Don Adan Coffee House

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

I'm a local near the DACH and although I've been there once or twice for a quick coffee, haven't had any food there before today. We had the 'Typico' breakfast which was one of the best breakfasts I've had at any cafe in Sydney, very delicious eggs on nice bread (think it was sourdough), soft small feta pieces, refried beans, jalapenos, salsa on the side and guac on top.

I also had a macchiato which was perfectly prepared so that 3 distinct layers showed, the bottom just coffee, then a mixed layer and finally the froth. The coffee is not exactly to my taste, I normally like a sweeter coffee (e.g. Vittoria - but I'm probably being a coffee pleb here).

Nov 20, 2010 

6.8 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  7     

Whilst the service was a little slow and the food a little hit and miss (Well more miss than hit) the coffee, drinks and friendly staff made up for it. More of a venue for coffee and a snack than a meal out.

Jan 27, 2010 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  9     

Put simply, these guys do it well. Recommended by a friend, I visited a couple of months ago and have done many times since. I seriously have to put it up there with some of the best coffee I've ever tasted. One of the friendly staff was more than happy to give me the run down - apparently the beans are grown on his own plantation (in central America!), imported and roasted all by the owner. If you've walked past a hundred times but never tried, id highly highly recommend doing so.

Jan 15, 2010 

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  6     

I went yesterday (Sunday) for a late breakfast (11am). We were served within a few minutes of taking our seat and the drinks/food followed within 5-10 minutes.
The staff were friendly and courteous. Overall a pleasant experience.

Nov 30, 2009 

8 Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  8     

Having read some negative comments about this institution of a coffee house, I have to put my 5 cents in. Firstly I agree with most posters regarding the slow service but everything else is a bit of a beat up. Whenever I've visited Don Adan Coffee House they were so busy, it;s understandble they were a little slow as sometimes there are lines and scores of people waiting for their coffee fix.

The service people are always pleasant and not inimidating and are usually reserved and give the customer time to decide on their order. Regarding the awards aspect? Don Adans has been the torch bearer in the Sydney Coffee Guide for 4 years now always getting the highest score. If that isn't awarding enough I don't know what is?

Getting back to the real issue. The coffee is great and it has always been. As far as North Shore and Northern Beaches are concerned, this place is the benchmark for coffee lovers. Overall one of the best coffee houses in Sydney.

Aug 25, 2008 

4 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  6      Service  1      Value  4     

I visited this place one afternoon on the weekend with a friend as he recommended it. The coffee was good but the service was appalling. There were only 5 people inlcuding my friend and I in the whole place yet it still took about 15 minutes to get a coffee and cake. The staff were (visibly!) too busy chatting at the front counter and being cool to bother. My advice is to buy the beans if you must but save yourself the pain of wondering if your coffee is ever going to make it to the table.

Jun 18, 2008 

4.8 Average

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  1      Value  5     

I have been here a couple of time and each time been more disappointed. At this place they make you feel like you should be honoured to be served. 3 out of 5 times we have sat there waiting to be served for so long we have had to go up and order, which is fine but don't make the place table service!!! The staff ignore you even when trying to pay the bill, mostly because they are catching up with friends or other regular customers.

We persisted because the food was always good but the last time we were ignored for so long (even the older man who I think is the co owner looked at us several times and kept chatting) we just walked out. The funny thing was the staff were that bad they didn't even notice we walked out. Food is good but won't ever go back. So many other friendly places in the area.

Dec 31, 2007 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

The best coffee we have tasted in the north shore area. We keep coming back for the coffee and alone worth the trip. No problems with their services.

Nov 22, 2007 

5.5 Average

Food  5      Ambience  3      Service  7      Value  7     

Despite my seemingly low score, I have to say this is the Best coffee I have ever tasted. It's not really a restaurant, so it's unfair to judge it as such. It's more of a coffee house, as I see it, and bloody good coffee!! also, I think winning Any award is worthy of a mention, and if it was meaningless, wouldn't the award be discontinued?

Very unfair comments and unjust I'd say by Jamie_Shea. I think it's wonderful that Don Adan won awards, and to be honest, awards or no awards, it's still the best coffee I have ever had, and I would drive from any part of Sydney to buy it. I have been told by guests that it is fabulous coffee - and the aroma.. wow. nearly makes you drool! keep up the good work guys.. the food is fairly boring, but hell, you can go elsewhere for the food!

Nov 10, 2007 

1.8 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  2      Service  1      Value  2     

I was told the coffee was great here (at Spit Jn), but the whole experience was very disappointing. The coffee was not even warm, and the nachos was brought to me almost cold with clumps of unmelted cheese on top, when I asked the girl nicely to warm it please, the 2 girls gave each other a look, as if they thought I was a "difficult customer". She brought it over and dumped it on the table without any apology, and when I left half an hour later, they both turned and glared at me as I walked out with my friend. Will not go here again!

Response from Management:
I want to thank as well as to apologize to ceeceeb. Her comments and feedback, we have taken her comments on board and will address the behaviour mentioned in the comments in our training modules.

Gerard

Don Adan Coffee House

Sep 11, 2007