Peel St | Adelaide

April 25, 2023

Peel St | Adelaide

I was initially unsure how to approach writing reviews for some past dining experiences, as they included both high-end establishments and more humble, budget-friendly spots as they both hold unique values to a dining experience. On one hand, I wanted to showcase my appreciation for the finer things in life and my ability to enjoy them. On the other hand, I didn't want to come across as forgetting my roots and the restaurants that first sparked my love of food, even when money was tight.

So I present a restaurant I hold close to my heart instead. Peel St on Peel Street is a contemporary dining experience that presents gorgeous dishes ranging from Kingfish Sashimi to Shiitake Dumplings and an affordable alcohol selection to choose from to pair with the night. Not only does Peel St and its staff provide a welcoming ambience, but a truly unique dining experience right in the heart of the city. Peel St entrees, mains and desserts are presented as a shared plated dining experience with remarkable presentation and a serving size enough to feed a hungry couple, which in turn makes it a short-list date night restaurant no matter what cuisine is desired, as the menu is also updated seasonally.

As aforementioned, Peel St provides a welcoming dining experience, with lively music and the chatter of strangers filling the air, it's not a place you can overdress or underdress for, they take you as you come. The seating can be considered quite crowded, especially during peak hours, however, the dim lighting helps to reduce the likelihood of being overstimulated within this dining experience as does the table service. The staff are very helpful in suggesting recommendations for those new to the menu or simply unsure of what to get. With swift service and a kind smile, I am yet to have a negative experience when dining here. Especially considering the volume of people within the establishment, it is also extremely appreciated that the cleanliness is held to high standards, including the bathroom facilities.

The quality of the food at this establishment is outstanding and every time I am impressed by the creativity of the menu. Peel St provides some of my favourite meals and although they maintain a level of class, they are also filling and moreish, with bold flavours that entice you to already plan your next dining experience with Peel St. While it was available, their Pomegranate Kingfish was an absolute must, however anything that includes pork on their menu has never disappointed either. Their oyster entrees are ranked within the top 5 of all I've ever consumed and I am yet to fault their menu. Even so much so that my friend says their bread entree is worth the extra charge every time we dine together at Peel St and I cannot sit through a single dinner without the mention of their beloved Peanut Butter Parfait.

While the menu may sound like a hit on the budget, most share plates range from $25-$45, with room to give or take. Each time I have dined at Peel St, I have gone as a coupled pair and one entree plate and two mains are more than satisfactory and give the opportunity to try 3 different flavour combinations in a single seating, without including dessert. However, a tasting menu of 5 courses chosen by the kitchen is also available for $85.

A slight fault that I haven't witnessed as of yet, but comes to concern, is when at peak hour Peel St may not be the most accessible restaurant, so it may be something to keep in mind when dining with a friend that may need access to a more accessible floorplan.

Nonetheless, Peel St will forever remain a personal favourite with multiple visits and countless recommendations to family and friends.

Alas, I do not have an image of every meal from dining at Peel St, however, those not included in the images below I will list here as much as I remember; Pumpkin dumplings, Sticky Glazed Pork, Peanut Butter Parfait (which comes highly recommended by a partner I dined with previously)