The Boroughs
97 Landsborough Ave
Scarborough
Mon-Thu 5.30pm-late
Fri 11.30am-late
Sat-Sun 8am-late
38802444

This upscale 1920’s style cafe bar stands out in an otherwise beachy casual strip of shops yet through its clever blend of décor and its sentinel coffee cart manages to bridge the gap between beach and fine dining seamlessly.

On weekdays the coffee cart operates at the closed shopfront from early morning, peddling endless cups of Giancarlo to passersby, beach goers and parents overseeing children in the fabulous park opposite. Then at sunset the tiny bar bistro throws open its doors to usher in drinkers to the ornate marble and wood bar at the front and diners to the intimate dark wood dining nooks or covered courtyard with fire place at the rear. On weekends it is open all day and features live music sessions.

While this is not a place for a casual meal - the menu borders on fine dining with a French flavour and entrees average $22, mains $35 and desserts $16 - it is possible to drop in for a muffin or cake and coffee at the front tables or a casual beer or glass of wine, any of which are recommended. And if in need of a gourmet picnic The Boroughs staff will throw together a feast in a wicker basket to take to the beach.