Best French restaurants in Auckland city centre

We've rounded up the best French restaurants Auckland city centre has to offer that will give you a little slice of France as soon as you step through the door. From a delicate pain au chocolat to a decadent cheese fondue, escargots de Bourgogne to a croque monsieur there’s something for all tastebuds. Come take a trip.

Image credit Josh Griggs

By the waterside | Origine | Commercial Bay

Origine (pronounced "Ori-gene") is  a gorgeous bistro-style eatery that creates classic French regional recipes with the freshest and best ingredients from New Zealand. Diners can enjoy confit duck, French onion soup, soufflé and more in an elegantly relaxed atmosphere.

For a charming Parisian haven | Paname Social | 3 Lorne Street

Taking its name from a local nickname for Paris, this all-day establishment can take you from coffee and croissants to cocktails and charcuterie platters. Their food menu is described as French-inspired and includes nods to North African and Turkish cuisine.

For delicious pastries and desserts | La Petite Fourchette | 85 Daldy Street

Inspired by the  Boulangerie-Pâtisserie that you can find on every street corner in any town in France, La Petite Fourchette offers a wide range of both savoury and sweet delicacies. We particularly love their sweet tarts, gâteaux and pastries. Make sure to try Le Finger Choc (made with a chocolate mousse, dulcey crémeux and praline croustillant⁠) it’s a crowd-favourite.

For fine dining by the water | La Marée | 21 Viaduct Harbour 

Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Marc de Passorio,  La Marée is nestled in the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour. Chef Marc collaborates with Kiwi MasterChef winner Tim Read, offering a menu that combines the best of New Zealand seafood and produce with French culinary techniques. 

For authentic and classic French dishes | Le Chef | 13 O'Connell Street

Heading into Le Chef feels like heading into your neighbourhood local, with warm attentive service and comforting French classics. Our favourite is the Fondue Savoyarde (Comte, Emmental & Beaufort, garlic & white wine). One bite makes you feel like you’re in Paris.

For friendly service and authentic dishes | Wander | 2 Madden Street 

Wander is an all-day eatery open 7 days a week. It’s all stunning French fare, however their brunch is particularly decadent. Think croissants with yuzu jam and butter, oeufs à la coque (boiled eggs) with cured salmon gravlax, crème fraîche and polenta soldiers, chicken cordon bleu and house-smoked Trevally rillettes and steak frittes.

For freshly baked baguettes | Baguette & Co | Level 1 of the PWC building

Because why mess with a classic? These freshly baked baguettes are filled with generous portions of French cheeses and Mediterranean charcuterie. Try the Piaf (ham, Brie Coeur De Lion & fig paste), Le Coq (free range roast chicken, Tuscan herbs, Parmesan cheese and cos lettuce) or the Marcel (Pork Rillettes L'authentique, gherkins & Dijon mustard).