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12 of the best cafes in Adelaide, from hidden gems to local favourites

Credit: Bloom

Louisa Norman Louisa NormanTegan Forder Tegan Forder
From bright and airy beachside brunch spots to Euro-style coffee shops, we’ve got caffeine needs covered on Kaurna country.

Coffee culture is a serious business in Adelaide and there is an abundance of world-class cafes to enjoy a top-notch brew. Whether you’re catching up with a friend in the suburbs or looking to refuel before exploring the city, here is our guide to the best cafes in Adelaide.

The shortlist

Best coffee: Dutch Coffee Lab
Best pastries: Idle Hands
Best work-friendly atmosphere: Pickle in the City
Best for brunch: Peter Rabbit
Best views: Joe’s Henley Beach

1. Peter Rabbit

Peter Rabbit, Adelaide
Peter Rabbit is a peaceful oasis in Adelaide’s West End. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Escape the grittiness of Hindley Street in Adelaide’s West End at this dreamy garden oasis serving generous brunches and lunches to those in the know, as well as the best puppuccino in town.

Winters are spent cosying up to the fire with a plate of Nonna’s gnocchi or bowl of ramen, while summer is the ideal time to sip a gin and jam cocktail in the garden while you disappear down the rabbit hole for an hour or two.

Cuisine: Italian and Japanese

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Rustic charm

Location: 234 Hindley Street

2. Idle Hands

coffee at Idle Hands, Adelaide
Get your caffeine fix at Idle Hands. (Credit: Alexander Robertson)

Proudly anti-Matcha and pro all things good coffee and pastries, Idle Hands has made an impact in the short time since it opened in early 2026 in its warehouse location. It’s quickly become popular for its cardamom buns, sourdough bread, chocolate chip cookies, vanilla custard tarts and ham and cheese baguettes made on house-baked bread. The drinks menu also features a nostalgic Milo. Friday evening wine sessions

Cuisine: Baked goods and purist coffee

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Inner-city hangout

Location: 100 Gilbert Street

3. Thirty Five Stirling

a brunch spread at Thirty Five Stirling, Adelaide
Fuel up with a satisfying brunch. (Credit: Thirty Five Stirling)

Another edition to Thebarton’s thriving drink and food scene, Thirty Five Stirling has become a popular go-to for its generous serves, modern twist on breakfast classics and their coffee. Service is top-notch and large groups are well accommodated for. Stay for breakfast and then move next door to kick back at Brightstar Brewery for the afternoon.

Cuisine: Modern Australian brunch 

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Lively 

Location: 35 Stirling St, Thebarton

4. Dutch Coffee Lab

Dutch Coffee Lab, Port Adelaide
Start the day with a savoury treat. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Run by Dutch expat Tom de Flaart, The Dutch Coffee Lab brings European coffee culture to Port Adelaide, all the way down to Stroopwafel muffins and brownies. If you’re after a more savoury start to the day, try their signature toasties with a side a crisps along with your freshly roasted De Groot coffee while browsing the vintage clothing racks for a bargain.

Cuisine: Dutch sweets and toasties 

Average price: $

Atmosphere: European 

Location: 255 St Vincent St, Port Adelaide

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5. Joe’s Henley Beach

seaside dining at Joe's Henley Beach, Adelaide
Refuel after a walk along the foreshore. (Credit: Joe’s Henley Beach)

You can’t beat the views from this popular seaside beach cafe established over thirty years ago.

A midday mimosa with slow-cooked pork benny or breakfast tacos can help kickstart your weekend or refuel after a walk along the foreshore.

There are plenty of tables outside to cater for four-legged friends while people-watching and basking in the morning sunshine.

Cuisine: Modern Australian 

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Beachy 

Location: Corner of South St and Esplanade, Henley Beach

6. LUMA Coffee Club

a toastie at LUMA Coffee Club, Adelaide
Sip your chosen brew alongside a toastie. (Credit: LUMA Coffee Club)

Located on a suburban strip just a minute’s drive from Henley Beach, Luma Coffee Club attracts an image-conscious 20-something fitness crowd.

So it’s no surprise that you’ll find a healthy menu of acai bowls, toasties with ‘good fat mayo’ and coffee from ethical Mclaren Vale coffee supplier Octeine.

Cuisine: Healthy 

Average price: $$$$ ($ out of $$$$$)

Atmosphere: Fit and fabulous 

Location: 60-62 Mitton Avenue, Henley Beach

7. Bloom

Bloom cafe, Adelaide
Step into the Bloom cafe for a lazy brunch. (Credit: Bloom)

Brunch goes to the next level at this Thebarton institution. The clever design by Sans Arc Studio has transformed a former tram shed into a light-filled space perfect for a brunch with friends.

Offering an appetising seasonal breakfast and lunch menu with a Japanese influence – the Bloomin’ banquet is a handy offering for those who can’t decide. Afterwards, cycle to the city or the sea along the nearby River Torrens to burn it off.

Cuisine: Japanese inspired 

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Stylish 

Location: 38 Winwood Street, Thebarton

8. INC Café

As a social enterprise employing people of all abilities, INC café has inclusivity in its DNA. With a bright space full of natural light and sofas, the simple menu delivers value for money, with $10 avo on toast. Perfect place to work for a few hours with enclosed gardens for our four-legged friends

Cuisine: Comfort food

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Relaxed 

Location: Jack Fox Drive, North Brighton

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9. Yuna Restaurant and Café

dining at Yuna Restaurant and Café, Adelaide
Dine on casual Asian flavours. (Credit: Yuna Restaurant and Café)

Matcha lattes and milk bread are the vibe in this unassuming Japanese-inspired cafe in the western suburbs. The traditional breakfast set with shiozake (salted) salmon, tamago, miso soup and a house-made pickle will start your day with a bang.

Visit a bit later in the day and you might be able to persuade owner Mia to share some sake over lunch, or wash your ramen down with a list of local small-batch wines including Yetti and the Kokonut.

Cuisine: Japanese

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Homely 

Location: Shop 7, 34 Henley Beach Road, Mile End

10. My Grandma Ben

breakfast at My Grandma Ben, Adelaide
Sample vegan delights at My Grandma Ben. (Credit: Josie Withers)

My Grandma Ben is an ethical eatery started by Masterchef alumni in the popular Plant 4 at Bowden. It offers an impressive range of vegan and vegetarian brunch options (their Stracciatella on grilled sourdough from neighbouring Lost Loaf Bakery is a winner with toppings changing with the seasons).

Omnivores will be tempted by the roo Shakshoukaeggs – an Aussie take on traditional breakfast fare – or go simple with the sumptuous crumpets.

Cuisine: Modern Australian Italian 

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Friendly

Location: Plant 4 5 Third Street, Bowden

11. WORK

pastries and coffee at WORK, Adelaide
Grab a pastry and coffee. (Credit: WORK)

Owner Matthew Raymond’s background in design is evident in the slick look and feel of this CBD cafe, where office workers fuel up with his signature coffee blend.

For lunch, we love the build your own sanga option, or go all out and order a WorkBurger.

Cuisine: Work lunch 

Average price: $$$$ ($ out of $$$$$)

Atmosphere: Buzzy 

Location: 100 Pirie St, Adelaide

12. Pickle in the City

an iced latte at Pickle in the City, Adelaide
Level up your latte game at Pickle in the City. (Credit: Festival Tower)

Filling a much-needed gap in one of Adelaide’s most busy thoroughfares is this foyer café – a welcome option for those needing to catch up for business or before taking in the cultural sights of North Terrace.

Located in Festival Tower, the space is made warm through comfy leather couches, artwork and greenery. The Five Senses Coffee is reliably good – especially when paired with rustic house made crumpets and jam. Pick up a takeaway lunch and lavender lemonade or linger over a brunch of chilli scrambled eggs.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Corporate 
Location: Festival Tower, Station Rd

Planning a trip to Adelaide? Check out more of our recommendations here:

Best pubs in Adelaide | Best walks in Adelaide| Top annual festivals in Adelaide| Accommodation in Adelaide for every budget | Best beaches in Adelaide | Best things to do in Adelaide | Best Airbnbs in Adelaide

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Louisa Norman

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7 pinch-me moments I had at the new Monarto Safari Lodge

    Katie Carlin Katie Carlin
    Continue
    Monarto Safari Resort’s new Safari Lodge delivers so much more than a memorable stay; it’s packed full of unforgettable moments.  

    Just a year after the 78-room Monarto Safari Resort opened, the new Safari Lodge brings a more intimate and exclusive overnight African safari experience to Australia just outside of Adelaide. But just how similar is it to an African safari?

    Consider these pinch-me moments I had during my stay and decide for yourself. 

    1. Cheetah sightings at check-in

    monarto safari lodge cheetahs
    Spot cheetahs before you even check in.

    Safari Lodge is set within the Wild Africa precinct of the expansive, open-range Monarto Safari Park. I expected to see animals, but I didn’t expect to see two cheetahs stalking the fenceline just behind my tent at check-in.

    I cross the paddock to get a closer look. Both are now perched like a sphinx on a hill overlooking the 20 premium tents that make up Safari Lodge. I stand here, locked in place, waiting to see if they make a move. After 10 minutes like this, I turn to get settled into the tent but throw a final look in their direction; they’ve slinked back down, now barely visible in the grass. I’m sure I’ll be dreaming about this encounter later tonight. 

    2. Sipping champagne as a giraffe sips from a waterhole

    giraffes at monarto safari lodge
    Enjoy champagne while meeting the locals. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

    The all-inclusive stay includes a 2.5-hour Sunset Safari that takes guests into the Wild Africa precinct onboard a purpose-built Safari Land Cruiser for a chance to see free-roaming herds of African animals up close.

    The safari drive culminates in a champagne and canapé stop in a fenced and sheltered viewing area of the precinct. A chance to watch the sun set as animals gather around one of the many waterholes. And we’re in luck! Two giraffes are stripping leaves from a nearby tree as three white rhinos graze to my right. One giraffe starts galloping, in that funny head-bobbing way giraffes do, to the water’s edge. It splays its legs and bends its long neck down to start slurping up water. I find giraffes endlessly entertaining, and sipping champagne while watching the scene play out is the icing on the cake. 

    3. A rain shower with views of a waterhole where African animals gather

    monarto safari lodge King Safari Tent
    Enjoy views from the King Safari Tent.

    I am staying in tent 17, one of the best positioned tents for animal encounters, due to its proximity to the waterhole. Not only does the spacious 71-square-metre King Safari Tent feature a king bed, lounge area, separate dressing room with kitchenette, coffee machine, kettle and fully stocked mini bar, and ensuite bathroom. But you can even glimpse the waterhole from the rain shower. It’s thoughtful details like this that keep you connected to the safari experience no matter where you are located.  

    4. Feeding lions from within a caged dome

    Lion 360 experience at monarto safari resort
    Step into the Lion 360 experience. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

    Monarto Safari Park isn’t a zoo. Set across 1500 hectares of South Australian bushland, it’s an expansive safari experience. It’s been designed to support complex social groupings, natural behaviours and long-term species management. Entry is included for guests, but I’ve decided to upgrade my experience with tickets to Lion 360. 

    Senior Keeper Rachel Hemming herds 15 of us into a domed cage for the unique lion feeding experience. She leads Monarto’s care and conservation breeding programs for their iconic big cats. “Make sure you don’t get too close to the edge of the cage; the lions like to mark their territory,” she warns. 

    She starts making cat-like calls to Kubwa, Kashka and Kito, the three male lions lazing somewhere out of sight behind the tree line in the distance. The promise of food eventually lures the lions over. I’m in awe of their size as they pace back and forth, pausing to take the meat as it’s fed to them via tongs.

    In her excitement, one lady has inched too close; a lion takes aim and hits his mark before she realises her mistake. I see her leaving the gift shop with a new jacket not long after the tour ends. 

    5. A swim in a private plunge pool with a floating charcuterie board

    Monarto safari Lodge swim in a private plunge pool with a floating charcuterie board
    Tuck into a poolside treat. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

    The Safari Lodge reception is also home to a restaurant and bar, heated swimming pool and several private plunge pools available to book. After a morning spent at Monarto Safari Park, a dip in one of the private plunge pools sounds too good to skip.

    I change into my swimmers and make my way to the lodge. A generous charcuterie board arrives shortly after I slip into the pool. I’m told floating trays are already on order, but picking at the selection of cheeses, meats, nuts and fruit while perched on the edge sipping champagne is just as indulgent as it is having it float in the water. I never make it to the gym or pickleball court beside the lodge, but I have no regrets. 

    6. A front-row seat to a male rhino rejected by two females

    male rhino grazing
    Watch a rhino’s unlucky day. (Credit: Lucas Alexander)

    Louis Tonkin, our Wild Africa Tour host, is giddy with excitement when he spots the three white rhinos on our Sunset Safari drive. He has an inkling that we’re about to get a show.

    He pulls to the side and tells us what terrible eyesight white rhinos have, struggling to spot a motionless animal or object even from a short distance. However, they make up for it with acute hearing and an incredible sense of smell. Which explains why the larger male rhino is methodically creeping towards the two disinterested females grazing metres in front of him, then suddenly freezing on the spot. He’s hoping one will be open to mating with him. He takes another wary shuffle forward and suddenly the smaller of the two turns and charges towards him, butting him hard with her head. It’s a firm no. The male, denied, sheepishly backs away. 

    7. Watching a dazzle of zebra from the comfort of a luxury safari tent

    monarto safari resort zebra
    Wildlife encounters abound.

    Rain clouds loom, and the wind is howling, but thankfully it hasn’t deterred the zebras. I’m brewing a cup of Monarto’s Serengé-T – a vanilla rooibos blended with Daintree black tea and butterfly pea flower when I spot them. Six zebras are prancing across the plains for a drink at the waterhole. I watch their antics from the deck of my King Safari Tent, wrapped in a merino blanket made by Australian-owned Grampians Good Co. and marvel at the fact I get a front-row show to these wild animals. 

    After they disappear from view, I sit with the sketch pad and pencils I find in the cupboard and start drawing some of my most memorable animal encounters from the weekend – starting with the two hippos I saw ravenously munching on grass at dusk as we made our way out of the Wild Africa precinct last night. This really is as close to an authentic safari experience as you can get outside of Africa. 

    Start planning a wild stay in the luxurious Safari Lodge at monartosafariresort.com.