'Wall Street Journal' in New York suggests in 2023 Adelaide might be Australia's coolest city: an 'alternative utopia'

The Wall Street Journal article on Adelaide's "utopian alternative" in 2023 also had local idenetities recommendations from Osteria Oggi restaurant (left) in Pirie Street, Adelaide city, to the Adelaide Botanic Garden with its historic Palm House (right)
Images by Sia Duff for the Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal, the international business daily newspaper based in New York City, suggested in 2023 that Adelaide might secretly be Australia’s coolest city.

An article by Emily Pennington said Adelaide, as South Australia’s capital city, offered “an almost utopian alternative to the typical urban sprawl. A moat of lush parklands surrounds a one-square-mile city centre full of shops and restaurants. Beyond that, leafy suburbs give way to the Adelaide Hills, where koalas roam, and to the sea”.

The compact city was credited with packing “a serious culinary punch, thanks in part to easily accessed fresh seafood, the region’s profusion of produce and the nearby vineyards of the Barossa Valley. Recently, transplant chefs from China and Vietnam have infused the petite city of just over a million people with diverse flavors”.  Best of all, it was “supremely easy to wander Adelaide by foot.

The feature also took recommended places from Adelaide insiders:
• Justin James, executive chef at award-winning Restaurant Botanic, chose:
Bar Peripheral, in Pulteney Street, Adelaide city: “There isn’t a menu here, just an outstanding bartender, Vini,  who cares more than most”.
Osteria Oggi, Pirie Street, Adelaide city: “With a wine list stacked with local producers and a menu showcasing South Australia’s incredible produce.”
Retro Room, East Terrace, Adelaide city: “My go-to store for all things midcentury.”
• Max Pritchard, founder and director of Max Pritchard Gunner Architects, chose:
North Terrace, Adelaide city: The city’s cultural boulevard with the art gallery, museum and parliament house reflecting the prosperous years of the colony.
Adelaide Oval: “It’s unique to have a stadium so close to the city centre. The Oval is often referred to as the most beautiful sporting grounds in the world (not just by Adelaideans), with its backdrop of St. Peter’s Cathedral and the River Torrens”.
Queen’s Theatre, off Currie Street, Adelaide city: “Oldest intact theatre on mainland Australia, built in 1840. Carefully restored, it hosts concerts and exhibitions.”
Hey Jupiter, east end, Adelaide city: “We snobbily say we have the best coffee in Australia. Hey Jupiter, on the East End, is one of my favourites.”
• Adut Akech Bior, model and global activist, chose:
The Parade, Norwood: “Great for shopping. The city’s fashion scene overall prioritizes comfort—people are pretty laid back. After checking out the area’s shops, head to San Churro (Rundle Street, Adelaide city), my favourite dessert place”.
Henley Beach: “If someone had a week to spend near Adelaide, I would recommend heading to the nearby beaches. This is one of my favorites.”
Sequoia Lodge, Mount Lofty: “This spot in the Adelaide Hills is one of my favorite getaways. It has amazing views, food and wine—make sure to order the King George whiting with butter-kombu sauce.”
Adelaide Botantic Garden, North Terrace, Adelaide city: “It’s my little sister’s and my favourite place to go and have a picnic.”
• Callan Fleming, co owner of Privée, a bottled-cocktail company, chose:
Hades Hula House, Hindley Street, Adelaide city: “Killing it with its resort-style cocktails, especially the 1934 Zombie.”
Dillons Bookshop, The Parade, Norwood: “A wonderful collection of books and every section has something that’s just a little bit off kilter. Plus, there are tons of other cute spots to check out around there.”
Udaberri, Leigh Street, Adelaide city: “A beloved institution that you can’t miss, with excellent tapas, delicate wines, beers on tap and brilliant classic cocktails."
Prospect Road: “Explore this rejuvenated high street by hitting up Meze Mazi for dinner, then Anchovy Bandit for cocktails”.

Also mentioned: Golden Boy Thai restaurant, corner North and East terraces, Adelaide city; Dangerfield, 1970s-inspired dress shop, Rundle Street, Adelaide city; Vibe Hotel, Flinders Street, Adelaide city; House of Health, Adelaide Central Market.