Illuminate Adelaide isn’t just a feast for the eyes it’s a treat for the taste buds too, and a great opportunity to share a few plates with mates!
Some of Adelaide’s best family-friendly eats are lining up ready to blow you away. This year’s food experience is seriously elevated, offering a mouth-watering mix of options, perfect for grabbing a casual dinner before wandering the dazzling free city lights or heading off to one of the many ticketed events. Come back for sweets and hot chocolate before heading home and enjoy the cosy fire pits, and buzzing atmosphere of Basecamp at Lot 14.
Smokey Uppercuts
Smokey Uppercuts is serving up next-level smoked meats and American BBQ, and it absolutely deserves the number one spot. We let Master 8 take charge of the order (bold move) and he went straight for the Smoked Sampler and we’re so glad he did.
The meats were tender, the beans full of flavour, and the coleslaw had just the right kick. Every bite was a winner.
There’s also a $16 kids feed on the menu for those with smaller appetites – but ours went big and loved every bite. A must-visit food stop at Illuminate Adelaide!
Treat Me Fairy Floss
We stumbled on Treat Me Adelaide tucked near the SA Museum and couldn’t resist grabbing fluffy clouds of fairy floss, because is there anything more magical than being a kid, up late at night, wandering the city with your parents under a canopy of glowing lights, and eating sugar that melts instantly on your tongue?
It’s those little moments that turn Illuminate into pure childhood wonder. Watching the kids spin around with sticky fingers and big grins, fairy floss in hand, felt like the sweetest way to capture the joy of being out past bedtime in a city transformed by light.
Cheesy Street
With a slogan like “It ain’t easy being cheesy”, you already know you’re in for something seriously good. If cheese makes you smile (and let’s be real, who doesn’t love cheese?), then Cheesy Street is calling your name.
There’s just something comforting about a gooey, golden grilled cheese toastie and these guys absolutely nail it. The Philly Cheesesteak? So good. The Hot Chick? Big yes from us. And the Mac and Cheese toastie? Stop it. Just stop. It’s cheesy, crispy, and completely worth the calories!
Guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Kids and grown-ups alike.
Donut Diner
Tucked just around the corner, this little dessert spot might be easy to miss but trust us, follow your nose and you’ll find the hot cinnamon donuts and mini Dutch pancakes stand.
There’s just something about warm, sugary treats in the cold night air that hits so differently. The smell alone will pull you in, and once you’ve got that fresh, hot donut in your hand or a plate of fluffy pancakes drizzled in syrup… you’ll be so glad you stopped.
It’s the perfect way to end your Illuminate adventure (or, let’s be honest, fuel up for round two of light exploring).
YUM. Absolute crowd-pleaser.
One Sneaky Cheetah
Make a beeline for One Sneaky Cheetah, popping up with superb pizzas that we know and love in Basecamp this illuminate.
These guys serve up some of the fastest, tastiest, most authentic pizzas going around. Hot, crispy, loaded with flavour and perfect for sharing (or not!).
It’s casual, quick and absolutely hits the spot when the kids are starving. Plus, there’s something extra special, so not miss ordering a Cheetah Tail.
You’ll never accept sub par garlic bread again.
ONG
Kids and potato on a stick… name a better combo. The ones from ONG are massive, salty, and seriously delicious and for $12, this is a no brainer!
Maybe ask for lightly salted for just the right amount of flavour without going overboard. They’re great value and super easy for kids to eat on the go. This is the spot for a quick snack stop.
While the kids are sorted, adults can grab a banh mi, some chips, or even a bowl of pho if it’s a chilly night. Ticks all the boxes!
Gang Gang
Gang Gang are well and truly burger royalty. Their patties are juicy, packed with flavour, and some of thebest going around.
From Fringe to Illuminate, we’ll follow these guys like burger groupies – they’re just that good. Our kids ordered the cheeseburger slider with fries, perfect size for little hands and absolutely hit the spot.
If you’re after something else, the loaded fries are also a big win. And shoutout to the staff who are super friendly and really on the ball. We love a food truck with good vibes!
Table on the Terrace
After wandering through Illuminate’s City Lights, we couldn’t resist stopping at Table on The Terrace for a decadent hot chocolate.
There’s something extra special about finding an actual cafe in the heart of Basecamp, with real tables and chairs. Overlook the fire pits and time it right to watch the Illuminate Angles pass by with their vibrant street performance. The hospitality here is second to none; warm, welcoming and genuinely family-friendly. And yes, there’s even a spacious, clean toilet that easily fits the whole crew.
A total win for parents and a perfect way to wrap up an enchanting night in the city.
Shmochi by Shibui
We found Shmochi by Shibui at Base Camp and the kids made a beeline for it.
Think Instagrammable desserts like donut sundaes with fairy floss, loaded ice creams, and those chewy mochi donuts that are just as good as everyone says. The lineup was steady the whole time we were there – clearly we weren’t the only ones keen.
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