The last time I reviewed this place I was happy to award top marks as the young blonde girl (I think her name was Michelle?) was a tremendous asset and every time we went in - which was on a fairly regular basis - we enjoyed it. However, since the whole Covid thing we have seen a huge decline in standards, both in terms of the poor quality of the food and also the appalling service. After our most recent visit during the week we agreed we are simply not prepared to give Niki’s another chance. It bears absolutely no resemblance to the place it once was and we decided that we will choose to spend our hard earned money in the many other dining establishments in lovely Newcastle. We had literally just come through the door when an older woman yelled across to us “we’ve stopped serving lunch”. When I asked her what time they stopped serving lunch at it transpired it was minutes earlier & when I asked if they didn’t have anything at all..she said “No, kitchen’s closed…only scones & tray bakes” …as she gesticulated towards the aforementioned. I looked at my husband who was as taken aback as I was by her open hostility and rude attitude as it really felt as though she resented the fact that two customers had actually entered the place and disturbed her conversation with a colleague. We agreed we would go elsewhere ..which we did..and also agreed we will never return to Niki’s Kitchen Cafe again. Shame on them as it really did used to be a great spot to visit. Not any more …and I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone now.
chrissymoore29
Stood in a queue before 1.50pm breakfast stops at 2pm got asked at 2.04pm what my order was and they wouldn’t serve me from the breakfast menu because 2pm had past. How ridiculous! That a matter of minutes this place could not use common sense to accommodate 1 customer.
Trail49919135263
Good was average, had a toasty and the chicken was not great quality. The coffee was very bitter but it was the mixed sex toilets that really shocked me! I took my 6 year old daughter and was appalled there was just one room with cubicles for males and females. It should not be allowed! My daughter even felt uncomfortable with men using the same space and I'm sure they felt it was completely wrong as well. Will not be back.
irenajm
After brisk walk on promenade called in for quick coffee, cappuccino and latte both excellent extra hot as ordered, served with choice of scone, very enjoyable quick visit.
Alison Wickie
Love the fry. Usually get the large one and it keeps me going for hours. Scones are lovely too.
Brian C
Once the designated till operator had finished her catch-up chat with a previous customer things went smoothly. Found it strange to be asked if I wanted milk with my black coffee and in hindsight I wish I'd taken it as the coffee was weak and terrible.
brendanc672
Simple food cooked well. Friendly and fast service. Great fry ups and the chicken gougons and chips went down well. Lovely views over Dundrum Bay. And reasonable prices.
aislingm583
Not impressed. The food was average, and all eggs were undercooked (elements of raw egg white). No sauce was given or offered to us either when the food came down. We ordered two lattes and one latte was just a milky coffee with no steamed milk top, no effort was put into the barista coffees. Service was very robotic and gave us the feeling that they were just trying to get the customers in and out as quick as possible. Far too loud atmosphere as too many tables are put within close proximity of one another, to make more money. I'll never know how they can justify charging £5.45 for a slice of 'Gateau'. We'll not be back.
Lawrence M
Been here more than a few times over the years and Niki's is always excellent . A good size cafe , were food is good , premises clean and tidy , and staff are always great ! Definitely, worth a visit .
John Higgins (Shimerin)
Great cafe, nice food. Outdoor seating a wee bit of a letdown. Some type of windbreaker would have been nice.
Have been here for breakfast and lunch frequently over last 3 years. Located at the edge of picturesque Newcastle this cafe/restaurant never disappoints. Today we nipped in for breakfast - a sumptuous affair with delicious local ingredients. Breakfast was served to our table promptly with morning tea and freshly ground coffee. A proper breakfast with all the old favourites from maple/ smoked bacon and good quality sausage and fried egg with beans and potato bread and soda. Nikki’s offer a large selection of wraps and sandwiches at lunchtime as well as yummy home baked traybakes. I’ll be back
Coly Rice
Always a great place for a bit of breakfast. Good food, friendly service and place is well kept and tidy. Recommended
marcin d
Overpriced, breakfast wasn't that great, 2 crunchy bacons ?, 2 hard to eat eggs?, 1 slice of bread?, table spoon ? of beans , 2 sausages ,2 small butter potato bread one slice all for almost tenner. Had large breakfast in Belfast far nicer with mushrooms, tomatoes white and black pudding and soft egg for £12
Al Gilmore
Situated at the entrance to Donard car park, so plenty of easy parking.Hot dishes and pastries.Warm comfortable atmosphere, always a mix of local artwork on the walls.Always call in after a day in the hills, great coffee and selection of cakes and pastries.Hot food available too.Staff always welcoming and helpful.To be honest it's hard to beat, always come back again which is the best recommendation you can get.Parking: Large public car park adjacent.Wheelchair accessibility: Wide front door so accessible, cafe on 2 levels, upper level small steep staircase to access it.
Mark Kelly
Nikki's is a firm favourite of ours and we've been going for years. Their Ulster fry is always good, the coffee excellent and the scones to die for. Definitely worth a visit.
The last time I reviewed this place I was happy to award top marks as the young blonde girl (I think her name was Michelle?) was a tremendous asset and every time we went in - which was on a fairly regular basis - we enjoyed it. However, since the whole Covid thing we have seen a huge decline in standards, both in terms of the poor quality of the food and also the appalling service. After our most recent visit during the week we agreed we are simply not prepared to give Niki’s another chance. It bears absolutely no resemblance to the place it once was and we decided that we will choose to spend our hard earned money in the many other dining establishments in lovely Newcastle. We had literally just come through the door when an older woman yelled across to us “we’ve stopped serving lunch”. When I asked her what time they stopped serving lunch at it transpired it was minutes earlier & when I asked if they didn’t have anything at all..she said “No, kitchen’s closed…only scones & tray bakes” …as she gesticulated towards the aforementioned. I looked at my husband who was as taken aback as I was by her open hostility and rude attitude as it really felt as though she resented the fact that two customers had actually entered the place and disturbed her conversation with a colleague. We agreed we would go elsewhere ..which we did..and also agreed we will never return to Niki’s Kitchen Cafe again. Shame on them as it really did used to be a great spot to visit. Not any more …and I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone now.
Stood in a queue before 1.50pm breakfast stops at 2pm got asked at 2.04pm what my order was and they wouldn’t serve me from the breakfast menu because 2pm had past. How ridiculous! That a matter of minutes this place could not use common sense to accommodate 1 customer.
Good was average, had a toasty and the chicken was not great quality. The coffee was very bitter but it was the mixed sex toilets that really shocked me! I took my 6 year old daughter and was appalled there was just one room with cubicles for males and females. It should not be allowed! My daughter even felt uncomfortable with men using the same space and I'm sure they felt it was completely wrong as well. Will not be back.
After brisk walk on promenade called in for quick coffee, cappuccino and latte both excellent extra hot as ordered, served with choice of scone, very enjoyable quick visit.
Love the fry. Usually get the large one and it keeps me going for hours. Scones are lovely too.
Once the designated till operator had finished her catch-up chat with a previous customer things went smoothly. Found it strange to be asked if I wanted milk with my black coffee and in hindsight I wish I'd taken it as the coffee was weak and terrible.
Simple food cooked well. Friendly and fast service. Great fry ups and the chicken gougons and chips went down well. Lovely views over Dundrum Bay. And reasonable prices.
Not impressed. The food was average, and all eggs were undercooked (elements of raw egg white). No sauce was given or offered to us either when the food came down. We ordered two lattes and one latte was just a milky coffee with no steamed milk top, no effort was put into the barista coffees. Service was very robotic and gave us the feeling that they were just trying to get the customers in and out as quick as possible. Far too loud atmosphere as too many tables are put within close proximity of one another, to make more money. I'll never know how they can justify charging £5.45 for a slice of 'Gateau'. We'll not be back.
Been here more than a few times over the years and Niki's is always excellent . A good size cafe , were food is good , premises clean and tidy , and staff are always great ! Definitely, worth a visit .
Great cafe, nice food. Outdoor seating a wee bit of a letdown. Some type of windbreaker would have been nice.
Restaurantji Recommends
Have been here for breakfast and lunch frequently over last 3 years. Located at the edge of picturesque Newcastle this cafe/restaurant never disappoints. Today we nipped in for breakfast - a sumptuous affair with delicious local ingredients. Breakfast was served to our table promptly with morning tea and freshly ground coffee. A proper breakfast with all the old favourites from maple/ smoked bacon and good quality sausage and fried egg with beans and potato bread and soda. Nikki’s offer a large selection of wraps and sandwiches at lunchtime as well as yummy home baked traybakes. I’ll be back
Always a great place for a bit of breakfast. Good food, friendly service and place is well kept and tidy. Recommended
Overpriced, breakfast wasn't that great, 2 crunchy bacons ?, 2 hard to eat eggs?, 1 slice of bread?, table spoon ? of beans , 2 sausages ,2 small butter potato bread one slice all for almost tenner. Had large breakfast in Belfast far nicer with mushrooms, tomatoes white and black pudding and soft egg for £12
Situated at the entrance to Donard car park, so plenty of easy parking.Hot dishes and pastries.Warm comfortable atmosphere, always a mix of local artwork on the walls.Always call in after a day in the hills, great coffee and selection of cakes and pastries.Hot food available too.Staff always welcoming and helpful.To be honest it's hard to beat, always come back again which is the best recommendation you can get.Parking: Large public car park adjacent.Wheelchair accessibility: Wide front door so accessible, cafe on 2 levels, upper level small steep staircase to access it.
Nikki's is a firm favourite of ours and we've been going for years. Their Ulster fry is always good, the coffee excellent and the scones to die for. Definitely worth a visit.