Forget Port Melbourne, forget Brunswick… things are happening in the little suburb of Northcote that will challenge the most established of Melbourne food hubs. The area now boasts high end restaurants like Estelle by Scott Pickett, St Kilda sweethearts Radio Mexico’s second spot, Norte, and now the brand new, totally chic, must-visit brunch spot, Tinker.
Brought to us by the same ‘Mischievous Little Dreamers’ behind Temperance Society, Penta and Mob Espresso, Tinker nails the often sought, and seldom delivered, combo of “super cute, super delicious” menu options, with absolutely spectacular coffee.
The standout dish upon my visit was the Smashed Peas ($18) – an option more flavoursome than the name might suggest, with a perfect poach, salty grilled haloumi and a brushstroke of beetroot labne/genius to boot. There was an abundance of little treats for those with a sweet tooth as well, with the Mango & Saffron Panna Cotta ($16.50) looking particularly appealing. I mean, just check these images. Even my vegan bestie found a new favourite in Tinker, with the menu offering convenient, Vegan friendly spins on their most popular dishes, saving her the embarrassment of ordering “the Scrambled Eggs without the eggs” or paying a fortune for a bespoke plate of side dishes.
If you’re trying to walk on the healthy side, definitely check out the Breakfast Bowl ($18.50) or the Summer Detox Sald ($18.50) which looks too scrumptious to be healthy. Though it would be a test of will to look past the Jaffa Hotcakes ($18.50), which the menu describes as “Orange blossom hotcakes with orange curd, dark chocolate swirled meringue, strawberries and vanilla marscapone.” Drool.
The interior decor too, seems perfectly planned to make the plates pop, with colourful meals bursting off the table against the crisp white surroundings of white exposed brick and sleek black dining settings. For the people watchers among us, a bar nestled by the huge front windows will be your favourite spot watch the world go by and enjoy what must be a world-class coffee.
With the spunky staff, prettiest plates and it’s bright, yummy menu, put Tinker, and Northcote, on your to-do list this summer. Melbourne approves.
Tinker
Address: 235 High Street, Northcote 3070
Contact: (03) 9482 5264
Website: http://www.tinkernorthcote.com.au/
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
Images: Tinker.
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