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
The unassuming wins it again. I know, the old cliche' , "The unassuming little hidden Gem", although this little place does deserve it. I had to quickly grab a snack and drink on the way to a meeting and what an awesome surprise. Great Mango Smoothie and a great meat toastie sandwich. The owner very cool, happy to talk about his produce and supplies... Great ambience as well. Don't be sheep and follow others to Pope Joan or the old St Ali North, be adventurous try this out.
Gem of a cafe! Wonderful service, easy prices, great breakfast, awesome milkshakes! Highly reccomend
Lovely little cafe, just be careful if coeliac or gluten sensitive!. I do love coming to Carlton Canteen, great coffee & warm friendly atmosphere. My only complaint is that as a coeliac, I have twice reacted to food I have been served. The first being eggs on gluten free toast - the toast was pre-buttered & perhaps using the same knife as had previously been used on regular bread or the butter was contaminated, otherwise the toaster they were using May have been covered in breadcrumbs. The second being a peanut butter biscuit staff told me was gluten free (although it didn't say so on the sign!! Bad mistake). Because of these experiences, I am anxious about ordering food from this cafe. I will continue to come for coffee. I would just reccomend being extra cautious if you are gluten intolerant/coeliac when ordering. (Food otherwise great!).
Yummy food & friendly service. The omelette for breakfast was delicious.
Great Place - Go There. I've been to this great little place 4 times now - each time I've been really impressed with the vibe, the great service and fantastic food. Whether it's the egg and bacon sanga, the poached eggs with cured trout, pulled pork burger or one of the specials (trout hash, pulled pork), all of the food is beautifully cooked and presented. The guy who runs the place is welcoming and pleasant and the staff and service are fantastic.
Very impressive breakfast!!!
Absolutely delicious meal. I had the Avacado Smash..quinoa, feta, gluten free bread (optional), poached free range egg, avacado! The service was great very prompt and staff and warm, welcoming and friendly.
Very Good. I've made the trip from Brunswick to North Carlton Canteen a number of times over the last 6 months because the food and coffee is great and great value for money. Interesting selection of brunch dishes which are always very fresh and always that little extra attention to detail or flourish. Service is always excellent; friendly and efficient, no attitude. Lots of vegetarian options.
Perfection. I love this place - cozy, comfortable, staff are welcoming, and the food and coffee is amazing! I just wish people stopped finding out about it, so I could always get a seat ;)
Awesome all of the time! And those vegan treats! Yummmmmmm! Loving the new range of smoothies too :D
Great place. Amazing food and service.
Amazing food and great customer service definitely recommend this cafe to people
Great service and that's what counts. Took myself out for lunch here on the weekend. Great coffee, attentive and friendly service and a decent menu. I tried the Egg and Bacon Sanga' which was tasty and filling. I particularly liked the relish they used. My only complaint - my knife wasn't sharp enough to cut through the crust on the delicious bread... But if that's their worst point then they're doing well!
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Excellent Breakfast. After seeing on facebook that the Cafe has a new chef and updated menu, figured it was worth giving it a whirl.
I had a Omelette Croque Monsieur with extra bacon and a poached egg (I was hungry).
It was exactly what I anted for breakfast.
For the Croque Monsieur Omelette, which I'd never seen before, the bechamel sauce was rich and tasty, and accompanied by wholegrain mustard. The ham was free range - which is always a plus for me, and not too salty.
The garnish was fresh and added a decent tang to contrast with the meaty flavours.
The Omelette itself was cooked perfectly, neither too dry nor too fluid, and blended beautifully with the mustard / sauce.
And the bread beneath was coated in butter.
Figured I'd request an extra poached egg and some bacon, expecting a rasher.
The poached egg was one of the best ever - the yolk was gooey and slow, but not cooked, and the white was all-together, not falling to bits. It was smashing, and went perfectly with the side of bacon...
... which seemed to be an entire packet-worth. Smoky, amazing bacon, not too fatty, not too lean.
I also had a couple of Flat Whites and a Portuguese tart, which capped it off nicely.
My friend ate the Mexican eggs, which were also spot-on.
Highly Recommended.
What a warm and welcome find this was. Great atmosphere supported by great coffee and even better food. The chef even came out to see if we were enjoying our food! Great place and ill be back for sure!
Really nice place for breakfast everything Ive had has been great.
Great coffee, friendly staff. Reasonable priced.
THE BEST. This place is the best. Really really happy with the food and the service. Reasonably priced. A delightful environment. Only wish I lived closer!
Yum!. I had been eyeing this place off for a while, and it didn't disappoint. Staff were friendly but not too in your face, food was simple in the best way, and really tasty. The burger isn't something you should eat everyday, but it's so good! Highly recommend this cafe, great for a local
Good but could be better. Have had coffee from this joint a few times and it's consistently good. Food was pretty tasty. Had the pumpkin/feta fritters and changed a few things, so the staff were pleasant and flexible with the menu. The only thing I'd say is they could be more generous with the fries........I've seen the serve come out more than once looking pretty bismal. Besides that one thing, I'd recommend. Staff were lovely and the atmosphere was chilled.
North Canteen is a WINNER. I get takeaway coffee from there almost everyday! My partner and I got. Breakfast there yesterday for the first time and I am already tryin to convince him to go back today! Such great service, delicious tastey food and amazing coffee! You guys rock!
Yummy panini and lamb burger special. Great service from all staff and nice decor. Friend said latte was delicious as well! Really nice, will be back :)
My favourite cafe in Melbourne. Lovely staff, particularly the owner who can usually be found behind the coffee machine. I come to the NCC at least once a week for the delicious food (eggs benny is great, as well as all their burgers) coffee and excellent service. So happy this place opened up around the corner!
Walked in and instantly loved the vibes. good atmosphere and music to match. Friendly and quick service. Me and the boys got the egg and bacon roll which was a winner. Definately making it a regular. Coffee was solid, we all ordered another. Very happy overall. Will be back again.
Yumo !!!. My wife had the gnocchi which was cooked to perfection( melt in your mouth) and I had the wagyu burger which was flavoursome and one of the best I have ever had.
love this joint and heading back for breaky tomorrow
Yum!. Glad there's finally a cool cafe in north carlton that's not staffed by bored/boring ironic hipsters. I ordered the wagyu burger with yummy brioche bun - it was delicious! The place has a really good vibe - friendly/on it wait staff - I'll be back to try more from the menu...
Came back and had the bacon and egg roll of which they have obviously nailed the recipe. Although fashionable at the moment they have succeeded to make it individual. Helpful staff although seem slightly confused about the specials board. Great spot to hangout and read the newspaper.. As a local I will be back and may even buy some flowers from the dodgy 24 hour florist.
Delicious food, great atmosphere, lovely staff, what more can I say.
Good coffee Good banana bre.... Good coffee
Good banana bread pancakes
(different! )
Will be back
Busy little place and rightfully so! Great food, great staff and therefore great atmosphere
An excellent menu, great options! Eggs and smoked salmon is so far the favourite but the eggs Benedict is a close second. Great interior, delicious coffee and a fab location. This is my new local.
Eggs Benedict cured my hang over WINNER. My friend had the asparagus baby pea omlette also very tasty. Good vibe great service will be back.
Great food and service. North Carlton Canteen has only been open for about two weeks and already it seems to be a hit. We had breakfast there on the weekend and the place was buzzing. Our food was fantastic and we were served by the owner, who was extremely accommodating and friendly. The menu has a great selection of breakfast and lunch dishes as well as an ever changing array of house made sweets. We had the poached eggs with smoked salmon and the waygu burger. Made with quality ingredients like Green eggs, free-range bacon, Dench bread and hand-cut chips, both were delicious and excellent value. The coffee was spot on, with great depth and perfectly frothed milk. This was accompanied by a house-made Monte Carlo. Sooo good. Love the recycled wood walls, white butcher's tiles and bright yellow cupboards. Great vibe, great food.
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