Do the northern suburbs need another cafe? If the footpath clogging queues that form outside Northcote's super-hip newcomer Tinker every weekend are anything to go by, then that's a yes.

Opening in January in a social media frenzy, the cafe is owned by a large group of proprietors including Julien Moussi, Kristy-Lea Deva, Adam Vocale and executive chef Nicky Campbell; they're also responsible for east-side cafes Legacy (Camberwell) and Penta (Elsternwick) and Temperance Society (Hughesdale).

Chef and co-owner Campbell's photogenic, superfood-driven menu, much like sister venue Penta's, fits with the kombucha-belt clientele. Although, at risk of sounding 40 years older than I am: there's just no need to cram a two-page menu onto  an A4 card by using an eight-point font.

We plump for a couple of detoxifying options (when in Rome).Two slices of manageably-sized sourdough toast are topped with perfect poachies and at least $8 worth of lightly braised peas – a brush stroke of vivid beetroot labna is a nice touch. There's a roast carrot version too, with slivers of raw and braised beetroot and crunchy clusters of smoked almonds.

A mango and saffron panna cotta, fresh berry and granola combo has a fine balance of textures without being overly sweet. You might have already seen that one doing the rounds on Instagram; it's a showstopper.

A table of four burly blokes next to us all order the only meaty breakfast dish: a kaiser bacon eggs benedict with sweet potato roesti (I'll admit to having food envy) and a plate of plump bacon and egg rolls turns heads as it's walked through the venue.

It's not just about food that looks nice: a minimalist decor of white walls, grey concrete tiles and dark lacquered tables is slick; however, their "Mischievous Little Dreamers" branding (written on the floor, on the coasters, on just about every food blog in Melbourne) is a little twee.

I'm impressed by textural, blue-grey ceramics, although smaller bowls are clearly difficult to carry. On that note it's bonus points for service that's as refreshing as the complimentary sparkling water (bless), delivered with a smile by perky denim-clad millennials.

Thirsty? Coffee is above standard: well-made espresso using a house blend from Dimattina and a selection of Maker Fine Coffee single origins for filter and cold drip plus the obligatory turmeric-coconut-almond-chai lattes and fruity smoothies in pastel-coloured combos.

Not content to sit back and just enjoy their success the crew have just signed a lease on an old milk bar in Glen Waverley. I'm sure you'll get to read about that on the internet too – you can't believe everything that's hyped into an online frenzy but occasionally there's an exception to the rule.