DUA LOCALE

324 Keilor Rd, Essendon North VIC 3041, Australia
+61 421 119 411
$$$ Cafe
(34 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

DUA LOCALE sits on the corner of Keilor Rd in Essendon North, in a spot that used to be a local hairdresser’s—a fitting nod to its fresh start in the neighbourhood’s café scene. This narrow but deep space offers a modern, airy interior that leans into a minimalist yet stylish design, with sleek lines and plenty of natural light filtering in, giving it a contemporary vibe that some might find energizing, even club-like in its musical volume. It’s an atmosphere that works well for those who want a lively coffee fix or a casual brunch with a bit of buzz.

DUA LOCALE’s coffee is clearly a key draw, with a particular highlight being their cappuccino, consistently praised by locals. The menu leans into expertly crafted espresso-based drinks alongside a solid range of chilled options like iced matcha and caramel coffee crema that make it a welcoming spot on warmer days. Besides coffee, the food menu is worth noting for quality and generous portions—brunch classics such as Turkish eggs, chilli eggs, and beef tacos have been well received for their flavor and freshness.

The café draws a mixed local crowd: from solo coffee enthusiasts looking for a well-pulled espresso or a fresh chai, to groups gathering for weekend brunch. The enclosed, intimate layout means tables are close together, creating a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere, which might feel a bit tight during busy periods. So if you’re after a quiet spot for a slow morning read, the background music and proximity to other tables may not suit. However, if you enjoy a spirited environment where service is friendly and food generous, this place fits the bill.

Visiting before peak brunch hours or during weekday mornings might offer a more relaxed pace. The café’s location in Essendon North means it’s a local go-to for those wanting good coffee and inventive breakfast options without trekking into the city. Whether you pop in for a quick espresso or linger over a hot chocolate or matcha latte with friends, DUA LOCALE delivers a fresh corner café experience that’s lively, well-curated, and distinctly connected to its community hub.

Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

34 Reviews
Christian Blair

20 Dec 2025

Fantastic service, the coffee was excellent and the food was amazing. Got the Turkish eggs and beef tacos delicious.

Gareth mac

29 Oct 2025

Great food and very generous on the portions. Atmosphere was calm and relaxed and the service was excellent.

Bella Bella

20 Oct 2025

Located on the corner where a former hairdresser once stood, Dua is a fresh and stylish addition to the Niddrie café scene. The space is narrow but stretches deep, with beautiful modern and airy decor that gives it a chic, welcoming feel. As I entered, the music really hit—surprisingly loud, almost like walking into a nightclub. It brings energy, but it may not suit those looking for a quiet coffee or chat. There are a couple of steps at the entrance, which might pose an issue for wheelchair users. Toilets are conveniently located on-site. We just stopped in for coffee, which was on the bitter side for my taste. The menu does offer a selection of Italian-inspired dishes, though you wouldn’t immediately know it from the name—Dua means “2,” but there’s no obvious hint at the cuisine. All up, it’s a visually appealing café with potential, and I’d be interested to return and try the food. ******************************************* Returned for breakfast Was looking forward to trying pistachio French toast or pins colada granola, but alas the menu has already changed. I tried the hotcakes instead or should I say hotcake. It’s one thick hotcake. The burnt caramel was a little overpowering, it made the whole thing taste burnt. The apple compote was its saving grace. The raspberry granola was nice. The yoghurt component was a bit ‘tart’. Eggs folded over, which is the scrambled eggs were delicious. The toastie was very flavoursome. Happy to say the music was not overbearing this time. Lots of tables arranged in fours, but noticed lots of couples coming in. If room allows, consider separating some of these as you can always put them back together for bigger groups.

Dave Douds

17 Oct 2025

Had the most amazing chilli eggs, with fresh chai. A good brunch selection, with toasties and baked goods also available.

Fiona Liew

15 Oct 2025

Delicious food and super friendly service! Everything we ordered was super tasty, the Benedict had a good amount of bacon where most places these days are stingy. The prices are on the high end but the quality is worth it. My only criticism is the place is tiny and the tables are very close together so it's a bit loud and can be overwhelming if you're not into tight spaces and lots of noise, the staff were super apologetic about it even though there's nothing they could do so I appreciate that. I would book next time on a weekend as it seems we just got lucky, saw that they had to reject a group or 2. Overall highly recommended.

Parttimepiggy

08 Oct 2025

This stunning cafe has been open for about six months and I really love the vibe that this place brings! They have plenty of tempting options on their brunch menu which made it very difficult to decide what to get. The grilled chicken was seared very nicely and the seasoning was just right. It came with a refreshing side of papaya & cabbage coleslaw topped with a miso & lime dressing. Overall such a great option for when you're wanting something filling but not too heavy. They also have a fab range of sandwich specials on their menu board which are made fresh daily. The barramundi house made fish burger was delicious and I appreciate that it wasn't overly stuffed which made it easy to eat without getting too messy. Also I'm not even exaggerating when I say that the shoestring fries in this dish were fried to PERFECTION - highly recommend trying if you come here! Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.

Brittany

06 Oct 2025

Beautiful little spot in Essendon. Food was absolutely phenomenal, the decor is modern warm and simple, and the service was five star. Highly recommend to anyone looking for one of the best brunch spots in Melbourne’s Northwest

anna eusebio

15 Sep 2025

Went on a Saturday before it closes and the food was served quickly. I loved the wagyu taco and the crema!!! Soooo soo good can’t wait to try the other meals on their menu!

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