Changing face of popular antique strip as Magill Rd attracts new restaurants and cafes
Long Lost Friend is the latest eatery to open on Magill Rd. Here Hannah Neale serves a coffee to Evana Platis. Picture: Noelle Bobrige.
NOT so long ago, you’d head to this eastern suburbs shopping strip to browse antiques and homewares — now it’s fast becoming a trendy new coffee and eating hub as well.
Magill Rd is becoming as well known for its cafes and restaurants as its antiques and homewares.
In the past year, several new eateries have opened on the strip, traditionally a go-to destination for antique shoppers.
Owners of new cafes and restaurants say the area attracts a similar clientele to Norwood but rent is more affordable and it offers a different vibe.
The most recent addition to Magill Rd is Long Lost Friend, in Magill, which opened in July.
It is owned by the same people as the Corner Store Cafe in Dulwich — Paul and Makeeley Abraham — and run by their niece Dani Najm.
Ms Najm says Magill Rd has much more of a “family buzz” than Dulwich and their spot, between Glynburn and St Bernards roads, has less competition than nearer the city.
“It’s got a different community here — families, young couples, uni and high school students,” she says.
What you’ll find
360 Gradi, 324 Magill Rd, Kensington Park
OWNER Nick Vadagnini came to Adelaide from Italy six years ago and could not find the pizza he loved back home so, last year, he set up 360 Gradi on Magill Rd.
Made with imported Italian flour and San Pellegrino sparkling water, pizzas start at $16 for the marinara, going up to $28 for the truffle.
Vintage Decor, Fabulous Food and Gifts, 368 Magill Rd, Kensington Park
Lunch offerings from $16 include quiche, lasagne, frittata and salads. Devonshire tea is $10. Meals are home-made and served on fine china.
The Little Eastern, 389 Magill Rd, St Morris
THIS bright, funky cafe serves Middle Eastern-inspired dishes such as baked eggs in a capsicum salsa and Turkish sausage on organic sourdough ($14.50).
Lunch offerings including manoushi — or Lebanese pizzas — with a range of toppings from spiced lamb mince to sujuk ($4 to $9.50).
Maiz & Mezcal, 405 Magill Rd, St Morris
TRADITIONAL Mexican food and a fun, family-friendly vibe.
Quesadillas, tacos, tortillas, margaritas and more. Owners Ivan and Sonia Pichardo use secret family recipes from the 19th century with a modern twist.
The meals go best with Mexican beers and organic mezcal, a spirit similar to tequila.
MICHAEL Murray took over Middle Eastern cafe and brunch spot The Little Eastern two months ago.
The Maylands cafe opened in October to strong reviews.
He said Magill Rd offered good exposure without the “exorbitant” rent of The Parade.
“Eventually, we hope Magill Rd will become an eating hub,” Mr Murray says.
“The clientele here are very good.
“They’re regular customers — lots of our publicity is by word-of-mouth or social media.”
Maria Liu and Eddie Mau opened Chilli Chi, also on the northern side of Magill Rd, in December.
They own another Vietnamese and Thai restaurant, Buddhist Kitchen, in Semaphore.
“People love our food there so we thought, ‘Why not bring that food to this area?’” Mrs Liu said.
She said Magill Rd offered a lot of passing traffic, both by car and foot.
The antique and homewares shops drew people to the area and they stayed for the food, she said.
Ross and Katie Nicholson are combining homewares and bric-a-brac with Devonshire teas and light lunches at Vintage Decor, Fabulous Food and Gifts in Kensington Park.
Business has been quiet since they bought the shop a year ago, but they are hopeful the opening of an Aldi supermarket in the Kensington Park Shopping Centre and, down the track, more apartment living in the area, will bring more customers.
“We’re thinking there might be a bit of a boom time,” Mr Nicholson says.
The section of Magill Rd between Fullarton and Glynburn roads is part of the second stage of the State Government’s push for multi-storey buildings in the suburbs.
Burnside and Campbelltown councils have suggested the Magill Village area would also be suitable for high-rises.
The State Government plans to lay a tram track along The Parade to the University of South Australia campus at Magill, although not for up to 15 years.
Source: Eastern Courier Messenger, Eugene Boisvert, 9th September 2015
Originally published as: Changing face of popular antique strip as Magill Rd attracts new restaurants and cafes
