Best Coffee in Adelaide for an Instant Caffeine Fix

Latte lovers and flat white fans, we ask you - what’s a morning without coffee? In a city of coffee snobs (guilty!), we have sky-high standards for our brews – and our baristas work their magic behind shiny espresso machines to meet them every single day.

The coffee scene in Adelaide is a constant source of excellence, with an endless offering of gorgeous venues ensuring the city’s caffeine addiction is well-catered for.

We all have our favourite local café that we proclaim has the best beans in the city…and having a perfect coffee to look forward to each morning is kind of a big deal! Especially for the ones among us who rely heavily on a heady brew to shift into work mode. You might be more of a casual cappuccino sipper who prefers to settle in over brunch, and for that, Adelaide also has you covered. 

So, when the caffeine cravings kick in, head straight to the source and swing by one of our top picks for the best coffee in Adelaide.

Paddy Barry’s

Well and truly an Adelaide affair, Paddy Barry’s coffee spot is a welcome addition our pick of the best coffee in Adelaide. Following a rebrand, there has been no charm lost with the reimagined minimal chic café. Perennially packed with java enthusiasts, their worldly food menu includes both café classics as well as regular tasty specials such as the cauliflower and bechamel toastie to enjoy alongside your coffee. Their cold brew has proven itself a local’s favourite during those sweltering days out on their al fresco seating. The relaunch has brought the exciting addition of Paddy Barry’s own coffee beans. Pop into the Gilles Street café for a cup of the good stuff over a catch up with friends, or takeout to enjoy on the go. Even better, you can pick up a bag in-store to continue the coffee love at home, and you may spot various other local favourite coffee spots serving up Paddy Barry’s. Taste it for yourself!

96 Gilles Street, Adelaide

Leisurely Coffee

Leisurely Coffee is all about connection. Connecting people through great coffee and delicious food, that is. Day or night, sunny or grey, enjoy their impeccably turned out flat whites, iced lattes, espressos and fliter brews made from Ona beans. This is some of the best coffee in Adelaide - and it comes paired with creative brunch fare such as fried soft shell crab croissant, breakfast baos and fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes.   

Inside, contemporary vibes and splashes of greenery make it the quintessential local cafe you wish was in your neighbourhood. 

219 Gilbert Street, Adelaide 

Exchange Specialty Coffee

For those looking to expand their taste buds, knowledge and home brew kit, Exchange Specialty Coffee ticks all the boxes. Known for their silky espressos and full-bodied filters, Exchange Specialty Coffee has been servicing the East End’s coffee crowd since 2013. Market Lane’s Santa Isabel reigns supreme as the café’s house blend and is joined by a colourful collection of locally roasted beans available on the machine and for you to take home. Committed to serving coffee that has been sourced sustainably and responsibly and roasted with care, Exchange work with roasters that champion quality and transparency. Alongside the coffee, the ever-expanding food menu caters to every hunger level with all-day brunch plates joining their signature sandwiches and pastries. Much more than just some of the best coffee in Adelaide, this is a place for community, welcoming regulars and newbies alike to spend quality time, grow relationships and so much more.

Shops 1-3, 12/18 Vardon Avenue, Adelaide

Elementary Coffee

Bucking the trend of specialty lattes and novelty caffeinated concoctions, Elementary Coffee has a no-frills approach that favours quality and consistency over the latest Instagram fad. Purchasing from the same growing partners year after year and roasting on-site, the café come roastery is a favourite of the local coffee connoisseur set. Taking inspiration from previous gigs, owner Brad Nixon (Code Black, Axil Coffee Roasters) has brought a little slice of Melbourne’s esteemed coffee scene to Adelaide. There’s a tasty menu to accompany your coffee, like the classic eggs your way, or lavender cheesecake waffles. Yum.

Both locations of Elementary champion a bright open space aesthetic, and highlight the natural character of each venue. Think exposed beams, earthy tones and a touch of greenery. Dreamy vibes indeed. You might never want to leave, and you'll certainly stick around for a second round of flat whites. 

9-17 Young Street, Adelaide

2 Jervois Street, Torrensville

Larry & Ladd

With specialty blends and sustainably sourced beans the benchmark of the city's coffee scene, Larry & Ladd are taking things a step further offering separate specialty beans for black and white coffees. Partnering with Five Senses, latte lovers can sip on a custom blend that's designed to balance perfectly with your milk of choice. For the straight shooters; it’s Single Origin all the way. Opt for a matcha latte if you want something a little different. Hungry for a bite to eat? Get stuck in to the beautiful all day breakfasts, house-baked pastries and the range of toasted cheese sandwiches made with local sourdoughs on offer. Nestled within the Regent Arcade, Larry & Ladd is the perfect place to refuel between shops, with options to eat in or take away.

95 Grenfell Street, Adelaide

My Kingdom for a Horse

My Kingdom for a Horse takes coffee seriously, and they’re just as passionate about teaching the public how it’s done. Over 100 seats cater to their vast base of regulars, who return for the trusty brews and beans. The team roast for both espresso and filter brewing as well as a delicious seasonal blend that balances well with dairy and nut milks. Order your regular or explore the range of various coffee blends curated with an ever-changing selection from different countries and a contrast of processing methods. My Kingdom for a Horse is all about supporting coffee producers and purchasing their beans directly from the source. But that’s not all, you can go to their website to find the origin and make-up of each blend, alongside the names and background of each of the producers. Nothing like coffee that tastes good, while doing good.

191 Wright Street, Adelaide

Veneziano Coffee Roasters

It's all about the art of coffee at this combined espresso bar and training studio on Melbourne Street. Veneziano has been an institution since March 2012, serving up some of the best coffee in Adelaide to in-the-know locals looking to grab a brew and toastie to-go, or to hang out with the team for a coffee-fuelled visit. There's a rotating line up of microlots as well as their Soar seasonal blend always available at the bar. 

With a new training studio onsite, you can even take a range of espresso and filter classes with Veneziano's own SA Brewing and Barista Champion, Mike Wells. These are geared towards the home barista or budding professional.

111 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide 

Seven Grounds

If you haven’t visited Seven Grounds in Brompton yet, this is your sign to get down there, stat! They promise some of the best coffee in Adelaide, and the light, bright and airy interior welcomes you into the space. Proudly serving St Ali coffee, their menu of all day beverages will tick boxes for the everyday coffee sipper to the self-proclaimed coffee aficionado. Order up the ‘Orthodox’ white coffee or ‘Feels good’ black coffee or the ‘barista breakfast’ of St Ali coffee served three ways: flat white, espresso and filter. Ask their friendly staff for the featured coffee of the day, with classic filter for batch brew, pour over and cold drip. Seven Grounds’ food menu is as extravagant as their coffee, with all day breakfast, shared bowls and lunch menus to really make your day.

1/28a Hawker Street, Brompton

FIX Specialty Coffee

Taking inspiration from the coffee capital to the east, this sleek, coffee-centric café would easily hold its own against Melbourne’s finest. FIX Specialty Coffee is widely regarded as pouring some of the best coffee in Adelaide and for good reason – it’s South Australia’s first stockist of Victoria’s prized Wide Open Road beans. Perch yourself on a stool with a cup of the signature espresso blend, which perfectly marries notes of rich dark chocolate, gooey caramel and black cherry. 

27 Torrens Street, College Park, Adelaide

Tell Henry

Coffee favourites Tell Henry have returned to Kent Town, finding a more permanent home after a stint in Norwood. Breathing new life into a former old garage site, Tell Henry Owners Brad Bonor and Sharon Mackay have blended industrial with a homely charm. Lunchtime coffee stops are only improved with Tell Henry’s tasty sangas, with the welcome sight of their classic Rueben joined by a new menu items including the mortadella sando. Summers are for their welcoming outside space, surrounded by greenery, or escape the winter chill and warm yourself inside. For regulars, you know to expect three things: killer coffee from Industry Beans, banging sandwiches and lite bites and all-around good vibes thanks to their top-notch staff. When it comes to the best coffee in Adelaide, it’s safe to say Tell Henry are still a safe bet.

39 Rundle Street, Kent Town

Pogo Coffee Roasters

Coffee bean enthusiasts Pogo Coffee Roasters have industrial-style locations in Adelaide CBD, as well as the quiet but oh-so-cute inner-city suburb of Kent Town. Making their own specialty roast, their aim is to keep coffee simple (but excellent) with the modern consumer in mind – the one who isn’t interested in all the faff. Stop by the café for a delicious brew and stick around to chat with the friendly and knowledgeable staff. There isn’t a large menu – but you can grab pastries, toasties, granola and rolls to go. Some of the best coffee in Adelaide, every time. 

107a King William Street, Kent Town

Karma and Crow

Karma and Crow welcome you into their warehouse-turned cafe providing great service, coffee, food and atmosphere. Equal parts modern and industrial, style queues are taken from their warehouse roots; with recycled furnishings, exposed brick and dozens of trailing plants. Coffee by St Ali will tempt you into staying longer for a second cup, or maybe moving onto something with a kick thanks to their range of SA produced alcoholic beverages. Be sure to pair your coffee with something from their menu of savoury brunch items including house made kimchi baked beans, or the lemon ricotta hotcakes with strawberry and honeycomb butter is guaranteed to hit the spot.

251 Richmond Road, Richmond

Devour

Tucked away in a suburban side street, Devour might be the kind of place that only the Richmond locals would know about; we are here to change that. Sorry Richmond! They're brewing up a stream of fantastic coffees with beans by ONA, and offering brunch with an Asian fusion vibe – think bao buns and dumplings, along with brunch classics like bacon and eggs – and we can't get enough. Take a moment to look at the goodies for sale on the wall, and if you’re a sweet tooth be sure to grab a specialty donut to devour on the go. 

52 Davenport Terrace, Richmond

Unley Social

King William Road is awash with great cafes brewing up some of the best coffee in Adelaide. None more so than Unley Social, a new cafe that entices with its specialty brews and delectable pastry selection. 

On a sunny corner pocket in Goodwood, Unley Social is Social Group Adelaide's first community cafe. You're in safe hands for your first cup of Joe here; the focus really being on their specialty coffee ensuring each cup is a cup of caffeine gold. 

70 King William Road, Goodwood

Pickle in the Middle 

One of Unley's best cafes has got to be Pickle in the Middle. It's a regular fixture for locals looking for all-day breakfast vibes and health-conscious dishes in a light-filled, rustic-chic venue. But did you also know that they're serving up some of the best coffee in Adelaide?

We're suckers for their iced coffee. It's the perfect takeaway sip for early morning walks or afternoon catch ups with friends in Veale Gardens. 

134 Unley Road, Unley

Pinco Deli

 If the coffee doesn’t win you over, the retro and simplistic branding of Pinco Deli will certainly grab your attention. Found on the city fringe in Eastwood, Pinco are the new kids on the block, and their friendly and talented team are causing an absolute stir. With local Willow Bend Coffee providing the beans, the coffee orders here are simple, satisfying and best of all - supporting local business. While you might come for the coffee, chances are you’ll stay for a sandwich. The team at Pinco takes this part very seriously – trialling every bread in South Australia before landing on the winning baker. The sandwich menu is small but mighty – choose from 8 varieties and watch yourself become a regular.

73 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood

Whistle and Flute

Enter another world with the excellent and exciting Whistle and Flute in Unley. Their wooden interiors have lush greenery spilling over surfaces, with long sharing tables, bar seating and individual tables to cater. Trained baristas serve a range of coffees crafted from Five Senses beans, a company that is proudly B Corp, carbon neutral and strive to impact people positively through specialty coffee. Go for a simple white, black or iced coffee, with the option for non-dairy milks, or shake things up with an aromatic sticky chai. Curb hunger pangs with Whistle and Flute’s adventurous food menu, from ‘things that are eggy and also bready’, ‘things that are sweeter than others’ and an extra helping of ‘things for the side or if you’re a bit greedy’.

136 Greenhill Road, Unley

Drummer Boy Cafe

Quality and a sustainable ethos is at the heart of everything Drummer Boy Cafe does - right down to their delicious coffee. There's no better, creamier cup in Port Adelaide right now - the ultimate antidote for tired souls readying themselves for another long week at work. 

The best part? The coffee grinds here are also free to take home for mulch, body scrubs - anything you like!

132 St Vincent Street, Port Adelaide 

Milledge's Distillation Cafe 

An old warehouse in the Port has been transformed into a cafe by day and bar-distillery by night, with live music every weekend.

Milledge's is our favourite new spot to drop in for a coffee, a bite for lunch...and chill afternoons reading before delving into their excellent gin selection. 

If the warm and inviting atmosphere doesn't rein you in, the delicious roasting of Charlie Black beans, fresh flowers delivered weekly and monthly Community Market certainly will. 

8A Todd Street, Port Adelaide 

The Coffee Barun

With its loyal army of supporters, The Coffee Barun is synonymous with providing an experience in itself alongside great coffee. It’s booming success and loyal supporters just goes to show that The Coffee Barun is well and truly safe atop the list of fine brews. With two locations in town, you can visit The Barun Café in Sefton Park for coffee as well as breakfast and lunch, and St. Agnes for the Espresso Bar with light meals, sweet treats and of course- some of the best coffee in Adelaide. You can find their signature blends stocked at local cafes, providing comfort in the fact that where you see The Coffee Barun stamp, you shall receive flawless coffee. An affection for balanced fruit driven blends can be enjoyed in a variety of ways – from a classic flat white or espresso to cold drip and pour-overs. Or, let the coffee obsessives behind the counter guide you towards new favourite beverage.

132a Tolley Road, St Agnes

219 Main North Road, Sefton Park

Mighty Mighty Coffee Roasters 

It's Mighty Mighty good. Tucked away behind Lobethal Bierhaus you'll find this excellent coffee roastery, offering up some of the best coffee in Adelaide Hills. It's bringing premium coffee to the hills, drawing in locals with the drip drip of their magical cold drip, made for hot summer mornings, and the brewing of perfect flat whites and naturally sweet long blacks. Open Wednesdays through Saturdays. 

Behind Lobethal Bierhaus, 3C Main Street, Lobethal 

Fourth Hill Providore

Make mornings better by heading up into the small Adelaide Hills town of Verdun, where dreamy Fourth Hill Providore awaits with its superb coffee, fresh bread and all the brunch goods.

What was once a quaint, renovated barn has been transformed into a space that is natural, fresh and clean; floor to ceiling, white framed windows line the frontage of the building, there’s a sloping white roof and an outdoor porch area, as well as pale sandstone walls that are nostalgic remnants of the old barn.

Take a seat and prepare to melt with the first touch of coffee that hits your lips - it's that good. Best paired with something from their cabinet full of sweet treats, or one of their nourishing brunch dishes infused with local produce. 

Simply put, it's one of the best spots for coffee in Adelaide Hills.

34 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun

Has all coffee and brunch talk got you inspired to book in a catch up with the girls? Before you settle on which spot has the best coffee in Adelaide, be sure to check out our favourite new cafes, and the best spots for a bottomless brunch.