Tucked away on the south end of Broughton Street's resurgent corridor, Cafe Ambrosia serves as a haven for those seeking a peaceful, European cafe-style public getaway spot.

By Euro-style, we mean an expanded menu including beer and wine, fresh croissants, and other accoutrements expected across the pond but not here. In such a funky, eclectic town as Savannah, it fits the bill perfectly. 

Intrigued, one fine morning we sauntered in to sample the fare. Being of discerning class and taste, and having previously dined in classic Parisian cafes, the BROUGHTONSTREET.COM reviewers hold a high standard to any such establishment. So, with trepidation, we ordered a double espresso and a raspberry croissant. (Understand, people: many coffee spots in town will stare at you silly for ordering straight espresso, as if you'd just requested a two-piece with a biscuit.)

 

The decor is striking. The walls hum a relaxing, deep purple (not be confused with these guys) and are touched with hints of gray and muted yellow, at once physically soothing and mentally stimluating; Abundant potted foilage adds to the natural, calming feel, as do the mix of soft couches and hard-backed cafe chairs and tables. The intimate, homey vibe invites patrons to write the Great American Novel, coo over conversation with an attractive companion, or stare out the window and people-watch the day away.

When our order arrived, we pleasantly discovered our fears as unfounded. The Ambrosia staff was well-equipped to handle such a cultured request, providing a frothy serving in real ceramic with saucer. Hot, but not unbearably so; bold and smoky, without being undrinkable. Tres magnifique! The croissant was flaky, sweet, and probably terrible for anyone on a diet - which, in the case of croissant quality, is absolutely ideal.

However, no worries for the Gallophobic among us. Despite the French decor and menu accents, the atmosphere is not hostile to the average American joe as you might fear. The drip-brew was high-quality as well, and when ordered to go come in paper cups that don't scorch the fingertips. (For you latte drinkers, a tall with a double shot will run you $4.17.) On the gastronomical side, the sandwiches thankfully come on other options than crescent-shaped butter-bombs and retain their fresh taste and flavor.

And even in its later hours of operation, Ambrosia retains its comfort and charm. During the SCAD Film Festival, Ambrosia stayed open during the evening to collect all of the ex-audience members from the Lucas and Trustees Theaters.

While most cafes would offer little fare attractive to those out and about on a Saturday night, Ambrosia's eclectic menu of both caffeinated and alcoholic choices brought in a nice array of traffic. Aside from affordable downtown prices for a glass of Cabernet, the most pleasant surprise was a live acoustic set in a corner of the place by local singer-songwriter Brandon Clark. (Big ups for a well-done blue-eyed soul rendition of Bill Withers' "Use Me".)