Cover image credit: Cafe Brio
Adelaide’s cafe scene is seriously underrated—but locals know better. From riverside hideaways with wood-fired menus to Asian fusion spots serving up refined brunch options, this city’s got the goods when it comes to a great pick-me-up.
Here’s where to find the city’s finest.
1. Hello, Stranger
Tucked away on Gilbert Street in the city, this neighbourhood gem is run by two sisters who’ve nailed the art of blending vibrant Asian flavours with classic breakfast staples. Opened in 2021, it’s the kind of place where locals swing by for Altura Coffee and stick around for dishes that celebrate both their cultural heritage and South Australia’s top-notch produce. Think Paris Creek dairies, Rhode’s free-range eggs, and pastries from Prove Patisserie. The vibe? Warm, welcoming, and anything but ordinary
Location: 238 Lennox St, Richmond
Hours: Daily 12pm – late
2. Bloom
Set within a century-old converted tram barn overlooking the River Torrens in Thebarton, Bloom is where brunch dreams come alive. Everything here gets kissed by the flames—from flaky croissants stuffed with pork sausage to fire-toasted baguettes loaded with porchetta. The charcoal-fired cooking gives every dish an irreplicable smokiness that rotates with the seasons, while locally roasted 1645 coffee keeps the caffeine flowing. Gum trees shade the vine-tangled courtyard out back, creating one of Adelaide’s most aesthetically pleasing dining experiences.
Location: 38 Winwood Street, Thebarton
Hours: Thursday to Monday, 7:30am – 3:30pm;
Saturday & Sunday 8am – 4pm
3. Leisurely Coffee
Tucked in the former Paddy’s Lantern site on Gilbert Street, Leisurely Coffee brings contemporary vibes and knockout Asian fusion dishes to the city. The sandos, whether you go crispy chicken or panko prawn, are excellent and will have you coming back for more. But it’s the fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes that steal hearts, paired perfectly with Ona Coffee’s maple blend. The light-filled space with sawtooth windows makes it equally ideal for a leisurely meal or laptop-friendly work session.
Location: 219 Gilbert Street, Adelaide CBD
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30am – 2:30pm;
Saturday & Sunday 8am – 2pm
4. Mister Sunshine's
Step into Mister Sunshine’s in Thebarton for a breath of fresh air in the morning. This quirky spot sports mismatched furniture, plenty of sunlight and a cosy garden space under the umbrellas. The menu doesn’t skimp on portions or flavour—expect generous breakfast fare like brioche French toast with poached fruit and toasted crumble alongside hearty lunch options. A laundry list of milkshakes and coffee will brighten any morning. In a last minute dash for food gifts? Their chilli jam is a go to.
Location: 32 George Street, Thebarton
Hours: Daily, 7am-2:30pm
5. Pony and Cole
Nestled within a renovated warehouse on Manton Street in Hindmarsh, Pony and Cole is where you go to feel right at home. Sisters Nicolle and Simone Hahn (the cafe’s named after their childhood nicknames) have created a space that’s part cafe, part creative hub, all heart. Voted Australia’s best breakfast cafe in 2023, the first meal of the day shines here in dishes like the sweet potato rosti and pumpkin chilli eggs. For peak weekend vibes, pair your meal of choice with passionfruit mimosas.
Location: 6 Manton Street, Hindmarsh
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30am – 3:30pm;
Saturday & Sunday 8am – 2:30pm
6. The Banksia Tree
Port Adelaide’s award-winning brunch destination is all about South Australian produce cooked over red gum from the Adelaide Hills. The wood-fired grill gives every dish that distinctive smoky flavour, from buttermilk fried chicken burgers to blue swimmer crab scramble. With most of the menu sourced from local suppliers, The Banksia Tree walks the walk on sustainability—from small-batch Monastery coffee to vegan biodynamic wines. The riverside location makes it quiet and breezy, perfect for long, lazy brunches that stretch into the afternoon.
Location: 147 St Vincent Street, Port Adelaide
Hours: Daily, 8am-3pm
7. Bora Cafe
Say Olá to Brazilian brunch vibes at Bora in Grange. Owner David William brings his Brazilian roots to this beachside spot, serving up Aussie classics with a South American twist. The Bora pork Benny features eight-hour slow-cooked pork with Tabasco hollandaise that’s worth the trip alone, while traditional Brazilian dishes like coxinha (chicken croquettes) and authentic açaí bowls keep things interesting for a fun cafe run. On summer nights, the space transforms into a casual bar perfect for cocktails and bites amidst the ocean air.
Location: 6-8 Jetty Street, Grange
Hours: Monday to Friday 6am – 3pm;
Saturday 7am – 3pm, 5 – 8:30pm, Sunday 7am – 3pm
8. Cafe Brio
Classic, jazz-inspired Cafe Brio in South Brighton has mastered the art of all-day dining, serving a menu anchored in Italian Mediterranean roots. The Mediterranean potpourri—smashed avo, roasted pumpkin, beetroot hummus and crumbled fetta on sourdough—is as stunning to look at as it is delicious. With bottomless mimosas on offer and a menu that caters to every dietary need, it’s the kind of neighbourhood spot that quickly becomes your regular. The separate dining areas mean you can enjoy quiet conversation or join the buzzy weekend brunch crowd.
Location: 181 Seacombe Road, South Brighton
Hours: Wednesday to Monday 7am – 2:30pm;
Thursday to Saturday 5:30 – 8:30pm
9. Our Boy Roy
This hip, colourful Clarence Park corner shop somehow manages to be a coffee bar, 100-seat cafe, delicatessen and general store all rolled into one cheerful space. Their exclusive deal with Sydney’s Single O roaster means exceptional coffee, while the menu puts fun between buns, with mortadella that spills out of ciabattas and schnitzel too big for the roll. Expect plum hotcakes with bacon and meatball subs provide serious satisfaction, while the self-serve batch-brew tap adds a modern touch. The back courtyard is dog-friendly and perfect for lingering over a leisurely weekend.
Location: 114 East Avenue, Clarence Park
Hours: Monday to Friday 7am – 3pm;
Saturday & Sunday 8am – 3pm
10. Cafe Paparazzi
This Unley Road favourite seamlessly blends familiar brunch options and Italian family recipes with a dedicated “Clean Eating” menu, proving wholesome can absolutely be delicious. The wood-oven pizzas and authentic pasta dishes showcase traditional Italian fare, while the equally tasty alternatives—think tofu scrambles and açaí vitality bowls—focus on the quality of preservative-free, gluten-free ingredients. The spacious venue with yellow pops of colour and a sun-drenched outdoor area makes it a wonderful locale for everything from morning coffee to extended dinners with friends.
Location: 291 Unley Road, Malvern
Hours: Daily, 8am – 9pm
11. Café Troppo
Hidden near Whitmore Square, Café Troppo is Adelaide’s sustainable dining champion, where every decision—from locally sourced ingredients to compostable packaging—reflects their zero-waste mission. The kangaroo pastrami “roo-ben” bagel and Port Lincoln sardines on toast celebrate South Australia’s best produce, while buckwheat waffles and Turkish eggs keep the menu interesting. Sit amongst the foliage in this airy, plant-filled space and enjoy coffee that consistently ranks among Adelaide’s finest. Keep an eye (and ear) out for their buzzy wine and music nights.
Location: 42 Whitmore Square, Adelaide CBD
Hours: Daily, 7:30am – 3pm
