The Top Places for Coffee in Adelaide’s CBD That Rival Melbourne
Growing up in Country Queensland, I was not exposed to a great variety of products and in my youth I considered Macona Gold the pinnacle of coffee drinking. This all changed after a visit to Melbourne where I discovered the flat white coffee culture and ever since, I have been a self-confessed coffee snob who would rather cut their arm off than drink in a Starbucks.
Now for many years Melbourne has been at the pinnacle of Australian coffee culture, but this has been changing over recent years and there are many new challengers to their crown and prime among these, is Adelaide.
Since I have moved to Adelaide I have been searching out great coffee purveyors in the city centre as I live and work in this area and these are my top choices (in no particular order as I love rotating between them) for a great spot to drop in for your caffeine fix whilst visiting Adelaide:
CIBO – pronounced “Cheebo”
A much loved South Australian coffee franchise started by 4 coffee loving locals who wanted to bring an Italian style coffee experience to Adelaide. Cibo means nourishment and locals will flock to their outlets for this experience. They do great pastries and I highly recommend the Cibocino, which is a hazelnut flavoured cappuccino and is delicious on a colder day.
Various Locations:
112A Rundle Mall Adelaide, 5A SA 5000
82 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000
https://www.ciboespresso.com.au/
Bonobo
Voted the best coffee shop in Adelaide CBD in the 2019 Adelaide City Coffee Championship. This is more of a grab and go type place but staff are friendly and efficient and there are a few outdoor tables to sit at. It also has a very good iced range for those hot days!
16 Bank St, Adelaide SA 5000
https://www.facebook.com/bonoboespresso/
Peter Rabbit
A hidden away gem where you can while away many hours enjoying a great brunch dish off their extensive menu or an equally superb coffee. Constructed out of a shipping container and recycled materials, you can escape down the rabbit hole with lush gardens and a relaxed atmosphere.
234-244 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000
https://www.peterabbit.com.au/
My Kingdom For A Horse
When you want to step up your coffee game and have a selection of coffee beans roasted onsite with highly trained baristas to brew them to perfection, then this is a horse with riding. Only a short stroll from the iconic Central Markets, this is a great spot to stop at before heading to buy more gastronomic delights to take home with you.
Address: 11 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000
https://www.mykingdomforahorse.com.au/cafe
Foam Coffee bar
Located in a shopping arcade off Rundle mall, this new addition to the Adelaide coffee scene with its small team of baristas know their coffee. They offer a number of different beans from around the world to grind and put through their expresso machine for your drinking pleasure. They also have a great selection of pastries and artisan donuts.
Rundle Place, Lower ground Kiosk 3, 77/91 Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000
https://foamcoffeebar.com.au/
The Coffee Nook
Literally a hidden gem on Grenfell Street that lives up to it name. Is a tiny coffee nook which is very easy to miss and walk past BUT you do not want to do that. Make sure to stop at this small hole in the wall and grab a coffee to go as you head off to explore Adelaide.
121 Grenfell St, Adelaide SA 5000
https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeenook/?hl=en
Larry and Lad
Well known coffee branch that has moved out of the regent arcade and across the street. It is in a new location but still serving great coffee.
CHESSER HOUSE, 95 Grenfell St, Adelaide SA 5000
https://larryandladd.com/
Saizon
Top rated Mexican inspired café which has great coffee and brunch dishes. Has a branch in the Adelaide Hills and is always busy with a very social vibe.
3/19 Grenfell St, Adelaide SA 5000
https://sazongrenfell.com.au/