The North Spoon

Good coffee, but the overall experience was frustrating The café looks great and the coffee itself was excellent but the overall experience fell short. We were made to wait outside for around 10 minutes even though there were at least six empty tables inside, not including outdoor seating. Throughout the full 45 minutes we were seated, the café remained at roughly half capacity while a constant queue formed outside. With at least seven staff working, this clearly wasn’t a staffing issue, it was a system design issue. The lack of guidance around queuing led to avoidable tension. Another customer tried to push ahead of us, which turned into an unpleasant exchange. No one goes out for coffee expecting to manage the line themselves. Clear direction from the café would prevent customers from having to police each other. As a senior manager myself, I would hate to see something like this happen in my own business. Customer flow and experience are foundational, not optional, and they directly influence reputation and return visits. It’s disappointing, because the product is strong. Until the seating system is properly reviewed and improved, the experience won’t match the quality of the coffee.

After working in many cafés and restaurants in my earlier years and having visited hundreds (maybe thousands) since, yesterday at The North Spoon was one of the worst first impressions I’ve had as a customer. The cafe was only around 40–50% full, yet we were made to queue outside for roughly 10 minutes. There was a sign stating that takeaway customers can enter and order, while dine-in customers must wait to be seated. This caused confusion and frustration to the dine-in customers, as we were all left outside standing (many in the heat) while there were around 30 empty seats available, yet takeaway customers were being totally prioritised and waltzing past the dine-in que. While waiting, two different people attempted to skip the queue, leading to uncomfortable situations where we had to argue and explain the flawed system to them. This felt unnecessary and easily avoidable. It would make far more sense to allow dine-in customers to go inside and sit, rather than leaving them outside watching many takeaway customers jump ahead and order before them. There were around seven staff on and the café was less than half full, yet little attention was given to dine-in customers. Perhaps management was away on the day. I am giving this 2 stars instead of 1 because the decaf coffee was quite good (9/10), and the female staff member who eventually served us was understanding and offered to pass my feedback on to management. Unfortunately, the male staff member I raised the issue with appeared dismissive and uninterested, responding only with “thanks for your patience” and seeming keen to move us along. Overall, a disappointing experience due to a confusing system and poor customer handling.

I recently celebrated my wedding reception at The North Spoon, and I cannot express how perfect the experience was! This intimate venue is truly a gem for anyone looking to host a special event. From the first moment we arrived, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the tone for a memorable day. Gareth, the mastermind behind this incredible experience, was an all-in-one wonder. He expertly organised every detail, and made my vision come to life. We didn’t even stress about the food because we knew it would be top-tier—and it absolutely was. Gareth had us choose a menu, but to be honest, I would have trusted anything they cooked without hesitation. Our guests couldn't stop raving about how it was the best wedding they had ever attended. The unique vibe from both the inside and outside that the venue created, allowed everyone to relax and enjoy themselves to the fullest. Having dined there before as customers, we knew the food would be phenomenal, and the slow-cooked BBQ was a highlight for our guests. We could even smell it in the street before we arrived at the venue! Gareth and his team were exceptionally kind and attentive, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Their genuine care for us and our guests made it feel like a true celebration of love. Knowing the thought and love they put into every detail has left me feeling bittersweet now that it's all over. If you're seeking a place for an intimate event filled with warmth and charm, I wholeheartedly recommend The North Spoon. It really is the best venue ever, and trust me you will have the time of your life! Thank you, Gareth and his team for making our day the best ever! We will cherish these memories forever.

I recently visited The North Spoon in McMahons Point and it was a lovely experience. The café is bright, leafy and welcoming, with a relaxed vibe and a few tables outside where you can even catch a glimpse of the Harbour Bridge. The staff were friendly and attentive, and I felt comfortable with how they handled dietary requirements and made sure everything was served nicely. Overall, it’s a spot I’ll definitely return to — whether for brunch or lunch — and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a well-done café with good food and a relaxed North Shore feel.

Very awesome cafe that sells amazing food at good prices. Staff are also very friendly and warm. My favourite dishes are the toasties (spinach and cheese) and the soups which are flavourful, fresh and clean tasting. The coffee is one of the best I have tried in Sydney.