Justin James’s Ambitious New Restaurant Aptos to Open This Winter

by Ella

Restaurant Aptos, the highly anticipated debut by former Restaurant Botanic chef Justin James, is set to be one of the most exciting dining experiences in Adelaide this year. Opening this winter in Stirling, the restaurant will be housed in a 156-year-old sandstone church with a contemporary, award-winning extension.

The concept, described by James as a “multi-level, multisensory experience,” will take guests on a unique culinary journey, moving through three floors during the almost three-hour dining experience. Unlike a traditional restaurant, this experience will evoke the feeling of a dinner party, with guests able to move between different spaces, mingle, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere.

A New Kind of Dining Experience

James is determined to create a space that feels more like a home than a formal dining room. “It’s not a traditional restaurant at all,” he explains. The evening begins on the first floor, where guests will enjoy a series of snacks designed to “awaken the palate” with bold, strong, acidic, and salty flavors. The vibe will be casual and interactive, with lounge chairs, couches, and an open display of champagne and sparkling wine, encouraging guests to explore and socialize.

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For James, the key to this experience is creating a space that feels relaxed and social. “I really love the vibe of a dinner party,” he shares. “There’ll be a bucket full of beers and sodas, so you can just walk up and grab what you want. It’s all about feeling comfortable.”

The Ground Floor: The Heart of the Experience

The main event will unfold on the ground floor, where diners will sit inside an open kitchen — a bold design choice that eliminates the traditional barriers between chefs and guests. James wants diners to feel fully immersed in the kitchen, making the experience feel like a chef’s table. The focus will be on hotter, more substantial dishes, especially those with a focus on proteins and umami flavors.

James plans to bring his signature dishes, such as kangaroo and marron, to the menu, alongside new creations inspired by his American heritage. One such dish may even be a fine-dining take on fast food — a reflection of James’s innovative approach to cuisine.

Dessert on the Second Floor

After savoring the main courses, guests will head to the second floor for dessert, a sweet conclusion to the evening. James hints that the desserts will follow a dynamic progression — from something cleansing, to something sour, then rich and decadent, and finally a sweet finish. The dessert experience will continue the theme of bold, unconventional flavors, with dishes that might combine sweet and umami elements, like the roasted-wattleseed-and-potato ice-cream with Vegemite caramel James served at a pop-up last year.

James and his head chef Pierre Verret (former sous chef at Vue De Monde) are currently narrowing down a menu that began with 53 dishes, planning to finalize it to 20 for the launch.

The Atmosphere: Embracing the Building’s History

The fit-out will combine Japanese and Scandinavian design influences, with an earthy color palette that blends with the natural surroundings of the Adelaide Hills. “We’re letting the building speak for itself,” James explains. The design philosophy will embrace the building’s imperfections, following the wabi-sabi style — finding beauty in the incomplete and the cracked.

James’s aim is to create a restaurant that is both stylish and inviting, a space that feels like a warm hug rather than a formal dining establishment. “Dining should be fun,” he says. “It should feel like a big, warm hug. We want everyone to have a good time.”

The Music and Vibe

As for the music, don’t expect the usual background of classical or experimental tracks. Instead, the playlist will be a mix of classic ’70s rock, ’90s grunge, and mellow hip-hop, featuring artists like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. James, a self-proclaimed millennial, wants the music to reflect his personality and help set a relaxed, enjoyable tone for the evening.

Aptos: The Future of Dining in Adelaide

When Aptos opens this winter, it promises to offer a truly immersive and multi-sensory dining experience that goes beyond the typical fine dining experience. From the historic church setting to the unique menu and interactive design, Restaurant Aptos is set to redefine the dining landscape in Adelaide.

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