Cafe Boscanova is a long-established speciality coffee café on Christchurch Road in Boscombe, near the beach and the centre of Boscombe's shopping street. Over the years it has become one of the places people in Bournemouth head to for a properly made coffee, with a relaxed brunch menu alongside.
Coffee and food
The beans come from Bad Hand Coffee, and that partnership has earned the café a following among Bournemouth's speciality coffee drinkers. Food-wise, the pancake stacks and brunch plates are the main draw, and there are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices throughout; several gluten-free and coeliac-focused guides have singled it out for how well it handles those needs. There's a kids menu as well, and takeaway orders placed online can be picked up via click & collect.
Atmosphere
Inside, the look is bohemian and slightly eclectic: mismatched furniture, coffee-themed decor and an unhurried mood that works for a slow breakfast or a quick coffee as well as a full brunch. You can't book ahead here. The café is walk-in only, with a waitlist when it fills up, as is usual for busy independent cafés at the weekend.
Good to know
Opening hours are 8:00am to 3:30pm every day, with the kitchen closing at 3:00pm. Independent venues sometimes change their hours with the seasons, so it's sensible to confirm them on the café's website or social channels before you visit. Dogs are welcome, which makes it a convenient stop on a stroll around Boscombe or down to the seafront.
Browse our food & drink guide for more independent cafés, restaurants and bars in the area, or check our things to do guide for other ideas nearby.