Adelaide’s best coffee shops

By Leah Dobihal and Carly Spek

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.

Bloom

Where: 30 Winwood St, Thebarton

Beloved by locals, Bloom serves up some of the city's most outstanding brews within a stylishly converted barn that's over a century old. The fresh food here is cooked with love and finesse over hot coals, giving each dish a rich, smoky flavour that perfectly matches the warm and inviting setting.

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: 95 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.

Peter Rabbit

Where: 234-244 Hindley St, Adelaide 

As the name suggests, acclaimed Adelaide venue Peter Rabbit oozes a kind of fairytale whimsy that makes for a charming breakfast experience. Sprawl out on a sun-drenched picnic table with a brisket and brie burger or a signature pastry for a morning well spent.

The River Café

Where: War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide

If sitting by the water on a sunny day with a rich coffee and indulgent dishes sounds like your idea of bliss, don't skip a lunchtime visit to the River Café. The only thing more beautiful than the setting of this restaurant is the dishes they serve. Peel your eyes away from the tranquil water to delve into dishes from prosciutto wrapped figs to ricotta stuffed zucchini flowers.

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.

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.