210 Symonds Street,
Grafton
Auckland,
1010
(09) 377 1911
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French Cafe
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The French Cafe is simply the best. Stunning food, brilliant service. My partner and I went for our anniversary and were treated to an amazing meal, great wine service and a beautiful evening.
We dine on a regular basis both in Auckland and elsewhere, The French Cafe is the best by far!
I've passed the French Cafe on my way to work (I walk most days) for many many years and always wanted to have a meal there. Finally after all this time I had a lunch there for my 50th birthday....absolutely wonderful experience, food and wine. The French Cafe might have alot of environmental dirt floating around on its busy Symonds Street locale but inside its a little paradise.
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!
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