The French Cafe

Some would say we eat out far too much. Well most probably, but in the 1,000’s of Restaurant meals over the years few stand out in our memory. My last meal at The French Cafe would be one of the most memorable in a long eating career. The 10 course tasting menu which takes the best part of 3 hours demonstrates what fine dining can be. The dishes were delicious, thoughtful, innovative and beautiful and with 10 of them seemingly un ending. The service and explanation of the meals exceptional it’s everything fine dining should be. The price divided by the courses represents ridiculous value for money. Burger joints charge more. 10 courses is not for the faint hearted (in fact the waiter gave me a pat on the back for finishing) but if your looking for a fine dining experience or what is good around here in Auckland then this is the place you should come.

Everything you hear about this place is true. The food and service is faultless and it’s not stuffy - despite its fancy reputation. You get just the right amount of attention from start to finish. Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. Perfect for special occasions. I can’t wait to go back and try the duck signature dish (after seeing Simon Wright make it on Masterchef). And the only restaurant I have found that serves my favorite aperitif - Rin quin quin on ice!

Forty years is a long time to be married, so when it came to celebrating the in laws ruby wedding anniversary it was only fitting we went to one of the city's fine dining institutions - the French Cafe. My last visit there some years ago, left me salivating for weeks over their foie gras parfait and marvelling at the seamless service, so I entered the restaurant with high expectations of another memorable night. The French Cafe offer several different menu options: either a 6 or 10 course tasting menu, which can be ordered with matching wines, or an a la carte menu, which our party opted for. The meal started with an Amuse-bouche of pumpkin soup and fried goats cheese balls - A perfect way to start the meal. On to the meal proper I started with the Carpaccio of Grass Fed Wagyu with parmesan, artichokes and truffle jelly. This was probably the least successful dish of the meal as the beef was overpowered by the other ingredients. Next up, the Marinated Kingfish with spanner crab, avocado, pink grapefruit and gazpacho sorbet. The combination of kingfish, crab and avocado was wonderfully set of by the acidic grapefruit and sorbet.   The main course was Caramelised Pork Belly with seared scallops, celeriac cream, black pudding crumbs and apple. Perfectly cooked scallops were matched by melt in you mouth pork belly. We ordered some sides to share but honestly I wouldn't bother - With four courses there they were unneeded and didn't add anything to the meals. Dessert was a toss up between Vacherin of Figs or the Chocolate Fondant. I went with the Fondant and it didn't disappoint. Lovely cake on the outside with gooey warm chocolate on the outside. A perfect way to end the meal. The overall service was once again outstanding. This is truly one of the best restaurants in Auckland and a perfect setting for a special night out.

Hands down, best restaurant in Auckland. Superior service. I need to book in here again soon.

Best fine dining experience in Auckland, level to only The Grove. The French Cafe has 10 course vegetarian degustation menu which is great/rare