We ventured to French Cafe as a group of 10 for a celebration. On the negative side - French Cafe is not especially private or cosy, the prices are very high, and some prices are just not given/offered - eg non alcoholic drinksBut, on the bright side - the food was amazing, we had the 6 course meal and I couldn't eat it all - but tried very hard! The service was awesome, our main waiter was consistent, helpful and suggested menu changes for the pregnant, allergic and fussy among us - menu changes which were yummy, easily adapted and generous. I would return to French Cafe for another event - but really feel like i've been there now and can tick it off my list.

So many people rave about the French Cafe. My partner took me there for my birthday. It was one of the best culinary experiences in NZ. The dishes are sophisticated and delicious, and, most importantly, it is easy to upsize your starter and downsize your main, so they are flexible as well. Just one little thing - open space dining room was not exactly my cup of tea. If you are looking for something really romantic, it is better to either ask for a table in the second dining room or go somewhere else. But if you are into vibrant places, French Cafe will be perfect. Highly recommend and will definitely be back.

I'm sure the French Cafe is good. I really am. I've heard some very well fed foodies go on about it. And most of them good cooks too. But.... We did the gustation menu a few weeks ago and it was a shocker. I'm not a big fan of tasting menus i admit. Too much foam, not enough substance. They are, therefore designed to generate taste. There wasn't much of it going around that night. What really broke my heart was the bad wine. I would go back but not until they change the cold drab decor. French??? If you like tasting menus go to Meredith's.

Last year finally I made it to French Cafe. I always wanted to try Tasting menu... I could hardly move after that....Next time, I'd rather have two course meal and leave the place just satisfied.. I eat a lot but it was too much... but worth trying!!!I wish there were more warm dishes than cold dishes in tasting menu and not everything so sweet.... I prefer savory flavour than sweet and I wasn't fully satisfied with wine matching but Just my own opinion... some people might say they were totally matched with food....Over all I highly recommend!!!

I've heard how hard it is to book the French Cafe - supposedly you have to book 3 months in advance - specially at xmas. I walked in one afternoon and booked for 3 weeks later (mid dec). This place is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. The service is the right level of attentiveness and invisibility. We were given an Amuse bouche of Asparagus Soup and prawn balls to start: incredibly tasty. We then had Squid and Lamb Pate for starters - again the most amazing taste and texture. The mains (bluenose and steak) were similarly mind-blowing with their flavour combinations and amazing presentation. We finished off with a chocolate trio which had a wide range of deep flavours including, our favourite, orange chocolate.

There is no doubt about it, the French Cafe IS Auckland's best restaurant - I went there last Friday and was again totally blown away by the level of service (fast, efficient, explained everything on the menu without patronising you) and the food was exceptional. Most definitely recommended!

So now you know, if you visit Auckland, don’t forget to reserve (at least two weeks in advance) for a great dinner.

"The French Café" — In the fashionable shop fronts of Auckland’s upper Symonds Street, opaque glass windows conceal the promise of the epicurean experience that awaits you.
The best tables of the restaurant are on the first floor, in the long room, especially the last two ones in the room for a "tête-à-tête" dinner. For a party of four or six you can ask that the two tables be joined. If you don’t like the plush banquette rooms, the back room that is light, airy and busy can be your other choice.
If you don’t like a lengthy meal, please ask your waiter or the Maitre D’ for it. If not, it's customary to wait around 20 to 25 minutes between each course.

In 2005 & 2006, I tried different dishes from the menu. This year, my choice was the "Tasting Menu" — priced at around NZ$ 100.00 A very interesting experience, so you have the possibility to sample the best on the menu— although, it's true that for chef Simon Wright's cooking is almost impossible to fault. "Some people never experience tastes as good as Wright's cooking at any other time in their lifetime."
And I love the service – friendly, comfortable and constant. It’s typical of the attention to detail at The French Café by the dedicated owners, Creghan and her chef husband Simon Wright.

The French Cafe is one of Auckland's best restaurants and deservedly so. The service is faultless, the food fabulous and fresh. The whole experience was well worth every hard earnt penny because you do need a few to dine there!!