Cou Cou offers Toronto a rare glimpse into Albanian cafe culture.

Owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Luli and Ina Tare, the two take great pride in their heritage and are eager to make sharing at the forefront of their cafe and restaurant.

Greeting you in Cou Cou's window is a gorgeous mason jar of pink juice with rose petals floating on top; "It's the old-fashion way" Ina tells us, referring to their house-made rose syrup.

Prepared for their seasonal summer lemonade ($4), as opposed to heating up quickly on a stove, the rose petals and liquid sugar warm up in the St. Clair sunshine – and you can truly taste the uniqueness in each sip.

What started out several years ago as Ina bringing her math teacher-mother's baked goods into her then-office job quickly blossomed into a popular Instagram page for Luli's stunning cakes.

When Ina discovered an old vacuum store in her own family-oriented Hillcrest neighbourhood was up for rent, the spontaneous opportunity flourished.

From Wednesday to Sunday, Cou Cou (meaning "crazy" in Albanian, a nickname Ina was affectionately given as a child) operates as a lunch time cafe, where you can grab hearty Albanian fare like their Samune Qofte ($10) - aka "Albanian Burger" - featuring traditional savoury beef links and creamy ricotta on a thick, grilled bread.

Come Friday through to Sunday, their hours are extended to dinner where Luli and Ina educate guests on the surprising Italian and Greek inspiration behind Albanian eats.

The stunning bites are fresh and seasonal like their Appetizer Platter, brimming with roasted vegetables and cheesy phyllo-wrapped byrek slices.

Cap the night off with Cou Cou's unique take on a tiramisu ($6), featuring tangy and bright lemon curd, or try an Albanian ice cream sundae ($6) - with ice cream mom Luli hand-churns herself.

Weekend brunch is not to be missed either at the wholesome spot, which Ina decorated to remind her of her childhood home.

Instagram-worthy pancakes ($8), served in tempting flavours such as lavender or Biscoff cookie, can be grabbed while you enjoy the bistro's 'Take a Book, Leave a Book' corner.

Cou Cou Albanian Bistro is located at 988 St. Clair Ave West.