Get your caffeine fix at the best coffee shops in the Adelaide CBD!
My favorite café in the Adelaide CBD recently closed, leaving me to search for a new spot with great brews. The hard part is that there are over 100 coffee shops around the city center!
Determined, I took a couple of months to explore new spots. I’m now a firm believer in the saying, “When one door closes, another opens.” In, fact, I didn’t just open one “door;” I opened several!
I’m excited to share with you the cafes I’ll now keep coming back to.
Cafe 228
Media from: cafe_228
Website: https://cafe228.com.au/
Address: 228 Grote St
Phone: +61 8 8212 1151
Business Hours: Monday to Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Price Range: $
Cafe 228 stands out as one of the better coffee shops in the Adelaide CBD because of how they serve their drinks and food.
The price range of their coffee starts at $4 and can go up to $7, which is fairly reasonable. When it comes to the taste, their coffee was exceptional, especially their flat white. I instantly tasted the richness and creaminess of the coffee on my first sip.
They also serve food with plentiful servings. I loved their vegan options, especially the V8 Burger which has a juicy and savory patty!
Tip: Check the weather update before taking the outdoor seating here. You can easily get wet if it rains.
Bonobo Espresso
Media from: bonobocoffee
Website: https://bonobo-espresso.square.site/
Address: 6 Bank St
Phone: +61 424 135 524
Business Hours: Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price Range: $
Another great coffee shop in the Adelaide CBD is the Bonobo Espresso. Though small, this lovely cafe knows how to brew the perfect cup of coffee and make excellent pastries, making it one of the go-to places for caffeine lovers in the area.
For $3.90, you can get yourself a macchiato or an espresso to jumpstart your day. They also offer specialties, and the one I tried was their Nutella latte for $4.10. It sure was the perfect choice for me, as I love chocolate drinks blended with a rich espresso.
When it comes to pastries, their Bonobo Special Dark banana bread is one to try. It was bittersweet because of its premium dark chocolate and ripe bananas.
Tip: Go after the morning rush (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) or after lunch break (12 p.m. to 2 p.m.) to avoid the sea of crowds wanting to get their coffee or pastry.
La Moka
Media from: lamoka_adelaide
Website: https://www.lamoka.com.au/
Address: 16 Peel St
Phone: +61 8 7226 5999
Business Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Thursday and Friday: 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Saturday: 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Price: $
Do you want alcohol in your coffee? Head to La Moka for a caffeinated drink with an extra kick. This Italian-inspired cafe and aperitivo bar is a destination perfect for a morning espresso or an after-work drink.
They offer a variety of drinks, including coffee, cocktails, gin, and beer. You can also grab breakfast, lunch, pastries, or salad if you’re hungry.
I tried Captain’s Coffee, one of their coffee cocktails, and it didn’t disappoint. The drink was well-balanced, mixing the spiciness of Sailor Jerry rum and the smoothness of Amaretto with strong espresso.
Tip: They can customize your food and drink, so don’t be shy to approach one of their staff if you have any special dietary requirements.
Peter Rabbit
Media From: peter.rabbit.hindley
Website: http://peterabbit.com.au
Address: 234-244 Hindley St
Phone: +61 475 630 228
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: $$
Peter Rabbit Cafe is a charming place inspired by the popular fictional character. This Instagram-worthy coffee shop has playful decor and a cozy atmosphere that transports you to a children’s fair.
The menu offers a variety of high-quality coffee brewed from the coffee beans of the local roastery 1645 Coffee Roasters. I tried their Single Origin for $5.5, and it was creamy with hints of caramel.
Meanwhile, the food is vegan-heavy, showcasing Australia’s fresh vegetables. The Mister Potato was spot-on for us, with the smashed potato having that perfect golden color and a satisfying crunch on the outside.
Tip: Bring a sweater or anything that will keep you warm when visiting Peter Rabbit Cafe. It can get really cold when it rains.
Mister Pigeon
Media from: misterpigeoncafe
Address: 269 Gilles St
Phone: +61 8 8359 2974
Business Hours: Monday to Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: $
Mister Pigeon is a laid-back cafe with great coffee and fresh breakfast options. The café is charming and has rustic and modern decor. Its relaxed space with plenty of natural light is perfect for snapping photos of yourself and your food.
I couldn’t forget how wonderful their coffee tasted. Their flat white had a layer of smooth-frothed milk on top, perfectly balanced by strong coffee at the bottom.
Tip: Order from their bagels/sandwich menu, as this always comes with free Red Rock crisps.
Munch Deli
Media from: munchdeli.adl
Website: https://www.munchdeli.com.au/
Address: Shop 6/82 King William St
Phone: 0410 956 926
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: $
Stop at Munch Deli for some Vietnamese sangas and coffee. This cafe is famous for its deli-style sangas filled with Vietnamese flavors. Of course, we had to experience what the rave is all about.
I ordered The Morgician, a dish made from mortadella, whipped ricotta, Viet mixed nut presto, rocket, and tomato. It was creamy and smooth with a peppery and nutty taste.
Personally, I would try their strong yet creamy Vietnamese coffee. It had notes of caramel and chocolate that balanced the coffee’s earthy taste.
Tip: There’s always a line at Munch Deli. Pre-ordering on their website lets you get your food quickly without waiting.
Work Cafe
Media from: work.adl
Website: https://www.workadl.co/
Address: 100 Pirie St
Phone: +61 8 8223 6080
Business Hours: Monday to Friday – 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: $
This cafe will definitely get you energized for the day. The Work Cafe has that ultra-hip vibe with minimalist decor that instantly grabs your attention.
They had an awesome double ristretto called Magic for $4.9. The flavor was very strong, but the creamy milk helped lessen its bitterness.
They also have excellent pastries from Prove Patisserie. The croissant had a perfectly crisp exterior and a soft, buttery interior.
Tip: Their outdoor seating is quieter than their indoor space, making it a great place to enjoy your coffee peacefully.
Hey Jupiter
Media from: heyjupiterbrasserie
Website: https://heyjupiter.com.au/
Address: 11 Ebenezer Pl
Phone: +61 416 050 721
Business Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday to Sunday – 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $$
I recommend Hey Jupiter if you’re craving something French! They have a selection of classic brunch items such as the steak minute and poulet roti. Their brioche French toast was soft and fluffy inside, served with fresh berries and eggs.
Of course, I ordered the café au lait. The boldness of the coffee was balanced by the creamy steamed milk. It was a bit pricey at $11.50 a cup, but it was worth it.
Plus, you can also get wine here. For $29, you can get a glass of Louis Roederer, or a Clover Hill for $17.
Tip: Hey Jupiter only accepts reservations by phone.