Stay cosy on a chilly day with the best hot chocolates in Adelaide!
Winter in Adelaide has its own vibe. Sure, it rains a lot and the skies stay grey, but I’ve learned to roll with it. If anything, it’s the perfect weather to wander into a cosy cafe and warm up with a proper hot chocolate.
It’s hands down my favourite drink. Rich, smooth, and sweet enough to lift your mood, and somehow it tastes better when it’s cold outside!
So, I figured I’d share a list of the best spots in Adelaide to grab one. Some are my personal go-tos; others are from pals who know their cocoa game.
Steven ter Horst Chocolatier
Photo credit: steventerhorstchocolatier
Website: https://www.steventerhorst.com.au/
Address: 185 King William Rd, Hyde Park
Contact details: +61 8 8117 2415
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (TUES-SAT)
- 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (SUN)
Steven ter Horst Chocolatier is one of my go-to spots whenever I’m craving that hot choco. You’ll find it on King William Road in Hyde Park, tucked among other restaurants and shops, but it has its own kind of magic.
What I love most about this place is its huge hot chocolate menu. There’s Hazelnut Praline, Spanish Spices, Mint, French Earl Grey, and of course, my personal favourite, Aztec Chilli.
That one is a bold, warming mix where the smooth richness of the chocolate meets a gentle heat that lingers just long enough to give your taste buds a proper jolt. It’s a great drink to wake me up on a cool Adelaide afternoon.
Pro tip: Make sure to follow Steven ter Horst Chocolatier on Facebook and Instagram. They often introduce new treats and drinks for a limited time, and the easiest way to hear about them is by keeping an eye on their social media pages.
C9 Chocolate & Gelato Rundle Place
Reel credit: c9chocolateandgelato
Website: https://c9gelato.com.au/
Address: Rundle Place, Level 1, 77/91 Rundle Mall
Contact details: +61 8 7134 2996
Operating hours:
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (MON-FRI)
- 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Since Rundle Mall is on my drive home, I often find myself stopping at C9 Chocolate & Gelato. They’re open every day until ten at night, which makes it an easy place to visit whenever I want a little pick-me-up to enjoy after dinner.
They serve a classic rich hot chocolate, white hot chocolate, and several flavoured options. Out of all their offerings, their hot chocolate matcha is probably my favourite, although the milk chocolate with Biscoff comes very close.
The matcha version blends the smoothness of chocolate with the earthy flavour of green tea. It’s not overly sweet, and the matcha gives it a clean finish that makes it feel a bit lighter than the usual cup of hot chocolate.
Pro tip: C9 Chocolate & Gelato often gets busy in the evenings, especially on weekends, so it’s best to visit earlier in the day to avoid the queue. You can also order their delicious drinks and desserts through Uber Eats and enjoy them at home, even during peak times.
Red Cacao
Reel credit: redcacao
Website: https://redcacao.com.au/
Address: Unit 3/41 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling
Contact details: +61 8 8339 3128
Operating hours:
- 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (MON, WED, THURS, and SAT)
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (TUES)
- 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM (FRI)
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SUN)
I always look forward to my trips to Stirling because it means I can stop at Red Cacao. This boutique chocolatier has been part of the Adelaide Hills community for years and is a great place to enjoy handcrafted chocolate creations.
Their cafe is warm and welcoming, with a diverse menu that works just as well for breakfast as it does for lunch. When it comes to hot chocolate, you can choose from milk, dark, or white couverture chocolate, or try one of their flavoured creations.
My personal favourite here is the Vienna hot chocolate. It starts with smooth milk chocolate, then they add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. The cream slowly melts into the drink, making each sip richer and silkier.
Pro tip: Red Cacao sells its hot chocolate mix online, so you can enjoy cafe-quality drinks at home. They offer milk, dark, and Aztec (with chilli and cinnamon) varieties, all made from real couverture chocolate.
Astonish Cafe & Dessert
Photo credit: astonish393
Website: https://www.astonishpatisserie.com/
Address: 393 King William St
Contact details: +61 8 8123 4646
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (TUES-THURS)
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (SUN)
It’s not one of my regular spots, but Astonish Cafe & Dessert still has some creations that make it worth adding to this list. It’s just a short walk from the parklands and a lovely place to relax after a stroll.
Their cafe has a warm, slightly whimsical feel, with cosy seating and a menu that’s great for anyone with a sweet tooth. They mostly offer waffles, cakes, and churros, but their drinks menu also features some impressive hot chocolate options.
My top recommendation is their Earl Grey hot chocolate. The gentle citrus and floral notes of the tea blend beautifully with the velvety chocolate, creating a layered flavour that has a calming quality that makes it ideal for a slow afternoon.
Pro tip: Astonish Cafe & Dessert offers private function bookings, so you can enjoy their signature desserts and drinks for special occasions. Give them a call or leave a message on their email, [email protected], to learn more.
Just Bliss Chocolates
Reel credit: justblisschocolates
Website: https://www.justbliss.com.au/
Address: 5/38 Gawler Pl
Contact details: +61 434 001 325
Operating hours:
- 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (SAT)
- 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SUN)
Another place I often visit when I’m in the mood to spend time in Rundle Mall is Just Bliss Chocolates. Their space is cosy and relaxed, making it a nice spot to take a break from shopping or to meet a friend.
I usually choose their caramel and salt hot chocolate and pair it with one of their sweet crepes. The drink has a smooth, rich base with a buttery caramel sweetness, balanced by just enough salt to make the flavours pop.
They also offer other tempting options, including mint, chilli, and Nutella hot chocolate. There is even a dairy-free version, which I think will appeal to anyone who is lactose intolerant or prefers a bolder taste.
Pro tip: Just Bliss Chocolates can create unique branded chocolate gifts, making them a good choice for client presents or corporate events. You can work with them to customise the design and packaging so your brand leaves a lasting impression long after the chocolate is gone.
Give them a call or send a message to [email protected] for more details.
St Louis House of Fine Ice Cream and Desserts
Reel credit: stlouisaustralia
Website: https://www.st-louis.com.au/
Address: 20 O’Connell St, North Adelaide
Contact details: +61 8 8361 7368
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM (MON-THURS)
- 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM (FRI and SAT)
- 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM (SUN)
If you prefer a more elegant way to enjoy hot chocolate, visit St Louise House of Fine Ice Cream and Desserts. Their decor mixes white subway tiles, elegant booths, and shelves lined with teacups and jars to create a space that feels really stylish.
While their gelato and indulgent desserts are the most popular choices, their drinks menu is just as appealing. You’ll find classic milk, dark, and white hot chocolates, along with seasonal specials that change throughout the year.
Their Signature Hot Chocolate is a crowd-favourite. It’s made with real couverture chocolate, giving it a rich, velvety texture and a deep cocoa flavour that lingers without being too heavy.
Pro tip: Download the St Louis mobile app on the App Store or the Play Store to make ordering even easier. You can browse the full menu, check for seasonal specials, and sometimes access exclusive offers that are only available through the app.
San Churro
Photo credit: sanchurro_au
Website: https://www.sanchurro.com/
Address: shop 5/300 Rundle St
Contact details: +61 8 7079 5300
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM (SUN-THURS)
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM (FRI and SAT)
San Churro has been part of Adelaide’s dessert scene for years, bringing a Spanish-inspired twist to sweet treats and drinks. Their Rundle Street store is my go-to, especially when I want something indulgent after a long day at work.
When it comes to hot chocolate, they’ve got something truly special in their Thick Spanish Hot Chocolate. This drink is exactly what it sounds like. It’s rich, dense, and almost pudding-like, made with real chocolate that coats your palate with every sip!
I often order it with their churros because the texture is so thick it feels like a chocolate dip. Alongside this indulgent option, they also serve the usual options like classic milk, dark, and white hot chocolate.
Pro tip: Join San Churro’s el Social loyalty program through their mobile app to earn points on every purchase, whether you dine in, pick up, or order directly for delivery. Members enjoy rewards such as free churros, birthday treats, and access to exclusive offers.
The app is available from both the App Store and the Play Store.
Hey Jupiter Brasserie Francaise
Photo credit: heyjupiterbrasserie
Website: https://heyjupiter.com.au/
Address: 11 Ebenezer Pl
Contact details: +61 416 050 721
Operating hours:
- 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (MON-WED)
- 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (THURS-SUN)
Hey Jupiter Brasserie Francaise is a cafe my friends have been raving about for its Parisian cafe vibe. They described it as stepping into a little corner of France, with its green facade, intimate tables, and charming yet simple decor.
After finally visiting, I can see the appeal of its atmosphere. The drinks menu matches the setting, offering coffee, tea, wine, and, of course, hot chocolate.
I must say, their hot chocolate with a shot of cognac was certainly a memorable experience! The warmth of the cognac blends well with the deep cocoa flavour, adding a gentle heat that makes it an ideal drink for winter.
Pro tip: Hey Jupiter Brasserie Francaise fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during brunch hours, so it’s best to book ahead. They only take reservations by phone, so call early to secure your table and avoid missing out on their Parisian cafe experience.
Hello, Stranger
Photo credit: hellostranger_adl
Website: https://www.hellostrangercafe.com.au/
Address: 31 Gilbert St
Contact details: +61 452 084 588
Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Hello, Stranger is a cute cafe I only heard about recently, but it certainly looks promising. One of my friends is a regular visitor, and she told me it’s because the relaxed atmosphere makes her study sessions more enjoyable.
Since she knows I’m a hot chocolate fan, she brought me one of their bestsellers, the Hot Chocolate Dirty Chai. It combines the richness of hot chocolate with the warm spice of chai and a shot of espresso to create a layered and aromatic drink.
I enjoyed it a lot. The chocolate gives it a velvety base, the chai adds a gentle spice, and the coffee rounds it out with a subtle bitterness that keeps it from being too sweet. I’m already planning to stop by and order one for myself soon.
Pro tip: Hello, Stranger offers event and catering services that can be tailored to your needs and budget, making them a good choice for meetings, celebrations, or casual gatherings.
Contact them directly by phone or email ([email protected]) to discuss menu options and secure your booking early.
