I live about 10 doors down, so NCC is my local for my daily coffee and I enjoy breakfast here at least once a week.
I can’t fault the coffee I’ve never had a bad one when I’ve ate in or takeaway which is a huge plus!
Menu options have all the favourites with rotating specials, I’m not going to lie I do wish they did an Açai bowl that would for sure double my visits to eat in.
Service is sometimes a little off considering all staff would be aware that I visit quite frequently but with the coffee being so great and the convenience I don’t take it too personal.
An unpretentious cafe beside a laundromat that hardly warrents a glance whilst travelling towards the city on Lygon St.
It does however put out some really good food.
Decided on a couple of the specials for the day
Chicken burger - quite OK but nothing too remarkable.
Crabmeat omelette - absolutely magnificent!
Friendly staff and good value.
I think I have officially hit the meh zone especially when it comes to cafes/brunch spots. So much so that pretty much everywhere I go, those 3rd wave cafe mannerisms become more and more evident. Ranging from the indoor plant deco (devil's ivy and fiddle leaf figs), over-tattooed waiting staff and my biggest pet peeve of them all - over-described menu items that become overpriced and undersized.
Which brings about NCC. This place is non-pretentious, honest and has a simple menu. Fair serving size too, for a fair price. One of the key attractions in us checking out NCC is their rotating specials. Though we didn't order that this time but will definitely keep an eye out for next. The coffee is decent, service is good and very friendly and the crowd is relaxed. I'm chalking this up as one of my hidden gems of the inner north.
Great food (I'm addicted to their chicken salad) and friendly service. I'm always disappointed if I get there at 2.30ish and am told sorry the kitchen is closed.I forgive them due to excellent food and good music!
Four of us were looking for late morning eats. Husband suggested we try NCC. Ample parking along Pigdon St, especially towards Princes Park. We looked for a table inside but it was full. Staff suggested the courtyard out the back. Perfect. 3 decent size tables, 2 were under a huge market umbrella. Staff were awesome, coffees were spot on but the food was AMAZING!
Most of us didn't read past the specials. Boys went the Sticky Date Pancakes. Beautifully presented. Not as sickly sweet as they sounded. I had the Duck & Waffle, which I've renamed the Dwaffle. Confit Duck, 2 fried eggs, seeded mustard maple syrup on waffle. Now this was sweet, but it was also one of the most random & satisfying flavour combinations I've ever tried. I shouldn't have poured so much maple. It's in the cheat meal category. Boys topped up with some Ham, Cheese & Tomato Croissants. As we left we noticed the super sized, industrial strength patio heater overhead out the front.
Besides being super cute to look at, the North Carlton Canteen isn't a bad place to stop for a bite to eat.
After grabbing a table inside the eclectically styled cafe, we were given menus, water, and offered some drinks straight away.
After having a look through the decent sized menu, our drinks arrived and we ordered something to eat. I couldn't resist the special, red velvet ricotta pancakes with maple and ice cream. So. Delicious - definitely recommend! My mother had the eggs florentine which was also delicious, I only know as I quality controlled a fair portion of it.
The service was friendly and quick, food was delish, easy to park and locate, and best of all it was only $37, absolute bargain!
I would definitely recommend popping in to North Carlton Canteen if you're around the area, something to suit everyone!
North Carlton Canteen (NCC) has been outstanding since the beginning of its establishment many years ago - great owner and fantastic staff. Good food and new specials that changes from time to time in addition to their well made coffees.
Highly recommend to try the burgers (esp chicken and pulled pork), breakfast burrito, smashed avocado, chilli scrambled eggs and their milkshakes.
A nice addition to the area, it used to be a very 'dry' neighbourhood with a small deli, couple of florists & a laundromat. The coffee was good, a bit strong but smooth milk, i also tried their home-made peppered steak pie, very yummy crust, generous filling with chunky steak pieces, & sauce without making the pie soggy... Not really fancy about the whole black peppers in the filling, though... But that might just be the way it's supposed to be? Overall not bad, might come back again to try their made-to-order food next time.
This is fail safe for a group of picky brunch eaters! The chilli scrambled eggs are a favourite and I have had a few of my favourite ever brunches here. I only wish the outside seating was set up a little better as often there is one person sitting at a table for 4 and those with dogs have to wait a while!
Have been meaning to try this place for sometime and it didn't disappoint! Coffee was great and we both loved our breakfast! He had a daily special, banana roti pancakes. He isn't easily excited by food but these were rated the best pancakes ever!! My cherry tomato and asparagus omelette was perfect also! Great ambience and decent sized courtyard out the back
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