Florentine is a small independent café on Charminster Road, set among a busy run of independent shops, cafés and restaurants a short walk north of Bournemouth town centre. During the day it's suited to coffee and something sweet, while the same kitchen produces pizza and Italian dishes for anyone wanting something heartier, whether eating in or taking away.
On the menu
The café menu favours familiar comforts, coffee, croissants (an almond version included), cakes and biscuits, alongside dishes carrying a Mediterranean and Arabic influence, among them popara, a warm bread-and-milk dish common across the eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans. Pizza and other Italian staples also feature, and can be eaten in or taken away.
Hours and atmosphere
Monday is the one day Florentine shuts; the rest of the week it opens early, roughly 7am to 5.30pm, with a separate Sunday brunch service from 9am to 2pm for anyone wanting a slower weekend start. Reviews on Google and elsewhere mention friendly, hands-on service from the owner and food that's fairly priced.
Good to know
Wheelchair access is available, and the café suits a quick coffee, a full breakfast or brunch, or a takeaway pizza later on, equally well. As with any small independent business, check its Facebook page for current hours before a special trip, especially around holidays.
With a solid cluster of independent cafés and restaurants along Charminster Road, it's easy to turn a visit into something longer, browse our food & drink guide for further options, or check our things to do guide for what else is nearby.