The food and hospitality sector: Adelaide has the right recipe

Adelaide is serving serious flavour, with a top industry leader declaring the city’s hospitality scene is “punching well above its weight” and rivalling the nation’s best.

Emma Kardachi – an Adelaide Economic Development Agency Board member and owner of popular restaurants including Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room and Osteria Oggi – says the quality of restaurants and bars is among the city's many drawcards.

She says the sector is not just about filling seats and serving top-notch dishes – it is about filling the city with life, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth in ways that serve far beyond the dining table.

In short

• Leading Adelaide hospitality operator Emma Kardachi says Adelaide's food and drink sector is a major drawcard to the city.
• The biggest challenge Adelaide has experienced was getting people to think about Adelaide. The city just lacked a clear identity that people could articulate.
• Major events are helping change the perception by locals and visitors alike.

“The food and wine scene in Adelaide will continue to punch above its weight and be a big drawcard for our city,” Ms Kardachi says.

“Having a strong Adelaide destination brand is especially important for the hospitality industry because the more visitors we attract, the stronger our restaurants and bars will be,” Ms Kardachi says.

“That comes with the flow-on economic effect of employment, and opportunities for young people.

“In turn, I also believe those restaurants and bars are assets that contribute to the distinctiveness of the Adelaide brand.”

(Image below: Osteria Oggi, a restaurant owned by Emma Kardachi)

Ms Kardachi says the State has boosted its brand over the years, and more people are realising Adelaide’s attractiveness.

She says the tourism sector, in the past, has struggled to get people to think about Adelaide at all, but that has changed with major events and festivals.

Just last week, AEDA launched its bold new winter campaign to show that it is not just March that draws people into the city—there is a plethora events that heat up the colder months.

“I believe that with the help of the major events we now attract, the perception of our city is changing for both interstate visitors and locals,” Ms Kardachi says.

“I think Adelaide is finally being seen for what it is; an accessible, energetic city that has it all.

“A classy food and wine scene, parks and gardens, arts and culture, sports and events, fantastic hotels, and great regional experiences on our doorstep.”

(Image below: Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival, a winter event featured in AEDA's Business Campaign)

Ms Kardachi says the future of Adelaide’s hospitality and tourism sector looks bright, with both AEDA and the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) committed to boosting the state and city brand.

She believes a distinctive brand makes it more likely that local and interstate consumers will consider it a popular place to do business.

“From a brand metric point of view, I would like to believe that Adelaide will grow in consideration and appeal over the next five years,” she says.

“I think LIV and Gather Round, as well as the Central Market development and improved accommodation options have a lot to do with this.”

(Image below: AEDA Business Summit)

The business owner will participate in a panel discussion about the importance of a strong city brand at the AEDA Business Summit on Tuesday, 20 May.

She will join SATC Marketing Executive Director Erik De Roos, Hoyne Founding Principal Andrew Hoyne and Verian State Director SA & NT Naomi Downer.

This panel explores how strong state branding supports economic growth by guiding infrastructure, talent attraction, investment, and strategic decision-making.

She looks forward to the event, stating that she was “blown away” by the content at previous AEDA Business Summits.

“It was inspiring to hear from speakers who have belief and passion in Adelaide and in doing business here,” she says.

“The data and insights always fascinate me. It provides a reality check but also shows areas of potential and opportunity.”

Buy your 2025 AEDA Business Summit tickets here: AEDA Business Summit 2025