Sonsie

Sonsie is a gaelic word meaning welcome and good cheer. Situated on the first floor of a shopping plaza with a fairylit balcony for outside dining (this cafe is a bright spot in a concrete jungle). Inside it has a light and bright decor with glimpses of the natural environment outdoors, huge vases of fresh flowers and green plants within. More at the top end of the cafe market, it looks like a restaurant with starched white tablecloths, but maintains a touch of whimsy with its individually stamped butcher paper covers. Sonsie is a cafe reflecting its locale - as much a home for Ladies who Lunch as local business people. Professional, friendly service, good coffee, an interesting blackboard of daily specials and a short but well-balanced à la carte menu. Seafood linguini and loin of lamb with couscous were excellent. But the chocolate souffle with vanilla bean icecream was the absolute winner for M.D. This is a happy, active place at any time of day or night. There is free undercover parking evenings and weekends.

34 Jackson Street
Toorak
Melways reference 2M:F6
Phone: 9804 8244
Opening hours: Tues 8am-6.30pm, Wed-Sat 8am-late, Sun 8am-4.30pm
Licensed
Accepts credit cards
Seats Inside: 55, Outside: 15
Closed: Good friday
Features: Restricted smoking
Favourites: Seared in the pan calamari $11/$16.50, Atlantic salmon pan roasted with saffron mash $21.50, Mi quis ( Italian style chocolate souffle) $9.50