Nathaniel’s Coffee and Panini crowned best cafe in Adelaide’s east

A Payneham Road cafe has been named the best in Adelaide’s east just 10 months after opening in the height of COVID.

Nathaniel's Coffee and Panini has been named the best cafe in Adelaide's East. Picture: Facebook/Nathaniel's Coffee and Panini

Opening a cafe in the height of restrictions was a big risk for Newton local Nathaniel Praino.

But just 10 months on from opening the doors of Nathaniel’s Coffee and Panini, it’s clear the risk came with great reward.

The St Peters cafe has been named the best cafe in Adelaide’s east as part of our Delicious Local poll in partnership with celebrity chef Matt Preston.

Mr Praino said it was awesome to be a new business and to have received more than 26 per cent of reader votes in the poll.

“It’s bloody awesome, I’m just really grateful for everyone’s support,” he said.

“I was hesitant to open with it being right as COVID starting ramping up and people starting working from home.

“But having people working from home was a real bonus for us because we’re out in the suburbs.”

Nathaniel's Coffee and Panini owner Nathaniel Praino outside of his St Peters Cafe. Picture: Facebook/Nathaniel's Coffee and Panini

The Payneham Road cafe’s paninis have quickly become a crowd favourite and are each named after a person special to Mr Praino.

“It’s something that’s close to my heart, I always enjoy a good panino,” he said.

“I’ve found it an easy food to make well and make tasty with simple but delicious local ingredients.”

Nathaniel’s Coffee and Panini will now appear in a statewide battle on the hunt for the best cafe in SA.

Ambassador Matt Preston said the search for the nation’s best cafe was just the beginning in supporting local businesses across the country.

“It’s clear from the vast number of nominations and votes we saw come in that local communities are rallying around their favourite eateries; supporting those food businesses who have done it tough over the past 12 months,” he said.

“Make sure you keep following this fantastic search and supporting your local winners – next up we’ll be on the lookout for best pizza, so get thinking …”

THE TOP FIVE CAFES IN ADELAIDE’S EAST

1. Nathaniel’s Coffee and Panini – St Peters

2. The Lab Food + Coffee – Royston Park

3. Cafe Settebello – Campbelltown

4. Commissary – Rose Park

5. Gilberries – Dulwich