Josh Duce knows his way around a cup of coffee. As the former owner of Edward Street nook Duce & Co, Josh has been caffeinating Brisbane folk since 2016. After selling on the venue to new owners, Josh sought an opportunity closer to home, drawing him to the base of his own apartment building at 38 High Street in Toowong. After convincing the building’s owners to let him open a cafe in the vacant ground-floor space, Josh and his business partners – serial entrepreneur Tom Ferris and Joe Serra from Serra Property Group – got to work establishing a welcoming venue that could double as a morning pick-me-up spot and an evening hangout. Kaldi Cafe + Bar opened on Saturday April 27, showing off a chic interior that complements the building – a palette of green, cement elements, neon signage and timber has been brought to life with the help of Woodsters. Like the hole-in-the-wall style of Duce & Co, Josh has maintained an aesthetic approach influenced by the poky coffee houses of Melbourne, but added a malleability that helps the venue effortlessly transition to suit a nighttime crowd.
Kaldi Cafe + Bar’s offering starts in the morning, with Single O coffee being poured (espresso and filter) alongside a concise breakfast and lunch menu. Josh has taken inspiration from some of his favourite spots around the globe for Kaldi’s breakfast eats. The fluffy ricotta hotcakes are influenced by a similar dish at Bills in Sydney, the Fairfax burger with herb scrambled eggs and crispy bacon is a nod to LA institution Eggslut, and the avocado and toast with creme fraiche of carrot jam and sesame seeds is an ode to Brisbane’s own dearly missed Gramercy. A forthcoming lunch spread will incorporate simple options such as sliders and BLTs, while a cabinet stocks freshly baked muffins and vegan treats. At night, Kaldi will pivot to serve charcuterie and tapas, craft beer from Balter, and one red and one white wine. Plans are in the works for three kinds of espresso martini, while a curated selection of spirits will be on offer for classic basics.
Kaldi Cafe + Bar is now open! For opening hours and extra details, pop over to the Stumble Guide.
