Located on High Street, Northcote Stuzzi is like that friend you call when you need an easy, available no frills date to a wedding. It's somewhere you go not because it is special but because it is average and available.
Funky chandeliers, pleather couches surrounding a gas log fireplace and a red fringe curtain lay a veneer on a pub dressed as a cafe.
I had a beef burger which came on a large fluffy bun (toasted) with caramelized onions, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato and a side of soggy chips. I had to ask for water and tomato sauce.
Phantom Foodie Rating: Meh with 53%. Very average which is ok when that's all you're looking for.
Menu diversity (4/10)
Everything you would expect from a pubby cafe. Pasta, burgers, risotto ... nothing special.
Vego and gluten free offerings seem to be by chance rather than deign (it's hard to make a gluten intensive risotto).
Quality of food (15/30) - Ingredients, presentation, taste and serving size.
The burger was on the greasy side and the beef patty lacking in pizzaz. The lettuce slightly red and wilty, the chips soggy and the burger toppings were thrown together as opposed to matched for taste and quality. The portion size was unnecessarily large - a throwback to serving trends in pubs where the focus is quantity not quality.
Wine list (0/10) - Selection, variety, cost and pairing.
Didn't partake.
Coffee (4/10)
I found the coffee a little bitter. Temperature was perfect though.
Service (6/10) - How is the customer treated.
Wait staff was prompt and friendly...if not a little bored.
Vibe (5/10) - How does it feel to be there?
Nothing special to encourage you to linger.
Pub dressed up as a cafe.
Pub dressed up as a cafe.
Average, bland, comfortable and easy.
Ambiance (5/10) - Interior design and fit out.
Looks better from outside. It is rather commercial, flat and without personality on the inside.
Large, empty space takes away from the meal.
What makes it special? (+1) - Added touches to distinguish or diminish.
Gas log fireplace and some (worn) pleather couches
Corral for smokers on a balcony (overlooking a rather feral caged in swathe of lawn)
Newspapers readily available
Pet friendly with street side tables
Well located on High Street, Northcote. Good browsing offerings for before or after meal.
Value for money (3/5)
Accesibility (5/5) - How easy is it to get there?
Train - Northcote Train Station
Tram - 86 Tram (between stops 32 & 33)
Car - large parking lot behind venue
Overall Phantom Foodie Rating? 48/90 or 53%
Very average and easy, which can be a good when the goal is to fill bellies or get a large group together easily. I found that there was a lack of passion in the place...felt like an investment property as opposed to a home.
Great place for ...
Pet Friendly
Solo lunch
Large groups
Family outings
Something for everyone if you aren't picky
Details
Stuzzi - Cafe Bar Lounge
319-325 High Street, Northcote
www.stuzzi.com.au
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