The up-scale neighbourhood of Norwood is located just a five-minute drive east of the Adelaide city centre. Its main drag, The Parade is a hive for sublime cafes and restaurants, as well as home to many an op shop and unique gift stores. A walk along the tree-lined strip will be sure to entice a browse of some sort – so without further ado, here are the best things to do in Norwood, South Australia.
1. Refresh your wardrobe with some op shopping
Truth be told, we’ve found some of our greatest secondhand pieces in Norwood. The op shops in this particular suburb all maintain a bit of a fancy flare, with expensive labels going for just a few bob. Vinnies never fails to pull through with the dope fits, and nor does Salvos. RSPCA Op Shop often has some gems on display, and of course Save The Children. Mosey around Goodies Op Shop, Elcies Norwood, and Quaker Opportunity Shop too – you never know what you might stumble across!
2. Live la dolce vita with incredible Italian cuisine
Norwood has a long-standing Italian presence, resulting in a number of fabulous Italian eateries in the area. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional pizza, a bowl of pasta, or an authentic espresso, you can find it in Norwood. A few of our favourites here include 400 Gradi, Ambrosini’s Restaurant, European Café, Grotto on Edward, and Martini on the Parade.
3. Spark a little competition amongst friends
If you’re up for an activity which involves some friendly one-upmanship, then try your hand at some ten-pin bowling or pool. In Norwood you’ll find Cue Bar; Adelaide’s oldest pool lounge offering 19 gaming tables and a foosball table, as well as live music, sports screenings, and a spot to have a lil’ groove and a drink including Australian beers on tap.
Just down the road you’ll find Kingpin Norwood, a place where you can get the adrenaline going with some ten-pin bowling and laser tag with a side of arcade games and again, pool. There’s a whopping 16 bowling lanes at the futuristic Kingpin in Norwood, so a snack at their café or a drink at the bar may be in order.
Cue Bar (1/140 – 144 The Parade), Kingpin (11 Osmond Terrace)
4. Dine to your heart’s content at the neighbourhood’s best restaurants
Food, food, and more food – one of Norwood’s star qualities. Cuisine from all over the globe can be found in the precinct with options for the omnivorous and herbivorous alike. Although we can’t name them all, these are our top picks for the best food in Norwood: the award-winning arkhe, Hanamura, Mr Chu Contemporary Eatery, 30 Acres, Kazumi Ramen, Nordburger, Kokko, and Cinnamon Club.
5. Browse for curiosities in Norwood’s boutiques
Unique knick-knacks and designer clothing stores are a common sight in Norwood – it’s the place to go if you’re looking for something a little different, a little last minute. Pop into Bauhaus for beautiful jewellry, homewares, art, and fashion from around the globe, visit A Trip To The Moon for all your quirky gift needs, and peculiar but highly useful kitchen goods from SE Waite & Son.
6. While away your weekend in a variety of superb cafes
Norwood isn’t all about nighttime dining – the daytime café scene is aplenty too. While of course there’s a few stock-standard chain coffee stores and cafes about, there’s definitely some beauts which standout. Our top cafe picks in Norwood are: Africola Canteen, La Madeleine, The Runhouse, Argo on the Parade, Pave Café, Planter & Loft, and 33 Chapel. Try St. Georges Bakehouse for a classic Aussie pie, or pop across to neighbouring College Park’s Gator Club for a plant-based feast.
7. Catch a blockbuster at Hoyts Cinema
Sit back, take it easy, and indulge in a story for the senses at Hoyts Cinema. See blockbuster hits and indie films, along with kids’ programs and live music screenings. Grab yourself a big old serving of buttery popcorn or a cone of the famed Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and munch away in the exclusively wider seats while you gaze up on the mammoth screens at Hoyts’ Xtremescreen Cinema in Norwood.
8. Check out the stunning churches
They don’t call us the City of Churches for no reason. While you’re wandering around Norwood with a coffee in one hand and a pastry in the other, stop by one of the many churches and take in the architecture or find a moment of peace either inside or amongst the green gardens. Our pretty church picks in Norwood are: St. Bartholomew’s, St. Ignatius’ Catholic Church, Adelaide Presbyterian Church, The Greek Orthodox Parish of the Prophet Elias, Adelaide Korean Catholic Church, and Clayton Wesley Uniting Church.
9. Hit up South Australia’s only Gelato Messina
In 2023, the much-hyped Gelato Messina took over the old Alchemy IronWorks on The Parade, and it remains the brand’s only outpost in South Australia. Come on lads, even Canberra has two! As well as the godsent gelato – which comes in 40-odd flavours – you can indulge yourself with thickshakes, although that might cause a proper sugar rush.