Elementary Coffee Torrensville

After six years in the CBD – and a four-year search for the right site – Elementary Coffee Roasters finally opened this lofty roastery and cafe in the spring of 2022, in the former Canopy site on Jervois Street, Torrensville.

The unhurried nature of the suburbs informs the vibe here, a more relaxed, dining-focused cafe in contrast to the fast-paced city store. To that end, there’s a bigger focus on filter coffee (pour-over, served in ceramic mugs made by Jordan Gower of Aburi Ceramics) and trying out new brewing techniques. A 12-kilogram Probat roaster – double the size of the one at the city store – is set up out the back and viewable through glass panes, so you can watch the roasting process while you sip your coffee.

There’s a bigger focus on food, too. Head chef Jamie Squillace has created a menu of elevated brunch standards including fried chicken waffles spiced with gochujang, eggs Benedict with masterstock ham hock and fermented chilli hollandaise, and a breakfast burger. There are also daily baked treats: cookies, muffins and more.

The spacious, light-filled building, which sits around the corner from Henley Beach Road, is similar in feel to Elementary’s long-standing CBD store, a warehouse-y space with exposed beams and concrete floors. To bring their vision to life, owners Brad Nixon and Carly Humphreys engaged designer Rhea Koumi of Umoki Studio and furniture maker Matt Pearson of MJP. The central service bar puts the baristas centre stage, and customers can perch here to watch them in action. There’s also bench seating against the walls built by Pearson and custom furniture designer Peter Fong.