The 15 best cafés in Adelaide

What is it? A refurbished tram barn that blends together the old and the new into one harmonious dining room.

Why we love it: Situated along the banks of Thebarton’s River Torrens slice, Bloom is without a doubt one of Adelaide’s most aesthetically pleasing cafés. Gum trees shade the courtyard out back, which is tangled with vines and lined with green herbs, while the converted tram barn innards nail the balance between contemporary and homely. Farm-fresh plates and coal-fired creations are a big hit at Bloom, and their caffeine is equally as divine. Adelaide-based 1645 Coffee Roasters is to thank for the beans that waft their way around the dining hall, but an Espresso Martini is bound to funk things up a bit, too. When it comes to the carefully curated plates, everything from the sourdough to the steak gets a kiss of fire, and it makes for an irreplicable brunch experience that rotates with the seasons. Your table’s spread might look a little something like marinated courgette with golden beets, butter beans, ajo blanco (a Spanish almond cream of sorts), hazelnut, chili and basil, alongside braised beef rib with pearl onions, hollandaise, gremolata (parsley, lemon zest and garlic dressing) atop toasted brioche.

Time Out tip: On cooler winter days, nab a seat near the open kitchen’s woodfired flames for a bit of residual warmth and precision roasting scenes.

Address: 38 Winwood Street, Thebarton
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-3.30pm; Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? A garden café in the heart of the city centre that turns up the heat for the omnivorous and herbivorous alike.

Why we love it: This Adelaide icon is always buzzing, and no, it’s not because of the electrical substation next door or the friendly bees pollinating the passion fruit-flowering fence. Overflowing with plants and people, Peter Rabbit is a crowd-pleaser for a good reason. Their all-encompassing brunch menu will tick everyone’s boxes. Try their triple-scrambled eggs with a cup of coffee, mushroom udon and a matcha latte, or Nonna’s gnocchi with a glass of red. Their cocktail menu riffs on café classics and is the perfect excuse to have a boozy brunch. How about an ever-so refreshing Gin and Jam of raspberry tart gin, seasonal house-made jam and a smidge of lemon? Or an Irish Whisky Espresso with Baileys, Mr Black, oat milk and sugar cane to get the cogs ticking, perhaps?

Time Out tip: Peter Rabbit Café has been going strong since 2015, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about what gets hungry stomachs rumbling. They’re also well-versed in good plant-based fare, and we’d recommend entrusting their options if you’re thinking of delving into vegan dining.

Address: 234-244 Hindley Street, Adelaide
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-3pm; Sat-Sun 8am-3pm
Expect to pay: More than $18 for a proper meal

What is it? A long-standing mainstay of Adelaide’s caffeine scene, tucked behind Rundle Street’s abuzz thoroughfare.

Why we love it: Is this Adelaide’s best coffee? It just might be. Keeping us caffeinated with their sustainably sourced beans since 2013, Exchange has expanded from just specialty coffee to an epic food menu. Come with a group and split their one-litre carafe of filter coffee while you explore the sweet and savoury plates. Breakfast doesn’t get any harder than their Peking duck ragu served on grilled sourdough with mushrooms, fried egg, chilli crisp and lemon. The brioche French toast with coconut caramel, lime cheesecake mousse, savoiardi (sponge biscuit) crumb and blueberry doesn’t fall far behind either. Wash it all down with an espresso tonic or Pink Lady apple juice, and you should be set ‘n’ satiated for a tip-top day ahead.

Time Out tip: Exchange Coffee’s cornerstore locale, combined with floor-to-ceiling windows, means that you’re in for a people-watching treat. The East End is abuzz with shoppers, diners and drinkers alike, and you’ll certainly come across a fashionista or two on their way to thrift something jazzy.

Address: 12/18 Vardon Avenue, Adelaide
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? A side street eatery and bar that’s a little yesteryear and very French.

Why we love it: You know what’s cheaper than flights to Paris? A trip to Hey Jupiter. Behind a beautifully tiled, green and white facade that recalls the Metro stations of Paris, this brasserie hits the sweet spot between tradition and innovation. As a result, it’s as popular with boomers enjoying the chic brasserie vibes as it is with hospo staff ducking in before a shift. The extensive menu ranges from croissants, croque monsieur and cassoulet in the morning, to foie gras, steak frites and crêpes Suzette past noon and well into the night. No matter the time, no one is judging here – wine is a must and the bottles are proudly French, with beers, ciders, apéros and breakfast cocktails to play with too. We’ll take one of the Espresso Martinis with crème de café, thanks. Whether you’re in the mood to dress up or dress down, Hey Jupiter is worthy of a snap. Even the staff look the part.

Time Out tip: Nab a table curbside and plonk yourself on one of the street-facing, Parisian bistro chairs and watch the quirks of Ebenezer Place take place right before your eyes. 

Address: 11 Ebenezer Place, Adelaide
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 7am-4pm; Thurs-Sun 7am-10pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? A North Adelaide neighbourhood café inspired by the Jewish delis of New York.

Why we love it: Step under The Flying Fig’s red-striped awnings into a slice of New York in Adelaide. Inspired by the Jewish delis of The Big Apple, dining here will have you running to the counter to buy all their house-made goods to take home, from bagels and lox to kvass. On their brunch menu, find Jewish twists on brunch classics alongside traditional numbers – the challah French toast with vanilla ricotta, butterscotch sauce and pistachio halwa, as well as the house-smoked pastrami Reuben with kohlrabi and caraway sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, spicy Russian dressing on dark rye sourdough, respectively. A little unsure about the menu? Don’t worry, The Flying Fig have thought it through with a culinary glossary on the flipside for your perusing needs.

Time Out tip: As lovely as The Flying Fig is, North Adelaide is pretty as a picture with tree-lined streets and early-1900s cottages boasting facades that are well-worth a moment of admiration. Take your goodies away and perch up on a park bench for a Flying Fig feast that’s just as great if in-house tables are hard to come by.

Address: 161 Jeffcott Street, North Adelaide
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am-3:30pm; Sun 8am-3:30pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? A café that puts creativity first and doesn’t leave plant-based options as an afterthought.

Why we love it: Feel right at home at Pixie and the Hawk’s eclectic little space serving big, inventive brunches. With some of Adelaide’s best coffee supplied by the local legends at Five Senses Coffee, their food menu matches the standard. Sweet treats and satisfying savoury options are both taken seriously on their seasonal menu. Warm your soul with raclette cheese melted onto sourdough with buttered leeks (they’ve named the dish All You Need Is Leeks), or try one of the best French toasts in Adelaide, topped with pepperoni, hot honey and garlic bread crumbs. Adding the pickled pineapple is non-negotiable, too. Vegan and gluten-free dishes are aplenty at Pixie and the Hawk, which may just be thanks to its 5031 postcode, but thankful we are. The mushroom bánh mi gets the job done nicely for the vegos, while the Vegemite salt potato gems with lemon aioli are a moreish wheat- and animal-free snack for both dietaries.

Time Out tip: If straying from the norm is right up your alley, you seriously must try Pixie and the Hawk’s not-coffee lattes. Both the Turkish Delight and Pandan numbers make for divine sweet tooth sipping.

Address: 144 Henley Beach Road, Torrensville
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-2pm; Sat-Sun 9am-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? A long-standing bakery with outposts in Eastwood and Norwood for easy glutenous access.

Why we love it: This popular bakery has been around since 1910, but its offerings are anything but stuck in the past. Jenny’s has built up a cult following from their innovative treats. These days, the family-owned bakery excels in riffs on classics, like black sesame croissants, pistachio maritozzi (cream-filled brioche buns), and tooth-breaking toffee apple bombolone (filled doughnuts). They were one of the first bakeries to bring the international craze, the crookie, to Australian shores, too. Jenny’s is also carrying Adelaide’s focaccia game, with beautifully open-crumbed focaccia supporting their seasonal Italian sandwich menu. While pairing your sammich with a latte might seem like the obvious choice, we can’t help but opt for carbs-on-carbs, or savoury-on-savoury, in the form of a steamy pie, flaky quiche or oozy bagel. Thanks, Jenny.

Time Out tip: Jenny’s Bakery isn’t just one of the best in Adelaide, but it’s up there with the top bakeries in Australia, too. Try a few different things, you won’t regret it.

Address: Multiple locations, including Eastwood and Norwood
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Sat 7am-3pm
Expect to pay: More than $15 for a proper meal

What is it? An earthy café that’ll have you feeling country-side, not city-side.

Why we love it: Sit amongst the foliage at this breezy café at the southern end of the city and sample the best of South Australia’s producers. Wholesome is the ambience on offer at Café Troppo, with a blackboard detailing daily soup specials, plenty of timber to go around, handmade crockery heavy on brown hues, as well as vines that nearly take over the joint. Every man and their dog (that reminds us, you can bring your dog) is spruiking the joys of local produce, and Café Troppo reminds us why it makes a difference. Signatures like their Roo-ben Bagel with kangaroo pastrami and their Port Lincoln sardines on toast embody this. Keep your eyes out for their popular wine and music nights too, the community vibes are strong with this one.

Time Out tip: Out of bread? A tale as old as time – or at least last week. Well, Café Troppo understands the feeling all too well and thus has your back – loaves of fresh-baked bread from small-scale, local bakeries are stocked behind the coffee bar for your DIY breakfast needs.

Address: 42 Whitmore Square, Adelaide
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7.30am-3pm
Expect to pay: More than $15 for a proper meal

What is it? A converted house that’s all about rainbows and butterflies (cute vibes).

Why we love it: It’s all smiles at this turmeric (or should we say daisy) yellow café in Forestville. Dear Daisy serves all the comforting classics, like chilli fried eggs and their glorious banoffee pancakes, but you can also expect bountiful specials, like masala chai panna cotta or a nourishing roast cauliflower and tahini salad. They have a dedicated vegan menu to match most of their menu items, so plant-based brunchers won’t be missing out on any of the fun. The Big Breakfast animal-free counterpart is a favourite among the AM crowd, complete with tofu scramble, hash brown, roasted pumpkin and all the usual offenders, too. Comfy mid-century seats await inside while courtyard dining beneath the umbrellas is a prime spot for you and your pup. Just make sure to treat them to a Dear Daisy-made biccie from the counter.

Time Out tip: Dear Daisy is conveniently located across the road from Forestville tram stop. So leave the car at home and don’t risk the residential parking fine.

Address: 66 Leah Street, Forestville
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-2pm; Sat-Sun 8am-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? A Prospect Road cornerstore café that you can’t miss thanks to its super massive, purple mural.

Why we love it: Cotto is the café for you if you’re looking to go all out for brunch. Their generous and inventive menu will have you rolling out the door down the streets of Prospect, no matter what you order. The cornerstore café has convinced us that all avo toasts need a drizzle of honey sauce, and that chilli crab toast tastes better in croissant form. Gluten-free takes are a bit hit at Cotto, and they’re actually done well – none of that brick-like bread in sight. Instead, ‘Sin-amon’ Waffles topped with lemon-whipped mascarpone, salted caramel, fresh berries, hazelnut praline and a bright fruit coulis. Work up an appetite with Prospect Run Club, who go there for their post-run caffeine needs, or simply meet the crew there with your four-legged friend by your side.

Time Out tip: Given Cotto’s cornerstore locale on the happening Prospect Road, nabbing a bench out the front is the place to be for people-watching with the most – or dog-watching – whatever you’re into.

Address: 112 Prospect Road, Prospect
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6.30am-5pm; Sun 8am-5pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? An on-trend café along North Adelaide’s maindrag, Melbourne Street.

Why we love it: We reckon UR Caffe is slinging the best corn fritters in Adelaide, but you might just have to come see for yourself. These golden crisp stacks of goodness, like the rest of the UR Caffe menu, are classic Aussie brunch fare at its finest. Coming on the scene when 'brunch' was the hottest new thing in 2011, they’ve had time to nail their generous, homely menu while never missing an online trend. That means you can get your strawberry matcha, burrata toast and acai bowl fix without a doubt. And while the semi-novelty dishes are fun, the creative plates are even better. Go all out with the UR Grilled Prawn Burger with bacon, avo, greens and mango dressing. No matter what you order, you won’t regret adding their spicy coconut sauce.

Time Out tip: Go for the food, yeah, but stay for the drinks. UR Caffe comes in hot with some of the cheapest breakfast beverages in town. $3.90 will get you an espresso, $5.5 a jaffa hot choccie and $8 a Thai iced coffee with double espresso and condensed milk.

Address: 117 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-3pm; Sat-Sun 8am-3pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? A wee city café that’s ideal for grab-and-go breakfast and lunch.

Why we love it: The alleyways just south of Rundle Street in Adelaide’s East End are prime stomping grounds for caffeine peddlers, and Penny University is a standout CBD favourite, pouring some mighty fine cuppas and dishing out AM goodies alike. The pint-sized café may be compact, but what it lacks in square meterage, it makes up for with its toasties, sandwiches and what are said to be some of the best bacon-egg breakfast rolls in town – the chilli jam makes all the difference and the gluten-intolerant can even relish them too. If you’re after something a little more than a sanga, though, the eggs benny, cheesy meatballs and chicken tenders are the way to go. Top it all off with a breakfast beverage that’ll have you bouncing off the walls (frappe, we’re looking at you).

Time Out tip: Penny University rocks the hole-in-the-wall style of café, meaning that seating is limited. But fear not, we recommend taking your treats away and venturing to the nearby Adelaide Botanic Garden for a picnic with the most.

Address: 1/7 Union Street, Adelaide
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-2pm; Sat 7:30am-12:30pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? A city-fringe, Japanese café complete with noren drapes (traditional curtains) and matcha to boot.

Why we love it: Named after the Japanese word for ‘kindness’, Yuna is a delightful Mile End café where friendly hospitality meets top-notch matcha and inventive eats. Here, their lengthy breakfast and lunch menus give you a decent scope into home-style Japanese fare. The karaage chicken sando is a must, as is the Yuna ramen complete with chashu pork belly, nori and egg doused in a 12-hour pork tonkatsu broth. Sip a specialty coffee, matcha or hojicha (roasted green tea) alongside a ben imo (purple sweet potato) mochi waffle or matcha cream shokupan (think-cut milk bread) to satisfy your sweet tooth. Breakfast at Yuna is served until 11am, so get in quick if XO chilli-scrambled egg is on your radar, and likewise for their sandos that are only up for grabs until sold out.

Time Out tip: A stroll through the Mile End locale will do you some good. Cute 1920s cottages decorated with fruit trees and vines are a common sight, and velvety Jacarandas are a springtime delight.

Address: 7/34 Henley Beach Road, Mile End
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-3pm; Sat-Sun 8am-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal