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Saturday, August 23, 2025

COFFEE BEANS & BEINGS / CAFE FOR ALL SEASONS

 


If you're the kind of traveler who believes a good cup of coffee should come with ambiance and a whisper of magic, Bonjour Café in Chișinău, Moldova is a must. Amid an urban forest on a pedestrian boulevard, this pint-sized outdoor kiosk might just be the coziest spot in town—no matter what season it is. 

At first glance, Bonjour Café looks like the set of a charming European film. The café is essentially a compact wooden kiosk with pastel shutters, surrounded by rows of folding chairs and flower-box tables. But what makes this place extraordinary isn’t its size—it’s its personality. 

Autumn nights at Bonjour come alive under strings of fairy lights, the kind that make your coffee taste a little warmer. You’ll see couples leaning in close, maybe over a croissant or mulled wine, while light jazz hums from a hidden speaker. 


Come winter, Bonjour transforms into a snow globe scene. Blankets of snow cover the wooden chairs, yet the café remains open, still glowing golden from within. Patrons line up under umbrellas and string lights, clutching hot drinks that steam against the cold. A life-sized teddy bear wrapped in a red scarf sometimes “keeps watch” at one of the tables—quirky, yes, but it adds a sense of whimsy that’s hard to forget. 


Spring and summer bring laughter, open shutters, and fresh-cut flowers in tiny jars. You’ll find tourists and locals alike perched outdoors, catching the breeze with a pastry and espresso, or photographing the café’s playful candy-cane decorations left over from winter, which somehow don’t feel out of place. 

The menu, while simple, does the basics right. Quality espresso drinks, flaky pastries, and in colder months, a soul-saving hot chocolate that’s better than it needs to be. 

If you’re lucky, there’s a seasonal special on offer—lavender lattes in the spring or spiced cider when the cold creeps in. 


Bonjour Café is a place to linger. Whether you're people-watching on a sunny afternoon or warming your hands by a paper cup in the snow, it feels like the café knows exactly what the day needs—and quietly provides it. 


In a city that’s changing fast, Bonjour Café has the rare gift of feeling timeless. A café for all seasons indeed. Located near the central pedestrian walkway, just off Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt. The café kiosk sits adjacent to the park entrance and is surrounded by trees, string lights, and seasonal outdoor seating. Easy walking distance from the National Opera House and City Hall. 



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