The second time is better ... was rather disappointed on my first visit there. They've seen to have upgraded the quality, quantity and taste coming out of the kitchen.
Well done.
š±Lizzieās first impression: on the busy strip of Northcote, usually busy especially on weekends and great selection of brunch dishes.
š©Lizzie enjoyed: The Waffle Benedict are the real winners here - I've come in a couple of times and I ordered it and it was consistently well done. The mushrooms were a fantastic addition to the plate and everything about that dish was delicious. I added haloumi one time too and it was DE-licious.
I also tried the G+T Salmon salad which was incredible - the acidic salad made the dish so fresh and looked vibrant too.
š
Lizzie did not enjoy: It is a little far out of the city but itās worth driving all the way!
š„Lizzie rates overall: Highly recommend this place for all brunch lovers. Good amount of classic dishes done well.
Safe to say, we just found heaven on earth in this adorable little cafe! Tinker is such an quirky and fun cafe, full of good food and friendly service, I honestly canāt recommend this place enough if your in the mood for a mind blowing brunch or even just for a coffee and one of their specialty cakes and desserts!
We opted for the eggs benefit waffles with mushrooms and the golden gaytime hotcakes, both being absolutely incredible! We paired these dishes with a coconut milk chai and an almond milk chai, just perfect!
The staff here are all incredibly friendly and the vibe at Tinker is so warm and welcoming. Highly recommend this cafe to anyone in Melbourne, itās a must visit and it will blow your brunching minds away xx
I always come back for their waffle eggs benedict. Highly recommend. The panacotta was okay. Otherwise, fantastic food and service.
Located along High Street, Northcote, Tinker sets the bar high when it comes to brunch.
Visiting for breakfast we ordered the rise and shine bowl and the mango and saffron pannacotta along with coffees to drink and we were very impressed. The coffee was on point and the food came out beautifully presented.
Having previously enjoyed the mango and saffron pannacotta years ago when I last visited I recommended it to my friend who loved it. Topped with plenty of fresh fruit and decorated with flowers, this dish was almost to pretty to eat. The vanilla, almond & cranberry granola added to texture and contrast to the smooth and silky pannacotta.
I opted of the rise and shine bowl and wasnāt disappointed. This Acai bowl topped with whipped coconut yoghurt, spiced maple granola, passionfruit, caramelised mango & peanut butter is one of best Acai bowls Iāve had to date. All the components of the bowl complemented each other, the coconut yoghurt added creaminess and peanut butter is always a plus in my book.
Overall I had a great experience at Tinker and recommend that you check them out if youāre in the area. I rate it āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø our of 5. Thanks very much for having me.
One of the most well known cafes in Melbourne. We had their Korean inspired fried chicken burger which was delicious especially with the Kimchi and crunchy chips on the side. The Waffle Benny was unique and was tastier than expected. I love a perfectly cooked pulled beef.
Stopped in for brunch with the family and OMG it was SENSATIONAL. The pancake was amazing and the fairy-floss is the most ingenious idea. Coffee was spot on, eggs poached to perfection and customer service was among the best I have ever had. What a beautiful little place this is and should be on everyone's "one to try".
Tinker has some of the most delicious meals we have had! The Soba Noodle Nourish Bowl was so tasty and refreshing and left us feeling healthy and energised! It was also gluten free and vegan. We also had the avocado smash which was full of flavour and punch! We truly enjoyed both of our meals at Tinker and will definitely be returning soon!
Invited for brekkie I couldn't wait to try the golden Gaytime hotcakes and the waffle egg benny.
The Gaytime hotcake was delicious, I'm not usually a big sweets eater however I easily demonlished this dish. Flavourwise I can see the resemblance to the infamous ice cream.
The waffle benny was also another great dish. The waffle was fluffy and crispy with 2 perfectly poached eggs on top. The pulled pork was tender and so so tasty.
Great coffee and food, I'd recommend trying out this popular cafe.
I first came to Tinker after reading all the positive reviews, and wasn't disappointed. The menu is definitely above the ordinary, run-of-the-mill Northcote cafe, and this place has become one of my new favourites. All the dishes have really interesting combinations of ingredients and flavours, and not just interesting for the sake of being different, but interesting in a way that works in unexpected and delicous ways. The food looks lovely, has a beautiful mix of textures, and most importantly, is delicious. I haven't had anything from the menu that I didn't love, and I'm always keen to go back to try something new again. And the free sparkling water on tap is just an added bonus.
Cute cafe situated in the heart of Northcote. Started with an extra hot latte and it was perfect! For food we got the hot cakes and it looked stunning when it hit the table. Waffle benedict was perfectly balanced. But the ratio in the citrus salmon bagel was off. There was barely any salmon compared to the rocket/bagel.
Happened to stop by on the first day of their new menu :D
LOVED:
šøVery healthy looking menu, lots of vegetarian and vegan options to go around
šøSuper excited that my salmon salad had FRESH salmon rather than smoked, BONUS!!!
šø Not too sure what kind of nut of crumble in the salmon salad but it was absolutely amazing, really made the dish
šø The chicken burger is a classic and a generous portion
TIP/FEEDBACK:
š¹ We were so sad that we didn't get to have the Mango and Saffron Panna Cotta, hopefully they'll bring it back!
š¹ Parking around the area only allows for a quick lunch, so expect to have to move your car if you stick around a bit longer to chat
This hotcake definitely was a GAYTIME and genuinely, the best hotcake Iāve ever had! It was like a hotcake and french toast decided to make a baby and come out with this miracle š¼
FOOD: I ordered the āGolden Gaytime Hotcakeā and Iāve had many hotcakes so I ordered it without any expectations but a high bar and boy... it was life changing. The texture of the hotcake is truly what was so special about it, it was soft and pillowy in the middle but crispy like a french toast on the sides?? I donāt know how to fully describe the heavenly taste and texture that this hotcake was but it definitely was a hotcake that changed my life and if I were craving for an excellent hotcake, Iād come back! The malt bits was such an amazing touch to the hotcake and a flavour Iāve never experience and the decadent ice cream with the chocolate sauce? š¤¤ If youāre thinking about ordering it, then I will solidify that decision bcs itās going to be one of the best decisions youāll make in your life
SERVICE: Service was lovely!
I have seen their hotcakes before and Iāve always wanted to try it but Jaffa never seemed to stand out but Golden Gaytime was definitely calling out my name and me and my calories regret NOTHING and Iād guarantee the same for you ;)
The food are so good, but the place are small.
One of my favourite places to brunch!
Great atmosphere & very friendly staffš
Absolutely loved their waffle eggs benny, the chipotle hollandaise was super creamy & delish š
Lets_eat_around_the_world
+5
As soon as you walk in here you know its going to be special. The smell of the roasted coffee hits you and the smile of the friendly staff make you feel welcome. The menu is amazing and offers something for everyone . I had the smashed peas with beetroot labne, feta, black quinoa, haloumi, poached egg on sourdough. It was so tasty. All the food coming out to the tables looked amazing and I definitely need to go back to try all the other menu items.
What a nice find! Service was efficient and polite, food amazing. Interesting menu with fantastic blending of flavours.
Definitely Highly recommend
On the table:
1. Waffle Eggs Benedict
2. Jaffa Hotcakes
3. Latte
4. Coconut Milk Matcha Maiden Latte
āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāā
I really love the wide ranges of menu here!! Omg so as usual we picked our most favourite dish which is the ćWaffle Eggs Benedictćplease agree with me that egg benny is the best thing on earth! :) They have pulled smoked beef brisket, watercress, chipotle hollandaise (love it), sweet potato crisps (the best) and also cheddar cornbread waffle.
Next up, the ćJaffa Hotcakesćthe first bite of the hotcakes you will get to taste the orange flavour, eat it with the orange curd! Itās so awesome. There are also dark chocolate swirled meringue, strawberries and vanilla mascarpone.
All in all, our dining experience here is absolutely amazing. Will come back again in anytime soon! :)
As a vegetarian/ vegan you will be spoilt for choice here! These were probably the best heirloom carrots I have had for brunch, all the flavours and veges just worked, and the beetroot hummus was to die!
To top it all off the staff were super friendly and accomadating aswell :)
Tinker was pretty busy for a Saturday morning, but worth the short wait! The serving sizes are more than enough, and full of flavour...
I ordered the Jaffa hot cake (pictured) which had a delicate orange essence throughout the thick pancake batter.
My partner ordered the burger which comes on a black bun, and with a generous serving of rosemary chips (A+ for a gf-stealing serve there) .
Definitely would try again!
Timothy Rohith Bharath
+5
What to order:
ā¢Waffles eggs benedict with beef brisket and sweet potato crisps
ā¢Mango saffron panna cotta with fresh fruits and granola.
Both the dishes were truly amazing. The waffles were freshly made and they had a very crispy outer layer and a soft inside. It also came with some beef brisket which was so tender and juicy and the flavor of the beef really stood out. The richness of the yolk combined with the beef, waffles, sweet potato crisps and the hollandaise sauce was just heavenly.
The panna cotta was really soft and creamy and had a good flavor combination of mango and saffron. It was accompanied with fresh strawberries, passion fruit, raspberry puree and coconut, which all together worked really well.
Tinker has a modern, clean, open spaced atmosphere.
We loved the menu items we ordered- Jaffa hot cakes and chilli scrambled eggs.
ā¤ļø: The Jaffa hot cakes had an interesting combination of flavours. The hot cakes were crispy on the outside, yet fluffy on the inside. This dipped in the citrous sauce+ cream was heavenly. The serving was quite generous that I recommend sharing this sweet dish with a friend, as it can get quite heavy in the end personally.
Yay for tinker. We honestly can't recommend their potato parmesan rosti enough š¤¤ there is pet friendly seating out the front and the stuff are always super helpful
one of the only places that allows bookings for a small group of four people on the weekend, definitely a huge positive to know there shall be no waiting in line or missing out. thank you Tinker!!
the atmosphere is cosy yet spacious, with plenty of room between the tables and no feelings of being cramped and overheard with conversations.
the staff are attentive and really lovely, very knowledgeable of the menu and not annoying with any sense of hovering or encouraging turnover despite being a busy Saturday morning. it was relaxed and simply - comfortable.
the coffee was perfect, absolutely no complaints and only compliments. each dish was delicious according to the respective individuals, trying x2 waffles benedict as well as an acai bowl and the famous brekkie pana cotta. decent sized portions with fresh ingredients and stunning presentation.
the ONLY negative is the 10% weekend surcharge which could just be incorporated into the standard prices. it is clearly stated on the menu but seems unnecessary.
Classic breakky spot in Northcote, the food was nice, tried the Miso Salmon ļ»æFlora Bowl & Panacotta ļ»æ. Really like the way they cook salmon with miso, salmon taste juicy and rich. Panacotta is a beautiful dish, with mango flavor and the texture just one word ā Emmmmm ~ (be enchanted with it)
We love the decor, friendly service with great atmosphere. We sat in the window at the bar and enjoyed watching the world go by. We were served quickly. The coffee was great and came out quickly. We order the poached eggs on toast which were prepared well and the kale salad. We would recommend Tinker and visit again.
Tasty food. I hate the pea smash which was very generous with the peas but the smear of beetroot labne, sprinkle of quinoa and slither of haloumi were more of a garnish than part of the meal. Friendly service and good coffee.
Jessica Sargeant (Unbeleafablefood)
+5
Love the dĆ©cor and vibe of Tinker! The team is really friendly and the menu is quite extensive.Ā
I went for the healthy option: the Detox Salad with added mushrooms. The salad was beautifully presented, and looked so fresh! It was tasty and super filling, the serving size was so generous.
I also tried a Cold Drip coffee, which was so refreshing and perked me up! I drank it along with some sparkling water which was super tasty.Ā
Will definitely be back to try some more dishes at Tinker.
Loving this local!
Nestled into the great atmosphere of High Street in Northcote, this cute little cafe has fun vibes and great breakfast.
We got the Mango Saffron Panna Cotta and Breakfast Bowl that weāre fresh and delicious!
Will definitely order the Panna Cotta when I go back, even though I should try something new!
Nice staff and great location.
Thanks for the amazing experience!
MM
We loved the modern feel of Tinker and especially the sparkling water on tap.
The $10 cocktails are a great idea and a nice way to make a weekend brunch a bit more unique.
We love a good smashed avo and while the dish was very generous with the amount of avocado, we found it lacking in flavour (had to season with salt), and not enough feta. A good flavour but nothing unique. The addition of more feta, citris, chilli oil, dill, could really enhance the avo.
We also felt a bit cheated by the 1.5 slices of toast, when most smashed avo dishes come with two slices. Only a small detail but the smaller portion size and lack of flavour made this an average dish for us.
The saffron and mango panacotta on the other hand was absolutely amazing, full of flavour and one weād definitely come back for.
Tinker is just a gorgeous cafe that has it all - a large light filled location on a busy strip of High St serving some of the prettiest and tastiest brunch dishes in Melbourne.
Iāve been here a couple of times and have tried the following dishes:
- Mango & Saffron Panna Cotta ($17.50)
- Waffle Eggs Benedict ($19.50)
- Smashed Peas ($18.50)
- Jaffa Hotcakes ($18.50)
- Miso Salmon Flora Bowl ($22)
- Levantine Chicken ($22)
Absolute favourites are the panna cotta, benedict and hotcakes. Each of these are easily one of the best versions of their dishes in Melb right now. Unlike many other pannas, Tinkerās version is a big and filling dish on its own with heaps of fresh fruits and granola. The hotcakes and benedict both have such interesting flavour profiles but what really impressed me was the absolutely perfect texture of hotcakes and cornbread waffles - they were just the right balance of being super crispy on the outside but pillowy and soft on the inside. The benedict in particular is also a massive serve.
I also really enjoyed the freshness of their Smashed Peas and the interesting Japanese flavours in the Miso Salmon bowl (kimchi pineapple!). The Levantine Chicken is not a bad dish by any means but is my least favourite of those I tried, I think because everything is mixed together so the consistency and texture gets a bit boring.
Love their coffee (they also do a mean cold brew!), smoothies (particularly the peanut butter & raspberry) and mango juice. Service has always been friendly and efficient. All in all just a fantastic well rounded cafe - go visit!
LATE REVIEW!
Went to Tinker for Brunch with the fam and all I can say is WOAH!
We tried:
- Wake Up Bowl
- Hotcakes
- Waffle Eggs Benedict
- Chai Latte
Great layout, mood and friendly staff.
Thank you for a great experience!!! š
We ordered an egg Benedict, a floral salmon bowl, a green smoothie and coffee...the food is soooo good! Iām surprised how good the kimchi pineapple tasted, it went so well with the salmon bowl...also my husband loved his beef brisket and waffle from the egg Benedict..will come back and try more food...
We love Tinker!
Weāve been here a number of times and this past weekend we ordered some different items on the menu - just to mix things up!
Our first dish was the Waffle Eggs Benedict with pulled smoked beef brisket, two perfectly poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise, and sweet potato crisps on a cheddar cornbread waffle - we absolutely loved the waffle. It was light and fluffy, not too dense and complimented the meal perfectly. It was a great alternative to the traditional sourdough.
We added some mushrooms and roasted tomatoes for something a little extra.
We would definitely order again!
It was also bright and colourful - perfect for a cheeky Instagram snap!
Next was the Smashed Peas, a dish Tinker is well known for! With beetroot labne, feta, haloumi and a poached egg - the dish was tasty and well balanced. The colours were gorgeous and vibrant.
Again, we added mushrooms because we always do! The mushrooms were perfectly roasted.
Lastly, our breakfast dessert of choice was the Jaffa Hotcakes. The dark chocolate swirled meringue literally melted in your mouth! The dish was well presented and the portion size very generous.
We also had the Mango Smoothie and Green Smoothie. Tinker has amazing smoothies and the Green Smoothie in particular is one of the best Iāve tried in Melbourne.
Get around it. Weāre still thinking about those hotcakes...
Taste - 10/10
Menu - 10/10
Food Presentation - 10/10
Location - 10/10 - easy to get to via PT
Atmosphere - 9/10
PRETTY score - 10/10
Sarah and Krystal xo
Tinker is one of Melbourneās most loved cafes and I am so glad I finally got to try it! Located along the busy High St, the venue is clean and beautiful and the design is so aesthetic. It was a Saturday morning and the cafe was bustling with customers.
We tried the Waffle Eggs Benedict, the Miso Salmon Flora Bowl, and the Jaffa Hotcakes.
The Benedict was incredible! I love the cheddar cornbread waffle which is super thick and crispy, yet light and fluffy! The brisket was very tender and the sweet potato crisps added an extra crunch!
The Flora Bowl was very different to the first, and still just as delicious! It was light and fresh, and all the toppings meddled together nicely. An interesting element was the pineapple kimchi - both sweet and salty. I loved the addition of bonito flakes too!
The Hotcakes were next-level amazing! I love the fruitiness from the orange and strawberry which made it very refreshing. The hotcakes themselves were incredible too - very crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside!
Moreover, all the staff were incredibly kind too.
Thank you so much for having us!
Tinker was a beautiful modern cafe in Northcote. Similar to its sister cafe, Penta, Tinker was also famous for their pretty panna cotta; saffron and mango panna cotta, which we ordered alongside the waffle eggs benedict. I loved the panna cotta; the saffron flavour really stood out with a nice silky texture and fresh fruits and crunchy granola. The waffle egg benedict was pretty good too; the cornbread waffle was a bit too thick for my liking, but the sweet potato crisps gave a nice texture to the fluffy waffle and creamy eggs. Coffee was great, service was friendly, and the venue was clean and cosy.
INTRODUCING......
š³š„ WAFFLE EGGS BENEDICT š„š³ Pulled smoked beef brisket, two poached Eggs, watercress, chipotle Hollandaise, sweet potato crisps on a cheddar cornbread waffle!
YAS IT TASTES EVEN BETTER THAN IT LOOKS! Packed with all of the amazing desired textures, flavours and aromas you dream of all on the one plate!! Do yourselves a FAVOUR OR "FLAVOUR" and sink your teeth into this baby šāļøš„ššš„š
.....AND
š¼š¦ MANGO & SAFFRON PANNA COTTA šš¼ @tinkernorthcote
.
With Vanilla, Almond & Cranberry Granola with Strawberries, Passion Fruit, Raspberry & Coconut!
YUM šÆššThis delicious combo was the perfect choice for today's sunny weather!
Light and oh soooooo smooth this Panna Cotta did not disappoint! Crunch from the flavour packed Granola and sweetness from the fruit made every single mouthful so enjoyable leaving you wanting more and more! If you're in the area stop by this amazing cafe
Amazing food and amazing service! Staff were very attentive even when it was a busy time. Thoroughly enjoyed the meals at tinker and will be coming back!
Tinker is located in Northcote in a really cute corner. Iāve been here a few times now and food and service has never disappointed me.
The Smashed Peas is the most beautiful dish and feels so light after you eat it. The Mango pannacotta is so creamy and light and the granola was just amazing. I also love the breaky bowl with salmon and the eggs benedict was to die for. The smoothies here are always delicious.
I also had the Levatine chicken which was filling and good but felt a little heavy and too creamy for me. Overall, an amazing cafe which I would always come back! Thanks for having us :)
every sam from the area has been here but you know why? cos the food is fricken bomb! the guys here are so friendly just overall fun vibes would 100% come back to try everything on the menu š
Love! Greeted promptly by friendly faces immediately as we walked through the front door. A busy cafe = noisy, with simple but bright and inviting interior. We were advised of a 30 minute wait and our phone number was taken. We were called in under 10 minutes as theyād found us some seats at the coffee bar and promised weād be moved to a table as soon as one became available, which happened easily without us having to ask. Coffee was great. Food tasted as good as it looked. Husband had benny, was super yum. I had the hot cakes which were the best Iāve had in a long while, only improvement Iād suggest is a little more fresh berries or fruit but I did really enjoy it. Will be back next time weāre in the area. Can never underestimate the importance of friendly staff, Tinker nailed it!
Visited Tinker on the weekend, the staff there are super lovely, wasn't too busy as we went a little later (around 1:30) which was nice. Heaps to choose from on the menu.
š„ Chili scrambled eggs with Rosti - definitely a favourite, this dish has a good chili kick, the rosti is huge! Definitely filled us up. Oh and the shallots smell soo good.
š Miso Baked Salmon with brown rice - a nice healthy dish, salmon was cooked well and the bowl was surprisingly very filling!
š„ Mango & Saffron Panna Cotta - didn't love this dish but I guess we were after lunch and we're not panna Cotta lovers so didn't finish this dish as we were full from the other two.
PS. They have great outdoor seating as well!
Probably one of my favourite cafes in Northcote, we ordered the Jaffa Hotcakes and the Smash Avo both looked so delish from appearance to taste. The staff were very friendly and the service was very quick. Definately worth checking out this place.
Tinker was bustling today whenĀ I met up with a friend for brunch.Ā The waitress who served us went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience, the customer service from all staff was outstanding and I wanted to say thank you, it really was appreciated.
The menu here is fabulous! I was torn on what to order and for something different I went for the smashed peas, beetroot labne, poached egg and halloumi.Ā Wow, talk about filling! The presentation was beautiful, such a vibrant dish! The flavours were great, my poached egg wasn't so poached it was a little over cooked for my liking.Ā This wasn't an issue as the lovely waitress brought me another one, nice and runny - yummy.
My friend enjoyed her smashed avo, the dish looked great too.Ā
My coffee was 10/10, all round a pleasant experience and I recommend a visit here.
Definitely came here for the amazing mango panacotta!! Looks as good as it tastesš.
We also ordered the eggs benedict which we would give a 7/10!! Overall, nice atmosphere, great food and friendly staffš
It was my first time at Tinker, located in Northcote and I have to say that I had very high expectations for this place. The outside is lovely and the entrance has the two powerful words 'mischievous dreamsā that makes you feel like you are entering a magical land.
In addition to being a stunning venue with spacious indoor seating, the service is on point. I was immensely impressed with the attentive and friendly staff and how accommodating they were with the choices me and my friend made! They put so much effort and care to please us that I would definitely just go back for such an amazing service - impeccable!
But of course that the food wasnāt behind that high standard. The green and mango smoothies were perfect in consistency and flavour and I loved the special touch with coconut flakes on the top - it makes it seem that it is glowing! The wake up bowlās granola was crunchy, nailing that perfect sweet spot and mixed with the delicious smooth acai it ends up being so satisfying!
I got to try the sweet potato waffles and they were incredible too in taste and consistency and the shawarma cauliflower that we shared was absolutely impressive. It was something different I am not used to but all the ingredients and flavours worked so well together! The egg was poached to perfection and I have become a fan of beetroot hummus now because of this meal!
All dishes were presented beautifully and servings were definitely generous! It was such a positive and memorable experience and I canāt wait to return or try the other cafes this team has!
Tinker, located in Northcote, is a relatively new cafƩ by the team behind Penta & Legacy!
After visiting their sister cafĆ©s, we were extremely eager to dine at Tinker as we really enjoyed our experiences at both Penta and Legacy.Ā
Walking in, we were amazed at how busy the place was - almost every table was filled!Ā
After browsing the extensive menu, we decided to order the Jaffa Hot Cakes, The Retox Burger and the Miso Salmon Flora Bowl. For drinks, we had the Nutella Milkshake and the Mango Smoothie.
The Retox Burger was massive. The meat was cooked perfectly and the chips were golden, fluffy and crunchy! Absolutely great value for money and was presented perfectly. If youāre on the hungrier side this one is definitely for you!Ā
The Miso Salmon Flora Bowl was exquisite! It consisted of bonito, brown rice, picked red cabbage, cavolo nero, edamame, avocado, pineapple kimchi and miso ginger dressing. All the flavours worked so well together and I couldnāt stop eating it!
The Jaffa Hot Cakes were outstanding. The dessert was not overly sweet and tasted delicious. The dark chocolate meringue was the highlight of the dish, only problem was that there wasnāt enough of it!Ā
Both the Nutella Milkshake and the Mango Smoothie were enjoyable and went great with our meals.Ā
Our dining experience was one to remember. The service was impeccable - both waitresses who served us were very helpful and friendly. We highly recommend this place for breakfast, brunch and lunch!
At first, I was drawn to this cafe as it's name stirred magical vibes... Don't we all love Tinkerbell? However, when I visited, I found that the magic was real! The bustling restaurant situated in popular High Street, Northcote offers inside and outside seating to enjoy the sunshine and soak up the ambience of the Northern suburb. The food was prepared and served with utmost style and attention to detail. If you're keen to try, make sure to arrive early as Tinker fills up real fast!
I canāt wait to go back to Melbourne and go to Tinker again. Itās a cafe that makes you feel welcome , has a chilled vibe and of course delicious and beautiful plates.
I went for their famous panna cotta and I couldnāt start eating it because it was too pretty!
Itās tasty and sweet, so Iād take it as a dessert more than breakfast.
I also had an awesome turmeric latte that made my tummy happy and ready for the day ahead !
You gotta try this place !
After loving their sister cafes, I was so happy to finally have an opportunity to try this place out for myself. I decided to order their famous mango panna cotta which was delicious. As a panna cotta lover I'd personally like it to be a little firmer but that's me being picky. Overall it's beautifully presented and tasty.
I have heard good things about tinker in Northcote so I was super excited to go and give it a go.
Upon arrival I was greeted with smiles and a friendly hello. It was very busy but I managed to grab myself a spot on the communal table. I like the idea of these especially when eating alone. The cafe its self is bright and vibrant with a quality playlist.
I ordered the tumeric cauliflower dish (I canāt remember the actual name) but it comes with a slice of sourdough, beetroot hummus, cauli, multiple other veggies and an egg. I got mine with a side of chicken as well.
It was SO TASTY. I loved every bite. Perfect flavours.
This was a brunch experience to remember. I would definitely go back for more and more.
Wonderful food. Quality serving. Banging tunes 9/10
Almost full, still we had no trouble getting a table and menus appeared within seconds.
Within minutes we had ordered and didnāt have long to wait for the divine scrumptious breakfast.
The meals were delicious, plated up to perfection and the staff a delight.
Incredible brunch spot. Little on the pricey side for the area but you can let it slide as they food is just that goooood! The roasted cauliflower dish is by far my favourite dish and the complimentary sparkling water is a nice touch.
I have been to Tinker many times and I must say, every time I go I'm always well taken care of. I love the vibes of the cafe, the indoor and outdoor seating and how friendly the staff members are. It can get a bit busy and crowded but overall, it is a great place for brunch. I've tried a number of items on their menu over the last couple of months and I've thoroughly enjoyed most of them!Ā The coffee here has always been good in my experience however, my favourite drink from Tinker would have to be the Mango Smoothie. I just love how they add honey to it, it adds a little bit more sweetness without it being too sickeningly sweet.Ā
The Wake Up Bowl is a very filling dish. It may not look like much but the acai, granola and coconut infused yogurt works well together and compliments the fresh fruits that comes with it. Very refreshing dish and definitely did wake me up!Ā Retox Beef Burger with the size of fries ($21) is one of my ultimate favourite. The patty is cooked perfectly and I love the black ink bun it comes in. I would suggest for you to add the fried egg for an extra $2, it adds another layer of goodness to the burger.Ā The Mango and Saffron Panna Cotta ($17.50) is another favourite of mine. The subtle Mango flavour of the Panna Cotta compliments the cranberry granola and the fruits in the dish. It not only looks beautiful but it's also very filling. Definitely very happy with this dish.Ā You can easily get there via train or tram. You can also drive and there are many parking spaces on nearby side streets. I highly recommend this place!
Tinker has that vibe that could make you stay there for hours. Situated on a street with endless foot traffic (especially with dog owners). If you love good food and petting dogs then Tinker on a sunny day sitting outside is a must do
A lovely and underrated brunch spot in the midst of High street. On the pricey side but but staff are extremely friendly and the coffee and atmosphere is splendid. Their raspberry whites chocolate muffins are super fresh and moist. I also can not fault their green smoothie, smashed peas and breakfast bowl.
Finally visited Tinker today for brunch! I ordered their beef burger, miso salmon flora bowl, mango & saffron panna cotta & their cold brew.
Their beef burger was good & you canāt go wrong with rosemary salted fries. I loved all the toppings that went with the salmon bowl, like their pickled cabbage & pineapple kimchi. Itās a great summer bowl. The mango & saffron panna cotta was such a pretty dish! The saffron really made a difference & made it more fragrant.
Back again to one of our faves, and as always everything was exceptional. The Egg Benny waffles were so delicious... very filling. The mango panacotta is a dish I always gravitate back to as it's so good!! Amazing food and service sees us returning time and time again!!
Tinker in Northcote is one of those cafes that I return to time and time again. The lines out the door suggest that a lot of other people feel the same way. The small space always has a real buzz going, as it's always busy, and for a simple space, it still has a great vibe.
On this occasion we chose the smashed peas and the famous blossom hotcakes. Firstly, the smashed peas were an interesting twist on smashed avo, and the fresh peas were extremely tasty. With grilled haloumi, and a poached egg, what's not to love.
The hotcakes at Tinker are always senstational, and are one of those dishes that I gravitate towards again and again. The combination of fluffy pancake, meringue and fresh fruit is always a winner.
There are always plenty of friendly staff on hand to help you with any requests, and this combined with the yummy food and fun vibe, keeps us coming back over and over!
Really loved visiting here, the food and drinks were on point! Itās a very popular cafe, so be prepared to wait! We enjoyed a variety of their best dishes which you can see in my photos below!
We had visited Tinker twice and both visits did not disappoint at all! Hereās what we had!
Waffles eggs benedict - pulled smoke beef brisket with sweet potato crisps and poached eggs with chipotle hollandaise on cheddar cornbread waffle! What more could you ask for? The beef brisket was so soft and juicy and the cheddar cornbread waffle was such a good touch to it!
Jaffa hotcakes - this was so good that we ordered it during both visits! Orange blossom hotcakes with orange curd, vanilla mascarpone and strawberries! The hotcakes were super fluffy and thick and the orange sauce was the highlight of the day as it added a sweet flavoring to the moist hotcakes! This is why it was my favorite of the day both times!
Mango and saffron panna cotta - served with vanilla, almond and cranberry granola and fresh fruits! This was a perfect combo as all the elements worked well together - sweetness of panna cotta, granola and the fruits! The presentation was pretty impressive as well!
Breakfast bowl - similar to a poke bowl, this was a bowl served with goodness! Cashew pesto quinoa served with avocado, kale, cherry tomatoes, haloumi, yoghurt, a poached egg and pita chips with an addition of salmon, not only was this healthy but a delicious meal! The sourness of yoghurt on the quinoa matched the savoriness of the other elements!
Overall, we had a fantastic time at Tinker and would go back to have the rest of their dishes or even order the same ones again!
In Short: Tinker cafĆ© in Northcote offers stunning food creations that walk a perfect line between contemporary, photo-worthy fare, and comforting, quality-focussed food. The space welcomes with a minimalism and style that never feels pretentious. Tip: The cold drip is magicalā¦.Ā
As the light from the tram traveled street bathes the cool white-washed brick and then reaches back into the communal space of Tinker cafƩ in Northcote, we perch ourselves front row at the windows to soak all the vibrant street culture that High St. has to give.
We visited this cafe for some early breakfast, so it wasnāt busy and we had the option of sitting pretty much anywhere. We found the staff friendly and efficient. The food was above average. I particularly enjoyed the āJaffa Hotcakeā - the pancake was just perfect; warm and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the edges. The smashed avocado āHerb and Feta smashed avoā was good too but nothing out of the ordinary. We found the drinks nice as well.
As Iāve read in one of the previous Zomato reviews, there does seem to be some kind of surcharge when paying by card (outside of whatās written on the sign on the counterā¦) From looking at my bank withdrawal, Iām guessing itās about a 1-1.5% surcharge on a normal weekday. **NOTE: A 10% surcharge applies on Saturdays and Sundays. 15% surcharge on all public holidays.
A busy spot for brekkie! We lined up for about 15mins and got a spot outside in Melbourneās winter. We did feel a bit rushed only because the big line was looming over our shoulder all brekkie.Ā . Buttermilk fried chicken burger for me was awesome! Great ingredients, perfect winter lunch. Worth going back, next time Iām going to get something sweet!
Some slay breakfast shots for you! Iām dreaming of this bowl and itās transporting magic which had me thinking I was laying by a pool in 28Ā°āļø and eating this Mango panacotta muesli in all its glory. It is everything it looks and so much more. This awesome brunch spot, with its creatively styled dishes will have me coming again in no time. Found in Melbourneās Inner North on a road with plenty of shops to keep you entertained for a good days walk about, so I guess Iāll see you there on weekends!
+ Food is delectable, coffee, creative dishes, great location, chill atmosphere
- Service a bit slow and inside has a clinical vibe
When it comes to iconic Melbourne brunch cafes, Tinker has to be top of the list. It's a very trendy cafe, that's packed every day of the week. Despite it always being busy, the service is good and the food arrives in a timely manner.Ā
The mango saffron panna cotta is the iconic dish and it's delicious. The panna cotta is a 5/5 for texture, very creamy and the mango flavour is prominent. You also get a decent serve of granola, making this one of the more filling panna cotta dishes in Melbourne.Ā
Also tried the smashed peas and the presentation was fantastic but we thought the peas themselves needed more seasoning.Ā
A great place for brunch overall though, just be aware it gets quite noisy inside during the peak times.
You have probably seen a post about their Granola Bowl before..! I am such a sucker for sweet foods and always on a hunt for meals like this one, so I knew that this was a must to tryā¦ I can now tick the box off my bucket list where I get a photo and try out the famous bowl everybody raves about! Definitely need to go back and try their Panna Cotta and Smoothies looks awesome! But anyways, if you havenāt been yet and you are a brunch kinda gal/guy, this is a must for you!
Tinker is definitely one of the best places on the Melbourne brunch scene. Both dishes we ordered were winners.
ā¤ The Waffle Eggs Benedict came with smoked pulled beef brisket, poached eggs, watercress and sweet potato crisps on cheddar corn waffles. The chipotle hollandaise added a nice touch to the dish.
ā¤ The Jaffa Hotcakes are a must try! The orange blossom hotcakes came with orange curd, dark chocolate swirled meringue, strawberries and vanilla mascarpone. The dish had the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.
ā¤ The Peanut butter and raspberry & the mango smoothies were both delicious and refreshing.
ā¤ One of the cats got a skinny latte which he said was the made to perfection.
Customer service was prompt and friendly despite the place being so busy. Portion sizes were also generous.
Overall, šŗšŗšŗšŗšŗ/5. Highly recommended and we will defintely be back to sample more items from the menu!
4.5
I had the pleasure of being invited along to try out the menu at Tinker. I havenāt been blind enough not to see the great dishes on IG and my wife have raves about the place since her last visit over six months ago (see her review below).
We started off with a coffee and a smoothie... choosing the peanut butter and raspberry smoothie which was think and delicious and a meal in itself.
My dining buddy ordered a brunch classic, the herb and feta smashed avocado with a poached egg for good measure. This was a great looking dish and there was a good texture to it with toasted seasoned, radish and cherry tomatoes.
For brunch main I ordered the Levantine Chicken dish. This was a spiced grain salad but a whole lot more. Pumpkin and pomegranate, labne and halloumi, feta and pistachio, and a poached egg sitting proud top centre... this was a superb dish that I only felt was let down slightly by the small amount of actual chicken in this dish. It was definitely there but not in any great quantity.
Lastly we tried the Jaffa hotcakes for a brunch dessert. This was a truely perfect dish. Light and fluffy orange blossom hotcakes with a orange curd, crumbled chocolate swirl meringue, strawberries and mascarpone. Winner winner winner. A great combination of flavours and textures.
Actually a great combination of flavours and textures really sums up my entire dining experience at Tinker today.
Really enjoyed coming along as an invited plus one.
I love a healthy green breakfast bowl and Tinker produce my current favourite. Perfectly sautƩed kale with pesto, avo, quinoa, poached egg and halloumi... Yum! The place can get crowded and the seating area can feel quite squishy, but if you can deal with that this trendy cafe won't disappoint. A great menu!
One of the heaviest breakfast place in Melbourne!
They got very nice dishes with creative presentation.
You get mixture of cereals, fruit, veggies, flowers and herbs in the dishes.
Must try!
Iāve been on a bit of a Tinker, Penta, MOB, Clubhouse spree lately, visiting the set of cafes that really seem to define the Melbourne brunch scene. Tinker, one of the OG cafes to really set the name in stone of this crew, has always been a place Iāve wanted to tick off my list. Tinker is a place on the Northside that I never regret going back to - featuring my favourite chicken salad in Melbourne and the most delicate mango panna cotta to finish off the meal!
Really cool vibes and friendly staff, had the aƧai bowl last time was as good as any other, but tried the eggs Beni this time and would definitely recommend, cooked to perfection, eggs were poached perfectly and everything was the right amount to be filling but not too much!
Finally made it to the famous Tinker. located on high street it was very busy even on a week day.Ā
Service was really friendly. Got offered still or sparkling water, very fancy! Had a soy chai which was nice. Picked the beef burger because I was super hungry and it was quite good in size! Chips was rosemary flavoured which was lovely. The only thing was the burger is quite rich with both beef patty and bacon so I couldn't finish it in the end.Ā
All in all a lovely experience!
From the group that brought you the ever popular Mob in Camberwell and Bentwood in Fitzroy, Tinker is another cafƩ that is simply too easy to love.
The interior is sleek - inspired by minimalist designs and boasts an open kitchen at the back where guests can catch a glimpse of all the action.
Delicious breakfast with unusual elements added to each standard and plenty of original ideas. But it's the presentation that will grab your attention first. It all looks so beautiful and perfectly put together. Coffee is very good.
Nice bright place, we arrived late so it was pretty quiet. Meals came quick, had the breakfast salad with added chicken, very tasty and fresh. Coffee was great.
Every time I walk or drive past, this place is pumpinā.
With reason, it seems.
Very accommodating and friendly staff accompanied by food thatās not only tasty but makes quite the aesthetic statement.
Bonus - coffee is good!
Was ever so slightly disappointed by the Jaffa Hotcakes which had no chocolate flavor element as one would assume, but the dish was so pleasant I couldnāt even be mad.
I was invited to Tinker after visiting Bentwood. We were welcomed immediately upon entry, it was a Sunday so it was very busy. I recommend making a booking if you go to any of there cafeās. We had the Mango Panna Cotta , Smashed Pea & the Breakfast Bowl, it was all delicious!. I definitely would recommend visiting them.
This is one of my favourite brunch spots, and the same goes for my dad and many of my friends. I love the food, the service and most importantly (however cringey this may sound) how instagram-worthy it is. Super cute.
Service was swift, though we did arrive early on Sunday so canāt really judge. Everything on the menu looked so good and have the potential to wow based on the descriptions. I chose the pretty mango panna cotta while husband chose the waffle benedict. My dish was beautiful, great taste of mango in panna cotta but my husbandās dish was really special, with great flavours and great execution. Coffee was good too. Definitely coming back to Tinker, possibly next week!
These guys will always deliver. Food is always top notch accompanied by friendly staff. Coffee is consistent and worth the visit if youāre around.
Amazing food! The beetroot labne that comes with the smashed peas is so good I could sit there with a whole tub and demolish it in one sitting. To top it off they had amazing customer service and a very clean environment! Highly recommend
Fantastic place for a great breakfast / brunch. I had the waffle Benedict with beef brisket absolutely faultless. Great decor and service. Highly recommend
You often read about me visiting a place that is on my list, Tinker has been on it for quite some time. Ever since I saw their famous panacotta on social media, I wanted to try it!. When organising a recent brekkie date with friends, it so happened to be quite central to us all so I jumped at the opportunity to suggest it.
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