OMADA Bar & Grill in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD is where you’ll find Executive Chef Andrew Ferrara; who has ventured into his first hospitality business. At OMADA he channels his maternal Greek heritage [the paternal side is Italian] in a new modern restaurant that’s become the talk of the city.
Ferrara spent 10 years living and working in Melbourne at esteemed foodie spots such as Supernormal, Builder’s Arms Hotel and Cutler & Co. His decision to return to the grassroots in Adelaide was spurred when the opportunity to co-invest in a new restaurant lured him back.
The contemporary Greek restaurant is designed by Studio Gram. It’s anchored in symmetry and monolithic forms where timber accents and mood lighting lifts the space throughout. There’s a private dining room available for functions – but it’s the mix of stone, a pale palette and thatched straw roof that conjure all the Euro-chic feels.
Andrew spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
The good thing about Adelaide, even though it’s small, there’s a great number of restaurants that are really good new ones popping up – and the Adelaide dining scene for the popular that exists here is pretty amazing.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Easter at my grandparents cooking the lamb on the spit, and watching the whole process of it. You’d eat cucumbers and cheese as you watched the lamb go around. In Melbourne; when I was working there, I had some great meals with my brother who would come over to visit -from the beautiful sushi at Kisume, the fabulous breakfast at Cumulus and a late-night cheeseburger at Gimlet was amazing. And of course, the Super Inn for dumplings and salt and pepper flounder which was a regular for my chefs after work.
FAVOURITE BAR
Latteria in Adelaide. It’s well designed, so you feel like you’re in Melbourne. I usually go for an old- fashioned or a martini – in which case that’s done best at Gimlet.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Coke Zero, a few Panadol and spicy Asian food or a gyros does the trick.
INTERSTATE BAR
Heartbreaker in Melbourne – it’s a great place for a drink. They’ve got the pool table, nice cold beers on tap.
OVERSEAS BAR
Selas Bar in Athens.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Shaw and Smith Wines, Adelaide Hills.
NEXT DESTINATION
Greece.
