Apoteca

Someone from this business manages this listing.

549 reviews

#16 of 1,871 Restaurants in Adelaide$$$$, European, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly

+61 8 8212 9099+ Add website

Hours

Sun

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Mon

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Tue

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Wed

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Thu

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fri

5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Sat

5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

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Ratings and reviews

4.5

549 reviews

#16 of 1,871 Restaurants in Adelaide

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

$7.00 – $72.00

CUISINES

European, Wine Bar

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

meals, features

Location and contact

118 Hindley St, Adelaide, South Australia 5000 Australia

+61 8 8212 9099

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Is this a wine bar?

Yes

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About

Apoteca Bar & Restaurant opened December 2002 in a heritage listed building in the heart of the West End precinct.

PRICE RANGE

$7.00 – $72.00

CUISINES

European, Wine Bar

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Dinner, After-hours, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

549 reviews

Excellent

330

Very good

146

Average

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Terrible

Peter

2 contributions

Lovely food, service and atmosphere.

Jul 2020 • none

Went for dinner on the with friends. Had a great night. Venue was lovely. Pre-dinner cocktails were on point. Had the olives, pate, salmon and octopus for starters. Octopus was one of my favorite dishes of the night. Excellently cooked. Pate was delicious (just go ahead an order more bread (which they did not charge for :) as the portion is large). Olives and salmon were also very good. Had the kingfish (very well cooked, raw in the center, crispy skin), beef cheeks (very tasty, but you wont be getting large chunks of cheek), the leek pie (awesome!!) and the pork. The only thing I will comment negatively on was the pork. Just was not as tasty as the other dishes and was a touch overdone. I only mention this as it was sous vide and you get to set the temp, but I am being picky. Next time I will get the lamb instead. Brussel sprouts was an excellent side dish with lots of bacon. Had the brulee, molten chocolate cake fluer de sel and shiraz chocolates which were also delivious (molton cake got the table vote). The service was excellent and prompt. Then when the bill came, after a three course meal, with pre-dinner cocktails, bottle of wine it came out as less than $100 a person which I thought was excellent. Can highly recommend.

Written July 31, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Janelle S

4 contributions

What a beautiful place! A must when in Adelaide

Jan 2020 • couples

What a beautiful place! We finally had a kid free evening and decided to try Apoteca after hearing so many rave reviews of it. We couldn’t decide on what to eat so opted for the 4 course Chefs selection (see photos below so delicious). The waiters weren’t pusher or unwelcoming, it was refreshing to converse with them about wine and food, they have so much passion! Each course was delicious, presented beautifully and using fresh local produce. The wine list is incredible!!!! We so many choices, no wonder it is an award winning list. Could not recommend heading hear enough, we will be back soon!

Written January 14, 2020

AB2310AB

Melbourne13 contributions

Lovely building, cute links to the menu

Jan 2020 • none

It was quiet here when we visited with a booking on a Saturday night, which made us wonder about the strict booking conditions. That aside though along with the concerns about the somewhat less than appealing street location the first real let down was the absence of any staff when we arrived. The building is a delight to see preserved and repurposed and the clever use of relevant terms in use on the menu is clever. The drinks menu is more than adequate and the menu set up well for multi plate, shared dining. We particularly enjoyed the salumi plate and found most of the other dishes we sampled to be very nice however the Pork Belly pieces were so spicy they were not appreciated by all. Good casual dining in an atmosphere better than a bar.

Written January 26, 2020

Deb

19 contributions

Food and wine disappointing

Aug 2020 • couples

Unfortunately this did not meet our expectations for a price of $250 ish. We chose the 5 course chefs menu paired with wine but wish we had stuck to ordering our own individual dishes. My husband is a meat lover, I am not, though will eat fish. They said this wouldn't be an issue. After the 1st dish (bread etc) the next 2 dishes were both fish leaving us wondering if the 4th dish would have any meat for him as we knew the 5th dish was dessert. I ended up asking staff to make sure he got some meat which in all fairness he did. The food was not terrible but neither was it anything exceptional. Flavour lacked in most dishes. Putting rare steak (when hubby final received his meat) a top a cauliflower puree is not good to visually see (the red juice runs into the white mash) and even the hubby was struggling. The wines were ok though on 2 of the courses we had a different server who told us the name of the wine and then rushed off without explaining what we were drinking. I have had much better pairings with wines on degustation menus who serve the wine to taste before you eat so that you can then taste again after sampling the food. Our wines seemed to come 5- 10 minutes after the food was served so again left us quite underwhelmed. I know space is an issue but we were placed at table near the front door and so I was freezing all night!! Overall.... will we go back. Nope. Would we recommend it. No, not for the prices they charge.

Written August 22, 2020

Jan D

9 contributions

An Adelaide Favourite - always delivers!

Jan 2020 • friends

Just enjoyed another fabulous dinner at Apoteca, one of my favourite Adelaide restaurants, (formerly Apothecary 1878, but thankfully still with the same management). Apoteca is an Adelaide gem, and Paola is an Adelaide dining stalwart. I've been coming here for years but now live interstate, and miss having restaurants like this in my backyard. Meals at Apoteca have always been exceptional. Paola runs a tight ship and employs skilled and well trained staff. The Chef's are outstanding. I usually prefer to choose a tasting menu and just let the Chef surprise me with their choices. I've never been disappointed. The front of house crew are fabulously knowledgeable and are always ready with a suggestion for a great wine from the extensive local & imported wine list. A great spot for just a glass of wine & antipasti or a full meal, the attention to detail is excellent. I've brought both local and international visitors here and Apoteca always impresses. I wish I could pick the whole place up and take it lock, stock & barrel home to Brisbane with me. There's a thing or two this place could teach the Brisbane restaurant scene about proper hospitality. Thank you Apoteca team!

Written January 8, 2020

Diana Simmonds

Adelaide7 contributions

Favourite restaurant in Adelaide city - year after year

Mar 2020 • none

This lovely place never disappoints. Comfortable, quirky - bentwood or comfy upholstered chairs, unique decor (apothecary supplies and equipment) and some of the best food and the most luscious wine list around. The menu is set out like an old fashioned guide to good health - quirky - and the dishes range from shares to feasts for one. Staff always professional and friendly, boss Paola is a gem. Can't go past Apoteca. 18/20 (just to give them 2 points to go for!)

Written March 7, 2020

Brad Q

Blairgowrie53 contributions

Loved It

Apr 2021 • none

Was fortunate enough to get to Apoteca on Friday night and was so glad we did. We did the Chefs Choice menu and let our waiter Gavin pick some wines he thought would complement our meals. He nailed it and the Chef also did the same what an amazing experience. If you get the chance it’s a must do on the Adelaide’s to do restaurants.

Written April 26, 2021

Ellen T

Melbourne18 contributions

…just what the doctor ordered!

Apr 2021 • couples

My husband booked a table for the two of us here while visiting Adelaide - bulls eye hit!! We loved this little special restaurant from the moment we walked into the old pharmacy themed bar and were greeted like regulars by friendly and professional staff. Easy conversation (not stuffy) while being led from the amazing bar upstairs to the intimate and cozy restaurant area downstairs. The wine cellar was gobsmacking! The “Apoteca” idea is presented in a very special way but it does not stop there - the food is truly delicious. We enjoyed a shared appetiser and gnocchi and a lamb dish as mains. All staff was exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. We regretted that we could not sit at the bar upstairs due to Covid restrictions. That alone makes it a definite return. (The only small minus is stepping out of the magic to Hindley Street on a Saturday night. )

Written May 17, 2021

Enzo M

10 contributions

Lovely atmosphere

Jun 2022 • friends

First time in Adelaide for me and the first time since the first WomAdelaide for my wife, so we were quite excited to be here and when friends booked Apoteca we were intrigued as it looked a really interesting space from all the pics. We were guided down to the cellar by the friendly maître’D and coats and scarves hung for us as it was a chilly and rainy evening. Thank you, it was such a great touch. The space is intimate yet spacious and even though it filled we didn’t have to raise our voices to be heard. We chose the Chef’s Selection menu which were 4 sharing plates of the most popular items on the menu. The food was terrific, the selection was varied and full of flavour and filling. Wine selection was really good, I enjoyed the Mt Lofty Riesling so much that whilst others at the table experienced other wines I was happy with a second glass, but that’s me. Enjoy Apoteca, they make you feel welcome, the wait staff are friendly and chatty if you spend the time and are happy to be cheeky. It was a fun night and recommended. Thank you to you all at Apoteca you made it a special first night in Adelaide for us. Cheers!

Written June 25, 2022

fcworld

Sydney274 contributions

A unique dining experience

May 2021 • friends

Apoteca does not give you the feeling of being in a restaurant, more like on stage with a well oiled cast of people who show their passion for food, hospitality and above all wine. Grant the sommelier is an outstanding example of a top notch professional, with a wealth of knowledge of wine and what to drink with what . Paola the owner is a hard working hospitality expert, who works alongside her team to ensure your experience is first class.( an occasional smile shows that personality under her focus on work) We took the degustation menu of 4courses, and each course was unique and delicious. Whilst the food was very good, it played a supporting act to the wine recommended by Grant the sommelier. We enjoyed it so much that we are returning again 6 nights later, as a finally to my stay in Adelaide

Written May 17, 2021

Hungry Hippo

1 contribution

Wow!! A must when in Adelaide

Jan 2020 • none

As a group of 4 looking for a night out we came across this restaurant and thought we should give it a try and were not disappointed. From the moment we arrived we knew we were in for something special and were not disappointed. Downstairs they have this room I think they call the cellar lined with old classic brickwork and stoned floor, you feel you could be a million miles away from anywhere. And then comes the fabulous wine list (we had the Hentley Farm and it was delicious) and a menu that will please any palate we ate mountains of fresh kingfish and perfectly cooked steaks. Adelaidians and people visiting put this on your must try lists!

Written January 16, 2020

PeterPan58

19 contributions

A great experience

Mar 2023 • friends

Celebrating our wedding anniversary with our ‘original’ wedding party, our adult kids and their partners, was a delight at this excellent restaurant. Looking for a Saturday night table for 10 during Mad March only three weeks out (thanks to the poor operation of Peel Street Restaurant that we gave up trying to hold of), I wasn’t sure we could get a table. However, Apoteca responded to my first enquiry and the process was painless. The series of simple questions I had to make sure it was suitable for our celebration, and sorting the dietary needs of one of our guests, were answered in a very helpful and friendly manner. Unfortunately due to the late-ish booking we couldn’t get the mezzanine which sounded ideal (thanks Peel Street!), but after a chat we booked the cellar. Escorted down a narrow flight of stairs, the red brick space was divided by arches and a thick wall, and one entire side had the character of a giant wine rack. Our group of 10 fit neatly into a section that was almost like a private room. Unfortunately due to the hard surfaces it was a little noisy and hard to hear, but we were told that was a possibility when booking. (Had the mezzanine been still available…!) Being a group we were restricted to the Chef’s Selection Menu. We chose the 5-course version at $85/head which included dessert. Despite my dislike of being told groups MUST choose only from a set menu (I don’t like being told how I can spend MY money in THEIR business), the meal was excellent and my objections became meaningless. After realising the beautiful crusty fresh bread with oil and dukkah was additional and not one of the courses, I relaxed and enjoyed what was to come. Each course was completely different, one adventurous, the last two meat dishes generous enough to feel fulfilled, and the dessert topped it off beautifully. We didn’t take the wine pairings but hit the drinks menu regardless with OUR choices! Our maître d', Michael (he was too good to be just called a ‘waiter’), was totally professional, thoughtful and frequently visited us, and his two younger support staff also did their job well. The last thing of note is that we did not want to be rushed and at our initial enquiry we were assured we would not be. So, after nearly 4 hours and over $1,400, we left feeling like it was money well spent. That’s 1,400+ we could have spent in Peel Street if we could get hold of them - but I'm we didn't in the end!

Written March 21, 2023

FRANCOISE V

St. Ives26 contributions

Deserved to be better known

Oct 2022 • couples

We discovered this excellent restaurant by luck during our trip to Adelaide. We let the Chef treat us with copious and delicious dishes with unexpected flavours. The staff was friendly and professional and the atmosphere of an old apothecary turned into a bar gave it a feel of a New York/Parisian Brasserie! Apoteca deserves to be on the list of top restaurants to visit in Adelaide

Written October 20, 2022

Lou

1 contribution

5 stars in the heart of Adelaide

Apr 2023 • none

Apoteca is a beautiful restaurant. Our family of 5 includes 3 young adults, we were there for a special family celebration and were made to feel very welcome. We chose to have the 4 course chef's menu for $70 pp. The crusty bread and dukkah were a delicious way to start the night. The Kingfish with watermelon was an interesting twist on a classic and was lovely and the zucchini salad was very generous and tasty. The mains comprised beef and lamb with a huge bowl of roast potatoes. We chose to add on one of each dessert - not because we were still hungry but were keen to try them given the food was so good - they did not disappoint. The wine list in extensive but the cocktails are the real highlight here given the beautiful antique bar stocked with more types of gin than I knew existed! Great value and delicious food. We'll be back!

Written May 7, 2023

TJMaus

Brisbane Region141 contributions

Fabulous in every way

Nov 2020 • none

We had no reservation but we were well looked after anyway. Great seat, very friendly service, wonderful food and wine. We decided to ‘let the chef decide’ our meals and we were not disappointed. 5 wonderful courses. Excellent service. A most enjoyable evening. Highly recommended.

Written November 10, 2020

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