The Hive - Northcote

Four friends came here to try out the Magic Festivals High Street traders offer of Chicken parmas or Beer batter flathead tails for $15. We had had a fabulous meal here last year before the show at the Northcote Town Hall Magic Festival and were keen to do it all again. My fish was not flathead nor was it beer battered. It was some pre battered frozen thin piece of fish. The batter was quite difficult to cut through and the fish very dry. The parma dishes were huge and also a little dry. Chips however were fantastic. We were all a little disappointed this time.

The chicken burger here is so delicious...the rich hot chocolate not so! I chose the choc-orange variety. Unfortunately, it tasted like the tin had been sitting there for too long!! I do love the atmosphere here though..(the old pinnie parlour for us locals)..beautiful mood flame 'fireplace' that actually does create heat. This is a large cafe so you won't feel cramped and claustrophobic as many other places nearby. The waiters are wonderfully friendly..the female owner always willing to chat...the male owner definitely needing a holiday...a hard working family business that's worth supporting! You can even order your cakes from here...vegan options available too.

There were 4 of us here at 6.30pm for a business meeting. The place was virtually empty but not sure why. The good we ordered was fantastic. The cakes superb (made by the owners wife and vegan friendly). The staff were so amazing. Helpful. Food order taken quickly and arrived within 15 minutes. So lovely to talk to. Wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Good parking out front and toilets were clean. Well worth exploring.

We have never been to Northcote before and didn't have the slightest idea where to head for a meal before our night out. I did a little research through our Goldbook and came across The Hive. Glad we did.It's a little understated cosmopolitan cafe come restaurant come bar, depending what time of the day/night you turn up. It has a relaxed atmosphere with friendly and helpful staff. The variety of food was very good but we both went for a different type of risotto, each dish was excellent in flavour, presentation & substance. The selection of wines was also of note & we found one that complemented our meals.Presentation of desserts was also well done so we partook of a delicious chocolate cake to share.The night was a success and we'd like to thank The Hive, we would recommend this establishment and we will be back.

Got the lamb open souvlaki, lamb was dry chips were bland the garlic sauce was just thrown on the side of the plate and presentation was horrific. Considering there was only 3 tables in the restaurant you would think a little bit more care would be considered. Second time I visited and second disappointment nothing has chanced since coco inc