Clare Valley Restaurants You Must Try

We’ve rounded up our favourite Clare Valley restaurants for you to enjoy on your trip to this charming and historic wine region.

The area might be known for its wineries and cellar doors, but the Clare Valley restaurant scene is not to be underestimated. With plenty of dining options, from multi-course degustations to casual woodfired pizzas, you’ll be spoiled for choice. We’ve rounded up our favourite Clare Valley restaurants for you to enjoy on your trip to this charming and historic wine region.

1. Skillogalee Restaurant

If farm-to-table dining is your thing, look no further than the lovely restaurant at the acclaimed winery Skillogalee. The refined menu celebrates local Clare Valley and South Australian produce, including ingredients from local suppliers as well as the restaurant’s kitchen garden.

people dining al fresco at Skillogalee Restaurant

Skillogalee Restaurant elevates the farm-to-table dining experience. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Mike Annese)

With dishes such as chicken-liver parfait with pickled cherries, hand-rolled gnocchi with zucchini, pistachio and mint and a delectable 12-hour lamb shoulder, you’ll get a taste of Clare Valley with every mouthful.

a close-up of a dish at Skillogalee Restaurant

Choose from the refined menu at the acclaimed winery Skillogalee.(Image: John Montesi)

Address: 23 Trevarrick Rd, Sevenhill

2. Ragu and Co

Delicious Italian food in the heart of Clare? Don’t mind if we do. Ragu and Co is a warm and authentic restaurant serving saucy pastas, fresh pizzas and traditional Italian dishes that’ll transport you straight to the med.

an array of Italian dishes on the table at Ragu and Co

Relish in Italian fare at Ragu and Co.

Our pick? The crispy skin barramundi with tomatoes, capers and olives – perfection.

mushroom and truffle arancini and pasta with wine at Ragu and Co

Try Ragu and Co’s mushroom and truffle arancini paired with wine.

Address: 308 Main North Road, Clare

3. Slate Restaurant at Pikes

Known as one of the best restaurants in Clare Valley, Slate serves modern Australian dishes designed to showcase the beautiful wine produced at Pikes vineyards.

a spacious dining setup at Slate Restaurant at Pikes

Nab a table inside the spacious and elegant Slate Restaurant at Pikes. (Image: Pikes Wines)

The seasonal menu boasts a fusion of Japanese, Middle Eastern, Italian and French flavours, offering guests a surprising culinary experience that delights the palate and pairs perfectly with their delicious drops!

a chef doing meal preparations at Slate Restaurant at Pikes

Slate Restaurant at Pikes offers a fusion of international cuisines. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 233 Polish Hill Road, Sevenhill

4. Watervale Hotel

This understated gem in Watervale might not have the crisp tablecloths and abundant cutlery of a fine-dining restaurant, but when it comes to excellent food, it sure delivers.

a staff arranging the dining table at Watervale Hotel

Snag a spot in the long table for lunch at Watervale Hotel. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The hotel team prides themselves on their commitment to providing an ‘ethical epicurean’ experience, offering a range of delicious, seasonal and local dishes that cater to all dietaries.

a plate of food on the table at Watervale Hotel

Watervale Hotel commits to provide an ‘ethical epicurean’ experience. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 37 Main North Road, Watervale

5. Seed Clare Valley

If you’re after a relaxed restaurant in Clare Valley serving delicious cocktails and woodfired pizzas, look no further than Seed. This casual spot has a fun rooftop bar where you can enjoy a cold drink and a slice of pizza, as well as a bistro menu for more elevated dining. Don’t miss the fab deli full of gourmet goodies including specialty cheeses and fresh cuts of meat.

specialty cheeses and meat on a platter at Seed Clare Valley

Order gourmet goodies at Seed Clare Valley.

Address: 268 Main North Road, Clare

6. Bush Devine Winery Restaurant

Native ingredients shine on the menu at Bush Devine Winery, the restaurant at Paulett Wines in Polish Hill. Expect to see lemon myrtle, saltbush, bunya nuts and finger limes enriching the dishes with a distinctly Australian twist and showcasing the outstanding flavours this area has to offer.

a food platter with matching wines at Bush Devine Winery Restaurant

Bush Devine Winery Restaurant draws ingredients from their very own Australian native garden.

If you’re opting for the five-course set menu (you should!), give yourself plenty of time to enjoy this gastronomic experience with matching wines – you won’t be disappointed.

guests enjoying food and drinks at Bush Devine Winery, Paulett Wines in Polish Hill

Indulge in a five-course set menu at Bush Devine Winery, the restaurant at Paulett Wines in Polish Hill. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 752 Jolly Way, Polish Hill River

7. Mr. Mick

Mr. Mick is one of the most popular Clare Valley restaurants, and for good reason.

Mr. Mick’s twice-cooked pork belly is extra savoury. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The historic building oozes character, while the relaxed menu features fan favourites such as cheesy arancini, squid with sweet chilli jam, and an indulgent twice-cooked pork belly you’ll be thinking about for days. They also serve a range of yummy pizzas on Sundays.

a close-up of dishes on the table at Mr. Mick

With Mr. Mick’s diverse offerings, you’ll be surely spoilt for choice. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 7 Dominic Street, Clare

8. Reilly’s Restaurant

The charming town of Mintaro is home to Reilly’s Restaurant, where the tastes of the region are explored in their seasonal menu.

old people dining outside Reilly’s Restaurant

Opt for a five-course ‘Long Lunch’ with matching wines at Reilly’s Restaurant. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

Whether you opt to order à la carte or fully indulge in the five-course ‘Long Lunch’ with matching wines, you’ll enjoy gourmet classics guaranteed to delight. Prefer a more relaxed bite? Try Reilly’s cellar door, where you can order grazing platters alongside your wine tasting.

a close-up shot of a food plate at Reilly’s Restaurant

Enjoy gourmet classics guaranteed to delight.

Address: Corner Leasingham Road & Hill St, Mintaro

9. O’Leary Walker Restaurant

The sleek O’Leary Walker is one of the most contemporary Clare Valley restaurants, offering a chic menu designed to share. The tightly edited selection is heavy on the small plates, so you can taste a variety of flavours from the area.

pouring wine into a glass on the dinner table at O’Leary Walker Restaurant

Wine and dine at O’Leary Walker Restaurant. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

We’re ordering the pork and lemongrass wontons, the sticky Thai peanut cauliflower, and the Shiraz-glazed beef rib with celeriac and garlic – foodie heaven. Got dietaries? Stress not. There are lots of options for our GF, DF and vegan friends, too.

a close-up shot of a dish at O’Leary Walker Restaurant

The menu is heavy on the small plates. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 7093 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham

10. Antidote Kitchen

A new venture from the former head chef of Clare Valley institution Indii of Clare, Antidote is bringing Indian street food to the table at this buzzy new spot.

a close-up shot of a food on a plate alongside a drink on the table at Antidote Kitchen

Savour mouth-watering meals at Antidote Kitchen.

Originally a pop-up kitchen servicing local wineries on weekends, Antidote found their permanent home in the old Chaff Mill in Clare just a few months ago, and have been delivering mouth-watering meals every day since.

a table-top view of food plates at Antidote Kitchen

Antidote brings Indian street food to the table.

Address: 308b Main North Road, Clare

We’ve scoped out the place and pulled together the 15 best Clare Valley wineries and cellar doors for you to explore.

Clare Valley might be one of South Australia’s more humble wine regions, but there’s plenty to love in this charming and historic slice of Oz. Scattered along a fertile valley just 90 minutes north of Adelaide, Clare Valley wineries are known for their world-famous riesling, as well as red varietals including shiraz and cabernet. Like their most famous drop, the best wineries in Clare Valley are beautiful in their unassuming subtly, offering a delicious pay-off for those willing to take their time and appreciate the quiet magic of the place.

We’ve scoped out the place and pulled together the 15 best Clare Valley wineries and cellar doors for you to explore.

1. Tim Adams Wines

One of our favourite Clare Valley wineries, the relaxed Tim Adams Wines is nestled among the gum trees in Clare. Sit on the balcony and taste a selection of five single-vineyard varietals paired with cheeses designed to complement and enhance the flavours of the drop ($35 per person).

biking along gum trees in Tim Adams Wines

Wind your way through the gum trees at Tim Adams Wines. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

The riesling is popular, but our personal pick is the crisp and peachy pinot gris – perfect drinking for a warm summer evening. Bookings are recommended, especially during the peak season (December – February).

friends drinking al fresco at Tim Adams Wines

The al fresco spot is perfect for warm summer drinking. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 156 Warenda Rd, Clare

2. Jim Barry Wines

It’s well worth a visit to the cellar door of family-run Jim Barry Wines, which has been producing award-winning wines for over 60 years.

Famed for The Armagh shiraz, a succulent red that retails for about $400 a bottle, and the more affordable Florita riesling ($60), this is Australian winemaking at its finest.

pouring red wine into a glass at Jim Barry Wines

Jim Barry Wines is Australian winemaking at its finest. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Standard visits to the chic cellar door cost $20 per person and must be booked in advance, while more premium tastings and wine experiences are on offer for those looking to experience the full range of Jim Barry’s finest.

Book a premium tasting experience at Jim Barry Wines. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 33 Craig Hill Road, Clare

3. Shut the Gate Wines

The friendly folks at Shut the Gate specialise in small-batch wines, producing a range of varieties including the classics – dry Clare rieslings, pinot gris, chardonnay, shiraz, grenache, cabernet – as well as funkier drops such as fiano, sangiovese, barbera, negroamaro and tempranillo.

a woman pouring wine into a glass inside the cellar door of Shut the Gate Wines

Shut the Gate offers generous free tastings. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Located between Clare and Sevenhill, Shut the Gate offers generous free tastings and wine by the glass, as well as self-selected grazing platters from the charming providore on site.

people wine tasting in the outdoor garden area of Shut the Gate Wines

Nab a table outside. (Image: Tourism Australia/ South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 8453 Main N Rd, Clare

4. Mr. Mick Cellar Door

The gorgeous, vine-covered facade of Mr. Mick Cellar Door creates the perfect backdrop for a delightful afternoon at one of the best wineries in Clare Valley. Mr. Mick is owned by Tim Adams and named after the late K.H. (Mr. Mick) Knappstein, the legendary Aussie winemaker who was Adams’ friend and mentor.

Mr. Mick Cellar Door is the perfect backdrop for a delightful afternoon. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The site holds a special significance, having been in the Knappstein family from 1894 until the mid-70s. Tim Adams and his wife Pam Goldsack then purchased it in 2010 and set up Mr. Mick to reinvigorate the beautiful property and honour the legacy of their friend. The perfect place to stop for lunch.

a selection of wine presented in a row for tasting at Mr. Mick Cellar Door

Enjoy a wine-tasting at Mr. Mick Cellar Door. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 7 Dominic Street, Clare

5. Sevenhill Cellars

When it comes to choosing Clare Valley wineries, Sevenhill Cellars is a must.

This historic property was the first winery in Clare Valley, dating back to the mid-19th century when a group of Jesuit priests who had recently emigrated to Australia purchased the land and began to establish their Mission.

an aerial view of Sevenhill Cellars at sunrise

Sevenhill Cellars was the first winery in Clare Valley. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Grapevines were planted in 1851 and five years later the first batches of Sacramental wine were produced. Today, you can visit the beautiful St Aloysius church and spooky crypt, explore the lush gardens, and taste the sweet Sacramental Wine, as well as more modern varietals. Wine tastings are $10–$20 per person.

the St Aloysius church and lush gardens at Sevenhill Cellars

Sevenhill Cellars is a must-visit. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Address: 111C College Rd, Sevenhill

6. Jeanneret Wines

A visit to Jeanneret Wines can be encapsulated by the motto of the brand itself: ‘naturally perfect’. The family of winemakers, who have been producing tasty drops since 1992, pay homage to their ancestor – the renowned modernist architect and artist, Le Corbusier (Charles Jeanneret) – who popularised ‘the Golden Ratio’ back in the 1920s.

Enjoying a crisp glass of wine at their stunning cellar door is about as close to natural perfection as you can get!

friends sitting outside while enjoying drinks at Jeanneret Wines

Relax in the outdoor garden with a wine in hand. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 22 Jeanneret Rd, Sevenhill

7. Pikes Wines

If you’re looking for good food and good wine, look no further. Known as one of the best Clare Valley restaurants, the hatted Slate Restaurant at Pikes is open for lunch from Thursday to Sunday, and dinner on Saturday nights. The five-course shared menu is $82 per person, with $30 per person extra for a wine pairing.

a look inside Slate Restaurant at Pikes Wines

Slate Restaurant at Pikes is one of the best Clare Valley restaurants. (Image: Pikes Wines)

If you miss out on a table, visit the cellar door for a seated wine tasting seven days a week (booking essential) and try their famous ‘traditionale’ riesling – it’s truly world-class.

food and wine on the dinner table at Pikes Wines

Try Pikes Wines’ famous ‘traditionale’ riesling. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 233 Polish Hill Road, Sevenhill

8. Skillogalee Wines

The gorgeous Skillogalee is one the best Clare Valley wineries to while away an afternoon in the sunshine. The cellar door backs onto a decadent garden, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding hills and vineyards alongside your tasting.

While away an afternoon in the sun at Skillogalee Wines. (Image: John Montesi)

Skillogalee also offers a gourmet lunch menu featuring local produce and, naturally, a wine pairing for each dish. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking ahead as availability is limited.

the surrounding vineyard at Skillogalee Wines

Soak up spectacular views of the surrounding hills and vineyards at Skillogalee Wines. (Image: John Montesi)

Address: 23 Trevarrick Rd, Sevenhill

9. Reilly’s Wines

The heritage-listed Reilly’s Cellar Door and Restaurant in Mintaro is a fab spot to stop if you’re heading to the historic town of Mintaro.

Reilly’s has a great selection of Clare Valley wines, including sparkling, red, white and fortified, as well as a selection of morning teas.

old people dining outside Reilly’s Wines

Reilly’s has a great selection of Clare Valley wines. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: Cnr Hill St & Leasingham Rd, Mintaro

10. clos Clare

It might not be the south of France, but this boutique winery in a beautiful old homestead comes pretty close.

clos Clare resembles a French-style homestead. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

clos Clare is the newest venture from the Barry family, owned and run by third-generation winemakers Tom and Sam Barry (grandsons of pioneering winemaker Jim Barry). The cellar door is open on weekends for sit-down tastings!

friends drinking wine by the balcony at Jim Barry Wines

clos Clare is the newest venture from the Barry family. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 45 Old Road, Watervale

11. O’Leary Walker Wines

Slick O’Leary Walker offers a range of tasting options at their scenic cellar door in Leasingham, including a wine and chocolate pairing that’s outrageously good.

a woman enjoying her wine-tasting meals at O’Leary Walker Wines

Sip on the finest wine at O’Leary Walker Wines.

Address: 7093 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham, Clare

12. Kilikanoon Wines

A picnic on the grass at pretty Kilikanoon is a must if you’ve got a weekend or more visiting Clare Valley wineries.

Kilikanoon Wines is surrounded by verdant greenery. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission / Adam Bruzzone)

Choose six out of 20 wines when you select their classic wine tasting ($20 per person) or opt for the 60–90 minute ‘Revelation Experience’, where you get to taste Kilikanoon’s most outstanding varietals and learn about what makes this region so distinct ($100 per person).

Taste Kilikanoon’s most outstanding varietals. (Image: Kilikanoon Wines)

Address: 6962 Horrocks Highway (Main North Road) Leasingham

13. Claymore Wines

The football-loving folks at Claymore Wines know the secret to good wine is having a little fun. With wines named after iconic songs such as Bittersweet Symphony (cabernet sauvignon) and Dark Side of the Moon (shiraz), you’ll enjoy the tasting experience as much as the delicious drops they offer.

Everyone’s welcome at Claymore, including kiddos and four-legged friends, and bookings are only required for groups of eight or more.

the wine tasting room inside the cellar door of Claymore Wines

Step into Claymore Wines’ cellar door tasting room. (Image: Jonathan van der Knaap)

Address: 7145 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham

14. Taylors Wines

Taylors Wines is one of Australia’s largest wine producers, and its luxe cellar door and winery in Clare Valley is certainly one of the best.

The cellar door offers a wide range of wine flights and tasting experiences (between $5 and $40 per person), as well as wine by the glass and delicious grazing platters, seven days a week.

a food platter with two glasses of wine at Taylors Wines

Taylors Wines is one of Australia’s largest wine producers. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 89A Winery Rd, Auburn SA 5451

15. Grosset Wines

We’re big fans of the understated Grosset Wines, where small batches of beautiful single-vineyard wines are produced.

Grosset has four high-country vineyards in the Clare Valley at Polish Hill, Rockwood, Spring Vale and Gaia, all of which offer a cooler climate to produce the elegant, fresh and beautifully balanced wines for which they have become known. Our pick is the immensely drinkable Springvale riesling ($55), but you really can’t go wrong with a bottle of Grosset.

a man strolling along the vineyard at Grosset Wines

With a cooler climate, Grosset produces elegant, fresh and beautifully balanced wines.

Address: Cnr. Archer Street and Stanley Street, Auburn

10 Clare Valley restaurants to book

We’ve rounded up our favourite Clare Valley restaurants for you to enjoy on your trip to this charming and historic wine region.

1. Skillogalee Restaurant

2. Ragu and Co

3. Slate Restaurant at Pikes

4. Watervale Hotel

5. Seed Clare Valley

6. Bush Devine Winery Restaurant

7. Mr. Mick

8. Reilly’s Restaurant

9. O’Leary Walker Restaurant

10. Antidote Kitchen

8 of the best places to stay in the Clare Valley

The ultimate guide to the Clare Valley Riesling Trail

7 of the best things to do in the Clare Valley

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15 of the must-visit Clare Valley wineries

We’ve scoped out the place and pulled together the 15 best Clare Valley wineries and cellar doors for you to explore.

1. Tim Adams Wines

2. Jim Barry Wines

3. Shut the Gate Wines

4. Mr. Mick Cellar Door

5. Sevenhill Cellars

6. Jeanneret Wines

7. Pikes Wines

8. Skillogalee Wines

9. Reilly’s Wines

10. clos Clare

11. O’Leary Walker Wines

12. Kilikanoon Wines

13. Claymore Wines

14. Taylors Wines

15. Grosset Wines