Willunga might be more than a bit off the beaten for most Adelaide residents, but that doesn't seem to stop them from flocking in droves to this unique pizzeria on Friday nights. Chef Russell Jeavons has set up shop in a quaint 1800s stone cottage (complete with a massive function room 'shed'), installing a massive wood oven and churning out his own regionally inspired and constantly evolving pizzas. The toppings utilise fresh local produce, including bits and pieces from Jeavons' garden, and might include such combinations as Turkish-style slow-cooked lamb with tomato, yoghurt and pickled lime.
Although the restaurant is licensed, diners are more than welcome to BYO, perhaps picking up a bottle from one of the local cellar doors on the way down. Despite being such a gourmet food destination, Russell's keeps its feet firmly planted on the ground, offering a delightfully laidback experience. Order at the counter from the blackboard menu, before opening your own wine with a graciously provided opener. The casual but ever so good-natured service contributes to the fierce competition for tables.
Open
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w
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f
s
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Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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Late
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Fri-Sat 6pm-11.30pm
Modern Australian and Pizza
Two courses $30, three courses $35
Payment accepted: MasterCard, Visa and EFTPOS
Licensed. Wine is available by the glass. BYO Corkage included in the set price
Vegetarian options available
Children's menu
This venue accepts bookings. It is advisable to make a reservation ahead of time.
Seats 100
Outside dining area
Wheelchair access
and wheelchair-accessible toilets
All reviews and ratings are the expressed opinions of our users, and in no way reflects the opinions of yourRestaurants, its staff and its affiliates.
Posted by:
ubedizzy
|
23 October 2010, 9.16am
don't be shy
Add this to your list of places to go the next time you visit......Russell's at Willunga.
One or two accidents may have been caused, outside on the high street, by cars doing u-turns trying to find it. It is not immediately obvious where it is, even when you are standing right in front of the place. It looks like a vacant lot advertised with a 'for sale' board made by an 8 year-old called Russell, who would not think it needed a light to read it after he'd gone to bed. Having said that, you achieve a sense of discovery and join like-minded people with a sense of adventure, safe in the knowledge that all the timid people in the world have not made it thus far and are deservedly missing out. The restaurant is a mix of space, inside and out, that would have a feng shui devotee in a right tizz. From rusty tin shed to historic old cottage, nooks and crannies, trip hazards (my favourite was the uneven double step near the open fire) and from 'why did they put that there?' to lovely vistas and wondeful mood lighting. It all makes for a special place. Staff can make or break the mood and, provided you don't ask sophisticated urban questions, you will be well looked after. I particularly liked the one showing a tiny bit of builders' bum cleavage that had to keep hitching up the trousers but, thankfully, she was young and pretty otherwise I would have never gone again.
We didn't have time to read the blackboard (we were blocking the aisle but that is where you had to stand to order) and there are no printed menus to read at the table. Again this was ok because that sense of adventure is rewarded by selecting the set price option (3 course $37) and waiting to see what turns up. It comes in waves with a plate of salad, multi-combination pizzas and three desserts. You don't know what's in it or on it and if you did you probably wouldn't have ordered it. Each mouthful is judged on its' own merits. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. So, in summary, as a first time experience it is best to be brave. The reward is a wonderful journey of adventure.
You must go.
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Visit: Sat 23 October 2010
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Posted by:
bella spagella
|
20 July 2010, 2.55pm
A sensory experience... and SA's best pizza
This was our second visit to Russell's and it was, once again, brilliant. We bagged a cosy spot on the couch next to the fireplace. We went for the great-value 3 course deal and a bottle of the rustic house red. The starters plate is like a lucky dip, with all sorts of fresh, tasty morsels to get your taste buds buzzing and the combo of fresh bread, local olive oil and dukkah is stunning! Next it was pizzas he devoured all of his 12-inch, and raved about the buffalo mozzarella topping. I had the baseless seafood pizza and WOW the prawns and squid were so fresh and the roasted veggies were just gorgeous. We were so full by dessert time, but still enjoyed the not-too-sweet, rustic style apple strudel and delicious flourless chocolate cake with saffron pears. Russell s is a pizza experience.
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Visit: Fri 16 July 2010
Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by:
eagoodlife
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18 July 2009, 7.17am
Real Pizza
The best pizza around,made and served by young people learning the business and encouraged and supported by Russell.Don't expect fast food or fast service,not what it's about.Take time to chill out, enjoy the atmosphere and the food which is all local produce, local chat,catching up and relaxing having time out.It takes time to make real food and time to appreciate it fully.Anyone who can't, should stay away and leave room for those who do.
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Visit: Sat 18 July 2009
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Posted by:
crick77
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21 June 2009, 5.40pm
Russell's
Wow after all the fabulous reviews, we were terribly disappointed. Service was non-existent after we ordered the two course deal where we received an antipasto plate and bread with oil and dukkah for entree and then all you can eat pizza. We were dining on a table of 12 and there was just not enough to go around. Unfortunately there were no knives and forks or serving utensils supplied for either the entree or the pizza which meant everyone was passing large wooden boards around a small table. The order for extra pizza was frowned upon and then took a long time to arrive. For a grand total of $32 most people at my table only ate about 7 small squares of pizza, so quite an expensive meal.
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Visit: Sat 20 June 2009
Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by:
cat+jay
|
26 December 2008, 12.31am
russell's pizza's
wow!!! i would reccomend going to eat at Russell's anytime! i used to work there 8 years ago and it is so fantastic! an awsome atmosphere and wonderful food!
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Visit: Thu 25 December 2008
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Posted by:
cookaholick
|
11 November 2008, 6.05pm
Amazing pizza..
My family and I have been travelling to this secret (not so secret these days) place for years. It is undoubtedly the best pizza in Adelaide. I also have many friends who travel often and from interstate who say it's the best in Australia.
You only have to try to book and you'll realise how busy and good this place really is. The atmosphere is homely and rustic - like the food. The salads and pizza toppings are mostly organic and very local.
It's a very different unique (earthy, warm and buzzing) dining experience. Well worth the drive up from Adelaide. Take a group or book a party.
The deserts are out of this world.
I'm yet to find better wood fire pizza's anywhere else! I can't wait to go back.
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Visit: Tue 11 November 2008
Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by:
Chi Nguyen
|
15 July 2008, 11am
Russell's Pizza Willunga
Perfect atmosphere and great pizza sadly overshadowed by horrible service. Wouldn't make the trip there again or recommend to others. One couldnt find the place easily unless you had been there before, as there was no signage or lighting on the street. The place consisted of a number of buildings and it wasnt easily identifiable where to go, and once in, staff were not helpful in sitting us. Even once we had been sat down, the staff neglected to tell us how to order (whether we had to order at the kitchen or whether they would come and take our order). After sitting theere for a while we worked out that we needed to order at the kitchen. The food really was great, even if it did take a while, but that's understandable as it was quite busy. Even though it was busy, staff should have asked us if we wanted any drinks, which they didn't. When the beautiful pizza came, it was just dumped down on the table and we had to ask which one it was. They didn't give us one of the pizzas we ordered.
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Visit: Sat 12 July 2008
Mealtime: dinner
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