THE CAFE SYNDICATE

Ground floor UnitingSA Building, 1 Charles St, West Lakes SA 5021, Australia
+61 404 884 567
$$$ cafe
(42 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

If you're in West Lakes and on the hunt for a cozy spot to relax, savor quality coffee, and enjoy delicious food, look no further than THE CAFE SYNDICATE. Nestled on the ground floor of the UnitingSA Building, this cafe isn't just another coffee shop; it's a beloved favorite among locals and a true hidden gem.

Upon entering, you'll immediately notice the inviting atmosphere—a blend of warmth and vibrant energy that sets the perfect tone for unwinding or catching up with friends. The spacious layout offers a bright open space, making it an ideal place to sip your favorite beverage while soaking in the lively ambiance.

Coffee aficionados will rejoice at the extensive menu, featuring a variety of options to please any palate. From the smooth and rich Macchiato to the indulgent Hot Chocolate, each sip is a testament to the cafe’s commitment to quality. Be prepared to delight your taste buds with their masterfully crafted Cappuccino or try the intriguing Sticky Chai, bursting with spices that will warm you inside and out. And for those hot summer days, the refreshing Cold Brew Coffee is simply a must-try!

But the offerings don’t stop at just coffee. Dive into their wide selection of smoothies and juices that are as colorful as they are flavorful. Choices like the Green Smoothie and the Caribbean Juice not only taste great but are also a treat for your health-conscious side. Unique blends like the Date Shake are perfect for a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.

The feedback from regulars truly showcases the heart behind this cafe. Customers rave about the friendly and attentive service provided by staff members like Salman and Nika, whose dedication to making every visitor feel at home is palpable. Meaghan Aureguy, a local patron, sums it up perfectly, calling it “my local” with “kind friendly staff and great food and coffee.”

Other reviews highlight the cafe's appeal as a location for special occasions, with Seema Singh noting how delicious the catered sliders were for her daughter's birthday. Such excellent service coupled with remarkable culinary delights makes it no wonder why visitors keep coming back. Ryan Rogues enthusiastically admits, “This place has become our regular. Would give it 6 stars if I could!”

In a world where cafes bustling with chains sometimes dominate the landscape, THE CAFE SYNDICATE stands out as a caring community hub committed to quality and service. Whether you're a local or just passing through, take the time to visit this delightful cafe—it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that enriches your day.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Sells prepared foods
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

42 Reviews
Meaghan Aureguy

18 Sep 2025

Love this cafe it's my local as I work around the corner: such kind friendly staff and the food and coffee are both great

seema singh

15 Sep 2025

A cosy Cafe with amazing food and coffee. I must commend Salman who made such good mocha that I had to go for a second cup! We also catered food for my daughter's birthday and received great feedback on how delicious the sliders were! Top notch service! Thank you Salman and Nika :)

Ryan Rogues

06 Sep 2025

This place has become our regular. Would give it 6 stars if I could. Amazing food, kind people and a bright open atmosphere

Ricky Taylor

07 Aug 2025

Cafe Syndicate is the best! A real hidden gem! My best mate and I come here on a weekly basis for brekky after tennis. Amazing food, awesome coffee and such a wide array of cakes and treats All topped off by great customer service. Come support this place, you won’t be disappointed! Cheers, Rick :)

Amber Grantham

03 Aug 2025

Absolutely love this café, the coffee is hands down the best in West Lakes. Always consistent, smooth, and full of flavour. The owner is incredibly friendly and welcoming, which makes every visit feel personal. A local gem I keep coming back to!

Andy Hendo

25 Jul 2025

Should be 10 gold stars. Excellent coffee, outstanding food, great service, enticing display cabinets, very comfortable and clean seating area and is well priced. How Salman runs the cafe is an example of how to do it right. He should give lessons to struggling cafe owners who are not getting it right. Thanks team, you will see me a lot.

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