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20+ Best Dessert Bars in Adelaide

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By Ally Burnie - News

Published: 25 Jan 2024

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In the ever-evolving culinary scene of Australia, Adelaide is stepping up, shaking off its underdog status against giants like Melbourne and Sydney. 

Our roundup of the best dessert bars in Adelaide showcases just how much the city is sweetening the deal. With an array of dessert spots that blend classic sweets with innovative twists, Adelaide is quickly becoming a top contender for the country’s best foodie destinations.

Best Dessert Bars in Adelaide at a Glance

• Best dessert bar overall: Waffle & Coffee 
• Best vegan dessert bars: Eggless 
• Best gluten-free dessert bars: Alby’s Gluten-Free Bakery
• Best for a special occasion: Zacary Patisserie

1. Waffle & Coffee

• Address: 2/20-24 Leigh St, Adelaide SA 5000
• What to order: Cream Cheese Waffle (with extra strawberry)

Waffles and coffee – what else could you need to kickstart your day? And, at Waffle & Coffee in Adelaide, that’s exactly what you get. From plain waffles to cookies & cream, to cinnamon banana waffles – there are over 20 combos to choose from. Combine that with a cup of extra strong joe and it’s the only wake-up call you need.

2. La Madeleine

• Address: 246 The Parade, Norwood SA 5067
• What to order: Almond Croissant 

La Madeleine isn’t just a dessert café; it’s a one-way ticket to Paris without the jet lag. Here, croissants are delicate and flakey, and the éclairs are truly decadent. La Madeleine also offers a French-inspired high tea menu, as well as birthday cakes that are a step above the chocolate Woolies mud cake (unbelievable, I know). And for the gluten free among us, you’re well catered for here. 

3. Astonish Patisserie

• Address: 393 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000
• What to order: Devil’s Food Biscoff Chocolate Cake

Astonish Patisserie? More like ‘Astoundingly Good’ Patisserie (sorry, it sounded better in my head). This place whips up desserts so good, they’ll make you question all your life choices that led you to eat your desserts anywhere else. Like… Hojicha kumquat cheesecake and butterfly pea lychee ice cream and baileys chocolate cheesecake waffle. Need I say more? 

4. ZÁCARY Desserts

• Address: 17 Third Ave, Forestville SA 5035
• What to order: The Mati Cake

At Zacary Desserts, calories will be the last thing on your mind. Head chef Zak (former Zumbo’s Just Desserts contestant) is a pro at whipping up custom mousse cakes and cheesecakes with a stunning glaze. These cakes aren’t just desserts; they’re edible works of art. Must-trys include the signature Mati cake made from a deliciously creamy mousse and filled with chocolate-covered crisp pearls on a hazelnut biscuit base, as well as the tropi-coco. 

5. Mirra

• Address: 40 East Terrace, Adelaide
• What to order: Traditional high tea 

Mirra is Adelaide’s first tea, mocktail, and dessert bar, located in the luxury East End setting. It’s a place to relax and enjoy specialised high teas, delicious desserts, and fun mocktails. On the menu you’ll find curry chicken pie, crab stick and mayo shredded cheese croissant, pink jelly panna cotta and a whole lot more. It’s a super cute gem to visit with your friends on a leisurely weekend in Adelaide. 

6. Just Bliss Chocolates

• Address: 5/38 Gawler Place, Adelaide, SA 5000
• What to order: Milk gin & tonic truffles

Just Bliss Chocolates is a chocolate lover’s paradise in Rundle Mall. They offer gourmet truffles and artisan chocolates that are not only delicious but also beautifully hand-painted. It’s the perfect combination of art and taste. And, if you’re after a proper bite to eat, sit and stay a while at the cafe where you’ll find a selection of sweet and savoury crepes on offer. 

7. Sweets by Parwana

• Address: Plant 3 Bowden 6, 14 Fourth Street, Bowden
• What to order: Moroccan apricot & almond biscuit

Step into Sweets by Parwana and discover a world of traditional Afghan desserts. Their cakes are as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate, and their cream rolls are next level. If you’re looking for dessert that transcends the usual, Sweet by Parwana is the place to go. 

8. Bracegirdle’s House of Fine Chocolate

• Address: 289 Cross Rd, Clarence Gardens SA 5039
• What to order: Macadamia and River Murray Sea Salt Block

If you’re after award-winning chocolate in Adelaide, Bracegirdle is the place to go. Hand-made with the finest Belgian chocolate, bursting with colours and real flavours, it’s a must-visit for some delicious sweet treats. With savoury brekky options as well as a decadent high-tea menu, there’s something for everyone here. You can find Bracegirdle in Blackwood, Cross Road, McLaren Vale and various mobile cafes throughout the city. 

9. St Louis House of Fine Ice Cream and Desserts

• Address: Multiple locations including North Adelaide, Semaphore, Glenelg, and more
• What to order: Loaded Biscoff gelato 

Famous for its European desserts and dreamy gelato, St Louis is serving up everything from peanut butter gelato bars to filthily delish sundaes, cinnamon scroll waffles, massive gelato cakes and more. It’s the ideal spot for those who believe dessert should always be a decadent affair.

10. Koko Black

• Address: Shop 50-52, Ground Level, Adelaide Arcade, Rundle Mall
• What to order: Chocolate alchemy gateau 

Koko Black is a chocolate lover’s paradise with a wide array of sweet treats to indulge in. From gift boxes, to hampers, and personalised treats, Koko Black is dedicated to everything chocolate. Plus, if you’re in the mood for a cosy cafe experience, they’ve got you covered with a mix of sweet and savoury options (including a tasting menu) at their multiple locations in Adelaide (and across Australia). 

11. S Candy Bar

• Address: 127a Gouger Street, Adelaide
• What to order: Crispy Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sorbet

S Candy Bar is where desserts become Instagram-famous. They mix classic and modern flavours to make desserts that look amazing and taste delicious. Whether it’s matcha basque cheesecake or rich chocolate macarons, it’s the place for trendy, stylish, and tasty sweet treats.

12. Muratti Cakes & Gateaux

• Address: 114B Prospect Road, Prospect, SA, 5082
• What to order: Caramel au Chocolat Blanc Gateaux

Muratti is where Adelaide meets Paris, minus the Eiffel Tower. Their petit gateaux and croquembouches are so authentic, you might start speaking French. It’s the perfect spot for those craving a little European flair in their desserts (without the long-haul flight). 

13. Shibui Dessert Bar

• Address: 2/160 Grote Street, Adelaide
• What to order: Strawberry Cheesecake Cup

Shibui Dessert Bar is where traditional meets the unexpected. With treats like white chocolate redskin mousse and macaron ice cream sandwiches, they’re redefining dessert. It’s the ultimate destination for those who enjoy a side of ‘omg this is so good’ with their desserts. 

14. Love, Stephy

• Address: Shop 3/62-68 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000
• What to order: Any (all) of the macarons 

At Love, Stephy, it’s a pink paradise for dessert lovers. Specialising in macarons and all things pretty and dainty, this is the spot for people who like their desserts on the whimsical side (and made with a whole lotta love). Their Insta bio says “Taste is the only thing that matters in our creations” but by the looks of it, presentation matters too, and boy does Love, Stephy present! 

15. Eggless Dessert Cafe

• Address: 162 Goodwood Road, Goodwood
• What to order: Cherry & Frangipane Pudding 

For the best vegan dessert spot in Adelaide, there’s only one place to go: Eggless Dessert Cafe. If you want a dessert that’s egg-free (and often gluten free and dairy free) and adventurous, Eggless is the spot. Their creative desserts prove that you don’t need eggs to make magic happen. From their cakes to sundaes, it’s guilt-free indulgence at its best, perfect for the vegan sweet tooth.

16. Steven ter Horst Chocolatier

• Address: 4/185 King William Road, Hyde Park
• What to order: Hazelnut praline hot chocolate 

Specialising in handcrafted chocolates and petit gateaux, Steven ter Horst Chocolatier is a less well-known chocolatier in Adelaide (for now) and is the place to go for incredible chocolate without the queues.  With choccies like raspberry ganache with raspberry gel, raspberry tea and framboise liqueur enrobed in 72% dark chocolate, and Fig & red wine Pate de fruit enrobed in 72% dark chocolate, if you’re after some truly decadent chocolate, add Steven ter Horst to your list. 

17. Red Cacao

• Address: Unit 3/41 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling SA 5152
• What to order: Marcus Gateaux Cake 

Red Cacao is not your average chocolatier. With ingredients like mulberry and local shiraz, they’re mixing up the chocolate game. It’s the spot for those who like their chocolate with a side of innovation. With a cafe that serves next-level ice-chocolate drinks (including vegan options), as well as waffles, gateaux cakes (gluten free!!!) and puppercinos for your four-legged friend, Red Cacao is a must-visit for all your choccie needs. 

18. Chocolatree

• Address: 25 O’Connell Street, Adelaide
• What to order: Notorious Nuts n Oreo Bowl 

Chocolatree is a chocoholic’s dream come true. They’ve got everything from rich chocolate cakes (gluten free options too), peanut butter hot chocolate to an oreo brownie bowl, salted caramel sundaes and a whole lot more. It’s where you go to indulge your deepest chocolate and sugary desires, no judgement, just pure sugar-bliss. 

19. 48 Flavours

• Address: Multiple locations including Hyde Park, Henley, and Trinity Gardens
• What to order: Honestly, it’s too hard to pick 

48 Flavour is the ultimate gelato destination that’s not just internationally renowned but celebrated for its 48 – oops, make that over 100! – handmade, premium, and award-winning gelato and sorbet flavours. With a daily rotating menu and flavours like Apple Pie Crumble and Banana, Baileys Coffee Crunch, Bubblegum, Macadamia & Kangaroo Island Honey and more – it’s the best dessert spot for those who think life’s too short to stick to just one flavour.

20. BTS Cafe

• Address: 33A Pirie St, Adelaide SA 5000
• What to order: Vanity Fair cupcake 

If you love a good cupcake, you have to check out BTS Cafe where cupcakes reign supreme, and boring isn’t on the menu. These aren’t just cupcakes; they’re mini-masterpieces made with top-shelf local ingredients. Whether you’re after vegan, gluten-free, or just insanely good cupcakes, their daily baked treats have got you covered.

21. Alby’s Gluten Free Bakery

• Address: 66 Holbrooks Rd, Flinders Park SA 5025
• What to order: Lamington Log 

Gluten free friends – fear not. While many of the dessert bars on this list do have options for you, if you want the go-to spot for all your gluten-free sweet treats – check out Alby’s Gluten Free Bakery in Flinders Park. Whether you’re vegan, fairy free, nut-free or on a FODMAP diet, Alby’s has your back. Must-trys include their famous lamingont log, apple strudel, and vanilla chocolate cheesecake. 

Why Trust Our List of Best Adelaide Dessert Bars

Our editorial team, passionate about great desserts, has personally explored many of Adelaide’s top dessert bars. This list reflects our direct experiences as well as detailed research, including feedback from customers who’ve visited these dessert bars. 

As experienced journalists guiding you through Adelaide’s dessert scene, our selections are based on unbiased opinions. We’ve carefully considered the quality of desserts, customer service, and overall atmosphere. In doing so, we aim to give you a well-rounded view of Adelaide’s dessert bars, from the well-known favourites to the emerging hotspots.

Read our reviews policy surrounding how we maintain our independence in our editorial lists.

Alternatives to Best Dessert Bars in Adelaide

Spending a weekend or longer in Adelaide and looking for some other fun things to do? Good news – Adelaide is ripe for the picking! Here are some other ways to enjoy all Adelaide has to offer:

• Best Pubs in Adelaide
• Best Adelaide Whisky Bars
• Best Glamping Spots in Adelaide
• Where to Go Ko-Karting in Adelaide
• Day Spas in Adelaide 

Best Dessert Bars Adelaide  FAQs