While Essendon’s food scene may be less discovered, locals take cafe culture very seriously. For those who know where to look, this northwestern burb is home to an eclectic mix of hidden gems, either tucked away in the area’s nooks and crannies or perched on the busy stretches of Rose Street and Buckley Street.
From elite-tier Parisian bakeries to family-run and community-minded institutions, you’re guaranteed to find a cafe in Essendon that ticks for the box for exactly what you’re craving.
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We’ve done the coffee-sipping, breakfast-tasting hard work so you can dive right in. Keep scrolling for the best Essendon cafes in 2025, according to Urban List.
BAM Corner Store
23 Albion Street, Essendon
Image: BAM | Supplied
BAM is more than the average milk bar offering Bain-marie Chiko rolls. BAM is a community corner store where you’ll find specialty coffee, hand-crafted New York-inspired sangas and shelves lined with curated artisanal staples like Fancy Hank’s hot sauce and Ridiculously Delicious peanut butter.
Their expansive list of gourmet sangas includes a chicken caesar sandwich and a kimcheesy tuna melt as well as the easy peasy caprese and vegan favourite, the shroomwich.
INSIDER INTEL
- Their reuben sandwich sells out. Get in fast.
- Pastries, pies, slices, and loaves of bread are on offer too.
- Their matcha with housemade raspberry syrup is delish.
Mr Walker
32 Albion Street, Essendon
Image: Mr Walker Essendon Melbourne | Supplied
Inspired by South Gang’s lead guitarist, Mr Walker is a small yet lively cafe in Essendon nestled at the junction of Albion and Tennyson Street. The interior has Californian rock flair with its wallpaper encompassing cowboy boots, skulls, cacti and guitars, while old-school tunes set the mood. The Californian-inspired menu features Butch sausage and eggs, pancakes, a southern fried burger and birria tacos.
INSIDER INTEL
- Make sure you try their breakfast burritos.
- They run ‘kids eat free’ specials over the school holidays.
- The signature drinks are legit, think iced caramel cold brew and shaken iced lavender latte.
Assembly Ground
104 Fletcher Street, Essendon
Image: Assembly Ground | Supplied
Assembly Ground might just be your new go-to in Essendon. The Hash Benny is a crowd pleaser if we’ve ever tasted one — choose from pulled pork, bacon, smoked salmon or spinach along with eggs on two homemade potato rostis, drizzled with bright pink chipotle hollandaise and topped with pickled cabbage. The fluffy fried jam donut hot cakes filled with house made raspberry jam is the decadent treat you deserve.
INSIDER INTEL
- There are plenty of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
- Bottomless brunch runs every Friday to Sunday, starting at $59 per person.
- They use Code Black coffee and whip up next-level smoothies — get the Snickers smoothie with a shot of espresso for coffee and dessert rolled into one.
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St Rose
19 Rose Street, Essendon
Image: St Rose | Supplied
Opened by husband and wife team Domenic and Diana Caruso back in 2013, St Rose is now a part of the much-loved Essendon furniture. With a big emphasis on community, you’ll feel welcome from the moment you step through the door. They even run wholesome events like a Dog Walking Club. For food, think simple and seasonal, done right. Dishes include lemon meringue porridge, chorizo chilli scramble, a big brekkie, and a range of nourish bowls that are guaranteed to fill you up.
INSIDER INTEL
- The espresso choc fudge smoothie is the ultimate way to start the day.
- They brew Five Senses beans, and the result is superb.
- Open until 4pm every day.
Plot Coffee & Bakery
25 Russell Street, Essendon
Plot Coffee & Bakery is serving up some of the finest pastries and breads in the area. One of the newer additions to Essendon, it’s been welcomed with open arms. The pastries are inventive, unique, and oh so delicious. Our go-to is a canelé alongside a cup of coffee (did we mention they’re home to possibly the best coffee Essendon has on offer?). But if you’re feeling something a little more intriguing, try the Soboro Sogum — filled with creamy peanut butter and topped with a sweet, buttery Korean-style crumb topping.
INSIDER INTEL
- Don’t want to leave the house? You can order on Uber Eats.
- If you want your bread warmed, use the mini-oven instore.
- Follow their Insta to find out what times each type of bread will be ready each day.
Noglu
47 Rose Street, Essendon
Image: Noglu | Supplied
If you’ve been disappointed by gluten free offerings in the past, this one’s for you. Everything on the menu is completely gluten free at Noglu and also happens to be completely delectable. Whether you’re coeliac, gluten intolerant or just appreciate great food — you’re going to love it. On the menu, you’ll find breakfast and brunch favourites like salmon benedict, karaage chicken sanga, and creme brulee hotcakes.
INSIDER INTEL
- Coffee is by ONA, big win.
- This adorbs cafe is quite small, you might have a short wait.
- You can book a table here.
Benny And Me Cafe
25-29 Rose Street, Essendon
Benny And Me is a family run Rose Street cafe open every day for breakfast and lunch. Both the interior and alfresco areas are gorgeous, think exposed brick, wooden tables, black details, and warm lighting. Menu favourites include the corn and zucchini fritters as well as the breaky burger, but in all honesty you can’t go wrong.
INSIDER INTEL
- Food is served until 2:30pm each day.
- They’re now open at night over the weekend. Grab a cocktail and check out their night menu.
- Wrap your hands around a mimosa any day of the week.
Parisian Baker
19 Keilor Road, Essendon
Parisian Baker is your little slice of Paris right here in Essendon. You might think you’d need to venture deeper into Melbourne (or you know, France) to find top tier French pastries, but you’d be mistaken. The pastries here are elite. We’re talking strawberry matcha scrolls, apple crumble danish served with creamy custard, and white chocolate and pistachio croissants. They sell out, so don’t think on it for too long.
INSIDER INTEL
- Of course you need a coffee to accompany your pastry, and rest assured they do it well here.
- There’s extra seating upstairs.
- Have a special occasion coming up? The perfect excuse to order one of their cakes.
North And Eight
285-287 Buckley Street, Essendon
Image: North And Eight | Supplied
North And Eight is grounded in healthy and locally sourced values, serving up a selection of finger-licking breakfasts, vitamin-packed smoothies and super-fueled lunches. You can expect dishes like okonomiyaki pancakes, crispy zucchini and quinoa fritters, and Vietnamese chicken salad on the menu. While there are many healthy options, they also offer more hefty items like the wagyu cheeseburger and a chicken schnitty sanga.
INSIDER INTEL
- You haven’t lived until you’ve tried their Dubai Chocolate Souffle Pancakes.
- They’re brewing Proud Mary Coffee—a coffee connoisseur’s ideal pick.
- The Northella Milkshake is served with an entire donut on top.
Main Image Credit: Benny And Me
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