Perk Cafe — Restaurant in Melbourne

I attended northern perk cafe on the 28th of March for a 12.45pm booking. When we arrived, we felt in the way as the staff were busy running around. We went up to the main till, told our booking name and got taken through to the back courtyard and placed on a table of two in the very back corner. It was obviously the dud table in the cafe and we felt a little jibbed as we booked ahead. When ordering we were told there was going to be a 45 minute wait for the food but it’ll be worth the wait. We were hungover and happy to wait for our food so we ordered two coffees, a fresh juice and the burger tower for 2pax. Water had to be requested, as well as sugar for the table. We politely asked to move tables when one opened up in the sun, but was told we couldn’t because we were only 2 people and they wanted to save the table for bigger bookings. Another couple then walked in and got a worse table than us and requested the same as us (to move onto a better table), 5 minutes later they got moved onto the table we wanted. I then got the courage to speak to the waitress and told her I’d really like to move and she sighed and said ‘yeah sure’. She was obviously getting annoyed with me but I was sick of it at that point. 46 minutes later, after we asked the waiter to check... we got our coffees.

1hr 33mins after our arrival, we received our food. We had read reviews before we came and saw that everyone complained about the wait time but then when the food came, it was forgotten because that’s how good it was. It was not. The food was luke warm, and not memorable. The pancakes were heavy and tasted like flour. As we were picking at our food slowly we witnessed two tables leave the venue before getting their food. The staff were kind and apologetic, we understand it’s not their fault but they receive all the negative comments as they are the first face of service. This review is not about their service, it’s about the venue as a whole. Easy to say, we’ll never be coming back. Changes need to be made: new kitchen staff, more floor staff and improved customer service. We went to go pay our food and tell the manager our thoughts and feelings. She said ‘there’s no excuse for what happened. I’m sorry and there’s no need to pay’ We were happy we didn’t have to pay but honestly there’s no real excuse for the service we experienced today. Also the toilets are half renovated, and not...

Northern Perk is famous for their breakfast tower and this beast of a tower is really a sight to behold. A huge platter comprising items commonly found in a big brekky (eggs, toast, smashed avo, tomato, halloumi, hash browns, spinach and mushrooms), and items not that commonly found in a big brekky (beef rasher, sujuk, olives, feta and hummus), plus a stack of Nutella pancakes with a Cornetto ice cream stuck into it. I strongly suggest you bring back up.

Even though they were 3 of us, we decided not to try the breakfast tower, and instead created our own feast to rival that tower. Said Nutella pancakes made an appearance, as did the Lebanese Breakfast. And because no one ever says no to chips, we ordered the Chicken and Mushroom which came with a side of thick crunchy chips.

First I must discuss the pancakes. What a delicious stack they were! Light and fluffy with a tender texture, and most importantly, not too sweet even with the Nutella and maple syrup added on to them. The berries added a hint of tartness to the pancakes, and of course, no one can fault a Cornetto.

The Lebanese Breakfast was akin to a big brekky Lebanese-style. The slightly spicy flavour of the sujuk is delicious, and when eaten with the salty semi-soft halloumi, the combined flavour was fantastic. With fresh cucumbers and tomatoes on the side, this was a nutritious and balanced meal.

The Chicken and Mushroom was simple on paper but executed really well. Tender grilled chicken breast drizzled in a most savoury and flavourful mushroom gravy, and my favourite, chips!

With plenty of seating inside and out in the courtyard, Northern Perk is doing great things to keep the locals caffeinated and fed. The owner and staffs were incredibly lovely too, making this an all-round...

I was expecting big things from this cafe, to be wowed and find my next little go to place. Service was mediocre, ordered a coffee and there wasn't any sugar on the table and coffee came with no sugar. The coffee itself was good considering now days hardly any cafe is getting it right

On the facebook pictures I saw all these amazing fancy gelatos so I was looking forward to ordering them after my burger, but I was told there wasn't any desserts or Gelatos available, except for the distastefully ones all cafes order at the front. Maybe your customers are coming for those pictures your posting, so upon entering your cafe we should be told if a certain something isn't available

In my group was ordered a kids serving of pancakes for the little ones so 2 would be sharing. A side of banana and strawberries to go with, though they had no banana so extra strawberries were added. They were so stingy on the serving of strawberrie, yes it was one strawberrie cut into tiny pieces for two to share and when was asked for more it never came

The burger itself was tasty, and with that they did well. It didn't seem commercial made how you go to all these burger joints in Melbourne and they claim they are so good with burgers but aren't. This was very home made in tasting

When we had to pay we were kept at the front for a while instead of pay and go, and it's dangerous with little ones right there, with a main road and an open door

The overall vibe inside too just could be updated more, yes I know your in Brunswick but that whole hippie vibe was so 5 years ago and I think the locals too would appreciate a more modern interior

Thank you for you ur service but I won't be coming...