There’s no doubt about it – there are some days when I feel that perhaps the gods are smiling on me. Certainly, the day I opened the post and found my invitation to the launch of Adelaide’s Hill of Grace Restaurant was one of those days. Adelaide’s iconic Oval has just undergone a massive facelift and what was once a charmingly colonial football and cricket field is now one of the most breathtaking stadiums in Australia, which even has those from the insular eastern states grudgingly admitting that we might just have outdone them this time round.
Ensuring that Adelaide Oval is more than just cricket and football the Hill of Grace Restaurant, on the third level of the stadium, brings together two South Australian icons. It offers a truly South Australian fine dining experience, while showcasing the best seasonal produce and premium wine the state has to offer. Henschke Wines Hill of Grace is internationally renowned and the eponymous restaurant now boasts the world’s only complete set – a priceless collection from 1958 to the current vintage.
With Head Chef Dennis Leslie at the helm in the kitchen, the menu is complemented by a range of more than 160 South Australian wines meaning diners are guaranteed a gastronomic experience like no other. And, in a stroke of genius, the installation of an Enomatic wine dispenser will offer diners the unique opportunity to purchase a 50ml, 100ml or 150 ml glass of the world-famous Hill of Grace shiraz as well as additional museum and back vintage Henschke wines.
Fine dining opportunities have been a little limited in Adelaide in recent times and the opening of this beautiful dining room in such a significant venue is a noteworthy addition to the local dining scene. I was thrilled to be one of 140 lucky guests who were treated to a showcase of their exquisite menu at the launch of the restaurant just two weeks ago. Dennis had finely tuned the menu for the night and really showcased the best – of both his talent and South Australian produce. My favourite of the evening was the Kilawin – a raw Kingfish dish inspired by Dennis’ own Filippino heritage – but it was a close call as each course was exceptional.
You don’t have to wait for a football or cricket game to enjoy this very special spot (or to show it off to your interstate friends and family) as the Hill of Grace Restaurant is open to the public for dinner five nights a week (Tuesday to Saturday) and lunch on Fridays. The restaurant is located within the Audi Stadium Club on level three of the Eastern Stand, with parking available underground.
Ph (08) 8205 4777
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I swooned from first word to last. What an incredible venue! The outstanding food just makes it even more special. Lucky you!
What a beautiful restaurant. I love the interior. The food looks incredible and so artfully done. What a joy to be invited! xx
Wow what an amazing idea and restaurant. Just the opportunity to drink some of those old Henschke wines is very exciting. You are a lucky girl indeed. Oh don’t say we are insula Amanda that makes me feel bad..
Oh this all sounds so yummy and very swanky indeed! It’s certainly nice to have a fine dining option for special occasions 🙂
Wow – lucky old you. We’ve ordered several Henschke bottles over the last couple of decades and they are always special. Have never tried Hill of Grace though. Your pics are lovely.
Always makes me happy when function venues get it right. Great to see.
Re Hill of Grace Restaurant. I think you should revisit this place. I spent over $600 there last week and the wine servings were tiny and the food pretty indifferent. The restaurant was empty on a Friday night. I’ll give it six months