Cafe Mirage

Located in Kennedy Commons off Kennedy Rd. near Highway 401.

Let's start off with the negative things about Cafe Mirage:

-it's always packed so there's usually a line to get a table
-it's always very loud on a Friday or Saturday night
-it's very cramped; a lot of tables in a small space
-the service is pretty bad/slow; not enough servers
-half a bagged salad is served with every entree

But, I never have a bad time.

The food is very good and the prices are not cheap, but they are reasonable. The "classical" murals up high on the walls, the tall ceilings, the dimly lit dining area, and the cozy atmosphere make Cafe Mirage the best, if not the only, date place in Scarborough. It can be a place to go for desserts (cake, squares, ice-cream, waffles) or for a more upscale type of dinner (quiche, wraps, sandwiches, pasta) or for just a couple of drinks. It's quite the hot spot for teens, university students, and young adults.

Yesterday evening, my sister and I were bored so we decided to have a date at the cafe. We arrived at about 8 o'clock. While there was a group of five waiting at the door, we were seated immediately. There were many couples, but a few groups of friends as well. I had fun guessing how long each couple had been together. First dates are easy to spot, and are usually quite plentiful at Cafe Mirage, but there weren't too many last night.

After some perusing of the menu, we ordered some drinks and an appetizer.


My sister ordered a Belini (sparkling wine and peach puree) and I ordered an Almond Chai (chai tea and Amaretto). My Almond Chai tasted wonderful! I could see it being the absolute perfect thing on a cold autumn day. I tried my sister's Belini as well. It was so peachy and delicious. I did not like the bruschetta we ordered, though. There was far too much garlic on that thing. True, I'm not the biggest fan of garlic, but I can handle it in small amounts. This bruschetta, though... It was too intense. I can still vaguely taste the garlic now... On the other hand, my sister who is a garlic fiend didn't find it too garlicky at all.


For the second round of drinks, my sister ordered a Blue Sky (Blue Curacao and Amaretto blended with vanilla ice-cream) and I ordered a Pina Colada (rum, pineapple juice, and coconut milk). My sister's drink was so sweet, smooth, and delicious. I enjoyed my Pina Colada but I found it a little subdued. Too much pineapple and not enough coconut, maybe? But they were both tasty drinks.

I'll give Cafe Mirage ***/****.