted of pure white sugar. The wine by the glass was shot out of a ridiculous syringe argon gas contraption that lacked ceremony. Surely in a large busy degustation restaurant, draining these not so expensive bottles quickly and using a gas blanket preserver would avoid this?! In contrast, the Magill Estate takes great SA produce and doesn't muck with every dish quite so much and dishes are just big enough to justify a half serve of wine with each course.

Went here with our dog on a cold winter morning. The outside heater was not working and though they…read moreoffered blankets they kinda smelled so we sat inside. They have an organic store where one can do grocery shopping. My sister got herself some vegan and organic stuff here. I got vegan scone with vegan butter - it was good! Almond latte was nothing special though. Good place to read a book or the morning paper. Very pet friendly too (our dog made some doggie friends while waiting for us).

Stirling is beautiful during the autumn. The streets are lined with shades of red and gold leaves…read moreand the streets are busy with people. One of my favourite spots to stop for coffee, lunch or cake is the Organic Market Café. Set up on a side street to the main road, the Organic Market Café is a popular destination for locals and visitors to the Adelaide Hills. They offer a range of food, beverages and a market store out back. If you are looking for grains, organic veggies, teas, olives, oils, pastas, etc you will find it here. They stock quality specially picked products from around Australia and some imports. They fruit and Veg here is really fresh and flavoursome. For those sceptics on the quality of organic foods I ask you to try an apple from this store. You will notice the flavour is more intense, it is crisp and juicy. This is the result on fresh (not frozen) food. As for the dining experience, well there are a lot of beautiful healthy and veggie heavy items for you to choose from. My favourite in particular is the antipasto platter. Order it and you can thank me later. They pickle their own veggies and make their own dips. Also, if it is cold and you need to warm up while you are in the hills, check out the soup of the day. They have a great selection and served with warm crusty bread. Super yummy! For those with dogs, this is a pet friendly café out the front area. There are many people who bring their pups along to stop for a coffee. So, don't feel shy!

Stirling Cellars & Patisserie is really well priced. This is definitely surprising as it is located…read morein the middle of one of the wealthiest suburbs in the Adelaide Hills. In fact, they generally are cheaper than most other bottle shops. Depending on the product. But if you are a craft beer lovers (like myself) you will notice the difference in price. If you love wine, you will be excited to know that unlike large bottle shop chains, you will find boutique South Australian wines here. Some wineries are very particular on where they sell their produce. This is one of those very lucky destinations. But this isn't just a bottle shop/cellar, it's also a lovely café and patisserie (as the name suggests). You will find a lovely range of pastries, cakes, sweets, sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. All of them are gourmet and special. Last time I had lunch here I picked up a great special, a slice of pizza and coffee for $10. The pizza was great. It was pre-made and heated. But, it was still quality with smoked salmon, capers, and veggies. Great quality base as well! As for the coffee, I am not entirely convinced they have their in-house blend right. But, I am always willing to try it again. My barista overheated the milk as well. Oh well... Last thing to mention is the range of crockery & home wares available instore on the back wall. Very nice selection of designer pieces. So worth looking at if you are after a gift or wanting something spesh for home!

Such a quaint place, Located in such a beautiful town, open early enough to accommodate early…read morebrunch takers and even allows you the enjoyment of watching the locals and passers through stroll through at 9am for some grog. Maybe not at 9am. Located just behind the Stirling pub and just off the main road through town in a new complex built also for one of the most well laid out Foodland stores I've ever seen (wooden floors in a supermarket equals fancy!). But we're here to talk about this. fancy. place. Come up, grab a quiche, a ginormous berry meringue to crack open and devour, a cheese plate and coffees for everyone - and then go hard at the goods. Great ambiance. Want to buy ridiculously fun and expensive local and imported goods? They've got it, too. Or if they haven't, pop next door and see if they do. With seating that allows you to watch the staff behind the scenes or the trees across from the complex, styled with fun, comfort and genius. Go solo for some quiet times, or bring friends and enjoy the moment. Go initially for sophistication and depart with an armful of new friends to drink (sensibly!). Just don't miss this spot - whatever you do.

I was really hoping this deli, with such a good location, could do big things. It all looked so…read morepromising with small displays of local products and pretty good coffee. There is evidence that some effort went into the redesign of the deli, but it feels unfinished and has done for many months. The staff, with a few exceptions, seem preoccupied and easily confused. The menu is quite good for a small shop, and I've had a few good meals here but they'll need to improve on consistency to compete with the many tasty and often cheaper options just down the road in Stirling. Another important lesson yet to be learnt by the Crafers Gourmet Deli is that having "Gourmet" in your name does not mean you can charge a dollar more per pastry item (especially when you're selling the same Villi's and Balfours range as everyone else) Good for coffee, not much else. I look forward to seeing this business develop into the excellent deli it could be.

" More than a takeaway Deli"…read more Located across the road from the Crafers Hotel, with a generous serving area, and a tidy relaxing dining area, with a good range of food options, makes the Crafers Gourmet Deli very popular with the locals and cyclists that frequently bike the Hills. Open for breakfast and lunch with an excellent range of freshly prepared options, eg, cheese, tomatoes and olives focaccia with their own pesto, and chicken tandoori wrap, rich and tasty, is only one of many food options. As I sat and enjoyed a relaxing lunch in the dining area, with a latte, (Mahalia boutique coffee roaster, winner of a number of awards, from Robe SA.) I found the service was good, the dining area relaxing and comfortable, with a de stress ambience, which completed my lunch experience.

Right in the Main Street of Stirling this place does some excellent business. Opened pretty much…read moreall day even for breakfast. For Australia not a bad Mexican influenced eatery. It's much bigger than you think with multiple dinning areas. It's worth a visit.

I've visited several times now and each time the food has been excellent and the service friendly…read more Lovely place for a date or catching up with friends.

Finally, I had located a pub in the Adelaide Hills that actually had schnitzel on the menu. Well,…read moreI've actually been to this place a few times, but that is probably not all that surprising since I did grow up in Adelaide, and have also known a number of people that lived in the area. It is actually quite a nice pub, with some rather friendly staff, that is also located in a really nice part of the area. Oh, they also had some decent beers on tap as well.

I was staying in Stirling the other night, and the bistro there was pretty packed, so I was…read morepresented the problem of finding a decent feed in a slightly unfamiliar location. I got back in the car and went for a little drive down the road. Before I knew it, this pub loomed out of the greenery of the hills, and I suspected that I had found what I was looking for. Upon entering, I discovered that I had attended on Schnitzel Night. There were three choices on the specials menu television. None of them particularly met my desire, although I did want a schnitzel. I suppose I could have ordered any one of them, and requested all the topping to be removed and substituted for a mushroom sauce, but no, it didn't occur to me, so I just ordered the standard schnitzel off the normal menu. And it was absolutely delicious. The crumb was excellent, the quality of the chicken was probably one of the best I've seen in a pub in South Australia, and the mushroom sauce was beautiful. The staff were friendly, and the meals came out very quickly. I think I'll go back very soon.