The Mayflower is Darlinghurst’s affordable luxury cafe-restaurant

Tucked away in a small corner within Darlinghurst, The Mayflower is a hidden gem that pays homage to a 90s Art Deco florist. Revamped as a high-end cafe-restaurant, the venue flourishes with stylish floral centerpieces and distinctive interior pieces. With onyx stone tables, elegant pendant lights, peach chairs and stunning backdrops of abstract floral murals, it’s no surprise this up-and-coming cafe-restaurant is exploding with popularity.

“The Mayflower is located in a stunning heritage building which was a florist in the 90’s so naturally, and we wanted the new space to pay tribute to its original roots. We’ve focused on fine food and great produce paired with unique interiors to create the ultimate cafe environment. Customers can expect stunning interior details throughout the space and an exquisite cafe menu. Food brings people together, and we are excited to welcome customers into The Mayflower,” explain Co-Founders Christian Lee and Kevin Ly.

Whether it’s caviar or truffles that tickle your fancy, the unique menu focuses on fine foods that have been made affordable,  “We wanted to highlight that luxury feel to our menu, such as truffle, lobster and caviar. The menu was taken from Momofuku Seiobo chef, Jihwan Choi who was able to construct the menu,” says Ly.

Popular items on the menu include their cheesy Truffle Croque Monsieur, which includes Croque prosciutto de parma, gruyere, bechamel, smoked mozzarella, dijon, truffle paste and topped off with fresh truffles. For sweet tooths, their Ferrero Rocher French Toast includes valrhona guanaja 70% dark chocolate, hazelnuts, brulee, sour cream and grilled peaches. Seafood lovers can relish their Ocean Trout Gravlax with house cured, marinated beets, salmon caviar, whipped ricotta and fresh horseradish.

On top of that, they offer an exclusive caviar service. For (30g $168, 50g $288) diners can tantalize their taste buds with Ars Italica Osietra Caviar or for (30g $228, 50g $338) diners can enjoy Black Pearl Beluga Caviar. All caviar is served with blinis, crème Fraiche, egg mimosas and chives.

Kevin explains the meaning behind the iconic name of the restaurant, “We call it the Mayflower for several reasons. The theme is based on florals but it also represents the American pilgrim’s ship which travelled to the new world in the 1600s. So it represents new beginnings. It’s symbolic of the transition of what we’re dealing now with COVID-19.”

The Mayflower will be open for dining in and takeaway 7am – 3:30pm, 7 days a week. For more information, head on over to The Mayflower

Danica Sharma

Writer for the AU Review, a lover of books, poetry, good food, travel and adventure. Follow her personal instagram @danicaarasharma or her poetry instagram @danicasharmawrites