The best spots for coffee and a bite in Essendon
Essendon has quietly built one of the better cafe scenes in Melbourne's northwest. The village strip along Keilor Road and the streets branching off it (Rose Street, Fletcher Street, Russell Street, Buckley Street) are home to a mix of specialty roasters, bakeries, and all-day brunch spots.
Here are the ones worth knowing about.
Plot Coffee & Bakery
25 Russell Street | 4.8/5 (146 reviews)
Plot has become one of Essendon's go-to spots since opening. The baked goods are made in-house and the coffee is consistently good. Small space, so expect a wait on weekends. The Russell Street location is tucked just off the main strip, which keeps it from getting overwhelmed.
Lorenzo's Espresso
79 Fletcher Street | 4.8/5 (73 reviews)
A proper neighbourhood cafe on Fletcher Street. Lorenzo's does simple things well: good espresso, decent food, and a space that works whether you're grabbing a takeaway or sitting down for an hour. Popular with the local school run crowd.
Take 3 Cafe
123 Buckley Street | 4.8/5 (181 reviews)
Take 3 has been a Buckley Street fixture for years. The menu is bigger than most, covering brunch, lunch, and a cabinet full of cakes. If you're meeting someone in Essendon and need a reliable spot, this is it.
Backhaus Foodstore
35 Rose Street | 4.8/5 (34 reviews)
Backhaus brings a European deli/bakery vibe to Rose Street. Think sourdough loaves, pastries, and a small menu of sandwiches and salads. It's a quieter option if you're avoiding the Keilor Road crowds.
Hold Bar & Eatery
87 Fletcher Street | 4.9/5 (139 reviews)
Hold crosses the line between cafe and restaurant, but the daytime offering is strong enough to include here. Fletcher Street has become a bit of a food pocket and Hold is one of the reasons why.
Dulce Chico
26 Russell Street | 4.8/5
A newer addition to Russell Street. Latin American flavours, pastries, and coffee. Small and easy to miss, but worth finding if you're in the area.
Mi Gente
2 Glass Street | 4.8/5 (335 reviews)
Technically more of a fast-casual spot, but Mi Gente's coffee and Colombian street food have earned it a loyal following. Glass Street is a short walk from the main strip.
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