Image: Toby’s Estate, Markus Ravik
Two Adelaide cafes are calling on the support of their fellow South Aussies, but there’s only one more day to help!
Kent Town’s 78 on Rundle and Stirling’s Marshi’s Kitchen are both in the national spotlight, after being named among Australia’s top 10 cafes in a national search for the country’s most memorable coffee stories. Both have made the finals of OcToby’s Fest 2025, a storytelling competition by specialty coffee roaster Toby’s Estate that celebrates the heart and humanity behind the country’s best coffee moments. Chosen from more than 800 cafes across Australia, these South Australian contenders are now calling on local coffee lovers to help bring the title home.
For 78 on Rundle, a suburban gem that calls Kent Town home, their entry proves that cafe culture is full of surprises. Their story is all about a late-night discovery that no one saw coming. When a regular came in after hours and asked to use the bathroom, the team had forgotten, turned off the lights, locked the doors, and set the alarm. After walking down the street and hearing the alarm go off, they saw the poor customer knocking on the door and quickly let them out. This is a tale that perfectly captures the warmth, chaos, and charm of hospitality life, and it’s resonating with coffee lovers across the country.
“We’re so thrilled to be part of Toby’s Estate’s latest competition — it’s such an honour to be chosen and to share our funny little story along the way. Working closely with Toby’s Estate Coffee has been an amazing experience; their support means the world to us,” shared Megan Weekley from 78 on Rundle.
“Our Kent Town community is at the heart of everything we do — from our regulars who pop in daily to the local businesses who’ve rallied & had a giggle with us through this process. We’re so grateful for all the love and support, and there’s still time to get involved and vote for us!”
Up in the Adelaide Hills, Marshi’s Kitchen has won hearts for a very different reason. Their story revolves around a handwritten love letter left behind by a mystery diner, a girl who came in alone, seemingly enjoyed her meal, and left without a word, except for a handwritten note. This small act was one that transformed an ordinary day into one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments the team has ever experienced.
“It’s an honour to be recognised among the top 10. At Marshi’s Kitchen, we’re passionate about bringing people together through the rich flavours and traditions of Sri Lankan cuisine, complemented by our love for quality coffee. Being part of this Toby’s Estate initiative is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate local hospitality and community spirit. We’re deeply grateful for the continued support from our Adelaide Hills community, which inspires us every day,” shared Marshi Gnanasooriya from Marshi’s Kitchen.
Toby’s Estate’s OcToby’s Fest is all about shining a light on the stories that make cafes so special. Despite cost-of-living pressures and tighter budgets, Australians’ love for cafe culture runs deep. Toby’s research found that 60 per cent of Aussies still visit a cafe at least once a week, and more than half have a spot they proudly call their local. Almost half are on a first-name basis with their barista, while one in ten have even met their partner over a cup of coffee.
So it’s more than fitting that two South Australian cafes have made the national top ten list. Both 78 on Rundle and Marshi’s Kitchen are now calling on South Australians to rally behind them and vote to keep the title in Adelaide. Public voting is open until the end of today, October 23rd, with the cafe receiving the most votes set to win over $20,000 in prizes. One lucky voter will also pocket $2,000 cash just for taking part.
You can watch the finalists’ stories and cast your vote now at Toby’s Estate website.
For more information, click here.
Find Marshi’s Kitchen at 49 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling SA 5152
Find 78 on Rundle at 78 Rundle St, Kent Town SA 5067
