Roberto Cardone’s Eccoci restaurant, which opened in 2025, on Greenhill Road at Burnside Village is among the peaks of the Italian food and coffee revolution that blessed South Australia. Roberto, at the core of that revolution, is from the classic background of a 1970s continental deli started by his migrant (from Pietrecina) parents Francesco and Marcella. At four, Roberto went with his father to the East End fruit and vegetable markets, Independent Grocers and the local roaster to collect coffee for the shop where he worked through his youth.
At 18, he joined the Caon family institution Rigoni’s in Leigh Street, Adelaide city, and helped create Caon’s Restaurant and Grimaldi’s. Cibo Ristorante in O’Connell Street, North Adelaide, was the start of Roberto’s part in the 20 Cibo Espresso bars that made Adelaide an authentic coffee city. Also involved with restaurants such as The Apothecary, Joe’s Henley Beach and Super Bueno, Roberto went on to create the Cucina Classica products range – Italy, made in Australia.
Wolfing it down at Eccoci
Eccoci is Italian for, ‘here we are’. So, where they are?
Burnside Village, Ground Flr, North end. Can also enter via Greenhill Rd.
Sun & Mon 9am-5pm, Tues-Sat 9am-9.30pm
Breakfast/brunch menu is Fab.
A few of our favourites.
You had me at...HOUSE MADE CRUMPET.
Frittata al Taleggio, caramelised onion & taleggio cheese frittata, shaved fennel & endive salad
Pan Brioche alla Francese.Brioche French toast, banana, maple ricotta, hazelnut crumb.
And coffee as good as it gets from the man who roasts, blends and sells Cucina Classica.
The dinner menu is full of all the greatest hits. Roberto draws on over 30 years in hospitality and listening to his hundreds of loyal customers. Some will have fond memories of the crab pasta at Cibo in the 90’s. Do the crab walk into Eccoci and demand this faithful re-incarnation of the classic. Grazie for the granchio, Roberto! Finish with one of Adelaide’s best tiramisus.
‘Tirami su’ means pick me up or cheer me up. This one does both.
Some other Italian stars
The European Cafe
The European was first established on the Parade at Norwood as a pizzeria in 1958 and it quickly became the go-to place for authentic Italian food. In 1979, it was purchased by Giorgio and Gabriella Cavuoto who, together with their family, are still looking after the place. Not just owners but they are there every night which is why they are successful. Gabby’s son, Ricardo is the chef and, with longterm, ebullient, professional staff, Joe and Mandy, Gabby serves customers, many of whom have been going there for decades.
The European has earned its place as one of Adelaide’s best Italian restaurants.
Menu here. Specials are always worth a look. Joe or Mandy will talk you into one of them and Ricardo’s desserts are delish.
It’s a perfect spot for a meal before or after a film at Hoyts or The Regal on Kensington Rd or The Odeon theatre.
Mensa, Kent Town
You don’t have to have an IQ in the top 2% to know this is one of our best.
Julian Forwood and Bernice Ong, owners and vignerons of Ministry of Clouds winery, are big fans. They recommend the vitello tonnato. You’d have to be in the 98th percentile to doubt them.
Fugazzi, Leigh St, Adelaide
Let’s not forgezzi Fugazzi, where the great Rigoni’s restaurant once serviced their clientele with Giacondo Caon at the helm for 3 decades from 1979. (The best waiter there was a delightful, young man called Roberto Cardone).
One of Fugazzi’s three tasting menus is the way to go. Let Master Chef winner and owner, Laura Sharrad feed you.
We love the warm, woody fit out (by artisan Ben Turner), the soft furnishings, the vibe of the bar and crisp staff. The Australian Financial Review says it has a ‘New York buzz’.
Est Ovest, Angas St, Adelaide
The first South Australian pizzeria to be named in the international Top 50 Pizza awards.
There is a full, tradional Italian menu, the staff are friendly and the wine list very reasonable.
We think it’s the best eating before a show at The Arts Theatre.
Mercato, North Adelaide
After a controversial move from their premises in Campbelltown, North Adelaide locals are probably very glad to have their impressive market full of specialist produce nearby. Their casual eatery is Bar Mercato. It’s the same menu style as before. Not extensive but always interesting and seasonal with the best ingredients. Try and make it out of there without a fancy bottle of olive oil, a wedge of super fresh cheese, some trendy pasta you didn’t know you needed and a bottle of Italian red. As the Italians say, In boca al lupo!
Breakfast and lunch, 7 days and dinner, Tues-Sat. restaurant.