We stopped by for lunch around 12 pm on Saturday, and the cafe was moderately busy, with about 80% of the tables occupied. We ordered a variety of dishes, including the poke bowl with haloumi, the chicken burger with chips, the beef burger, and the chilli scrambled eggs. We also enjoyed some coffees. The food was delicious, just as we expected. However, we did encounter some service issues. Although our drinks arrived quickly, we had to ask about our meals after waiting for an hour. It was frustrating to see that customers who arrived later than us were served their food first. We also noticed some staff members seemingly not focused on their tasks while our food might have been ready. There was also a minor mistake with one of the side dishes. We ordered chips for the chicken burger, but we received roast potatoes instead when the beef burger arrived. Overall, the food was excellent as usual, but the service fell short of our expectations.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken Burger

A crisp halcyon Good Friday morning found me at Carolina in search of breakfast. I was not alone. An enthusiastic coffle of North Carltonites were shuffling into and out from the refashioned shoe shop wood and whimsy charm of Carolina, some to take out the velvety coffee and continue their Easter ambulations, others to sit, be it contemplatively or ebulliently and enjoy the moreish morsels on offer. The staff were graciously welcoming despite being at work on a public holiday, the food an innovative yet comforting selection of brunchy delights; regular features and a couple of specials, it wasn't easy to choose. In the event I went for bruschetta with grilled tomatoes, eggs, goat's cheese, which I, aided by some cute woodcutter's cottage esque cutlery, happily dispatched. There's seating in a bosky courtyard out back, streetside out front or in the cheerfully clamourous bar/cafe itself, and, joy of joys, free WiFi. A good place to be on a Good Friday, be sure to plan your pilgrimage.

If I could give it less than one star I would. Walked by with my little man. Looked ok, so decided to have some lunch. I ordered the Parmesan French toast and he ordered the Breakfast Burger. 30 minutes later and nothing had come out yet. The couple that walked in 15 minutes after us got their meal no worries. I asked one of the snooty waitresses if she could look into it. She blurted out " Ill go ask" Then she came back out and said nothing else, just walked around... As we were about to get up and leave, our food comes out...40 minutes later... My Parmesan was salty as the ocean and soggy like a puddle. Terrible. Will never go back. Bad service from snooty pre Madonnas ( except one) , waaaay over priced ( its cafe food, and not GOOD cafe food either)and seemed like a self important place that people go to be seen in and not so much about the food or service. Melbourne is full of great eating places. This is not one of them.

Average service. I ordered a cheese and tomato croissant at the same time my partner ordered. His order came out and he had already finished his meal by the time I got a chance to ask about my food. The server then blamed the kitchen for forgetting my order and then brought out a ham and cheese croissant. As I don’t eat meat I then reminded the server that I had ordered tomato and not ham. It then took them less than two seconds to bring back the same croissant which they’d obviously just taken the ham out of and replaced with cold tomato. Was not offered any sort of apology or discount.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20

Always marvelous to encounter a café bearing the name of an American city or state … so imaginative, not to mention, patriotic. :) Although the café had a veritable army of staff I still had to wait 15 minutes for my pot of tea (an item that involved the hugely complex task of dropping - and leaving - tea leaves in a vessel of boiling water) to arrive and later had the privilege of being charged an amazing $5.17 for the same, making it the second most expensive pot of tea I have had in Melbourne. Adjectives that come to mind when thinking back to this café are: ‘pretentious’ and ‘wanky’.

I have been back to this place a few times now because both the food and coffee never disappoint. I decided to write this review today because my friend and I met up for lunch here and spent a long time sitting and chatting. It was a fairly intense catch up due to some personal circumstances that she was going through. The cafe was reaching close and my friend was mid tears and the staff were so lovely and gentle in communicating that they were closing to us. They didn’t push us out the door or make us feel unwelcome. Definitely a place I will be coming back to again and again!

Great local vibe, the staff are wonderful and the owner is awesome. It’s often busy most days especially on the weekends. You’ll find a lot of artistic and creative locals catching up with friends or reading a book. The courtyard is lovely with crisp fresh morning air and a nice soft hum of the outside world getting ready for another day in this magnificent city that is Melbourne The food is extremely consistent and delicious and the coffee is as good as any cup you’re going to enjoy in town. I frequent this place often and I’m super grateful this is my local morning digs.

Used to attend this cafe regularly. Attended cafe in July 2022 and the barista had a blatant Hitler toothbrush moustache. This moustache is one of the most powerful symbols neo-Nazism, is highly offensive and completely unacceptable. Barista was dismissive when asked about his moustache. Sent two emails to cafe owner and called owner discuss matter (said he would reply to email over phone) but am yet to receive a response. Will never attend this cafe again and want people to know what this cafe supports and represents. Disgraceful !!!

Carolina is a real find! I love this place. The food is always very quick (perfect for a quick lunch break meal) and delicious! They have great specials as well to keep things interesting! Coffee is consistently good. A waitress with a short pixie cut (sorry i don't know her name!) Provides consistently outstanding, warm and attentive service! She should def be recognized by management or the owners for her effort - she always goes above and beyond. Can't wait till I go to this place next :)

Incredible food with a beautiful attention to detail and flavour. The atmosphere is calm and inviting echoed by the professionalism of the staff that take care of you. Always a pleasure to drop by and enjoy their creations. Of course I can't leave out the coffee. I promise you it won't disappoint in completing the brunch experience. If you are near by, do you self a favour and drop by for a great time. Thank you and keep up the amazing work! You set a standard locas have to step up to.

Terrible service and coffee. Staff were very rude from the moment I walked in. There was no friendly smile, even the way they talked was rude and sarcastic. The coffee that was brought out to me was very strong so I had a few sips and asked politely if it could be replaced, 2nd coffee was pretty much just milk and hardly any coffee then was asked to pay for both coffees. How is this customer service I have never experienced service like this before. Never going back here again.

Recently held an evening event here and I have to say it's the perfect place for you to gather friends if you're looking for a comfortable inside space for 40ish people. Tej and his team were super helpful all the way through and made it a breeze. They arranged the food and drinks and all I had to do was pick what I wanted and show up. Genuinely couldn't have been happier and will be back in the future when I need to hold a doo! Plus, it's a super cute cafe during the day!

I’ve eaten here 4 or 5 times over the past few months. Generally the food is excellent. Today not so good. Poached eggs were over cooked and dry and the sourdough toast was stale, dry and hard. I also feel like the staff are more focused on themselves and each other rather than the customer. Even though my breakfast wasn’t all eaten, no one bothered to ask why. No one has ever asked me if my meal is ok, after serving me. I think the staff need some training in hospitality.

Asked for coffee in take-out cups as we only had 5 minutes to sit and chat and wanted to take our coffee out with us. This was not allowed because of waste. I’m on board with minimising waste and the global footprint...but this is just a little silly, particularly when someone could walk in the door straight after and order a take-out coffee. So we ended up sitting and drinking an average coffee quickly from a mug and the wrong food order that was brought out.

Cosy little spot with a quaint local feel to it. Good food. Good service. Great coffee. Only let down was the time taken to make the food. Give yourself some time as it'd be no good if you're in a rush to get your meal. But like they say, good things come to those who wait. Chilli eggs and pancake was top notch.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

After patiently waiting one hour for our food, we kindly asked the waitress to check if our order has been forgotten. The waitress bluntly replies with an attitude: 'It hasn't been long. It's coming.' Yeah, how dare us checking up on our orders after one hour. Because waiters at Melbourne inner north trendy cafes are Kings & Queens of the world, right.

A top notch café with one of the best courtyards in Melbourne. Staff are attentive, menu is creative, food is delicious. The design of the interior is very classy with old wooden booths. Impress your date and take them to Carolina! Or go solo and have a tea in the courtyard while reading a book. You will not be disappointed.

Popped in for a quick take away coffee. Unfortunately, all croissants were sold out so will try again tomorrow. Great little cafe in an old Italian show shop. Will call again for food
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

had to grab our own cutlery and waters because there was essentially no service other than asking us what we ordered, one girl was lovely but everyone else was quite cold.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 4

Really glad I've found this great cafe! Strong coffee, perfectly balanced chai and delicious food, served with a smile and a sense of humour. The staff clearly take pride in what they do, with reason. Will definitely come back here! (Oh, and there's free wi-fi, so great for getting some work done too.)

My birthday party was a private evening function. The Carolina team looked after us extremely well, the food was fantastic and the cocktails went down well! Friendly and flexible and willing to meet my needs. Elizabeth
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$100–120

Incredible service...AMAZING food...and the coffee...I cannot wait to come back for this experience again. What a beautiful place! And a special mention the ever so kind Max for the coffee and customer service. I had the batch brew which was beautiful, and the cauliflower for breakfast. Yum!

Had lunch at Carolina for the first time last Saturday in the lovely, shaded courtyard on a beautiful Melbourne day. The food was very impressive. The menu has a great selection making it difficult to choose. I chose the fritters and it was delightful and plentiful. I will definitely be back.

The avocado, edamame and peas on sourdough was a nice high protein spin on smashed avo. The visual presentation was excellent with nice and fast service. Serving sizes are huge. My friend had the chilli scramble and said it was great but couldn’t finish it! I Would go here again.

Good option for vegan late made with either soy or almond milk. Cute little spot with a front sidewalk terrace and a backyard garden, staff is friendly and efficient... On only my Second time in they already had my almond late ready to wake me up! Keep up the good work people ;)

Has a good vibe. Compact interior and more tables in the courtyard, a few on the footpath also. Overall, quite a good little cafe. Coffee was very good. Breakfast burger was tasty, but not worth the $18 price tag on my opinion (brioche bun, 1 egg, 1 slice bacon and pickles).

Me any my partner had break fast here, for $70 we received one very foamy orange juice two coffees and two breakfasts that were inedible. I’m not one to be fussy but the food was appalling.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$60–80

So good! I came here today and had to wait a little bit but it was so worth it. The coffee was great and the okinomiyaki I had was awesome (and vegan). The courtyard is beautiful and sunny but they have blankets as well, if you're a bit cold. Can't wait to return.

Hadn't been here for a few years, but it's still as good as I remember! The staff were friendly and attentive, my chicken tandoori burger was excellent and the outdoor courtyard is always so lovely. I'm definitely not going to leave it as long before I go back!

Lovely cafe and wonderful staff, good coffee, however one poached egg on a piece of toast when ordering eggs on toast is pretty stingy. And there was way too much salt on the wilted greens as a side. Nice cafe, however improvements on the food need to be made.

I Had a Bloody Mary, they dont usually put celery. But as I asked they sourced it from the kitchen to make me happy. Was a really good mix. Hipster central. My sister had a sandwich and tea, she enjoyed it but said she had better from them last time.

I visited here since April 2019. Today I just review my photos and recommend this restaurant to my friend who is about to visit Melbourne in the next week. Love everything...Food /Coffee/Service/Place.

One of the best breakfast spots around. Excellent coffee that isn't weak like a lot of cafes in the neighbourhood. The food is always great. Love the okonomiyaki fritters. Great staff. Friendly service. Can get very busy for very good reason.

The brunch is good here. Super food and great coffee in a super sweet terrace out the back. Come early on the weekends or they might run out of the hashbrowns you need to kick your hangover (the halloumi toastie did the job though!)

Delicious toasties! Thanks team Carolina
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Toasted Sandwiches, Tofu Sandwich

Love this place. Food and coffee is excellent and they double as a licensed bar, if that's what you're needing on the day! My gluten-free pals rave about the GF sourdough too, as apparently it actually tastes like real bread. :)

Great courtyard, solid coffee, good food. My "Reuben" sandwich wasn't really a reuben at all, but it was very tasty so I didn't mind :-) Pretty quiet on a lovely weekday autumn lunchtime, which meant reasonably prompt service.

Generous & unpretentious style ... Simple yet food done right .. my 4th visit now .. staff are happy friendly and helpful .. Cute covered spacious backyard with parking space in the back 10/10 .. and Coffee is spot on …

Yummy food and good coffee. Be prepared to wait on weekends and busy periods. I had to wait almost an hour for my sandwich but it was delicious. There was no wait for coffees. I would only go back when it's not busy. …

Best coffee hands down in Melbourne. Staff are friendly - couldn't ask for a better venue for take away coffee. Waiting to go in from breakfast once lockdown restrictions ease as the breakfast menu looks delicious.

We only stopped in for a coffee, but were tempted by the cake display. The coffee and biscuit were great. We were accidentally presented with someone else's breakfast (they'd moved tables), which also looked great.

A little disappointed that dogs aren't allowed but I do like their Chai's and the service is friendly. Edited to add: thanks for the response, we'll visit again & enter via the laneway next time

Courtyard was beautiful but food was very disappointing. Nothing matched what we ordered, burned and couldn't finish
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$60–80

Very nice and gay, just the way I like it. Food delicious
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Close to my heart this place - had my first date there and now I have a husband and a baby! ❤ great food, great coffe and good vibes! Brazilian coffee + almond croissant is the best combo!

Good and fast service. Food was tasty, not much choice though unless you go for lots of $5 sides. Coffee was ok. Was chilly near the door. But in summer the courtyard would be amazing.

Carolina has been a staple for me for years. They do amazing breakfast/brunch food, have a beautiful outdoor courtyard area and also have a liquor licence. The coffee is great.

Nice popular brunch place in Brunswick, thumbs up for their doggie friendly backyard! must try their refreshing soba noodles and salmon in a Rose shape plating …

Great coffee, lots of delicious vegetarian options that change seasonally, beautiful sunny courtyard out the back that is warm and sheltered and perfect for puppies

Spectacular breakfast menu. Something for vegans, gluten free etc. A rustic courtyard where dogs are welcome. Coffee is great and the service is warm and friendly.

Just great food . A kitchen that cares about every plate. Very warm and friendly front of house staff. Just a brilliant little cafe punches above its weight

Very nice. I'll be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Carolina is such a little gem… Had the most delicious chicken sandwich here - always tasty and fresh food offerings and staff are lovely too

Our favorite weekend brunch place. Make sure you checkout the garden area at the back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch

Always delicious, and the new expanded menu is great!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40

Only stopped in for a take away coffee but was very impressed! Great beans and we'll made. Will definitely stop in for food one day.

Delicious food, delightful atmosphere. I highly recommend their okonominyaki style fritters. Dog friendly courtyard out back too!

Our absolute favourite brunch spot in Melbourne. Food is amazing and love the courtyard. Always the best coffee and great staff

Ummmm amazing food presentation. Quick and friendly service and a beautiful interior. Made my Sunday breakfast thankyou!

I love coming here for brunch. The servers are lovely, the food comes out fast and it’s always really tasty and fresh.

Delicious food every time. Friendly staff, great menu. So busy but worth the wait for a table and for food.

The best brunch in the north! Great service, coffee and casual beautiful sunny vibes in the courtyard.

Great little local coffee shop. Makes awesome lattes and cappuccinos . Thanks for the good coffee :)

Fantastic spot for brunch. Food is fresh and a delight to the eye. Coffee hits the spot

Lovely place, feels low key. Loved the avocado pea bean mash and coffee is good too!

Best burger and coffee was amazing. Bhatti was amazing. Can’t wait to go back

Friendly team making outstanding foods and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.

Great coffee, friendly service and awesome food, what's not to love!

This was delicious! (Not from Carolina, I made it myself at home)

They mixed me a drink according to my likes. Thank you …