Where to find Adelaide’s best coffee
FROM espresso shots to turmeric lattes and perfect flat whites, we love our daily brews. We’ve searched the city and suburbs for Adelaide’s best coffee — and here’s what we found.
FROM espresso shots to turmeric lattes, we love our daily brews. Reporters from Messenger Community News have searched to find the best coffee spots in the city and suburbs. Here’s what they found.
WEST
The Seller Door
It’s been open just a touch over six months, but The Seller Door has quickly become a hit with Brighton locals and beachgoers alike. The part cafe, part market serves up Robe-based Mahalia Coffee’s No. 2 blend, in keeping with their ethos of promoting small-batch South Australian producers. But it is the range of “alternative lattes” that owner Tom Rodger says have been a hit with health-conscious customers, with benefits such as detoxing and healthy nerve and muscle function. “The lattes are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, so for people who might not be feeling like a coffee or don’t need a caffeine hit, it’s a good option to offer,” he says. They include the golden turmeric, green matcha, beetroot hot chocolate — and the bestseller Red Velvet, a turmeric and chai blend.
73 Jetty Rd, Brighton.
Patio Coffee Roasters
If you’re after the entire coffee experience, then it’s hard to go past Patio Coffee Roasters’ South Rd cafe and roastery. Aside from concocting coffees and selling beans, Patio also has a range of machines and instruments on offer for purchase and even runs barista classes. But more than that, Patio is like a cellar door for coffee offering tastings and education as well as a great cup of coffee. Barista Joseph Jones says Patio partners with micro-lot farms from across the world to bring customers some of the best coffee available on the market today. “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee and want to equip people to be able to understand where their coffee comes from and what it tastes like,” he says.
678 South Rd, Glandore.
Coffee By The Beans
This bustling little Henley Beach Rd cafe has become a bit of a local legend among coffee lovers in the west — and with good reason. It may be the friendly service, but most likely it is the consistently good coffee that has Coffee By The Beans held in such high regard. The beans are sourced from across the globe, including Colombia, Brazil and Papua New Guinea with a range to try in the cafe. Aside from cakes, the food menu does not exist at this specialty coffee house, where the focus is all on the beans.
3/394 Henley Beach Rd, Lockleys.
The Loose Caboose
Set in the heritage Bowden station, this is one of Adelaide’s better locations to sip a latte.
Its old-world charm is popular all-year round, whether it is in front of the open fireplace in winter or out on the terrace on a sunny summer’s day. The team at The Loose Caboose regularly change up their single-origin offering and also have in-house espresso mix, “The Caboose Blend”. Worth a try is the filter or “pour over” coffee on offer, a gentler way of brewing coffee with a clearer flavour. The Loose Caboose is also known for its food, which is worth waiting for, especially at weekends.
21 First St, Hindmarsh.
Dutch Coffee Lab
Holland isn’t necessarily the first point of call when thinking about coffee but owner Tom de Flart has successfully brought a bit of the Netherlands to the Port. Dutch Coffee Lab uses beans from SA roaster De Groot and dishes out well-crafted espresso, cold-drip coffee and Dutch hot chocolate. While the coffee alone is worth the trip to Port Adelaide, the quirky, thoughtful design and food offerings will keep you there. The “Uitsmijter” Dutch breakfast and “Broodje Bal” slow-cooked meatballs offer a real taste of Holland.
255 St Vincent St, Port Adelaide.
SOUTH
Becks Bakehouse
It may specialise in baked goods but this popular bakery has built a name for itself as the go-to spot for coffee at Port Noarlunga. Pick up your morning cappuccino, latte, flat white or long black on the way to work or be adventurous and try the Nutella or chocolate lattes. Cafe manager Renee Yarrow says the secret to making a great coffee is getting the right balance of milk and froth and ensuring the taste isn’t too overpowering. “There is a technique to it and we’re pretty on the ball,” Renee says. “We don’t just let anyone on the machine.”
25 Clarke St, Port Noarlunga
3 Monkeys Fine Foods
As a testament to its name, this cottage-style cafe uses only the “finest” products to make its popular coffees. Owner Katelijne Van Cauteren says the Fleurieu Milk Company’s varieties and organic beans are the key to their great brews. “Our coffee is quite strong on it’s own,” Katelijne says. “I think that’s what people really like — the strong and robust coffee beans. We also grind only when we need it, which makes it fresher.” Prices range between $4 and $5.80 depending on the size. Make the most of the atmosphere and enjoy a blend in the courtyard or take one to go before browsing through the shop, which offers produce and market goods.
17a High St, Willunga
Down South Bakery
Nestled among Lonsdale’s major industries is a bakery that has long been known among tradies for its coffee. Owner Tim Anson says they brew their beverages in a certain way based on the customer’s request. He says tradies often have the cup sitting in their cars for long periods of time before taking their first sip. “Ideally it’s meant to be 60C but because of our area, people like it hotter,” Tim says. “We always check what they want.” They are also a good price, starting at $4 for a small to $5 for a large. The word is out — because Tim says their morning trade has been on the increase.
7/27 Aldenhoven Rd, Lonsdale
Viscous Coffee
The one-man-show behind this quirky store takes coffee much more seriously than your average barista. Steve Benington is all about quality so while it might take a bit longer to brew your favourite espresso-based beverage, the taste is worth it. He also offers filtered and siphon brews as well as cold drip concoctions. “Coffee is nothing but basic physics and chemistry,” Steve says. He believes consistency and clean equipment is vital to making a great coffee, which many cafes struggle with because their focus is quantity over quality. “I do it because I enjoy it,” Steve says. His coffees range between $2 and $20.
27a Beach Rd, Christies Beach
Finicky Fingers
This small but modern cafe may be slightly hidden in the heart of Woodcroft’s town centre but its coffee is certainly no secret. Owner Debbie Panait says one of the main reasons their brews have become fan favourites is because they use Adelaide-based supplier Patio Coffee Roasters, which gives them a point of difference. “The other thing is to make sure that all your staff learn exactly the same way to make coffee, so there’s consistency,” Debbie says. Have a cup with one of their decadent cakes or slices for a perfect winter’s afternoon indulgence.
Woodcroft Town Centre, corner of Bains and Panalatinga roads.
NORTH EAST
Turkish coffee at Enchanted Cafe — $3.50
Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cultures have influenced a beverage on Enchanted Cafe’s menu. Sotira Moraitis opened the cafe about two years ago and has a Greek heritage, which she said is what influenced her decision to add a Turkish coffee to her drinks list. “It’s our cultural drink — Greek, Turkish and Lebanese, they all drink the same coffee,” Ms Moraitis said. “You can have it sweet, medium or without any sugar. It has a bitter taste and isn’t served with milk, it’s just straight coffee.”
Shop T10, 297 Peachey Rd, Munno Para. Details: 0424 474 354.
Gossip Cafe’s turmeric latte — $4
Liquid Gold. That’s what Gossip Cafe’s turmeric latte is known as because of its rich antioxidant content. Opened in October, Gossip has been serving the bright orange drink to customers after both a caffeine hit and a health kick. Owner Danielle BouChebli described the drink as “really sweet and really, really nice”. “It’s called Liquid Gold because it apparently has a lot of antioxidants,” Ms BouChebli said. “It’s a nourishing, comforting and delish drink made from ground turmeric and ginger with a hint of sweetness. You have to like turmeric and ginger to be able to drink it, but I love it.”
Shop 2, 121-129 Heaslip Rd, Angle Vale: Details: 8380 6557.
Mocha at Donchos Cafe — $4.60
Coffee breaks don’t always have to be a quick dash to the closest takeaway store — and Donchos Café is the perfect reminder of this. Nestled inside the Virginia Home & Garden nursery, this quaint coffee shop offers a traditional beverage menu populated by flat whites, lattes, cappuccinos, affogatos and hot chocolate. The standout, though, is the classic mocha, which consists of creamy milk stirred through a shot of coffee and topped with — you guessed it — chocolate. And the best part is customers can indulge in this drink while surrounded by a sea of plants sourced from the local region.
Virginia Home & Garden, Gawler Rd, Virginia. Details: 8380 8394.
Affogato at The Topiary Cafe — $10
The Topiary Cafe at Tea Tree Gully has added a coffee-based item to its dessert menu. The affogato is made from espresso coffee — sourced from Rio and roasted in Stepney — with homemade vanilla ice-cream and almond biscotti. Topiary prides itself on sourcing its produce from SA companies, using Tweedvale milk from Lobethal. As with Donchos, Topiary is located within a nursery, meaning customers have the chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Newman’s Nursery, 1361 North East Rd, Tea Tree Gully. Details: 8263 0818.
Flat white from Coffee Amigo — $4.50
We couldn’t write a piece about the best coffee in the north without including Coffee Amigo in Salisbury. Having won a raft of awards for its brew, Coffee Amigo sources its beans from local company Salisbury City Roasters and another distributor in Melbourne — the only two places trusted by owner Julio Cordero. “I couldn’t find anywhere else in Adelaide that can make the beans the way I want them — organic,” Mr Cordero said.
Coffee Amigo, 36 John St, Salisbury. Details: 8250 0330.
CITY
Elementary, 9-17 Young St
This coffee house/roastery is a winner for so many reasons. For starters, the people behind the counter are super nice; like heart-warmingly, put a spring-in-your-step kind of nice. The space itself is light-filled and roomy. And, most importantly, the coffee is always top-notch. Roasted just metres away from the kitchen, the beans are as fresh as they come. Right now it’s African coffee season, so look out for the latest roast, Kenya peaberry, which is said to have a more concentrated and intense flavour. You can buy the beans to take home, too.
Penny University, 1 Union St
An East End favourite (and best coffee winner of The City Awards) Pennys is not all about good looks and hipster milk crates. The coffee is always good, and we know how important consistency is in a relationship (the barista/customer relationship is a real one). Beans come from a Melbourne coffee roaster and milk is good ol’ creamy Tweedvale.
Argo, 2 Wellington Square,
North Adelaide
It opened as the cafe with no name, and it still is — kinda. Though there’s no signage on the quintessentially North Adelaide brick building, those in the know will recognise the coffee in a heartbeat. Sorry for ruining the surprise in the heading but, yes, it’s the popular Argo behind this one. Owner Daniel Milky (also behind Monastery Coffee, Argo’s bean supplier) mixes up the blends and single origins on a weekly basis. As Argo barista Campbell says, the beans are consistently changing but are roasted in a way that results in a familiar flavour — meaning customers can always rely on a consistent cup.
Book Nook & Bean, Topham Mall
Katherine and Paul Arguile opened this tiny coffee house through Renew Adelaide two years ago and have attracted a steady stream of regulars since day one. The beans come from boutique roaster De Groot, while milk comes from Adelaide Hills-based business Tweedvale. Brighton family business Cheeky Organics supplies the almond milk — the BN & B team say it’s the best almond milk they’ve tasted.
Public, 12 Franklin St
A fave with the corporate crowd, Public has enough room for customers to read the paper while they wait, as well as plenty of prime perches to sip and stay a while. There’s some highly skilled men and women working the machine here (shoutout to Sam in particular, one of Adelaide’s best baristas) and some damn fine pastries sitting on display to complement the coffee, made with Vittoria beans. Look out for its pop-up at the Westpac House atrium.
EAST
The Lost Deli
This corner store-turned-vegan takeaway bar not only makes tasty food, it also serves delicious coffee. Co-owner and coffee connoisseur Marco Santos ditches traditional dairy milk in favour of plant-based blends to make his brews. “I use the different qualities of the almond and the soy milk to blend it through the coffee to emulate a really nice, perfect cappuccino that’s really creamy,” Mr Santos says. “We have a really good coffee that’s locally roasted and milk just stretches the coffee along.”
38 Charles St, Norwood, 8123 4687.
Pickle in the Middle
It started as a pop-up stall in the Central Market selling toasted sandwiches stuffed with pickles. Now at home on Unley Rd, Pickle in the Middle is causing a buzz with its coffees. Owner Luke Halloran says the coffees, brewed with locally-sourced Monday’s Coffee beans, are made with tender loving care. “It’s a really well-roasted blend,” Mr Halloran says. “We make sure we always grind the coffee fresh and we make sure the same amount goes into the basket each time.”
134 Unley Rd, Unley, 8172 1083.
Espresso Royale
This St Morris cafe is perfect for parents looking to relax with a freshly-brewed coffee without having to worry too much about entertaining their children. Espresso Royale not only makes incredible coffees, there is also a cubby house and a garden out the back for the little ones to explore. Barista Henri Owens reckons he makes more than 100 coffees a day and tries hard to cater for varying tastebuds. “It’s important to steam the milk correctly and make sure it’s silky and also ensure you have the correct coffee grind,” Mr Owens says. “We have all different milk varieties including coconut, soy and almond.”
357 Magill Rd, St Morris, 8333 1539.
Cafe Settebello
If you are in the mood for a nice, rich, traditional Italian coffee, then look no further than Cafe Settebello at Newton. Coffee lovers can choose to have their cup made either with a modern machine or an Italian drip coffee pot, known as a maginetta, or macchinetta. The traditional pot has a bottom section for water, a basket containing ground coffee, a collecting chamber for the coffee, a filter and a rubber ring that keeps the filter in place. Owner Dominic Rocca says making sure the coffee has the perfect amount of cream is what makes it taste so good. “We specialise in homegrown, Italian-style coffee. You’ve got to have nice crema on the espresso itself and also a nice crema from the milk itself.”
84 Newton Rd, Newton, 8336 5599.
The Libertine by Louis
This quaint little Magill Rd cafe may have undergone a name change — it was My Friend Louis — but the great-tasting coffee remains the same. It boasts a large selection of beans — local and boutique — to create a coffee-lover’s dream. Owner Georgina Hahn says making the perfect coffee is an art and it must look as good as it tastes. “It is about appreciating coffee and you need to understand that it’s a complex process, it is as complex as making wine. Everything is done to make sure the outgoing cup isn’t just beautiful with the art on top, but it tastes good.”
137 Magill Rd, Stepney, 8363 4918.
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