Unlike the continuing trend of the big two to create a sterile and uninspiring grocery shop some of…read morethe Foodlands in SA are taking a different tack and are giving you a gourmet experience whilst you collect the weeks supplies. This Foodland is one of three that are embracing organic produce, wider range of locally sourced produce and less demanding impulse buys. I will generally source most of my shopping from farmers markets and local butchers but for my main shop for everything I will come here to get all those other daily needs. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to support a local business but I do have a tendency to pat myself on the back regularly :)

Food shopping is not high up on everyone's list of fun things to do (it's on mine, but them I'm a…read morelittle bit quirky). So, to hear so many people rave about Foodland means they must be doing something right. Friends that live in Norwood think they have the best Foodland. Same with those living in Mitcham. I'm a huge fan of my local at Frewville and this is my review, so I can say wholeheartedly, I think Frewville tops them all! I've been shopping here for six years and drop in two to three times a week. It had a major renovation in 2011 which has turned it from a daggy site with a great selection of produce, to a sensational, modern site with an array of quality products and a strong focus on local producers. Foodland are big supporters of South Australian products and offer a great range. The foodies I know will often shop here if they can't make it to Grote Street (or can't face the parking hassles) and I know why. I've picked up stuff here that I've never seen in a Woollies or Coles, such as Persian fairy floss or yiros meat in the freezer section. There's even an entire corner at the entrance of the store dedicated to fine foods. The small goods and cheeses available rival the Central Markets (big call, I know, but I stand by it) and there is a dedicated organic fruit and vege stand at the entrance. The staff always have a great attitude and are of all ages and give the impression they genuinely enjoy their job. With the renovation they've introduced a mini cafe at the entrance that offers espresso coffee, lunch items (rolls, wraps etc) and biscuits and cakes. There are a few tables near the checkouts and despite their odd position, there is almost always someone sitting at one of them sipping a coffee or having a bite to eat as I leave. On the odd occasion when a special is too good to forgo, I'll slip over to the nearby Woollies at Arkaba, but generally, you'll find me here, supporting a local company who supports local small business.

I love this place. It's been done up really nicely, with the flowers and wooden panels. It's open…read morelate and stocks most necessities. Not to mention having coffee that in my opinion as an ex barista who used to train people in making coffee, make pretty nice brew. They have great options of food including organic fresh plus take home easy meals. The staff are all lovely, (and cute if you like a good looking checkout chick or dude) and always there to help and always with a friendly smile.

Open for just shy of 2 weeks, this is the sister shop of the extremely popular Newton store. I…read morevisited with my mum and grandmother and we all adored it. I push the trolley and mum darts around grabbing what we need. I'm a nuisance and a savior, because I always put extra stuff that mum finds at the checkout but then I always push the trolley. The store itself is clean and well presented (just like Newton) but far more spacious and full of more stock. Not just fruit & vegetables but also continental meats, cheese, frozen foods, nuts & chocolates, everything your heart could desire. There is also the largest range of delicious Beerenberg jams and spreads I've ever seen. Tucked away in the corner is their very own florist and the girls are so lovely & the arrangements are the freshest and most colourful at affordable prices. So when you've finished your weekly shop you can stop next door for a delicious coffee & cake. I'll always be a Newton girl but this store is worth the extra travel.

I no longer have to traipse up to Newton to get a great selection of fruit and veg plus!…read moreReminiscent of Brisbane's James Street Market concept, Tony and Mark's is brilliant. The staff are friendly, they smile, they are helpful, they know their products and the produce is good quality... and they have figs!

I found my Asian 'fix me up' shop which meets all of my previous childhood snack cravings…read more Prawn crackers, long twisted tapioca chips, round plum lollies which we affectionately called 'money coins' and a bevy of sour plums which we ladies never fail to carry in our purse, to avoid any unforseen car sickness trip. Fans of Korean food would find good selection of noodles, packet sauces to sweetened up the bulgogi dish. You'll also find fresh vege, the likes of kai lan, bok choy, tofu and my favourite bean sprouts! If you like Asian can drinks, shop here for the wintermelon, soya bean and lemon barley variety. Beats having the same old Coke in your fridge. Fairly well stocked supermarket although the shopkeeper speaks limited English. A smile, nod and 'show her the mullah' will generate a smile of appreciation from this lovely shopkeeper.

I'm certainly a fan of any shop that attempts to add flavour to suburbia…read more This store may seem half-empty when you first walk in, but it certainly has all you need in a pinch. The produce section is sadly small, but you can certainly find the basics (raise your hand, lemongrass). Any bottled or canned or dried stuff is well stocked, and at a much better priced than the W, the C, or the I to the A. Open til 6pm and all 7 days of the week. Certainly a plus.

The Dulwich IGA is a small and sometimes handy food stoore the the Dulwich Village complex on…read moreStuart Street. Open till 9:00pm most nights of the year, the Dulwich IGA would be really useful if only it had a broader range of items in stock. Every time I go here it seems that they are out of, or do not stock at all, whatever it is that I am looking for. For basic items such as bread and milk, you are usually good to go. They do also have a range of smallgoods, pastas, cereals etc, but don't get too ambitious in your "last minute latenight culinary plans for which you do not have the ingredients", as you are bound to be disappointed.

I'll come out and admit, I'm a little turned on by a packed display of meat and antipasto offerings…read morein a chilled glass cabinet and this was what made me first fall for the City East IGA. Combine that with a consistently well stocked fruit and veg cabinet, fresh Kitchenhand Salads and Prepacked Gluten Free meals by Enzos this place is my go-to supermarket if I have had "one of those weekends," and haven't gotten a chance to go to Foodland. It's open late - even at the time of the evening when you're just starting to decide you might want a little bit of late night chocolate or gelati - this place will cater for you. I'm a big fan of their falafels which they get from Abdul's Kitchen but sometimes these are not as fresh as I would like. Even better is that this IGA has some of the friendliest staff around, particularly for check out chicks!

I used to live very close to this little independent grocer, so would stop in to pick up odd bits…read moreand pieces. I preferred to do most of my shopping at the Central Markets, as it was vastly cheaper, but they aren't open every day. Which brings me to the big winning point of IGAs, including this one. Opening hours. Despite their slightly higher prices, they manage to compete by being open later at night on weekdays and weekends. Each IGA is slightly different, and this one is quite vastly different to the IGA at the other end of Hutt St. This one is on the up-market side, stocking a wide range of gourmet products. The City East deli stocks a range of cakes, pastas, salads, quiches and antipasto. In the fridges you can pick up pre-made meals from a range of local producers. I used to keep my eye on the discount fridge, where deli products went to die. The fruit and veg section isn't awful, but pricier than most. There is a rudimentary few aisles of basic home needs like toilet paper and light bulbs. Next to the regular tinned veg and pasta section is a little stand with fancier Italian products - nice sauces and egg pastas. In the icecream freezer you'll find the Maggie Beer range. Not a bad supermarket all round, and I'm sure it hits the target market of young professionals or wealthier types living in the city.