The hills of Adelaide in South Australia are the lucky recipients of farmers’ market baskets and postcards of vineyards and, for many, of densely flavoured food as well. And if you’re the kind of person who enjoys a juicy steak, this area is not going to disappoint. If you're looking for the best steak in Adelaide Hills while you’re in town, you are definitely in the right place, and at the right place, the difference here will be huge; we know that a trip can be made or broken purely by the quality of the places you eat, and we believe our steaks will make your day.
The Food Lover’s Paradise of the Adelaide Hills
But before I run you through where to find a great steak, it’s worth discussing why it’s a foodie hotspot to begin with. “Among the rolling terrain of this beautiful green countryside, in its vineyards that produce great wine, amid a culture of people promoting the idea of a community of farmers—all of this makes it the sort of place chefs enthusiastic about farm-fresh and seasonal food are drawn to like bees to honey.”
Restaurants throughout the region have a big reputation there, devising menus that are essentially celebrations of the best things that are around. The emphasis is on quality by way of handpicked herbs, local meat, and farm-fresh vegetables. And of course with steak, where it comes from, what cut it is, and how it’s cooked can make a big difference.
What Makes a Great Steak?
A properly satisfying steak is all about balance—flavour, tenderness, and cooking—so that from sear to surface to centre, every piece is the best that it can be. The quality of the meat matters, of course, but so does the level of doneness, the seasoning, and the accompaniments. These boxes are, in fact, rather praiseworthy ones, and in the rolling hills of Adelaide, finding a pin that fits them all feels a little like stumbling onto a pot of gold.
If you’re looking for the absolute best steak in Adelaide Hills, you’re not only going to consider the cut of meat but the entire dining experience. Is it warm and friendly? Are there menus of local foods? Is the faculty helpful and friendly? Little touches can mean the difference between a very good steak dinner and one you can’t stop thinking about.
Local Fave: Oakbank Hotel
One of the top steak places in the Adelaide Hills is the Oakbank Hotel. It's now a byword for down-to-earth hospitality, a good old-fashioned welcome, and top-quality food, along with one of the finest coffee and cake offerings for miles around, and is frequented by locals and tourists alike! Located in the pretty town of Oakbank, it is just a short drive from Hahndorf and offers a relaxed, country vibe with great food.
It is not the name of a dish on the menu; it is a highlight—that is, the steak at The Oakbank Hotel. Their staff has developed a reputation as great meat buyers, sourcing out the best cuts and cooking them with great skill. All orders (rare, medium rare, or well done) are cooked right in the kitchen, and your steak will be prepared as you wish. Tender A moist, succulent piece that just oozes rich, beefy flavour that should be an ultimate for any steak lover.
Want to add some extras to the main event? The Oakbank Hotel also offers a range of delicious sides and sauces to add to your feast. Think luscious mashed potatoes, crispy roast potatoes, garden salads, and house-made pepper or mushroom sauces. It’s a dish that gratifies with every morsel, especially when consumed with a local wine or cold beer.
Also in the region: Where to Find More Steak Around the Region
Yes, the Oakbank Hotel is a bit of a special one, but steak Adelaide Hills-way is so varied you would have no idea where to start. Restaurants take steak seriously, and cosy pubs around the region are teeming with them. Some are crafted from grass-fed or free-range beef from local farms, so each is the epitome of South Australian produce.
Restaurants risk hip new flavours, serving steak with gourmet sides or glitzy sauces; others play it safe with traditional dishes. Whatever kind you favour, you’re bound to find something not to your taste. And as for the Hills’ cool-climate red varieties—we’re talking Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon—there’s a complementing partner for every meal just aching to add to your dish.
Eat well, support local
Dining out in the hills isn’t simply about culinary thrills—it’s also good for local farmers and businesses. The Oakbank Hotel is the kind of ‘local’ that is the heart of any community—sourcing its produce in the region and employing local people.
Experience Lanchow: “It’s easy at a city restaurant. It’s just slower and more relaxed and has the sort of country charm you’d expect from a cosy little hotel and hospitality.” You weren’t just there to grab a bite to eat; you were participating in a regional food culture that values tradition, quality, and authenticity.
In the unlikely event that you hate food, here's a selection of recipes from when last we covered cookbooks.
So whether it’s time for a weekend escape or new restaurant is simply what’s rolling around your mind The Oakbank Hotel has got it all! The best steakhouse The menu is a cavalcade of the greatest hits, but people often return for the steak dishes. Their hospitality is homely, the plates are large, and you know you’re in good company from the moment you walk in the door.
A firm favourite and top selection for everyone chasing the best steak Adelaide Hills has to offer, The Oakbank Hotel blends casual eating with food excellence. It’s the kind of place you’d bring your family—or your friends—or stop in alone and enjoy a nice meal looking out at the Hills scenery.
Final Thoughts
The Adelaide Hills is about more than just pretty scenery and boutique wineries—it’s a foodie’s heaven, particularly if someone mentioning quality meat makes your heart race. Whether you’re after snappy fast food or an epic tuck-in, the steak Adelaide Hills trail is a delicious journey in itself.
And if what you are on the lookout for is that special somewhere that does steak right, steak the way only it can be: tender, tasty, a little juicy, and cooked exactly the way you like it, go to The Oakbank Hotel. It is where tradition and good taste unite, where every meal is served with genuine country hospitality.
Eager to enjoy the best of Adelaide Hills dining? The Oakbank Hotel Head to The Oakbank Hotel and treat yourself to steak that is worth it! Book a table now and experience why the locals and tourists keep coming back!
John Thomas 
