The Adelaide Coffee Bar first opened its doors inside the historic Bertram House in 1998, bringing a taste of Italy to the heart of Adelaide. After being a quiet haven for 25 years, the scent of freshly brewed espresso and the gentle hum of jazz are making a comeback.
The relaunch is deeply personal for the couple behind the venture, Mulyadi Robin and wife, Esther Siong. “We care deeply about good coffee, warm service and creating spaces where people feel comfortable and looked after,” Mulyadi said.
“Over time, that shared passion grew into a desire to build a cafe that reflected how we believe hospitality should be done.”
So how should hospitality be done right? “Our focus is on building hospitality businesses that are thoughtful, have an ethical and sustainable focus, and genuinely connected to the communities they serve,” he said.
The couple both come from different backgrounds, with Mulyadi being an entrepreneur and accomplished academic, and Esther a passionate childhood teacher. But their shared love for hospitality is what inspired the takeover.
At the time, the small space was a little run-down, but the iconic venue still shone bright with potential and the couple could already see a special vision forming. “The bones were there, and the history mattered.”
Renovations to the building began in early April 2025, with a complete gut-out of the cafe’s interior, permits secured and city archives rustled through. The vision was to build a respected cafe, one that not only serves excellent coffee but is also a place people come and genuinely want to return to.
“This relaunch is about bringing that vision to life and giving the city cafe culture a space that feels thoughtful, welcoming and built to last,” Mulyadi said.
The atmosphere will blend formal and relaxation, a refined approach without feeling casual. “The space will have the feel of a high-end Italian coffee bar with the warmth and intimacy of a speakeasy.”
When it comes to the coffee you can expect a strong specialty coffee focus, with carefully dialled-in espresso and a rotating filter program. The same attention is giving to the tea menu, with quality options brewed properly.
“It’s somewhere you can settle in, feel comfortable and not feel rushed. Over time, our intention is also to extend our trading hours as an aperitif and wine bar.”
The food offering is simple and considered, designed to complement the drinks rather than compete with them, you can expect quality sandos but with an exciting Asian Fusion twist.
The relaunch of The Adelaide Coffee Bar is just the first step in the couple’s mission to build their family business in Adelaide. “We are in this for the long haul… as we are also taking over three other venues across Adelaide in the next two months.”
The Adelaide Coffee Bar is set to have it’s grand reopening at the end of January, just before the long weekend.
The Adelaide Coffee Bar
Where: 73 Grenfell St, Adelaide, SA, 5000
When: Mondays – Fridays, from 7am – 4pm
For more info, click here.
