If you’re looking for a coffee in the thick of the ‘burbs then I’ve got something for you.

Carnevale coffee. Cue partying.

This street corner gem originally started as a home to Carnevale’s roaster, but as the demand grew to serve more than just beans and brews a kitchen was installed and the rest is just history.

The café is nestled on East Avenue in Clarence Park and is surrounded by cute houses and plenty of street parking (because who wants to pay for parking!?). Their bright yellow door draws you straight in, and once you step foot in the door you’ll find it difficult to leave.

The interior is casual, comfortable and a little bit industrial. There’s plenty of exposed brick work, a mix of eclectic furniture, coffee hension sacks and some lovely lighting- the owners are ex-electricians so hence why their mood lighting is on its game. The general vibe of the place is upbeat and unpretentious, with super friendly staff ready to get you caffeinated.

In terms of food you can expect all day breakfasts cooked by My Kitchen Rules star Jessica Liebich. Items like salads and burgers are on the menu, as well as a small range of desserts and choices for the little ones.

On this occasion we tried the Berry Pancakes, the Grilled Bacon and Balsamic Mushrooms- we were well and truly impressed. The ricotta pancakes were super fluffy and were served with sweet and sticky brown sugar syrup and lots of berries. I must admit- I couldn’t even finish them. The Grilled Bacon was served with all the trimmings- capsicum, spinach, toast, perfectly poached eggs and the most delicious homemade tomato and caper chutney. YUM. The other half loved his mushrooms with all the sides- smashed avo, eggs, roast tomatoes and ample haloumi. I may have had brunch envy.

But more importantly, let’s talk about the coffee. Carnevale Coffee has been roasting for well over 7 years, supplying beans wholesale to cafes and caffeine addicts all over SA. About 4 years ago they moved into this little joint for roasting, but the spaces has turned into a full café as well as roaster. Their pride and joy is just off of the main eating area, so you get the amazing scent of freshly roasted beans as you sip on your brew. AMAZING.

They roast a variety of blends depending on the season and what tickles their fancy. I had 2 lattes with two different types of beans and I’ve got to say, this coffee is damn good. Even the avid ‘I need a sugar in my coffee folk’ will find themselves surprised. No need to add anything to these bad boys.

Paolo and Chris are also guns in the non-edible-coffee scene, having launched a range of three coffee body scrubs that are all organic and smell to die for (hello vanilla, mint and fruit tingles). Their scrubs are non-greasy, made with Carnevale Coffee beans and nice and gritty- I had been using them for ages before I even knew they were the brains behind the brand and it’s some seriously good stuff.

If you’re after a takeaway, a place for brekky with mates or just need a bag of beans then you need to stop in. Your energy levels and taste buds will thank you for it.

You can find Carnevale Coffee at 114 East Avenue, Clarence Park