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Inner North › Northcote › Four Beans Café and Roasting House
Four Beans Café and Roasting HouseB+Worth Trying
22 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia
· Cafe, Coffee roastery, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (399 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A spacious, dog-friendly cafe-roastery with standout coffee and creative brunch plates; occasional service lapses and price pushback, but most diners leave happy.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Four Beans Café delivers solid neighborhood cafe quality through strong brunch execution and exceptional design appeal that make it competitive with the area's better local cafes. Inconsistent pastry quality and seasoning variations prevent a higher grade, while friendly, dog-welcoming service and genuine family-friendliness make it a reliable choice for casual dining and coffee.
Restaurant Summary
The space feels warm and bustling without crossing into noisy, a roomy cafe-roastery dotted with plants, vintage coffee gear, and fresh flowers. Service is often friendly and welcoming, especially toward dogs and families, though a few weekends bring rushed moments. One diner summed it up: "Coffee hit the spot and the room felt easy to settle into." In the kitchen, the approach leans elevated brunch classics over theatrics: think green fritters with carrot puree, pulled-pork Benedict, and avo plates with dukkah and ricotta. Coffee draws raves from many, with a small minority calling it uneven or pricey. Portions are generally fair, lunch specials like barramundi and salmon add heft, and add-ons or GFO tweaks help tailor plates. For families, it is genuinely kid-friendly. There is a dedicated kids menu (French toast, toasties, nuggets, and pasta) and roomy seating, plus a dog-friendly front area with mats and water. If you are budgeting, expect around A$35-55 per adult for a full brunch with coffee, and less for kids.
At a Glance
- Spacious, plant-filled industrial room with vintage roastery touches
- Strong coffee program and crowd-pleasing brunch menu
- Very dog- and family-friendly with a real kids menu
- Peak times can mean slower service and occasional brusque interactions
- Coffee pricing feels steep to some (A$6-7 reported)
What Sets It Apart
- dog-friendly setup with mats and water
- spacious industrial-roastery decor
- dedicated kids menu
What People Love
- Welcoming vibe and friendly staff
- Reliable house coffee
- Creative touches on brunch staples
- Roomy seating and decor details
Points of Concern
- Service pace can lag during rush periods; a few guests report brusque tone
- A minority find some dishes dry or underseasoned (burek, sausage roll, falafel)
- Coffee price complaints (A$6-7) and occasional texture issues (froth) appear in mixed feedback
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostA$35-55 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Add protein thoughtfully: smoked salmon +A$5 or bacon +A$4 enhances lighter plates.
- GFO upgrades add A$3; consider on dishes like Chilli Scrambled to align with preferences.
Perfect For
- Weekend brunch with dogs in tow
- Casual family meetups
- Coffee-focused catch-ups
- Small celebrations with easy seating
Location Insights
Area: Creative inner north strip with indie shops, families, and dog walkers; relaxed but design-conscious.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked daytime area with steady footfall and good visibility.
Nearby: Near High St retail, Queens Parade service road, community arts spaces and churches; strong cafe culture.
NorthcoteNorthcote is a lively inner-northern suburb of Melbourne known for its eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, and live music venues. The dining scene is casual and community-focused, with a strong emphasis on artisanal coffee, brunch spots, and multicultural eateries, attracting a creative and socially engaged crowd.
High StreetHigh Street is the main commercial strip in Northcote, bustling with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It serves as a social hub where locals gather for coffee, brunch, and casual dining in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday07:30–15:30
Wednesday07:30–15:30
Thursday07:30–15:30
Friday07:30–15:30
Saturday08:00–15:30
Sunday08:00–15:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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