Marvellous spot for a snack, pastry and coffee or a full sit down meal. Friendly and engaged staff, and the food and coffee is top tier. Picture of steak sourdough sandwich which for me was possibly the best in decades. And partners Avo and poached egg in sourdough. Also my lightly warmed salted caramel and white chocolate muffin which I refused to share with anyone - must try . Highly recommended. (And dog friendly outside)
Overview
Located at 15A Owen Terrace in Wallaroo, South Australia, The Smelter is a hidden gem for locals and visitors alike. This delightful restaurant offers a perfect blend of atmosphere, exceptional service, and mouthwatering dishes that make it a must-visit dining destination.
From the moment you step inside, The Smelter welcomes you with its cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. The décor is modern, with an industrial touch, paying homage to the area’s rich history. The restaurant’s spacious layout ensures that both intimate dinners and larger gatherings can be accommodated with ease. Whether you're here for a casual meal with friends or celebrating a special occasion, the ambiance is always inviting and comfortable.
One of the highlights of dining at The Smelter is the menu. It features a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. The menu offers everything from hearty, comfort food to lighter, fresher options. A standout choice is the slow-cooked beef short ribs, tender and bursting with flavor, served alongside perfectly seasoned vegetables. Vegetarians will appreciate the fresh, creative vegetable dishes that pair beautifully with the restaurant’s fine selection of wines. For those with a sweet tooth, The Smelter's dessert offerings, including decadent chocolate lava cake, are the perfect way to end your meal.
The drink menu at The Smelter is equally impressive, offering an extensive list of wines, craft beers, and cocktails. Their wine list features selections from local wineries in South Australia, providing a great way to experience the best of the region’s offerings. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to make recommendations based on your food choices, ensuring that each bite is paired with the perfect drink.
Service at The Smelter is top-notch, with attentive and friendly staff who go above and beyond to make your dining experience memorable. The team’s passion for providing exceptional service shines through, creating a welcoming environment where guests feel valued and well cared for.
With its unbeatable combination of delicious food, exceptional service, and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere, The Smelter has become a beloved dining spot in Wallaroo. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor seeking a true taste of South Australia, you’ll find it here.
The restaurant has quickly gained a loyal following, and the reviews reflect just how popular it’s become. Patrons often mention the quality of the food, the warmth of the staff, and the overall experience. Many recommend booking ahead, especially during peak hours, as it tends to get busy, a testament to its growing reputation.
For those planning to visit, The Smelter is conveniently located with easy access to parking, making it a hassle-free choice for a night out. Whether you're here for a special event or just looking to enjoy a great meal, The Smelter never disappoints.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo dining ✓ Good for working on laptopAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 492 reviews
We visited The Smelter in April on a rainy day after our Moonta Mines train ride was cancelled. The café was really busy—we waited about 15 minutes to be seated and around 45 minutes for the food, but it was well worth it. We had coffee, chicken waffles, and the big breakfast—everything was fresh, tasty, and satisfying. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, perfect for a slow morning. There’s street parking nearby. If you’re in the Copper Coast region, I’d highly recommend stopping by The Smelter!
We come here often for the best coffee in town and staff are super friendly plus it is dog friendly with an undercover outdoor area and water bowl. We recently tried out a pizza from the new pizza area open Thursday to Sunday evenings from 4pm ‘til late and couldn’t have been happier. Lovely crisp base and plenty of flavour and toppings.
We didn't eat here as we were only in desperate need of a decent coffee. Travelling for days in the outback & just surviving on roadhouse brew, we really appreciated the coffee we received here. Good flavours, nothing elaborate, just a good, basic brew with pleasant service & cosy atmosphere.
What a wonderful little find. The best coffee we have had in SA so far. We also had the Bacon & Minestrone Soup which was delicious. Atmosphere was wonderful and warm with friendly staff. Highly encourage you to pop in.
Very very busy Cafe after New Year. It was full of customer but clearly not enough staff nor seat/table. Waited 30mins for food to come out. Other than that, food and drink was fantastic. The menu has a lot of choices too!