Northside Garden Cafe

Northside Garden Cafe brings the vibrant heart of Filipino cuisine to Nicholls in the Australian Capital Territory. Tucked away at Shop 8/39 O'Hanlon Place, this local gem offers a warm and welcoming space where traditional flavors meet a modern, garden-inspired atmosphere. The cafe has become a gathering spot for families, colleagues, and friends seeking a genuine dining experience built around hearty portions, fresh ingredients, and the unmistakable hospitality the Philippines is known for. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Northside Garden Cafe has cemented its reputation as a must-visit dining destination in Nicholls, holding an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 565 Google Maps reviews.

The menu at Northside Garden Cafe is a celebration of classic Filipino comfort food, executed with care and consistency. Every dish is prepared to order using quality ingredients, ensuring the bold, savory, and slightly sweet profiles that define the cuisine shine through. The kitchen closes at 2:30 PM daily, so guests are encouraged to arrive in time to enjoy the full selection of breakfast and lunch favorites. From silog plates and regional specialties to beautifully presented desserts and coffee, the cafe delivers an experience that feels both home-cooked and refined. The team’s passion for sharing their culinary heritage is evident in every plate, drink, and interaction.

Menu Highlights at Northside Garden Cafe

The menu is built around time-honored Filipino recipes, with several dishes emerging as consistent guest favorites based on feedback from Google Maps reviews and the cafe’s own highlights. The following items represent the kitchen’s signature approach to bold flavors and generous portions.

Tapsilog

A cornerstone of Filipino breakfast cuisine, the Tapsilog at Northside Garden Cafe pairs tender, marinated beef with aromatic garlic rice and a perfectly cooked fried egg. Guests frequently praise the balance of savory and slightly sweet notes in the beef, describing it as a standout dish that keeps them coming back.

Loco Moco

This hearty plate layers a juicy beef patty over rice, topped with a rich gravy and a fried egg. It’s a satisfying option for those craving a substantial meal, and the cafe’s rendition has earned consistent mentions in customer reviews for its flavor and portion size.

Ube Waffles

Ube Waffles bring a distinctly Filipino twist to a beloved breakfast classic. Made with purple yam, these waffles are both visually striking and delicious, offering a subtle sweetness and a light, fluffy texture. Topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of sauce, they are a popular choice for brunch.

Miso Pumpkin and Mushroom

A creative savory dish that highlights the kitchen’s versatility, the Miso Pumpkin and Mushroom combines earthy roasted pumpkin with savory miso notes and tender mushrooms. It’s a comforting, umami-rich option that appeals to vegetarians and adventurous eaters alike.

Sisig

Sisig is a celebrated Filipino dish of chopped pork sizzled on a hot plate, and Northside Garden Cafe’s version is a menu highlight. Crispy, tangy, and topped with a raw egg that cooks on the hot skillet, it delivers an authentic, bold flavor experience that’s frequently mentioned in customer reviews.

Pulled Pork Sandwich and Chicken Inasal

Additional favorites include the Pulled Pork Sandwich, a Western-Filipino hybrid with tender, saucy pork, and Chicken Inasal, a grilled chicken dish marinated in a blend of calamansi, lemongrass, and annatto. Both reflect the cafe’s ability to balance traditional techniques with broad appeal.

The Dining Experience

Northside Garden Cafe offers a relaxed, garden-inspired setting that makes guests feel immediately at ease. The interior blends casual cafe warmth with fresh design elements, creating a space that’s equally suited to a leisurely brunch, a quick coffee, or a group lunch. The cafe is LGBTQ+ friendly, reinforcing its commitment to being a welcoming space for everyone in the community. Service is a defining feature of the experience, with multiple Google Maps reviewers highlighting the friendly, attentive nature of the staff, with Lovelyn and Ari receiving special mentions for their hospitality.

The cafe provides flexible service options to meet different needs. Dine-in guests enjoy the full atmosphere and plated presentation, while takeaway pickup in-store is available for those on the go. A delivery service also extends the cafe’s reach to the surrounding area. For convenience, online ordering is available through the cafe’s website, allowing guests to browse the menu and place orders ahead of time. The space is well-suited for both intimate meals and group gatherings, with the consistent feedback praising the kitchen’s speed in getting dishes out without compromising quality.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Northside Garden Cafe holds a 4.8-star rating on Google Maps based on over 565 reviews, signaling a high level of customer satisfaction and consistent quality. The volume and score together tell a story of a business that has earned the trust and enthusiasm of the Nicholls community and beyond. According to Google Maps reviews, several themes consistently emerge, providing a clear picture of what makes this cafe special.

One reviewer, Jaydee Natividad, noted, "The staff is very friendly and attentive. Thank you to the two nice ladies Lovelyn and Ari, who served us. The service was world-class and the food came lightning fast. The dishes look exactly like the photos..." This comment captures the recurring praise for service speed and visual presentation.

Another guest, Tay H., shared: "Our visit to Northside Garden Cafe was simply fantastic! The food was fresh, plentiful, and incredibly delicious. The Tapsilog with tender beef, aromatic garlic rice, and a perfectly prepared fried egg was a real..."

Jenny Jenny added, "We had a fantastic experience at Northside Garden Cafe! The food was simply incredible — full of flavor, beautifully presented, and the portions huge. You definitely get great value for money here..."

These reviews, along with many others, build a picture of a restaurant that excels at flavor, portion size, value, and genuine hospitality. The phrase "value for money" is echoed by multiple customers, highlighting an experience where quality and pricing align. Criticisms are notably absent in the publicly available feedback, underscoring the cafe’s consistency.

Northside Garden Cafe in Nicholls, ACT

Northside Garden Cafe is conveniently located at Shop 8/39 O'Hanlon Place, Nicholls ACT 2913. Nicholls is a northern suburb of Canberra known for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to attractions like the National Dinosaur Museum and Cockington Green Gardens. The cafe’s location makes it an ideal stop for locals running errands, families exploring the area’s sights, or anyone seeking a rewarding meal away from the city center. The setting is accessible, with public transport options nearby, and the street offers a pleasant, low-traffic environment for those arriving by car or bicycle.

While specific parking details are not listed in the available sources, the plaza-like setting at O'Hanlon Place suggests accessible parking in the immediate vicinity. Guests are encouraged to plan their visit within the opening hours of 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, keeping in mind that the kitchen takes its last orders at 2:30 PM. The cafe is also wheelchair accessible and offers a comfortable ground-level layout suitable for all guests.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Northside Garden Cafe welcomes guests every day of the week, with consistent hours that make planning a visit straightforward. The cafe opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 3:00 PM, with the kitchen shutting down at 2:30 PM daily. These hours accommodate both the breakfast and lunch crowds, with the mid-afternoon closure allowing the team to reset for the next day’s service.

Contacting the cafe is simple. For reservations, catering inquiries, or general questions, guests can call +61 2 5117 3998 or email northsidegardencafe@gmail.com. The website, northsidegardencafe.com.au, offers a booking function and online ordering for those who prefer to manage their visit digitally. The cafe also accepts credit cards, adding convenience for all payment preferences.

Whether you’re a local resident, a visitor exploring Canberra’s northern suburbs, or someone simply craving authentic Filipino flavors, Northside Garden Cafe delivers a memorable experience grounded in excellent food, warm service, and a welcoming space. For more reviews, photos, or to compare Nicholls dining options, check out the full listings on Ilistify.