At Rumi on Louth, food is an integral part of the story. Guests are invited into a dining experience guided by provenance, shaped by the seasons, and brought to life by fire, smoke, and thoughtful technique. Here, flavour is entwined with memory, and the island’s rhythm finds its way onto every plate.
On Louth Island, dining begins with the land and sea, with the quiet knowledge of what the season offers. It is a practice of care, connection, and meticulous attention to detail.
Food is central to the island experience. The island’s award-winning fine dining restaurant, Samphire, brings together local produce, native botanicals, and a paddock-to-plate philosophy inspired by the Eyre Peninsula. Every plate tells a story of the Eyre Peninsula, grounded in respect. This is a destination for those who travel to taste, to connect, and to experience culture through flavour.
A Culinary Expression of the Island
At the heart of Rumi on Louth is Samphire, a fine dining experience like no other. The kitchen draws directly from the Eyre Peninsula – a region renowned for pristine seafood, premium produce, and native ingredients.. Local seafood, native botanicals, and premium mainland produce are prepared with clarity and respect for the ingredients. Every course is a reflection of the island’s environment, thoughtfully refined and quietly expressive.
An Award-Winning Culinary Experience
Samphire has been awarded two Australian Good Food Guide Chef’s Hats for 2025, placing it among the top one percent of restaurants in the country. The recognition reflects a commitment that begins well before each dish reaches the table. Every plate is built on a foundation of provenance – a true expression of South Australian terroir
The Vision of Chef Jono Sweet
Executive Chef Jono Sweet leads the kitchen with a philosophy shaped by two decades of practice and a deep connection to place. Raised on the Eyre Peninsula, his approach blends modern Australian technique with subtle Asian influence. His cooking reflects the rhythm of the region: salt, smoke, citrus, and mineral, brought together to perfection.
Dining That Reflects the Island’s Rhythm
Guests may choose a long lunch overlooking the water or a six-course degustation aligned with the season. The experience at Samphire remains personal, grounded, and immersive. It is fine dining shaped by the island’s quiet beauty and delivered with intention.
Food-Led Travel at Rumi
For travellers seeking connection through food, the island offers a stay shaped by the quiet satisfaction of well-prepared ingredients. Every part of the experience, from long lunches to guided tastings, is an invitation to taste something special.
Guests may choose a curated wine pairing that draws on South Australia’s rich regions or take part in a private tasting tailored by the chef. Seasonal menus encourage return visits, offering new ingredients and approaches throughout the year.
Whether for a weekend or something longer, Rumi welcomes those who travel to eat, learn, and slow down. The island rewards those who stay curious and celebrate the simple joy of flavour.
Meet Executive Chef Jono Sweet
Raised on the Eyre Peninsula, Jono Sweet brings over two decades of culinary experience to Rumi on Louth. His style is rooted in modern Australian cuisine, with a refined touch of Asian influence, shaped by the landscapes he has always called home.
Ingredients are chosen for integrity and freshness, sourced from local producers, fishers and growers across the Eyre Peninsula. His paddock-to-plate approach honours local seafood, native botanicals, and the changing rhythm of the seasons.
With multiple Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hats to his name, including two awarded to Samphire in its first year, Jono’s work reflects a deep respect for process and place.
Cultural & Event Experiences
Flavour as Storytelling
At Rumi on Louth, food carries meaning beyond the plate. Each ingredient tells a story shaped by land, tide, and tradition. Guests are invited to connect with South Australian culture through thoughtfully prepared meals that honour the landscape and its rhythms.
Seasonal Dining Events
Throughout the year, Rumi hosts seasonal dining experiences that celebrate the island’s changing environment. Menus are built around what the season provides. The setting may be by the water, beneath open sky, or in a space filled with candlelight and warmth. These gatherings invite presence, offering moments that feel both grounded and elevated.
Celebrations with Intention
Private events at Rumi are tailored with care. The Deck, The Atrium, and Samphire each offer a different mood, from soft coastal light to intimate indoor settings. Guests may choose a curated long-table meal or a standing reception with paired wines and seasonal canapés. Every detail reflects the character of the island and the richness of South Australian produce.
A Place to Connect Through Culture
Dining at Rumi is an act of participation. Whether through a single dish or a shared celebration, guests are invited to engage with food as a cultural experience, one that reflects both where they are and what the moment holds.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Dining Experiences
An Expression of Season and Place
The kitchen works in close rhythm with the Eyre Peninsula, selecting ingredients based on freshness, quality, and connection to the landscape. Native herbs, coastal greens, and freshly caught seafood often form the foundation of a menu that evolves naturally throughout the year.
Degustation with a Sense of Ceremony
The six-course degustation offers guests the opportunity to move through a curated sequence of flavours. Each course is guided by the season, with ingredients introduced at their peak. Wines are selected to complement the dishes and to reflect the diversity of South Australian producers.
Dining with Detail and Depth
Whether enjoyed in Samphire’s softly lit dining room or at a private table overlooking the coast, every detail has been considered. Plates are presented with care. Textures are balanced. Flavours arrive with purpose. These meals are shaped for memory, with a focus on clarity, balance, and lasting impression.
Plan Your Culinary Escape
At Rumi on Louth, dining is part of the landscape. It moves gently, like the tides. A curated tasting. A wine shared in golden light. A menu that shifts with the wind and reappears in memory long after the plates are cleared.
Whether you’re drawn by the promise of a six-course degustation, a seasonal event beneath the stars, or a long lunch shared slowly by the sea, each experience is shaped with care and guided by place.
Book your culinary escape today and discover why Rumi on Louth is one of South Australia’s most exceptional food and wine destinations.
Dining FAQs
How can I dine at Samphire?
À la carte dining at Samphire is available exclusively to in-house guests. The six-course degustation requires 24 hours’ notice. Special dining events are announced seasonally; availability and booking details are listed with each event.
Can dietary preferences be accommodated?
The team is happy to work with most dietary preferences. Guests are encouraged to share any specific requirements when booking so the experience can be tailored thoughtfully.
Do I need to book ahead for the degustation?
Yes. The six-course degustation requires 24 hours’ notice. This allows the kitchen to prepare seasonal ingredients with care and intention.
How often do the menus change?
Menus shift with the seasons, often featuring ingredients at their peak. Each visit may offer something new, guided by the local environment and what the chef and producers have sourced.
Are wine pairings available?
Yes. Samphire offers curated wine pairings highlighting South Australia’s most celebrated producers. The list is designed to complement both the à la carte and degustation menus.