Being a student can sometimes mean being overwhelmed with assignments, tests, and exams. For those looking for a new study spot beyond your room or preferred corner of the library, this article is for you.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best cafés in Adelaide for you to explore. So, bring your laptop, reading materials, and your favourite stationery, and order a coffee before hitting the books!
1. Script and Bean Café
Located in the heart of Adelaide’s bustling Rundle Mall, Script and Bean Café offers a unique sanctuary for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts. Situated inside the heritage-listed Dymocks building at Regent Arcade, this café provides a literary retreat with its floor-to-ceiling windows and décor that echoes the charm of a classic bookstore.
Address: Regent Theatre Level 1, Shop 45 101/107 Rundle Mall, Adelaide 5000
Wi-Fi: Yes – there’s free wifi access across Rundle Mall
Power points for your gadgets: Limited, but there are other sections in the bookshop with power points.
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: No – but you can sit by the huge windows that overlook Rundle Mall.
What to try: Choose from one of their 10 signature hot chocolates.
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2. The Rose Eastend – Adelaide CBD
The Rose Eastend is home to some impressive food options and freshly squeezed juices — everything you’ll appreciate to fuel your brain while studying. They’ve also got an upstairs sitting area that offers a nice view, with plenty of natural light.
Address: 31 East Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Wi-Fi: Yes
Power points for your gadgets: No
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
What to try: Any one of their mouthwatering toasties or specials of the day
@insiderguides Is there any better way to get through your coursework than with a delicious coffee? ☕️ We think not. #internationalstudents #studytok #studywithme #studycafes #australiancoffee #australiancoffeeshop #australiancafes #australiancafe ♬ original sound – Insider Guides
3. West Oak Deli – Adelaide CBD
Caught up in the sando craze? Drop into West Oak Deli, a delightful hole-in-the-wall café tucked away inside the West Oak Hotel on Hindley Street. Whether you’re craving a quick coffee and pastry or a full Italian sando lunch, this spot has it all. And if you’re in the mood for a serious study sesh, you can always grab a seat in the pub inside. It’s quiet during the day, ideal for when you need to concentrate or just want to unwind in peace.
Address: 208 Hindley Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Wi-Fi: No
Power points: A few outlets to keep your devices charged.
Vegan options: Limited
Outdoor seating: Yes
What to try: Don’t miss the prosciutto, truffle and pecorino sandwich.
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4. Joe’s Henley Beach
Looking for the perfect place to mix study sessions with scenic views? Joe’s Henley Beach is the spot for you. Right on the waterfront, this café offers stunning ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere that’s just right for cracking open the books or unwinding with a cup of coffee.
Address: Corner of South St & The Esplanade, Henley Beach SA 5022
Wi-Fi: No
Power points: Limited
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Plenty, and ideal for enjoying the beachfront vibe.
What to try: Don’t miss out on their signature fish tacos or the refreshing acai bowl.
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5. The Library Café – Adelaide CBD
Tucked inside the State Library of South Australia is a lovely café that has excellent natural light through its huge windows. The green pastel-coloured interior and gold finishes are perfect for an Instagram snap. It’s also conveniently located near the university campuses on the eastern side of the city.
Address: State Library of SA, corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue, Adelaide SA 5000
Wi-Fi: Yes – connect to the State Library’s free Wi-Fi
Power points for your gadgets: Yes
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
What to try: Their coffee!
6. Heat Café
Heat Café on Melbourne Street is fast becoming a favourite spot for both students and professionals, thanks to its super friendly staff and trendy ambience. Whether you’re diving into coursework or collaborating on a group project, this café provides the ideal environment for productivity and creativity.
Address: 103 Melbourne St, North Adelaide SA 5006
Wi-Fi: No
Power points for your gadgets: Limited
Vegan options: Yes – a selection of creative and satisfying plant-based meals
Outdoor seating: Yes – perfect for people-watching
What to try: Don’t miss their specialties, the hot honey chicken sandwich and iced strawberry matcha!
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7. Café Outside The Square – Adelaide CBD
Café Outside the Square is a 100% charity café in the city’s west. Its light-filled meeting spaces are ideal for both individual study and group work. They’ve got some nice — and reasonably priced — food options, quality coffee, and really friendly staff who will make you feel right at home. Whitmore Square is just across from this café, where you can take a walk in the park for a quick study break.
Address: 34 Whitmore Square, Adelaide SA 5000
Wi-Fi: Yes
Power points for your gadgets: Yes
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
What to try: Their ‘Pay It Forward’ soups
8. Bakery on O’Connell – North Adelaide
Not just a bakery, but an institution! The Bakery on O’Connell has fed hungry students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for almost two decades. Due to its proximity to the residential colleges in North Adelaide, you’ll always find people with textbooks and laptops, or enjoying a post-study group doughnut.
Address: 128-130 O’Connell St, North Adelaide SA 5006
Wi-Fi: Yes
Power points for your gadgets: Yes
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
What to try: Any of the pies or the Nutella Hearts – all of the over 200 products on sale are baked on-premises!
9. Nest Bistro Coffee Bar – Walkerville
Nest Bistro is located in the north-eastern part of Adelaide and is quite possibly the best café in Walkerville. The atmosphere is grand and luxurious, given its modern design, high ceilings, and wall-to-wall windows, and yet, quite comfortable to study in. You’ll be drawn to the serenity of the nearby park; so grab a coffee and take a break when you visit.
Address: 104 Walkerville Terrace, Walkerville SA 5081
Wi-Fi: Yes – connect to the shopping centre’s Wi-Fi
Power points for your gadgets: Yes
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
What to try: Don’t miss their lemon curd tart
