The secret to the perfect coffee from South Australia's newly crowned best barista

After a decade of brewing the perfect cup – and often pouring it before his regulars even get to the counter – Johnny has been crowned SA’s best barista. See where you can find him.

The Mediterranean Cafe Ristorante barista Johnny Hannouche (Right) with owner Chris Reaich. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

For 17 years, Mediterranean Café Ristorante has been a popular spot in Glenelg South.

Chris and Tara Reaich opened the Broadway café when the strip was still a quiet suburban stretch.

Nearly two decades later, it has become a thriving community hub that draws locals and travellers from across South Australia.

“We’ve seen the area grow into a wonderful precinct,” Mr Reaich said.

“Many of our customers have been with us since the beginning — they feel like extended family.”

And central to that family is barista Johnny Hannouche, who has spent more than 10 years behind The Med’s coffee machine and has just been voted South Australia’s Best Barista for 2025.

“He’s truly one of the greats,” Mr Reaich said.

“We’re lucky — and so are our customers.”

Mediterranean Café barista Johnny Hannouche, known for his signature double ristretto and loyal following of regulars. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

Regulars say they can tell instantly when Johnny has made their cup — and in many cases, he’s already poured it before they’ve even parked the car.

Johnny’s “coffee intuition” is legendary among locals.

“As a barista, every day is a new day, a new story to tell or listen to,” he said.

“You get to share the good times and the sad times.

“It creates a strong bond with staff, customers and the place itself.”

His brewing philosophy is simple: passion, experience, care and consistency.

“When you combine all of that, expect a perfect cup,” he said.

Johnny’s personal pick is a double ristretto, brewed with beans from his favourite origins — El Salvador, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea and Brazil.

Chris Reaich and SA’s best barista, Johnny, inside the much-loved Glenelg South café and ristorante. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

The café also credits long-time partners Rio Coffee, the SA roastery behind their signature blend.

And with summer approaching, iced drinks — including their canned iced coffees, frappés and iced matcha — are set to return.

The Mediterranean team, which also includes barista Joseph Tredrea and co-owner Chris Reaich, say one of their proudest moments was its 15th birthday, when the Reaichs threw a party for customers “old and new”.

SA’s TOP 5 Baristas as voted by you:

1. Johnny Hannouche at The Mediterranean Café Ristorante, Glenelg South

2. The Coffee House, Ardrossan; Pony and Cole, Hindmarsh & Little Local Co, Murray Bridge (tied 2nd)

3. The Gooby Goose, Happy Valley

4. Double Drop Espresso, Christie’s Beach

5. Gloria Jean’s, Colonnades

Originally published as The secret to the perfect coffee from South Australia's newly crowned best barista