As soon as you put one foot inside Adelaide’s Central Markets, you instantly embark on an authentic culinary journey that spans all four corners of the world. Charming and a joy to the senses, the under-roof markets are some of the biggest in the southern hemisphere. Making this place not only a journey, but the destination too.
The variety really is overwhelming and so we’ve made things a bit easier and highlighted some of our absolute favourite coffee and breakfast spots, check them out below!
The Big Table
One of the most loved (and tasty) places to eat within the markets, The Big Table uses it’s 20+ years of experience to absolutely nail the magic combination that is great food, great coffee and great atmosphere.
Get there early and prop yourself on a seat at the bar, order a coffee or a fresh juice and immerse yourself in the frantic organised chaos behind the counter. The menu looks as though it probably hasn’t changed much since those early days, a few seasonal specials here and there but mostly you’ll find simple food, done deliciously well. I struggle to go past the (insanely thick and crispy) French Toast with Strawberries, Rhubarb and Maple Syrup and my partner’s go-to is the Big Veggie Breakfast – a dish that looks like a fresh produce market on a plate (halloumi, tomatoes, kale, spinach, mushrooms), wonder where they source the ingredients from?
Info & opening hours: https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/traders/big-table/
The Grind @ Central
It’s about more than just your morning brew at The Grind, the walls lined with beans, percolators and milk jugs. If you’re serious about coffee, The Grind is serious about you.
Over 80 dispensers chocked full of beans labelled with origin and flavour guides immediately attract your eye, the smell of freshly roasted beans already perfuming the air and the warm smile of the experts behind the counter entice you further. Need a particular blend or single origin or prefer your beans ground to a certain degree? They’ve got you covered. You can even get your coffee pods and the best thing about them is that they’re completely reusable, so it’s guilt free!
Info & opening hours: https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/traders/the-grind-central/
Les Deux Coqs
It’s incredible how one bite can instantly take you back to a certain time or place and that’s exactly what happens at Les Deux Coqs. It’s exploring the streets of Paris (and beyond) all over again.
If you’re like me and don’t mind a couple of pastries in the morning, then you’re going to love this. Beautifully handmade French patisseries light up the front counter including the classic croissants and of course pain au chocolat. The stall is probably even more renowned for using fantastic South Australian produce to create all kinds of French delicacies, terrines, spreads, biscuits and tapenades to name a few.
Originally opened in Burgandy, France – Les Deux Coqs hasn’t even been in the markets for a year yet, but has already grown a considerable reputation. The vendor made it’s TV debut just this past week when THE WORLD’s FAVOURITE CHEF Ainsley Harriot stopped by during filming of his SBS series ‘Ainsley’s Australian Market Menu’.
Info & opening times: https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/traders/les-deux-coqs/
