Tucked away just off of Stirling’s main street you’ll find Red Cacao, one of the Adelaide Hills’ best kept secrets. This award winning chocolatier was established in 2013 and has been a favourite with the locals ever since.
We first came across Red Cacao in early 2016 whilst searching for a cafe after a day out in the Adelaide Hills. Since then the cafe has undergone massive renovations, and expanded the seating space to keep up with their growing demand. Every time we visit we are met with smiles and the most amazing, friendly staff.
The Chocolate
It’s what this place is known for. Red Cacao has a huge range of chocolates, made in-house by their resident chocolatier. Marcus Booth-Remmers studied the fine art of chocolate creation in Europe, before bringing everything he had learned back home to the Adelaide Hills.
Upon walking into the cafe you’re greeted with the sweet smell of chocolate and fresh coffee. Red Cacao has an extensive range of chocolates available, from the standard milk chocolate to more exotic flavors like the passion-fruit truffle. And then there’s the hot chocolate. There’s so many to choose from. Our favourite is the Aztec Hot Chocolate, a rich dark hot chocolate expertly blended with cinnamon and chilli. It’s the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold Adelaide Hills morning… or afternoon… or evening.
The Coffee
The staff at Red Cacao take just as much pride in their coffee as they do in their chocolate. The cafe has an ever changing range of organic and single origin coffees available, each with it’s own unique flavour.
If you’re looking for something sweet to go with your coffee, the staff a Red Cacao will be able to help. With their “Chocolate Coffee Experience” the Red Cacao team will guide you through their selection of coffees and then find the chocolate that complements it perfectly. We’ve had this one a few times and they’ve never let us down.
If it’s too hot for a coffee, Red Cacao also has a range of cold drinks from iced chocolates to coffee frappés, there’s sure to be something you’ll love. We recommend the mint iced chocolate, it’s the prefect drink to enjoy while sitting outside in the warm sun.
Something For The Kids
Now that you have your chocolate and coffee sorted, the kids are probably begging for something too. Red Cacao has a few great menu items ready to go. We’ve tried both and the kids loved them!
Red Cacao’s famous Monkey Plate comes with a warm or cold chocolate drink, and a honeycomb chocolate frog. The Chococino Bubble Plate is a chocolate babychino with a chocolate and peanut butter cookie. The hot chocolate in these comes as a cup of warm milk and a chocolate spoon, which will keep the kids entertained as they watch the chocolate dissolve and make their own hot chocolate.
The Atmosphere
Since it’s renovations in 2017, Red Cacao has grown in size, but still managed to keep it’s warm and cosy appeal. Like any cafe, there is plenty of seating available inside, and the out.
If it’s a sunny day you can take a seat outside to enjoy the warm sun and fresh Adelaide Hills air. During the colder months there is ample supply of blankets and heaters to keep the outdoor diners cosy.
Gifts and Goodies
Like any good chocolatier, Red Cacao has a huge selection of goodies to take home. Last time we visited we picked up a few truffles and a milk chocolate spoon which tasted just as good at home as they did in the cafe. If you have a special chocolate lover in your life, Red Cacao has a range of pre-wrapped gift boxes and hampers ready to be opened up and enjoyed.
If you’ve been somewhere that really stood out recently, let us know. We love visiting new places and would never say no to a quiet afternoon coffee.
Red Cacao Open Hours
Monday: 09:00 – 18:00
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 09:00 – 18:00
Thursday: 09:00 – 18:00
Friday: 09:00 – 22:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00
Red Cacao – Chocolatier of The Adelaide Hills - Explore Adelaide
