Elementary by Soul Co — Restaurant in Mount Gambier

The recently opened Elementary by Soul Co is a hidden gem. Down the back streets of Mount Gambier, you wouldn't know it was there, and that's how it's supposed to be. You hear of these exclusive back ally dining experiences in other cities, and now we have one of own, and dining here is a definite must...

Originally an old hall on Margaret Street, Kirby has transformed this space, not only by making the cabinetry and benches himself, a whole restaurant by scratch, but also creating an intricate food and dining experience, a menu that is never the same...

Walking through those black doors, not knowing what you will be eating tonight is so mysterious, and as long as your willing to try anything, this is the place for you...

Watching Kirby in his element as a chef, and in this restaurant he has created, I must add the front of house staff are as important as he is. The wealth of knowledge from Paul about the drinks paired with your menu is like none other. We had local Wines to Imported Saké. The drinks are intricately chosen to compliment the food you are being served for the evening, tried and tested by the staff prior, the finest details to make sure you have the full experience this restaurant entails.

As a foodie, Elementary is a definite must, and I cannot wait to come back to...

What an unassuming place from the outside and yet the most fantastic experience! This is THE best place in Mt Gambier. Nothing else comes close. Paul and Kirby are a fantastic team and have created something really special that could just as easily be in Melbourne or even Europe. The food and drinks take pride of place here, and yet it isn't pretentious. As non drinkers, there is an extensive temperance menu, which means we can enjoy wonderful flavours without feeling like we are at the kids' table. Most of the seats are centred inward around the kitchen, and it is here that Kirby works his magic. I cannot rate this food highly enough. The thought in curating this menu and the care in executing it is absolutely evident in every mouthful. As long-time foodies, it is rare to find a place where everything is executed perfectly, and yet Kirby delivers exactly that. The blend of flavours in each bite takes you on a journey, and each course builds on the next. I finished each course and immediately wanted to eat it again!

We will definitely come back to Elementary, it is worth the 4.5 hour drive from Adelaide! Thank you to everyone on the evening of Saturday the 4th of Jan 2025, it truely was an...

If you ever find yourself in Mount Gambier, do yourself a favor and stop by The Elementary by Soul Co. At first glance, I was a bit surprised to see the place housed in a container—but knowing the chef from food festivals, I trusted his skills and didn’t hesitate for long. And I’m so glad I didn’t.

What sets this place apart isn’t just the food (which is outstanding), but the whole experience. The restaurant features an open kitchen, but unlike other fine dining spots where the head chef just adds the final touch, here he cooks every dish himself. No apprentices, no overwhelming kitchen noise—just pure focus and dedication.

The ambiance, much like the food, is a fusion in itself—unique and full of character. We had a wonderful evening, and the food was absolutely delicious. I especially loved that local ingredients were used, and the chef’s own spice blends made each bite feel personal and thoughtful.

A true hidden...