Hot 5 cafés

Paddy's Lantern

Adelaide

The gang at Paddy's Lantern are keeping things simple and sweet at their newish south Adelaide cafe. There are only four food options on the blackboard and the rest is devoted to drinks, though you can also get your hands on one of From Scatch Patisserie's beautiful pastries and sweets for a quick pick-me-up. 219 Gilbert Street, Adelaide 5000 (0402 586 245 www.paddyslantern.com.au)

Coffee Branch

Adelaide

Space is a premium at this long, narrow cafe. Inside you'll find the Coffee Branch lads doling out a steady stream of excellent espresso to the tightly packed file of caffeine fiends that snake out the door of a morning. The house blend is a cracker but if you are feeling a little adventurous there is also a back room grind. 32 Leigh St, Adelaide 5000 (0451 661 980 www.coffeebranch.com).

Lucia's Pizzeria and Spaghetti Bar

Adelaide

Amid the hubbub of the Central Market, Lucia’s is an oasis for tired shoppers and ravenous workers. Something of an institution in Adelaide, it is manned by a roster of no-nonsense Italian women who dish out heart-starting espresso and huge plates of pasta to the scores of people wandering through the markets each day. Shop 1 and 2
Western Mall, Adelaide Central Market, Adelaide 5000 (08 8231 2303 www.lucias.com.au).

Bar 9

Parkside

An ambitious crew of 20-somethings opened Bar 9 that serves up potent coffee, winning breakfasts and nifty tea blends. The breakfast special of white-bean ragout with caraway seeds, bay leaf and chewy chorizo flaked with almonds and salty parmesan is served with a luscious roll of Berkshire bacon on rye and two perfectly poached eggs. Bar 9 is a haven for bean fiends and big-breakfast eaters. 96 Glen Osmond Rd, Parkside 5063 (08 8373 1108 http://bar9.com.au).

Cibo Espresso

Adelaide

Don't be fooled by this coffee chain in Adelaide. They may be popping up everywhere but they are popular for a reason. The coffee is consistently good and they are open fairly late, which is great for a post-show recap. If you are feeling peckish they also do Italian sweets and gelato if you need a late-night sugar fix. 218 Rundle Street, Adelaide 5000 (08 8232 9199 www.ciboespresso.com.au)

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