
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 10 best things to do in Norwood, South Australia.
1. 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. Italian Dining
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. Our top picks for Italian dining in Norwood are: 400 Gradi, Ambrosini’s Restaurant, European Cafe, Nonna & I, Grotto on Edward, and Martini on the Parade.
3. Ten-Pin Bowling, Laser Tag, Arcade Games, and Pool
If you’re up for an activity which involves some problem solving and physical exertion, 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 cafe or a drink at the bar may be in order.
Where: Cue Bar (1/140 – 144 The Parade), Kingpin (11 Osmond Terrace)
4. 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, Cinnamon Club, and an honourable mention for Orso in neighbouring Rose Park.
5. Boutique Retail
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 jewelry, homewares, art, and fashion from around the globe; visit A Trip To The Moon for all your quirky gift needs; peculiar but highly useful kitchen goods from SE Waite & Son; green thumb stuffs from Prasads Home and Garden; as well as the big brand boutiques like Witchery, Blue Illusions, Peter Alexander, Seed Heritage, Country Road, and many more.
6. Cafe Scene
Norwood isn’t all about nighttime dining – the daytime cafe 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, Let Them Eat, Wholly Belly, Argo on the Parade, Pave Cafe, Planter & Loft, Foliage Coffee, 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. Hoyts Cinema
Sit back, take it easy, and indulge in a story for the senses at Hoyts Cinema. Catch 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. Stay up to date with which movies are hitting the big screens with our monthly new release guide here.
Where: 185 The Parade
8. Health Shops
Although few, Norwood is home to two noteworthy health shops which stock wide variety of wellness products. The beloved Adelaide Central Market store, House of Health Collective recently opened their second location in Norwood, and is South Australia’s only 100 per cent organic retailer. With a vast range of vegan products like artisan cheeses and krauts, many a grain, medicinal mushroom products, sustainably-sourced wholefoods, and even a cafe offering health-conscious fare, and a community workshop space.
Second on the list is Norwood Health Foods, tucked away aside a laneway – you wouldn’t know it’s there if you didn’t know it’s there. Humble in size, but still manages to stock a wide variety of items you just wouldn’t be able to find in the supermarkets. Grab some vegan choccies or a bottle of blueberry juice, top up on herbaceous supplements or grab yourself a salt lamp, essential oils, and incense for a relaxing night in.
Where: House of Health Collective (49 George St), Norwood Health Foods (164 (Rear) The Parade Coles Mall)
9. 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.
10. Gelato Messina
Not quite Norwood, but close enough and very notable news – famed eastern states Gelato Messina is coming to Kent Town in 2023, and is taking over the old Alchemy IronWorks on The Parade. Travel no more for a line-up worthy scoop. As well as the God-sent gelato, the owners will be taking Adelaide’s Messina to the next level with a full-blown restaurant at the rear of the store – dinner and dessert at its finest of convenience. Find out more about Adelaide’s Gelato Messina here!