Exchange Coffee
1 / 8

Exchange Coffee

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A minimalist cafe known for world-class coffee, sustainable sourcing, and inventive dishes that cater to various dietary needs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Exchange Coffee

Exchange Coffee

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A minimalist cafe known for world-class coffee, sustainable sourcing, and inventive dishes that cater to various dietary needs.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This is undoubtedly one of Adelaide's most popular spots to visit for coffee - and for good reason!"

TIP

Visit Early to Beat Crowds

Especially on weekends, arriving early helps avoid waits and ensures a more relaxed experience.

Vegan Options Clearly Marked

Look for 'VG' on the menu for delicious plant-based choices, with many dishes adaptable.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Friday 7AM

Cuisine

Cafe

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+61 400 933 640

Address

12/18 Vardon Ave, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exceptional Coffee Program

Exceptional Coffee Program

Renowned for artisanal coffee, sourced sustainably and expertly roasted. Enjoy silky espressos and rich filters.

Best Coffee in Adelaide for an Instant Caffeine FixBest Coffee in AdelaideWhere to find the best coffee In Adelaide
Inventive Vegan-Friendly Dishes

Inventive Vegan-Friendly Dishes

Experience creative vegan options like banana bread with espresso whip and creamy tofu scramble, clearly marked.

Google Review
Relaxed, Minimalist Ambiance

Relaxed, Minimalist Ambiance

A quiet, clean, and stylish space with high ceilings and large windows, perfect for unwinding or reading.

8 Adelaide cafes you will loveGoogle Review
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Exchange Coffee in Adelaide #coffee #brunch #adelaide
@foodie1314365
89 likes • 5.6K views

Visit Early to Beat Crowds

Especially on weekends, arriving early helps avoid waits and ensures a more relaxed experience.

Vegan Options Clearly Marked

Look for 'VG' on the menu for delicious plant-based choices, with many dishes adaptable.

Visit to Exchange Coffee in Adelaide. #adelaide #coffee #brunch
@brentonframes
22 likes • 425 views
• Exchange Coffee • Adelaide This is undoubtedly one of Adelaide’s most popular spots to visit for coffee - and for good reason! I came on a day that was 38 degrees out 🥵 so I ordered an iced latte ($6) to go with my wallace sandwich ($18) for breakfast and really enjoyed it! Super good quality coffee and the sandwich was a thiccc one made up of pancetta, avo, chipotle aioli, roasted peppers, t...
@come.makan
9 likes • 674 views

Share a Batch Brew Carafe

A great way to enjoy their specialty coffee while exploring the menu with friends.

Don't Skip the Coffee

Specialty coffee lovers should try their silky espressos and full-bodied filters from various roasters.

Drinking Coffee at Exchange Coffee in Adelaide before work (Inspired by @samlakewrites even though I can never have his payned face) #coffee #alanwake2 #samlake #twinpeaks #foodie #adelaide
@coffeebrewding
10 likes • 943 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit Early to Beat Crowds

Especially on weekends, arriving early helps avoid waits and ensures a more relaxed experience.

Vegan Options Clearly Marked

Look for 'VG' on the menu for delicious plant-based choices, with many dishes adaptable.

Share a Batch Brew Carafe

A great way to enjoy their specialty coffee while exploring the menu with friends.

Don't Skip the Coffee

Specialty coffee lovers should try their silky espressos and full-bodied filters from various roasters.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Exchange Coffee is celebrated for its exceptional coffee and innovative dishes, particularly its vegan options. Reviewers often praise the relaxed atmosphere and the quality of the ingredients. However, some guests have noted that the service can occasionally feel impersonal, and seating can be a bit cramped during busy periods.

"Wow, welcome to Adelaide.

Visiting for fringe, I was hoping that the City would be curious about vegan ism and exchange coffee blew me away.

With vegan options on their menu clearly marked "VG" and the ability to change a lot of dishes with VGO or simply asking.

I enjoyed the banana bread with espresso whip VG.
Which was soft and hearty, the creamy espresso whip with sweet dukkah paired perfectly.

I probably didn't realize the portions would be so big, but I also ordered the "eggs your way" subbing out eggs for a wonderful creamy tofu scramble.
2 large pieces of sourdough, was very full, but committed.
Affordable and delicious vegan food.

They have a great coffee program. Sourcing and supporting sustainable coffee growers.
Espresso, filter batch brew coffee available in a 1L carafe aswell 🙏

Exchange coffee cafe was absolutely fantastic.
Greeted at the door, with table service and the capacity to cater for individuals as well as larger groups of up to at least 12 on a large table."

THAWT _

"Went to this cafe with 7 other people and we really enjoyed our meal and drinks!
The little things of this cafe made all the difference! The sparkling water, the tables not being shaky, plenty of staff to serve you, great options on the menu, out door sitting and in door, not super cramped. This place is great!
Love the fresh OJ!
Thanks Exchange, you legends"

Celine Teo

"I’ve visited Exchange several times, and it’s a place I always enjoy bringing friends or visitors. The coffee is consistently excellent, and this time I decided to try something new — the tonic espresso — which was a refreshing and delightful surprise.

For food, I went with the Confit Duck Benedict on a friend’s recommendation, and I couldn’t have been happier. It was rich, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. The space itself is clean, welcoming, and has a great atmosphere.

The only thing holding me back from giving five stars is the service. It can sometimes feel a little unfriendly, which takes away from the overall experience. With warmer customer service, this place would be perfect."

Viviane Ierich De Bellis

What People Like

Exceptional coffee and sourcing
Delicious and creative vegan dishes
Relaxed, quiet atmosphere

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service friendliness
Seating can be cramped

Frequently Asked Questions

Exchange Coffee is renowned for its exceptional coffee program, featuring sustainably sourced beans and expert roasting. They also offer creative dishes, including many vegan-friendly options, in a relaxed, minimalist setting.

The Best Coffee Shops And Cafes In Adelaide, AustraliaBest Coffee in Adelaide for an Instant Caffeine FixGoogle Review

Yes, Exchange Coffee clearly marks vegan options ('VG') on their menu, and many dishes can be adapted. They are praised for delicious vegan choices like banana bread with espresso whip and tofu scramble.

Google Review

Many reviewers describe the atmosphere as quiet and relaxing, with a clean and stylish interior, making it suitable for reading or unwinding.

8 Adelaide cafes you will loveGoogle Review

To avoid crowds, it's recommended to visit early, especially on weekends, as the cafe can get quite busy.

Yes, they offer filter coffee, including batch brew, which can also be ordered in a carafe to share.

Best Coffee in Adelaide for an Instant Caffeine Fix

The cafe has hosted larger groups, with one reviewer mentioning capacity for at least 12 people at a large table.

Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

The Culture Trip

The Best Coffee Shops And Cafes In Adelaide, Australia

The clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows and sleek black interior of this uber-popular cafe reflect Exchange’s sophisticated offerings on the plate and in the cup. This East End establishment has earned a formidable reputation for coffee roasted by Market Lane and artisanal tea by Waterloo Tea, as well as a refined menu of modern, inventive dishes.

Visit Source →
Fodor’s Travel

Restaurants in Adelaide

Conveniently located on a quiet street off Rundle Mall, this cozy and friendly specialty coffee shop has what it takes to pep customers up. Baristas prepare expertly sourced, single-origin coffees from various roasters, with the option to try espresso, Aeropress, or batch brew, and light, healthy, delicious fare for breakfast and lunch.

Visit Source →
Time Out

The 15 Best Cafés In Adelaide For Brunch

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?

Visit Source →
World of Wanderlust

8 Adelaide cafes you will love

Owner Thomas Roden returned from the UK (where he worked at Workshop Coffee Co. – only one of London’s best) to bring a little taste of London home, and he’s executed this plan brilliantly. In Thomas’s words, “We have two simple goals: to serve exceptional espresso, filter coffee and tea, and to provide genuine hospitality and rewarding experiences.” What more could you want in a cafe?. I love this place because it is clean, simple, stylish and no fuss.

Visit Source →
Sitchu

Best Coffee in Adelaide for an Instant Caffeine Fix

For those looking to expand their taste buds, knowledge and home brew kit, Exchange Specialty Coffee ticks all the boxes. Known for their silky espressos and full-bodied filters, Exchange Specialty Coffee has been servicing the East End’s coffee crowd since 2013. Market Lane’s Santa Isabel reigns supreme as the café’s house blend and is joined by a colourful collection of locally roasted beans available on the machine and for you to take home.

Visit Source →
Glam Adelaide

Adelaide cafe ranks among the world's best

Exchange Coffee on Vardon Avenue in Adelaide’s east end has been ranked #37 in the world’s top 100 coffee shops. Sitting proudly between top cafes from the Netherlands and Korea, the achievement is the result of the hardworking team, led by cafe owner, PJ Tebyanian. For PJ, the secret to their global success lies in a relentless focus on quality and consistency, from the coffee to the food and the overall customer experience.

Visit Source →
Drop Coffee

Best Coffee in Adelaide

Exchange Specialty Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and café located in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia. Known for its commitment to sourcing the highest quality beans from around the world and its unique roasting process, Exchange Specialty Coffee offers a truly exceptional cup of coffee. The café is run by a team of passionate baristas who are dedicated to providing customers with a memorable coffee experience.

Visit Source →
Adelady

10 Adelaide cafes you should visit (for the coffee and wi-fi)

This little nook has a certain je ne sais quoi specialty about it. Owner Thomas Roden returned from the UK (where he worked at Workshop Coffee Co. – only one of London’s best) to bring a little taste of London home, and he’s executed this plan brilliantly. In Thomas’s words, “We have two simple goals: to serve exceptional espresso, filter coffee and tea, and to provide genuine hospitality and rewarding experiences.

Visit Source →
South Australian Tourism Commission

Where to find the best coffee In Adelaide

Adelaide’s iconic east end boasts a handful of cafes and niche retailers, with Exchange Specialty Coffee among the best of them. Named in the 2025 ' Top 100 Coffee Shops' globally, Exchange has been a frontier in Adelaide’s specialty coffee scene since 2013. Open seven days a week, get your caffeine fix whenever those 2pm blues hit, or be your own barista with a selection of retail beans to take home.

Visit Source →
Chase The Flavors

List Of Coffee Roasters In Adelaide

Exchange Specialty Coffee was founded in 2013 with the intention of making premium coffee approachable and accessible to everyone. They are devoted to serving coffee that has been responsibly and sustainably obtained and roasted. They choose to work exclusively with roasters who support quality and honesty; those who have a positive effect on the lives and livelihoods of coffee producers worldwide.

Visit Source →
SMH Good Food

10 of the best places to eat and drink in Adelaide on a budget

Come for the expertly pulled espresso, batch brew or Aeropress made with Market Lane beans and stay for the smart, compact menu casually raising the bar of Adelaide cafe fare. Dishes change regularly, but the stacked Wallace sandwich – pancetta, chipotle mayo, avocado, tomato, roasted peppers and mojo verde – will always remain. As will its vego sibling, the Walloumi.

Visit Source →
Broadsheet

How to Spend 24 Hours in Adelaide in 2024

At the east end of the city, Exchange Specialty Coffee – which recently got a makeover ahead of its 10th anniversary – is the go-to for expert brews, with service and food to match. Choose from espresso, Aeropress or batch brew by Melbourne stalwart Market Lane. Or consult our list of Adelaide’s best new cafes to find the closest caffeine jolt near you.

Visit Source →
cheapholidayhomes.com

Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in South Australia

Visit Source →
delicious.com.au

Best cafes and restaurants in Adelaide

Traceable coffees, like Adelaide’s Market Lane Coffee, are the daily flavour at Exchange Specialty. Found on one of the city’s most iconic corners in Adelaide’s East End, floor to ceiling windows, neat aluminium bar stools and salty moreish bites are served up alongside clean, roasted coffee. Pull up a seat and watch the local life spill by.

Visit Source →
The Sydney Morning Herald

The best cafes to hang out in Adelaide

Everyone seems to have a favourite, but coffee freaks will certainly enjoy Exchange Speciality Coffee – a pared back room which serves traditional espresso, filtered coffee, fine teas and a modest range of sandwiches and pastries. It's popular with cyclists and uni students. Busy little café Hey Jupiter also has a strong local following.

Visit Source →
Coworkingers

Top 10 Best Cafes To Work From In Adelaide (Upd 2025)

One of Adelaide's hidden gems for freelancers and remote workers is Exchange Coffee House. Tucked away in a quaint alley in the heart of the city, this cafe offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for productivity. Located on a bustling street, this cafe offers a peaceful retreat from the city noise.

Visit Source →
Fest Magazine

Adelaide's Best Brunches and Cafes

Exchange offer a neat menu, with sweet and savoury breakfasts well covered. The location is hard to beat, and it is a favourite among dog walkers so if you’re keen to spy on some furry friends, this is a good place to do it. Fantastic coffee and flexibility to boot, this is the perfect spot for a Fringe-goer.

Visit Source →
Fly Homes

7 Delightful Cafes in Adelaide: From Pasta to Pastries

With an amazing rating of 4.5, Exchange Coffee is famous for its artisanal coffee and delicious lunch options. Located in Adelaide, this cafe is perfect for coffee lovers who love a well-crafted brew. As you enter you feel the warm and inviting atmosphere with a vintage setting.

Visit Source →
Eatability

The 15 Best Breakfasts In Adelaide

Location: 12/18 Vardon Ave, Adelaide, SA 5000 Ph: 0415 966 225. The last item on our list of the best breakfasts in Adelaide is Exchange, a coffee shop that was established in 2013. If you consider yourself a coffee fan, this will be somewhere you should certainly visit.

Visit Source →
Lisa Eats World

10 of the best coffee shops in Adelaide

Ebenezer Place in Adelaide’s East End has transformed into one of Adelaide’s trendiest coffee hubs. Serving guest espressos as well as beans from Melbourne’s Market Lane, Exchange Coffee have nailed it. The espresso and filter coffee are exceptional.

Visit Source →
JUSTOZ

12 Best Coffee Spots in Adelaide To Enjoy Your Time

Exchange Specialty Coffee is a coffee lover’s haven, located in the heart of the city. It’s a specialty coffee roaster that offers an extensive selection of single-origin coffee and blends. Their signature coffee, the “San Francisco,” is a must-try.

Visit Source →
rundlestreet.com.au

Bars & Dining | Rundle Street East

Exchange specialises in exceptional espresso, filter coffee and tea as well as proving genuine hospitality and rewarding experiences. Exchange serves coffee roasted by Market Lane and tea by Waterloo Tea.

Visit Source →
Dymabroad

31 Date Ideas in Adelaide: Romantic Things To Do in Adelaide

At Exchange Specialty Coffee, you can have delicious coffee together with your partner. This makes going here one of the best date ideas in Adelaide if you both love coffees!. View this post on Instagram

Visit Source →
australia.com

The best coffee shops and cafes in Adelaide – Tourism Australia

Exchange Specialty Coffee, Adelaide, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission. Where: 12/18 Vardon Ave, Adelaide. What defines the coffee at Exchange is the ingredients.

Visit Source →
Adelaide Examiner

Top 10 Coffee Shops in Adelaide [2025 ]

Visit Source →
yenlinhrestaurant.com

Best of 22 family restaurants in Gawler Adelaide

Visit Source →