Australia’s most anticipated dining experience, Restaurant Aptos, will officially open on Friday, 8th May 2026.

Curated by renowned Chef Patron Justin James, bookings are now open for the Adelaide Hills venue. The Australian restaurant has been in development for two years and promises a multi-level dining experience unique for its innovation and inviting enclaves.

Housed within a historic church dating back to 1868, the multi-sensory journey through interconnected spaces will soon also include neighbouring venues Bar Cruz and Bar Mary.

Chef Patron Justin James says the Aptos experience is driven by care within its service.

“Restaurant Aptos is about the unexpected, being open to varied possibilities with what dining can mean and represent,” says Justin. “It’s a progressive journey giving permission to slow down and savour both culinary craftsmanship and warm hospitality.”

Restaurant Aptos is serious about its ambience, providing an intimate environment where everything is considered. Rich shadows and subtle textures give a noir feel to spaces within the Aptos sphere, while allowing for pause to appreciate lingering moments. Nothing is accidental, with each space to allow for its own uniqueness.

Restaurant Aptos is a multi-level dining experience that consumes and envelops, bringing the Australian landscape indoors for a celebration of unique native produce. Across three dining rooms, a 16-course tasting menu creates a mesmerising story for the palate, with five curated beverage pairings available to complement the experience. With just 14 guests per sitting, each reservation includes the tasting menu with beverages offered separately.

Bar Cruz will have a further three rooms for its own dining experience, setting the scene for cocktail pairings and ambient conversation, while Bar Mary intentionally focuses on whisky in its single room.

A team of 16 is bringing Justin’s vision to reality, serving dishes and beverages that represent his love of native, Australian ingredients.

Bookings can be made online at https://restaurantaptos.com/.

WHERE: 147 Mount Barker Road, Stirling