Adelaide’s best coffee shops

By Leah Dobihal

You may know that Adelaide boasts great restaurants, stylish shopping and distinct suburbs, but did you know that this city also has great coffee? No matter the neighbourhood or time of day, you’ll find a café brewing up Australia’s favourite coffee orders. 

Here are nine places to get caffeinated in Adelaide.

Sibling

Where: 96 Gilles St, Adelaide

Beloved by locals, Sibling makes some of the most outstanding coffee in the city. Beyond their top-notch baristas and high-quality beans, Sibling boasts an airy, open atmosphere and small but delicious food menu. The venue is also vegan-friendly; you’ll even find a vegan milkshake.

Exchange Specialty Coffee

Where: 12/18 Vardon Ave, Adelaide

What defines the coffee at Exchange is the ingredients. The café uses local dairy producers, and their coffee beans can be traced back to their origin. This careful selection means that every cup of coffee is exceptional. Choose between espresso, filter and Aeropress offerings that are sure to start the day right.

My Grandma Ben

Where: 5 Third St, Bowden

My Grandma Ben is a sustainability-focused café, bar and workshop space. Stop by for a coffee and peruse the pantry full of house-made pickles, bags of granola and seasonal goodies. The breakfast menu is worth a look, too. Expect an ever-changing selection of fresh and tasty dishes.

Larry & Ladd

Where: 104 Grenfell St, Adelaide 

Opened in 2014, Larry & Ladd has become a part of the fabric of Adelaide. Conveniently located in the Regent Arcade, this is the sort of place that you’d happily frequent every morning. Sit down with your choice of coffee and watch the passersby bustle around Adelaide’s city centre.

Coffee By The Beans

Where: 394 Henley Beach Rd, Lockleys

If you’re headed toward Adelaide’s seaside suburb of Henley Beach, be sure to stop by Coffee By The Beans. This small but mighty coffee shop has gained a faithful local following, and their fan base continues to grow as coffee-lovers have a taste of the well-made white, black and filter options on offer. So grab a takeaway coffee before exploring the sands of Henley. 

Penny University

Where: 1 Union St, Adelaide 

Penny University was founded with the intention of creating a communal atmosphere. In fact, the name is inspired by 18th-century “penny universities,” where patrons paid a penny to enter coffee houses where they found a sense of community along with the latest news and gossip. Now, Penny University is an East End institution, serving up great coffee, breakfast and lunch that can be grabbed on the go, or enjoyed at the venue.

Elementary Coffee

Where: 9-17 Young St, Adelaide

Elementary Coffee prides itself on being uncomplicated and straightforward. This no-fuss attitude allows them to focus on what really matters – and that’s the quality of the coffee. They purchase beans from the same growers each year, offering a fair price that allows the growers to invest in their farms and harvest exceptional beans. It’s a win-win.

La Moka

Where: 16 Peel St, Adelaide

If you’re in the market for a cup of strong Italian coffee (as well as true Italian hospitality), then it’s time to try La Moka. Sit down for a hearty dose of caffeine and watch the action of Peel Street. Don’t be afraid to visit this venue twice in one day – La Moka serves up cocktails and charcuterie after hours.

Market Street Cafe 

Where: 11 Market St, Adelaide

Market Street Cafe has become a local favourite, and you’ll understand why before you even arrive. First and foremost a bakery, you’ll often smell their delicious baked goods wafting down the street – think chocolate brownies, lemon tarts and a range of sourdough loaves. Stop by for a morning treat with a side of coffee before exploring Adelaide Central Market next door.