Mayflower cafe-restaurant docks in Darlinghurst

The good ship Mayflower has set sail in Darlinghurst, impressively bridging the tricky gap between cafe and restaurant.

The juggle of running a cafe during the day that's taken seriously enough to morph into a restaurant at night is a hurdle that has toppled many operators.

Co-owner Kevin Ly cleverly started by hiring a former Momofuku Seiobo chef, Jihwan Choi, then littered his daytime cafe menu with exotic accoutrements such as truffles and caviar.

Customers tuck into caviar off the back of the hand for breakfast and fresh truffle shaved on their scrambled eggs or wedged in their toasted sandwiches for lunch.

Keeley Baird, from Something More Design, has crafted a room of pendant lights, abstract murals and onyx tables.

Ly, who built the Brewristas brand in Glebe and Darlinghurst before the latest pivot, says The Mayflower was inspired by the florist that used to operate in its art deco home on Bourke Street.

But there's also a little bit of the pilgrims' journey to create something new.

We're expecting thanksgiving celebrations later in the year.

Open daily 7am-3.30pm (dinner from late July). Shop 2, 303A Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst