A really good steak?

[Tamara (Homes Down Under)]

Does anyone have a favourite steak restaurant?

 

I have had some ok steaks throughout the city and the worst steak ever in Willunga! but does anyone have a value for money place that they visit that serves a good steak?

 

Here are some recommendations.

Let's hear some opinion....

 

Our 10 favourite places for a steak in Adelaide

 

 

 

• 
  
• Taste team
  
• The Advertiser
  
• April 28, 2015 8:00PM
  

 

 

 

 

 

How to Cook the Perfect Steak4:51

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOOD trends may change but a good steak, it seems, never goes out of fashion. Here are our 10 favourite places — in no particular order — to get a meat fix in Adelaide, from a couple of classics, to some different culinary approaches, to the new wave of restaurants sourcing beef from elite producers.

 

ARGENTINIAN STEAK

Sosta

If you want to see how seriously this temple for carnivores takes it’s craft, head to the back and check out the refrigerated display of cuts and, in the kitchen, the heavy-duty grill that can be raised or lowered depending what heat is required. The Argentinian restaurants have always been first port of call for Adelaide’s meat lovers, and Sosta packs them in, creating a warm, intimate feel enhanced by soft lights and a brick feature wall. Steaks range from an easily manageable 300g fillet up to the kilo T-bone, all given love on the grill. Check the specials for more options.

On the side

Sosta’s chimichurri sauce is so popular diners have been caught trying to steal the bottles. The steak also comes with small chunks of crisp fried potato, while salads, mushrooms and vegetables are available as extras.

And to drink?

Stick with the Argentinian theme and try one of the imported malbecs.

291 Rundle St, city, 8232 6799

sostaargentiniankitchen.com.au

T-bone steak with chimichurri at Sosta.

 

 

 

DANISH STEAK

A Hereford Beefstouw

Hereford beef, from free-range pasture-fed cattle in the Southeast, is the star here. Grazier Tim Burvill and his winemaker wife Sarah are behind this Danish-themed steakhouse in the city’s east, which also showcases butcher-prized cuts from hangar steak to short ribs in a finger-licking “Kansas City” sauce. The 500g cote de boeuf — aka rib eye on the bone ($55) — is a must for carnivores, presented charred on the outside, perfectly pink on the inside and meltingly tender. A larger 700g cut is carved at the table to share.

On the side

Steaks come with a choice of a baked potato or signature fries, which are among the best in town. The restaurant is also famous for its “Garden” salad station — a circular walk-around bar allowing diners to mix-their-own, with everything from green leaves to pickled onions and a range of mustards and dressings.

And to drink?

Predominantly Australian wines, with a good showing of local varietals including Sarah’s own Alta shiraz and sauvignon blanc.

143 Hutt St, city, 8232 6868

beefstouw.com/adelaide/

A Hereford Beefstouw, owned by Sarah and Tim Burvill.

 

 

 

ITALIAN STEAK

Enzo’s Ristorante

The bistecca alla Fiorentina, or Florentine T-bone, is the pride of the Italian region of Tuscany — and no-one does it better in Adelaide than Enzo’s. At a minimum of 500g, this aged T-bone is chargrilled to perfection, locking in the flavour. It’s a chunky cut of meat, crisp on the outside and tender and juicy in the middle. The Italians have mastered simplicity in their cucina and this is no different — it’s brushed with olive oil and salt during cooking, and all that’s needed is a squeeze of lemon on top to bring the flavour out.

On the side

Sticking to the simple is hero theme, Enzo’s bistecca is served with spinach sauteed with garlic and olive oil. Given the size of the steak, that is more than enough for most. If not, try a side of chips with rosemary salt.

And to drink?

Enzo’s has a wide range of local and international wines. But the authentic way to enjoy a bistecca alla Fiorentina is with a glass of chianti classics.

146 Port Rd, Hindmarsh, 8346 2786

enzosristorante.com.au

Enzo Fazzari cooking up a steak at Enzo's Ristorante, Hindmarsh.

 

 

 

FRENCH STEAK

Delicatessen Kitchen and Bar

It’s more than the accent that makes a Parisian “steak frites” so much sexier than the local pub’s steak and chips. When done well — the beef a perfect, rested medium rare, a few meaty juices to wipe with the crunchy potato batons — it’s easy to understand why this is still on the “menu du jour” in every French bistro. Andy Thiele and the team at Delicatessen turn out a steak frites ($28) to satisfy the fussiest gourmand, the 300g Scotch fillet full of juice and flavour and topped with a round of shallot and mustard butter (there’s also a sauce bearnaise available for lovers of the classics).

On the side

The hand-cut chips are superb. Top points also for an accompanying green salad, with the leaves all perky and just the right amount of a pickled shallot and raspberry vinegar dressing.

And to drink?

Look to the chalk board for a short wine list that changes frequently. You’ll normally find both Aussie and French options.

12 Waymouth St, Adelaide, 8211 8871

delicatessenbar.com.au

Delicatessen Kitchen and Bar owners Andy Thiele and Paul Gray. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

 

 

 

NEW WAVE STEAK

Little Hunter

The old barn and beer garden at the back end of the Woolshed has been transformed into a steak and ale house inspired partly by the wave of similar venues opening interstate. Warholesque cow art hangs on the old stone walls, while a cowhide-covered couch sits in pride of place, just in case you forget why you’re here. The steak selection comes from local graziers, including Bendbrook at Macclesfield and Coorong Angus, with all the popular cuts. A Sher Wagyu rump has excellent crisscross char marks from the grill and is full of juice and flavour. The protein deprived might want to take on the 2kg Hunter Games Challenge.

On the side

A generous allocation of roasted veg, including pumpkin, capsicum and zucchini, with a decent enough mash. Or opt for chips and salad. The red wine jus is thin and disappointing.

And to drink?

The focus is on beer, with James Squire, Little Creatures and more on tap. Wines at reasonable prices if that’s your thing.

25 Victoria St, city, Adelaide, 8211 8464

thelittlehunter.com.au

Little Hunter on Victoria St, Adelaide. Picture: Tom Huntley

 

 

 

WELL BRED STEAK

Street-ADL

The ground-level bar attached to high-flying Restaurant Orana shares much of the same ethos and native ingredients. In its recent shift to strengthen these ties, owner/chef Jock Zonfrillo has introduced a blackboard menu of rare-breed, dry-aged beef with each cut listed by weight and crossed off once it is sold. Expect to spend between $60 and $100 to experience the deep, savoury flavour of South Devon, belted Galloway and even Longhorn breeds in rump, ribeye and sirloin. The steaks are served sliced, so they are easy to share, a good idea when the weights hit a kilo or more.

On the side

Excellent spuds, roasted beetroot, snappy beans and dishes of a sticky beef gravy and chimichurri with native spices.

And to drink?

Red wine from an all-sorts list that will test your varietal knowledge. A glass of Spanish tempranillo should do the trick, or settle in with Rusden’s Black Guts Shiraz.

285 Rundle St, city, 8227 0344

streetadl.com

A rare-breed steak at Street-ADL.

 

 

 

OLD SCHOOL STEAK

Cork & Cleaver

On any night more than half the crowd are locals and regulars, valuable repeat custom for Stratos Pouros who has kept his cleaver menu keen and steady for an incredible 37 years. He is proud that once you pass through the doors, it feels like a comfy time warp — nothing has changed. The decor is old school, as is the menu. From the 400g thick New York cut porterhouse ($42) to the chateaubriand ($96 for two), the excellent juicy meat is perfectly done with minimal fuss, the charred aroma wafting from most tables setting up some mean sensory anticipation. Order Scotch fillet and cut your own.

On the side

Steak plates come American style with a big baked potato leathery and crisp on the outer, soft within, streaming with lashings of sour cream. Condiments as you like, plus the big shaker on the table of peppery and hickory spice, which for $8 can be taken home for future barbecues. And go for the house special salad with roquefort dressing.

And to drink

Cocktails are a bit of fun and a bargain at $12 for most. The wine list is diverse and comprehensive with South Australian gems in a global mix.

2 Bevington Rd, Glenunga, 8379 8091

corkandcleaver.com.au

Traditional style steak at the Cork and Cleaver, Glenunga.

 

 

 

FAMILY FRIENDLY STEAK

Fire on Unley

The relative newcomer, opened in Unley just over a year ago, has a savvy crew behind the scenes who have cleverly made this restaurant about great steaks of the generous Argentinian style for sure, but they have also placed a big and fiery pizza oven centrestage giving us budget and family friendly reasons to return. The 40-50-day aged steaks, $39.80-$42.80, come direct from the fire to simple plates playing to the hero grain-fed meat. Choose 300g to 600g, or request a size. There will be roasted potato, greens and a serious steak knife to go-with. The 500g sirloin is great for the boys, beautifully seasoned and glistening with juice at every cut.

On the side

The steaks are so juicy, and come with toasty potato chunks and greens, but if you’re still looking for sauce, a house-special Argentinian number has been described by some as so good it’s “drinkable”. Side dishes, including a good pear and rocket salad, are $7-$12 and serve two.

And to drink

Mostly South Australian wines, and, quite aptly, a few Argentinian reds, plus a fair range of beer and cider to fit the meat theme.

170 Unley Rd, Unley, 8357 3223

fireonunley.com.au

Fire on Unley head chef Daniel Sauchelli, with co-owner Khalid Hani. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

 

 

 

JAPANESE STEAK

Hotaru Japanese Restaurant

Just west of Morphett St and the main-drag action of the Chinatown precinct, this humble little family-owned Teppanyaki-leaning diner ranges across most of the familiar Japanese offers but it is the grill side of the menu that deserves special mention. Cooked on the dining room’s open-to- view hotplate its Hotaru house steak ($24) is a yearling porterhouse cut across the grain and brought to the table on a bed of choy sum and lightly grilled onions before being dressed with a generous pour of house sauce, a mix of garlic, ginger, sake and soya.

On the side: For an alternative menu option, sashimi fish is well selected and includes blue-fin tuna while the grilled eel is sensational, its naturally fatty flesh melted after cooking and dressed with a sweeter teriyaki style sauce. The fried rice is savoury in style for unami conscious palates.

And to drink? All your expected Japanese beers and a decent sake selection plus quite a few other spirits set that authentic tone, while a standard wine list offers a broad enough choice without being too specialised.

162 Gouger St, Adelaide, 8410 2838

Steak with teriyaki sauce on a layer of bok choy from Hotaru Japanese Restaurant.

 

 

 

COUNTRY STEAK

Oakbank Hotel

Spruiking itself as the Adelaide Hills’ premier steakhouse means this small-town pub has to deliver, and if the midweek dinner crowds are anything to go by, something’s definitely happening here. A special page of steaks above and beyond an already attractive bistro menu points to Coorong Angus, Sher Wagyu, Grasslands and Limestone Free Range beef offerings, its $33 Coorong Angus 400g Wing Rib (Porterhouse on the bone) the favourite — and deservedly so.

On the side: Chips come with every meal, and we mean some of the best pub chips you’ll encounter. Vegies are basic, but you can add on coleslaw or mashed potato for $4.50. Sauces and toppings cover all bases including surf and turf. The seeded mustard and horseradish butter is a great version of cafe de paris.

And to drink? Being in the Hills means proudly pouring the local drops from Lobethal Bierhaus ales to Hills’ cider as well as a decent selection of wines ranging from Wicks, Murdoch Hill, O’Leary Walker, Lobethal Road, Johnstone and Bird in Hand brands.

207 Onkaparinga Valley Rd, Oakbank, 8388 4267

hoteloakbank.com.au

Wing rib from the Oakbank Hotel.

 

 

 

Words: Simon Wilkinson, Dianne Mattsson, Tony Love, Jessica Galletly and David Jean

[Rammygirl]

Out of those I have only been to Sosta, twice. I can recommend it, the lamb and poussin are also delish. Cannot comment on the desserts though, never had room.....

[tomamylancaster]

When we went down to Victor Harbour last year, my husband had a steak in a little restaurant there - can't for the life of me remember the name of it now - and he says it was the best steak he has ever had, and he's dreaming of the next time we visit!!!

[Rammygirl]

The Rob Roy on Halifax does a great steak, also haggis and lots and lots of malts!

 

might not be the poshest but always a good night out.

[DAVID.CHRISTINE]

The best steak I've had was at bracegirdles mc claren vale ,on a Saturday night they have a special $20 it was beautiful ,the place is a bit shabby chic though

[Tamara (Homes Down Under)]

The best steak I've had was at bracegirdles mc claren vale ,on a Saturday night they have a special $20 it was beautiful ,the place is a bit shabby chic though

 

That sounds like a good deal especially for a Saturday.

My parents often go to The Cove in Hallett Cove for their Wednesday special...it's a 500g rump and red special (meal and wine) for $16.95.

That's too much meat for me!