12/18 Vardon Ave, Adelaide CBD
On one of my extra-long weekends (the perks of my full-time gig), I decided to embrace the scorching 37ºC (that’s about 99ºF if any Yanks are reading this) and venture into Adelaide’s CBD. After a mid-morning Pilates session – because i occasionally like to pretend i’m that person – i wandered to the end of Ebenezer place, peckish and craving caffeine. I stumbled upon Exchange Coffee, a cozy spot with sidewalk seating shaded by leafy trees and umbrellas, perfect for pretending I wasn’t melting.
I was greeted promptly and asked if i preferred inside or out. As you can probably guess, I chose outside, because nothing says “I’m thriving” like dining al fresco in near-melting conditions. A friendly server came over with a menu and carafe of sparkling water – not my first choice of water (that’s spicy water, iykyk). I politely asked for flat water, and they swapped it out promptly without missing a beat.
I ordered a cold brew – because hot coffee on a hot day is a crime. Yes, it was delicious – smooth, refreshing, and exactly what I needed. However, it did take a little while to be delivered. The staff were apologetic, which I appreciated. I wasn’t too surprised though; it was around noon on a Monday, and while the cafe wasn’t full, it was bustling with patrons clearly in search of their own caffeine fix.
Now the Persian Lamb on the menu caught my attention – spiced lamb, sumac yoghurt, pita & tomato. Sounds like the kind of dish that could change your day, right? But, here’s the thing: as much as I love food, I’m not a big eater (any sleevers out there will get it). So, I pivoted to a brunch option instead.
For food, I went for the vegetarian choice: avocado on toast, no sides. Before you roll your eyes, let me tell you, this was no basic avo toast situation. It came loaded with white bean hummus, feta, peas and a punchy chilli paste perched on perfectly grilled sourdough drizzled with a balsamic glaze. The flavours hit that sweet spot – creamy, tangy, with just enough heat to keep things interesting. It was fresh, vibrant and left me with that satisfying, “I could totally eat more but I won’t” feeling.
Inside, the vibe is all about good coffee, with shelves stacked with beautifully packaged Market Lane Coffee (more about these beans below), tempting pastries behind the glass, and the hum of a cafe that knows its craft.
The Verdict:
Exchange Coffee delivered what you want on a hot Adelaide day: smooth cold brew, fresh flavours, and shady spot to pretend you’re handling the heat like a pro. Would i go back? Absolutely. Maybe next time I’ll tackle that Persian Lamb – if I’m feeling bold (or bring some friends to share the load).
A Quick Note on the coffee:
Exchange Coffee proudly serves beans from Market Lane Coffee Roasters, a speciality roaster based in Melbourne. Market Lane is know for sourcing high-quality, ethically grown coffee from around the world, with a focus on sustainability and transparency. Their roasts are thoughtfully crafted to highlight the unique characteristics of each origin. You can taste the dedication in every sip – my cold brew had a smooth, clean finish with just the right balance of boldness and subtle notes. If you’re a coffee nerd (or just someone who appreciates a good cup), its definitely worth noting.
Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 7am – 4pm
Weekends: 8am – 4pm
Website:
Lousy Food Banished 
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