Mietta's Review
The cafe is enclosed and part of the bar area. Being cheaper than the Restaurant it does more trade. Though Barton's has charming views over the park the room has nothing particular to recommend it, particularly the omnipresent smell of the deep fryer from the partly exposed kitchen. There are a couple of steaks on a menu heavy with Asian and other influences. Service can be variable but the prices are reasonable - mains mostly in the low $20s.

Other published opinions

The Adelaide Food Guide 2010 "This redeveloped heritage-listed pub, affectionately known as The Cally, has a serious commitment to food and wine. The venue, reopened in 2003, serves fast and fresh cafe meals but most of the food and wine action is found in the flagship restaurant"

Adelaide Advertiser 2006 "Britain has its gastro-pubs, Adelaide has Barton's at the Caledonian Hotel which, with a few similar examples elsewhere in town, shows our pubs can cut it with some of the city's best restaurants. The bar menu would be good enough for many but Barton's Restaurant is a considerable step up - as it was for publican Rod Said and chef Gordon Brown, who had much success during a decade together at their previous venue, the Rising Sun Inn."

Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide "The sun streams through Bartons's vast north-facing windows, almost obviating the need to step outside when the weather is clement, and making it a joy to be inside on a wintry day overlooking the parklands. Gordon Brown's menu is also a ray of light, proving that good pub tucker in Adelaide can often outshine many a standalone restaurant's efforts."

Gourmet Traveller 2005 Australian Restaurant Guide "The Caledonian has transformed itself, with an interesting front bar and a very good restaurant. The bar menu would be good enough for many, but Bartons restaurant is a considerable step up - as it was for publican Rod Said and chef Gordon Brown who had considerable success during a decade together at the Rising Sun Inn."

Sunday Mail 23/1/05 "The gracious 1870 bluestone hotel overlooking the parklands was spruced up with a sports bar, footpath tables, casual dining area - and Barton's. Barton's, on Barton Tce, is all class. This is contemporary fine dining where you don't necessarily need a jacket and tie but you might wear your best clobber because it is an occasion."

The Advertiser, 11/2/04, food & wine,'has been reborn as a cool, refreshing and bright hotel with a fine dining restaurant overlooking North Adelaide's parklands...is now sleek and clean, with a friendly, modern feel and a restaurant that would proudly stand alone'

The Advertiser, 29/10/03, Tony Baker,'The bars are open and lively. There are two eating options: a cafe with more casual food and cheaper prices, and Barton's the classy new restaurant'