Fire guts Hahndorf's Mustard Seed restaurant with damage topping $2m
A major fire has destroyed a well-known Indian and Mediterranean restaurant in the Adelaide Hills tourist town of Hahndorf, with authorities estimating damage in excess of $2 million and investigations now underway into the cause.
The blaze tore through The Mustard Seed on the town's main street on Tuesday night, with more than 70 firefighters from the Country Fire Service and Metropolitan Fire Service deployed to battle the inferno. The fire was reported at approximately 8.30pm, with crews arriving to find the venue already fully alight.
According to Adelaide Now, locals watching from nearby took to social media to describe the scale of the blaze.
"Throwing everything at it, trucks from far and wide," one person posted on Facebook, while another wrote: "Bloody heartbreaking. For the people, building history, owners and neighbours." A third commenter added: "Pretty bad. Worst I've seen. Fire out of all the windows."
A CFS spokesman confirmed crews had brought the fire under control but remained on scene for several hours to ensure complete extinguishment. Importantly, firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings in the heritage streetscape.
Mount Barker District Council mayor David Leach paid tribute to both the venue and the emergency response. "Once again it shows how volunteer firefighters step up to serve this community," he told Adelaide Now, adding: "The council will support the owners to get back on their feet."
The restaurant was unoccupied at the time of the blaze. The Mustard Seed operates additional venues at Mount Barker, Murray Bridge and Cairnlea in Victoria, meaning the group retains trading capacity while the flagship Hahndorf site is assessed.
SA Police closed Mount Barker Road between Pine Avenue and Auricht Road during the incident. Fire cause investigators and Hills Fleurieu detectives attended the scene, with inquiries ongoing. Police have called for anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage of suspicious activity in the area to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestopperssa.com.au. Callers may remain anonymous.
Jonathan Jackson, 29th April 2026
