Jumpstart your day with a good cuppa at the best cafes in Adelaide’s CBD

With its garden-like design, Peter Rabbit Cafe stands out as a welcome refuge in the cityscape. I quickly added the pictures I took here to my Instagram page thanks to its lush collection of lemon and avocado trees, herb-filled rooftop, and rustic furniture.

Owner James McIntyre wants it to be a relaxing garden escape within the city, and I can say his mission is a success!

They feature hearty and herby meals like Willow’s Porridge and Nonna’s Gnocchi. The porridge had a satisfying mouth feel with Kangaroo Island oats, malted barley, and currants. 

On the other hand, the creamy Nonna’s Gnocchi is made with creme fraiche and pecorino.

I finished my meal with their satisfyingly strong long black coffee that tasted robust even when served iced. Drinking this while shaded by greenery during the summer was pleasant!

When it comes to downsides, however, they’re often easily filled to capacity during peak hours. Some also found their servers a bit rude.

Had a real country chill vibe

“Friendly service, decor was really good and had a real country chill vibe with some nice background music, the whole outdoor garden seating and flowers really makes this a nice place to be. Coffee was made perfect, I would recommend it.”

Cleve| Google Review

Food is very unique

“Nice little spot, outside open area with shaded areas and spaced out enough you aren’t on top of each other. Food is very unique, and all presented in really nice ways. Serves are quite large as well so you won’t be disappointed if you are hungry!”

Russell| Google Review

Leisurely Coffee’s innovative take on brunch menus made them stand out for me. It features creative dishes like halal bacon and egg (beef bacon with sweetcorn scramble) and soft shell crab croissant.

It was founded by Ibrahim Yu using the former location (and espresso machine!) of the now-closed Paddy’s Cafe. He brought a modern sense to the location that is minimalist, clean, and relaxing. 

They have a great selection of drinks. The standouts for me were the aromatic Prana Sticky Chai (that delightfully blends black tea and turmeric with honey) and the comforting White coffee with maple, nut, caramel, and spices. 

Their service is also commendable. Their servers were friendly and informative about the items on their menu. They also serve orders fast.

That said, their overall rates are pricey. They also need to work on consistently maintaining the cleanliness of the space.

Foods are amazing

“Love this cafe. Foods are amazing. The Chinese donut with clay spots is already different. Especially love the shuffle pancake.

Staff are super friendly.

Will definitely be back to try all the menu.”

Nhii| Google Review

The coffee is excellent

“Arguably one of the best brunch spots in the city, I’ve visited several times. It’s perfect for catching up with friends or going on a date. Dogs are welcome, and the staff is very friendly. The coffee is excellent, and the juices are refreshing. So far, every dish I’ve tried has been a 10/10 (fried chicken burger, beef bao bun, soft-shell crab croissant, soufflé, etc.).”

Cathy| Google Review

Carton Deli has a high-quality takeout selection of deli foods (burgers, breads, rolls, etc.) and an expertly crafted drink selection. 

Owned by Zac Schneider, it was envisioned as the go-to spot for students and workers seeking quick meals. He successfully accomplished this, evident in their fast serving times and high-quality, ready-to-eat food.

Before going to their convenient location in Pulteney, I was able to order easily through their website. When I got there, everything was already prepared, and their servers were also accommodating. 

My favorite of their coffee offerings is the Short Mac (double espresso), which has pretty latte art on top. 

Now when it comes to what they can improve on, one is that their indoor dining space can be a bit stuffy. Additionally, their selection of pastries is quite limited.

Food and coffee here were amazing

“The food and coffee here were amazing. The options aren’t all the standard sandwiches you get everywhere. They manage to balance the classic comforts with interesting, fresh flavors.

The atmosphere is relaxed. Lots of regulars came by as I sat in, each enjoying friendly banter with the staff.

We had mushroom katsu and curry chicken. Both were gorgeous. Nice coffees too. Would love to go back here and try more.”

Phoebe| Google Review

Great coffee and food.

“Great coffee and food.

Had the chili broccoli Deli Sandwich – recommend”

Dan| Google Review

Mascavado Café & Pâtisserie is great for pastry lovers like myself. Their chocolate croissant, for starters, has a delicate sugar glaze and subtly dark cocoa taste that earned this cafe’s spot on the list.

It was founded in 2020 by Lea Chairesa who wanted to share her creative takes on pastries. This is why their menu changes daily (save for some bestsellers like croissants, almond knots, and brownies).

Their coffee is excellent to partner with the pastries, as they’re made with a bold roast. My favorite is the mocha because of its nutty and aromatic profile.

They’re also a very convenient choice because of their easy-to-use online ordering tool and their accessible location on Hutt Street.

In terms of downsides, however, their portions are a bit small. Their overall prices are also a bit high.

Top-notch coffee

“Indulging in the almond croissant was an absolute delight. The pastry was perfect—flaky, buttery, with just the right amount of almond flavor. Its generous size and abundant frangipane made it feel like a luxurious treat, adding to the decadence of the experience. Pairing it with a cup of strong coffee enhanced the flavor. If you’re looking for a high quality pastry experience accompanied by top-notch coffee, this place should be on your radar.”

Ave| Google Review

Great vegan options

“We came across this bakery by accident and it’s sooo good, great vegan options as well you can tell they put a lot of effort into it, service was also super good and the matcha is amazing.”

Jess| Google Review

Elementary Coffee was founded in 2015 by duo Carly Humphreys & Brad Nixon who both have years of experience in coffee making and hospitality. I saw their expertise in the careful selection of coffee beans (sourced locally and internationally) and their creative menu.

In addition, buying regularly is easy here because of their subscription system. This is modifiable depending on your preferred flavor, coffee grinding type, and amount of coffee needed daily.

Their staff is also pleasant and welcoming. They guided me well in choosing which coffee suited my taste (the flat white, with its silky froth, became my favorite).

That said, they’ve received complaints about having a faulty online booking system (sometimes reserves you for seats that are already taken). Also, they sometimes open late.

Fave coffee of our SA trip

“Fave coffee on our SA trip.

On the last day of course we discover the ultimate banger brown house.

We went to around 6 or 7 specialty coffee joints over the course of the trip and all were great but elementary was hands down the winner.

The batch brewed coffee was 11/10. zero bitterness, the right strength (sometimes batchys are woefully strong) and you could actually taste the tasting notes mentioned on the beans! em’s cappuccino was strong and full flavored and all the while smooth as hell.”

Mitchell| Google Review

Coffee here is always amazing.

“Coffee here is always amazing. We have a couple of choices for coffee beans. Every time I come, they have the same great quality. The staff is so friendly and takes care. Good vibe for meeting and enjoying coffee break”

Nhi| Google Review