Despite its location at the scruffy lower end of Newbury Street, Sonsie lures highbrow Euro sophisticates and too-cool-for-school prepsters on a regular basis. (It also attracts stars like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who stop by when they’re in town.) The food’s not bad, either, but make no mistake: People come for the scene. Shoppers crowd the window-front café tables, which look out over Newbury Street, to nosh on crispy, focaccia pizzas and spicy Cubano sandwiches; the everpopular brunch is the perfect opportunity to people-watch at a leisurely pace. The dinner menu offers something for everyone (including gals who want to maintain their size-zero physique). The wok-seared salmon with coconut green curry and purple sticky rice is tasty, and a side of deep-fried smoked onion rings will have you rethinking the benefits of fried food. A swank little wine bar with a dozen tables has opened downstairs, and is a solid low-lit option for scenesters who need a little time off.

Sonsie Information:

• International menu. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night, Saturday-Sunday brunch.