NORTHSIDE espresso + kitchen

One of the best coffee shops in Kingston. Really good tasting espresso, I love the cappuccinos and lattes. I’ve had a few food items on their menu, I will proudly say the lamb was incredible and worth the price. They close at 3 most days so if you work or sleep in the hours are tough.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I visited Northside with a friend on a busy weekend. While waiting for our table, we bought coffee elsewhere, and I willingly let the staff take my drink when we were seated, as outside drinks aren’t allowed.
The experience was disappointing overall. The food was average and served almost cold. A staff member went to get hot sauce, which should have come with my friend’s order, but she never returned and later assumed someone else had already brought it.
After we paid, a staff member brought me the wrong drink. She said she would check again but never came back. When I went to the counter myself, I was told my drink was gone. I understand the policy against outside drinks, but on busy days when many customers step out for coffee while waiting, proper drink labeling should be considered.
The staff were friendly, but smiles don’t make up for inattentive service, missing items, and disorganized operations.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Wonderful coffee (just as you’d expect from a barista trained in Melbourne) and avo toast.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had the avocado smash with sourdough bread, it was great but I wish they didn’t fry the sourdough bread, it was so oily that I couldn’t eat it
The staff are very friendly

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

The best eggs Benedict in town.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

While aesthetically pleasing and modern, this establishment is not a nd/sensory friendly space. Very loud acoustics, feels intimidating and clinical.

Atmosphere: 2

Service: 4

Unfortunately we could not enjoy our meal due to screaming children. We will not be coming back.

We enjoyed our visit here as my friend wanted to visit here. I ordered the lamb which was delicious. Place is well light, light colors and well decorated. We would come back again when we visit.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Eh, have some mixed thoughts. Went with my boyfriend this morning and I will say, the place was very nice, clean, and the staff were lovely.

I was mainly disappointed with the menu. I did a take a look beforehand, but I had to go searching through review images to even find it. Not impressed that it’s nowhere on their website.

Boyfriend got the slow roasted lamb. It was $24.50, to be expected for lamb, but it was delicious imo. No issues there.

I got the Big Stack, which is supposed to be two pork patties, cheese, and an egg on brioche. I can’t eat whole eggs, so I asked to have it removed. It was pretty good, but probably would have been better with the egg. That was my choice however, I’m obviously not blaming Northside for this.

However, I am unimpressed with the menu options for people like me who cannot have eggs. I am not vegan or vegetarian, I simply can’t have whole eggs or my guts blow a gasket. Majority of Northside’s menu items are centred around eggs. Okay, fine. But that being said, I find it a little ridiculous that the few eggless options I have are still super pricey. Want some avocado on toast with some feta cheese and chili oil? That’ll be $19.50. I went home and made it myself that afternoon (for a lot less, mind you). When I considered the Market Bowl (I believe that was the name), our server suggested I add bacon to add some protein, but that would have costed me $6 extra. Had I added the bacon to my Big Stack to make up for the egg, that would have been $26 total ($20 for sandwich, $6 for bacon) - making my meal cost more than the most expensive item on the menu (the lamb). Needless to say, I did not add the bacon.

I find this especially annoying considering the menu explicitly states they “do not do substitutions” but they welcome you to “work with your server” regarding allergens. Yeah, thanks. So “working with your server” means pay $6 extra to substitute my egg for some bacon, or pay the same price for a sandwich but have the egg removed entirely. 🤦‍♀️ Makes you feel pretty crappy when Northside is very obviously a progressive establishment, yet they did not seem to much thought into this.

Total came out to $70 after tip and tax for two sandwiches and two chais. Do with that what you will.

TL DR; food was good, but I was unimpressed with the lack of substitutions and options for egg-free folks.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Best Flat White coffee in town.
Food is delicious.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

A nice Australian cafe in Kingston area serving the greatest brunches. The flat white is absolutely amazing. The macchiato we ordered taste great, too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Northside absolutely never disappoints! Their new location is bright and cheerful, the wait for a table is worth it when you know that the food is going to be stellar. The vibe is great and the servers are attentive and cheerful. This time I veered from my usual Tim’s Benny and instead had the lamb. Sooooo tender and delicious! Can’t wait to go again! With so many chain restos opening on Princess St., it feels so good to support local and enjoy a place that sources their goods from local farmers. Love you!!!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tim's Eggs Benedict

very slow.

Service: 1

North side really let me down when it came to their vegan options. Only one vegan option with two other options that could be made vegan. I tried the market bowl and while it was amazing it was JUST vegetables. Twenty dollars for a plate of squash, kale, cauliflower, sunflower seeds, sauce, and pumpkin seeds is quite ridiculous. The dish really needed some toast or potatoes to go with it to make it so that it could be a more substantial meal. I honestly left hungry which is super disappointing. Had their sesame latte which was good though. Overall loved the vibes and would probably go back but they need to add more for us vegans! Updated from previous review on 2025-12-24

What a wonderful, cute and cozy little spot. Coffee was great, as were the eggs benny. We hope to be back soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5