About Us

— a truly sophisticated dining experience —

The French Café is a partnership between husband and wife team Creghan Molloy Wright, Restaurant Manager, and Simon Wright, Executive Chef. They are assisted by Matthew Aitchison, Maitre ‘d and Alex Strobach, Head Chef.

Creghan’s warm, attentive and professional service blends her years of knowledge and natural hospitality. Her experienced staff are there to assist you with your food and wine choices and guide you through your dining experience. The cellar concentrates on premium wines from New Zealand, France and Australia. 

Simon has trained in Europe’s top hotels and Michelin Star restaurants. His modern french food combines classical cuisine with a contemporary approach to ingredients and technique. The flavours are clean, precise and intense with an emphasis on fresh local product and seasonality. The restaurant offers a chef’s tasting, a six course tasting, as well as an a la carte menu which is designed to be enjoyed in four courses.

The restaurant is separated into three areas with a seating capacity of up to 80 people. There is a relaxed bar for pre and post dinner drinks, conservatory room overlooking the courtyard and courtyard dining in the warmer months. Distinct dining areas are available for group bookings offering privacy, comfort and alfresco dining.

The French Café has consistently been awarded for the fine dining experience that it so outstandingly offers.

chef’s tasting menu

— 10 courses —

WARM MUSHROOM VICHYSSOISE
porcini custard, toasted brioche, hazelnut, truffle butter

SUGAR CURED SALMON
poached lobster, avocado, pickled radish, soy jelly, ginger dressing

CHICKEN LIVER PARFAIT
crisp nougatine, pear relish, apple caramel

SPANNER CRAB AND PEARL BARLEY RISOTTO
crispy soft shell crab, tomato, chilli oil, shaved fennel

CARAMELISED PORK BELLY
seared scallop, cauliflower puree, black pudding crumbs

ROASTED FRENCH GOATS CHEESE
caramelised onion and beetroot tart, red wine syrup

SEARED DUCK BREAST
sweet spices, young spinach, kumara mash, jus of oranges
or
LAMB LOIN 'SOUS VIDE'
morel musroom croquettes, leeks, pancetta, artichoke cream

VERJUS GRANITA
lychee jelly, white grapes, freeze dried lychee

CRÈME CARAMEL
toffee pear, pear sorbet

CHOCOLATE FUDGE SUNDAE
croissant ice cream, vanilla foam

 

—140

Matching Wines
—85

The 10 course tasting menu is designed to be enjoyed by the whole table.
Thank you. Prices include GST.

Tasting Menu

— 6 courses —

AMUSE BOUCHE

SUGAR CURED SALMON
poached lobster, avocado, pickled radish, soy jelly, ginger dressing

SPANNER CRAB AND PEARL BARLEY RISOTTO
crispy soft shell crab, tomato, chilli oil, shaved fennel

ROASTED FRENCH GOATS CHEESE
caramelised onion and beetroot tart, red wine syrup

SEARED DUCK BREAST
sweet spices, young spinach, kumara mash, jus of oranges

or

FRESH MARKET FISH
cauliflower cream, butter-poached crayfish, asparagus, nasturtium

RHUBARD AND CHAMPAGNE GRANITA
white chocolate cream, crushed strawberries, raspberry meringue

APPLE CRUMBLE SOUFFLE
apple feijoa compote, butterscotch, feijoa sorbet, walnut praline

 

—100

Matching Wines
—60

The 6 course tasting menu is designed to be enjoyed by the whole table. Thank you. Prices include GST.

A La Carte

— winter —

First

WARM MUSHROOM VICHYSSOISE
porcini custard, toasted brioche, hazelnut, truffle butter   14

SEARED SCALLOP
cauliflower cheese, smoked bacon, basil   14

POPCORN PRAWNS  
spiced salt, chilli aioli, pickled cucumber, lime   14

CHICKEN LIVER PARFAIT
nougatine cannelloni, pear relish, apple caramel   14

WARM TE MATUKU OYSTERS
spinach watercress cream, lemon sabayon, tobiko  14

 

Second

ROASTED FRENCH GOATS CHEESE
caramelised onion, fig and beetroot tart, red wine syrup   26

SPANNER CRAB AND PEARL BARLEY RISOTTO
crispy soft shell crab, tomato, chilli oil, shaved fennel, jus of crab    26

TEA-SMOKED QUAIL BREAST
chestnut cream, quail tortellini, wild mushrooms, truffle veloute    26

SUGAR CURED SALMON
poached lobster, avocado, pickled radish, soy jelly, ginger dressing   26

TWICE BAKED CELERIAC AND GRUYERE CHEESE SOUFFLE
apple, walnut and bitter endive salad, white onion soubise    26

 

Third

LAMB LOIN ‘SOUS VIDE’
morel mushroom croquettes, leeks, artichoke cream, pancetta, black truffle   42

CRISPY ROAST DUCKLING
sweet spices, asian greens, mandarin puree, kumara mash, jus of oranges   42

300 DAY GRAIN-FED BEEF FILLET
braised wagyu short rib, carrof confit, horseradish mash, shallots, red wine   42

FRESH MARKET FISH
cauliflower cream, butter-poached crayfish, asparagus, orange, nasturtium   42  

FIRST LIGHT VENISON LOIN
spiced cherries, celeriac puree, fennel, black olives, crispy pot   42

BUTTERNUT PUMPKIN, LEMON AND MASCARPONE RAVIOLI
caramelised artichokes, sweet tomato, cavalo nero, gingerbread butter   36

 

HAND CUT FRENCH FRIES, maldon salt   8

SALAD LEAVES, apple, hazelnuts, verjus   10

STEAMED VEGETABLES, lemon oil   10

 

Fourth

A SELECTION OF FRENCH CHEESES

quince paste, crostini, rosemary crackers

individual cheese   10
 

APPLE CRUMBLE SOUFFLE

apple feijoa compote, butterscotch, feijoa sorbet, walnut praline   19

DECONSTRUCTED BLACK FOREST CHEESECAKE
frozen chocolate, marinated blackberries, cherry sorbet, kirsch foam   19

VALRHONA CHOCOLATE DELICE

chocolate mousse, butter caramel, orange jelly, bitter chocolate sorbet   19

VANILLA CREME BRULEE
caramelised pears, vanilla jus, pear sorbet, crisp pear wafers   19

BAKED MEYER LEMON TART
blueberries, candied lemon, Italian meringue, cassis sorbet   22


HAND MADE CHOCOLATES

orange, rosemary, passionfruit sorbet, caramel   14


THE FRENCH CAFE COOK BOOK   100

Set Menu

Canapes

-

Fresh bread

-

First

ROASTED FRENCH GOATS CHEESE
caramelised onion, fig and beetroot tart, red wine syrup 

SLOW COOKED QUAIL TORTELLINI
chestnut cream,  sprout leaves, wild mushrooms, truffle veloute

SUGAR CURED SALMON
poached lobster, avocado, pickled radish, soy jelly, ginger dressing

-

Second

LAMB LOIN 'SOUS VIDE'
morel mushroom croquettes, leeks, artichoke cream, pancetta, black truffle         

CRISPY ROAST DUCKLING
sweet spices, asian greens, mandarin puree, kumara mash, jus of oranges

FRESH MARKET FISH
cauliflower cream, butter-poached crayfish, asparagus, orange, nasturtium  

-

Third

APPLE CRUMBLE SOUFFLE
apple feijoa compote, butterscotch, feijoa sorbet, walnut praline

VALRHONA CHOCOLATE DELICE
chocolate mousse, butter caramel, orange jelly, bitter chocolate sorbet  

VANILLA CREME BRULEE
caramelised pears, vanilla jus, pear sorbet, crisp pear wafers 

 

—100 per person

—110 per person with canapés

The set menu is available for group reservations over 15 people. Prices include GST.

Vegetarian

— 6 course tasting menu —

SALAD OF MARINATED VEGETABLES
almond cream, candied lemon, spiced seeds

NEW SEASON ASPARAGUS
egg yolk ravioli, spinach cream, mushroom foam

PEA, SPINACH AND RICOTTA TORTELLINI
warm ratatouille dressing, basil pesto

ROASTED FRENCH GOATS CHEESE
caramelised onion, beetroot and fig tart, red wine syrup

POTATO AND PARMESAN GNOCCHI
jerusalem artichoke puree, wild mushrooms, chestnuts, black truffle butter, crème forestiere

GREEN APPLE SORBET
apple compote, butterscotch, pain d’epices

RASPBERRY SOUFFLE TART
raspberry, strawberry and rhubarb salad, white chocolate sorbet, pistachio praline

—100

Matching Wines
—60

The vegetarian menu is created daily and subject to change. Prices include GST.

Wine

Wines by the Glass

    
FRANCE    
NV LAURENT PERRIER BRUT CHAMPAGNE 26
NEW ZEALAND    
NV NO 1 FAMILY ESTATE CUVEE BRUT METHODE CHAMPENOISE MARLBOROUGH 16
       

White Wines

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2009 WAITIRI CREEK PINOT GRIS CENTRAL OTAGO 15
2008 CHURTON SAUVIGNON BLANC MARLBOROUGH 13
2008 PEGASUS BAY SAUVIGNON SEMILLON WAIPARA 14
2009 CABLE BAY VIOGNIER WAIHEKE ISLAND 17
2009 CARRICK JOSEPHINE RIESLING CENTRAL OTAGO 14
2004 JOHN FORREST COLLECTION CHARDONNAY MARLBOROUGH 16
2008 CRAGGY RANGE KIDNAPPERS CHARDONNAY HAWKES BAY 13
FRANCE    
2004 DOMAINE WILLM GRAND CRU HENGST GEWURZTRAMINER ALSACE 16
2007 DOMAINE SCHLUMBERGER PINOT GRIS                            ALSACE 15
2008 DOMAINE WILLM RESERVE RIESLING ALSACE 14
2007 DOMAINE VIEUX PRECHE SANCERRE LOIRE VALLEY 16
2008 DOMAINE FERRATON ET FILS LA MATINIERE    
  CROZES HERMITAGE BLANC MARSANNE RHONE VALLEY 16
2008 CHAMPALOU VOUVRAY LOIRE VALLEY 15
2007 DOMAINE PINSON CHABLIS 17
2007 VINCENT GIRARDIN CUVEE SAINT VINCENT BLANC BURGUNDY 16
       
ROSE    
FRANCE    
2008 MOURGUES DU GRES SOUTH FRANCE  13
       

Red Wines

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2008 NEUDORF TOM’S BLOCK PINOT NOIR NELSON 14
2007 PISA RANGE BLACK POPLAR PINOT NOIR CENTRAL OTAGO 18
2005 PEGASUS BAY MERLOT CABERNET WAIPARA 14
2007 BILANCIA SYRAH VIOGNIER HAWKES BAY 14
AUSTRALIA    
2007 HENSCHKE HENRYS SEVEN SHIRAZ GRENACHE BAROSSA 19
FRANCE    
2007 VINCENT GIRARDIN BOURGOGNE ROUGE BURGUNDY 18
2007 CHATEAU VIEUX ST ANDRE MONTAGNE ST EMILION 18
2007 BEAURENARD RASTEAU RHONE 17
       

Dessert Wines

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2008 ATA RANGI KAHU BOTRYTIS RIESLING MARTINBOROUGH 20
2008/09 FROMM LATE HARVEST GEWURZTRAMINER MARLBOROUGH 16
AUSTRALIA    
2007 COOKOOTHAMA BOTRYTIS SEMILLON RIVERINA 17
FRANCE    
NV DOMAINE DU MAS BLANC BANYULS ROUSSILLON 16
2007 M. CHAPOUTIER MUSCAT DE BEAUMES DE VENISE   18
2007 CHATEAU BELINGARD MONBAZILLAC SOUTH WEST FRANCE 12
2007 CHATEAU VILLEFRANCHE SAUTERNES   16
2007 BAUMARD COTEAUX  DU LAYON LOIRE VALLEY 15
       

Champagne

    
FRANCE    
NV LAURENT PERRIER BRUT CHAMPAGNE 150
1999 LAURENT PERRIER BRUT MILLESIME CHAMPAGNE 180
NV LAURENT PERRIER GRAND SIECLE CHAMPAGNE 395
1997 LAURENT PERRIER ALEXANDRA ROSE CHAMPAGNE 600
NV LAURENT PERRIER DEMI SEC (375ML) CHAMPAGNE 80
NV LAURENT PERRIER CUVEE ROSE BRUT CHAMPAGNE 250
NV BILLECART-SALMON BRUT RESERVE CHAMPAGNE 155
1998 BILLECART-SALMON BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE 350
NV GOSSET GRANDE RESERVE CHAMPAGNE 150
1998 VEUVE CLIQUOT GRANDE  DAME CHAMPAGNE 380
2000 DOM PERIGNON CHAMPAGNE 400
2002 PERRIER-JOUET BELLE EPOQUE ROSE CHAMPAGNE 550
1999 PERRIER-JOUET BELLE EPOQUE CHAMPAGNE 350
1996 PERRIER-JOUET BELLE EPOQUE CHAMPAGNE 550
1995 BOIZEL JOYAU DE FRANCE MILLESIME CHAMPAGNE 380
1998 PALMES D’OR BRUT VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE 390
       

Methode Champenoise

    
NEW ZEALAND    
NV NO 1 FAMILY ESTATE CUVEE BRUT MARLBOROUGH 78
2005 CLOUDY BAY PELORUS MARLBOROUGH 95
NV JANSZ BRUT CUVEE TASMANIA 58
       

Rose

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2009 WOOING TREE CENTRAL OTAGO 50
FRANCE    
2008 MOURGUES DU GRES SOUTH FRANCE 63
       

Pinot Gris

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2009 NEUDORF MOUTERE NELSON 72
2008 HERZOG MARLBOROUGH 92
2009 KUMEU RIVER KUMEU 62
2007 BILANCIA RESERVE HAWKES BAY 68
2009 ATA RANGI LISMORE MARTINBOROUGH 75
2009 LAMONT CENTRAL OTAGO 58
2009 WAITIRI CREEK CENTRAL OTAGO 66
AUSTRALIA    
2005 HENSCHKE LITTLE HAMPTON ADELAIDE HILLS 90
FRANCE    
2007 DOMAINE SCHLUMBERGER ALSACE 70
2004 WILLY GISSELBRECHT GRAND CRU ALSACE 105
       

Viognier

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2009 ELEPHANT HILL HAWKES BAY 56
2009 CABLE BAY WAIHEKE ISLAND 78
2007 HERZOG MARLBOROUGH 100

Muscadet

    
FRANCE      
2007 CHATEAU LA RAGOTIERE SEVRE ET MAINE LOIRE VALLEY 60
       

Grenache Blanc, Marsanne

    
FRANCE      
2008 DOMAINE FERRATON ET FILS LA MATINIERE    
  CROZES HERMITAGE BLANC RHONE VALLEY 75
2007 DOMAINE  ROQUETE    
  CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE RHONE VALLEY 150
       

Gewurztraminer

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2009 LAWSON’S DRY HILLS THE PIONEER MARLBOROUGH 65
2004 VINOPTIMA ORMOND GISBORNE 110
FRANCE      
2004 DOMAINE WILLM GRAND CRU HENGST ALSACE 76
       

Riesling

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2008 VOSS ESTATE MARTINBOROUGH 54
2009 CARRICK JOSEPHINE CENTRAL OTAGO 62
2008 FORREST THE VALLEYS WAIRAU DRY MARLBOROUGH 70
2009 NEUDORF MOUTERE NELSON 68
2007 ESCARPMENT MARTINBOROUGH 52
2006 PYRAMID VALLEY LEBECCA MARLBOROUGH 72
2008 AMISFIELD DRY CENTRAL OTAGO 55
2008 DRY RIVER MARTINBOROUGH 120
AUSTRALIA    
2008 GROSSET POLISH HILL CLARE VALLEY 95
FRANCE    
2008 DOMAINE WILLM RESERVE ALSACE 65
GERMANY    
2004 KERPEN WEHLENER SONNENUHR SPATLESE MOSEL 100
                                                                      

Albarino

    
SPAIN      
2008 MARTIN CODAX RIAS BAIXAS 67
       

Vouvray

    
FRANCE    
2008 CHAMPALOU LOIRE VALLEY 69
1997 PONIATOWSKI AIGLE BLANC MOELLEUX LOIRE VALLEY 90
       

Semillon

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2008 CLEARVIEW RESERVE HAWKES BAY 68
       

Sauvignon Blanc

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2008 CHURTON MARLBOROUGH 55
2008 PEGASUS BAY SAUVIGNON SEMILLON WAIPARA 60
2008 HERZOG SUR LIE MARLBOROUGH 88
2009 MARTINBOROUGH VINEYARDS MARTINBOROUGH 50
2007 MATARIKI RESERVE HAWKES BAY 60
2009 MT BEAUTIFUL CHEVIOT HILLS CANTERBURY 48
2009 SAINT CLAIR WAIRAU RESERVE MARLBOROUGH 70
2006 CLOUDY BAY TE KOKO MARLBOROUGH 100
2009 MAN O’ WAR WAIHEKE ISLAND 58
FRANCE      
2007 DOMAINE VIEUX PRECHE SANCERRE LOIRE VALLEY 78
2008 DOMAINE HENRI BOURGEOIS SANCERRE LOIRE VALLEY 85
       

Chardonnay

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2008 VOSS ESTATE RESERVE MARTINBOROUGH 62
2007 KUMEU RIVER KUMEU 74
2008 MAN O’ WAR WAIHEKE ISLAND 58
2006 FROMM BRANCOTT VALLEY MARLBOROUGH 85
2007 GREENHOUGH HOPE VINEYARD NELSON 68
2006 SLEEPING GIANT HILL BLOCK HAWKES BAY 88
2004 JOHN FORREST COLLECTION MARLBOROUGH 80
2008 CRAGGY RANGE KIDNAPPERS VINEYARD HAWKES BAY 55
2006 HERZOG MARLBOROUGH 110
2008 ATA RANGI PETRIE MARTINBOROUGH 64
2008 FELTON ROAD CENTRAL OTAGO 78
2008 CLEARVIEW RESERVE HAWKES BAY 92
2009 MUDBRICK RESERVE WAIHEKE ISLAND 70
2006 ESCARPMENT KUPE MARTINBOROUGH 115
2006 FOXES ISLAND MARLBOROUGH 82
2006 TIRITIRI GISBORNE 95
2006 BELL HILL WAIPARA 200
2007 CRAGGY RANGE LES BEAUX CAILLOUX HAWKES BAY 135
2008 NEUDORF MOUTERE NELSON 150
AUSTRALIA    
2006 OAKRIDGE ESTATE YARRA VALLEY 66
2007 MOSS WOOD MARGARET RIVER 130
USA      
2007 HDV DE LA GUERRA SONOMA COAST 175
       

White Burgundy

    
FRANCE    
2007 VINCENT GIRARDIN    
  CUVEE SAINT VINCENT BURGUNDY 76
2007 BRET BROTHERS MACON-UCHIZY BURGUNDY 95
2005 VINCENT GIRARDIN PULIGNY-MONTRACHET    
  VIEILLES VIGNES BURGUNDY 189
2007 DOMAINE JEAN-MARC BOILLOT    
  PULIGNY MONTRACHET BURGUNDY 240
2007 DOMAINE PAUL PILLOT CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET    
  LES MAZURES BURGUNDY 164
2005 DOMAINE EMILIAN GILLET QUINTAINE    
  VIRE-CLESSE BURGUNDY 95
2006 DOMAINE BLAIN-GAGNARD    
  CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET BURGUNDY 210
2007 DOMAINE LA SOUFRANDIERE    
  POUILLY-VINZELLES BURGUNDY 120
2006 DOMANE JEAN-CLAUDE BOISSET BURGUNDY 85
2006 DOMAINE CAPITAIN-GAGNEROT    
  LADOIX LES HAUTES MOROTTES BURGUNDY 162
2005 DOMAINE LATOUR-GIRAUD MEURSAULT BURGUNDY 160
2004 DOMAINE ROULOT MEURSAULT    
  LES TESSONS BURGUNDY 250
2007 SAUMAIZE MICHELIN POUILLY FUISSE BURGUNDY 115
2004 JEAN BOILLOT SAVIGNY LES BEAUNE 1ER CRU    
  LES VERGELESSES BURGUNDY 195
1998 BONNEAU DU MARTRAY GRAND CRU BURGUNDY 300
2007 DOMAINE PINSON CHABLIS 85
2007 VINCENT DAUVISSAT CHABLIS 95
2005 DOMAINE LOUIS MICHEL GRAND CRU    
  GRENOUILLES CHABLIS 220
       

Pinot Noir

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2008 NEUDORF TOMS BLOCK NELSON 70
2006 MICHELLE RICHARDSON CENTRAL OTAGO 105
2008 ARA COMPOSITE MARLBOROUGH 58
2005 FOXES ISLAND MARLBOROUGH 85
2008 CARRICK CROWN AND CROSS CENTRAL OTAGO 72
2009 JULICHER 99 ROWS MARTINBOROUGH 68
2007 MUDDY WATER HARES BREATH WAIPARA 125
2006 TIROHANA MARTINBOROUGH    130
2008 PASQUALE HAKATARAMEA CENTRAL OTAGO 98
2007 TE HERA MARTINBOROUGH 75
2006 FROMM CLAYVIN MARLBOROUGH 140
2007 PISA RANGE BLACK POPLAR CENTRAL OTAGO 90
2007 SERESIN SUN AND MOON MARLBOROUGH 250
2008 FELTON ROAD CENTRAL OTAGO 125
2007 HERZOG MARLBOROUGH 120
2005 NEUDORF MOUTERE HOME VINEYARD NELSON 200
2000 MARTINBOROUGH VINEYARDS MARTINBOROUGH 220
2004 BELL HILL OLD WEKA PASS ROAD CANTERBURY 220
2003 BELL HILL OLD WEKA PASS ROAD CANTERBURY 220
2008 ATA RANGI MARTINBOROUGH 160
2006 ATA RANGI MARTINBOROUGH 220
2003 ATA RANGI MARTINBOROUGH 260
1998 ATA RANGI MARTINBOROUGH 280
2000 DRY RIVER MARTINBOROUGH 300
AUSTRALIA    
2004 GIACONDA VICTORIA 225
USA      
2007 CRISTOM VINEYARD MT JEFFERSON OREGON 100
2007 FLOWERS SONOMA COAST NAPA VALLEY 195
       

Red Burgundy

    
FRANCE    
2007 POTEL-AVIRON CRU MORGON BEAUJOLAIS 88
2005 DOMAINE DE L’ARLOT    
  COTES DE NUITS VILLAGES BURGUNDY 130
2005 DOMAINE MONNOT MARANGES 1ER CRU    
  CLOS DE LA BOUTIERE BURGUNDY 115
2005 DOMAINE BLAIN GAGNARD    
  CHASSAGNE MONTRACHET BURGUNDY 190
2003 BERTRAND AMBROISE VOSNE ROMANEE    
  AUX DAMAUDES BURGUNDY 225
2001 DOMAINE DE L’ARLOT NUITS ST GEORGE    
  1ER CRU FORETS BURGUNDY 300
2006 DOMAINE JOBLOT GIVRY 1ER CRU    
  CELLIER AUX MOINES BURGUNDY 130
2007 VINCENT GIRARDIN CUVEE ST VINCENT BURGUNDY 81
2004 MONTILLE BEAUNE 1ER CRU    
  LES PERRIERES BURGUNDY 200
2003 DOMAINE BRUNO CLAVELIER VOSNE-ROMANEE    
  LES HAUTES MAIZIERES BURGUNDY 250
2006 DOMAINE MONGEARD-MUGNERET    
  GRANDS ECHEZEAUX GRAND CRU BURGUNDY 350
1998 BONNEAU DU MATRAY    
  GRAND CRU CORTON BURGUNDY 380
1997 MARQUIS D’ANGERVILLE VOLNAY    
  1ER CRU CHAMPANS BURGUNDY 260
2001 GEORGES DE VOGUE GRAND CRU    
  BONNES MARES BURGUNDY 800
       

Cabernet, Cabernet Predominant Blends

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2008 MUDBRICK WAIHEKE ISLAND 65
2007 ALPHA DOMUS THE AVIATOR HAWKES BAY 93
2005 BRICK BAY PHAROS MATAKANA 75
2007 NEWTON FORREST STONY CORNER HAWKES BAY 55
2005 CLEARVIEW OLD OLIVE BLOCK HAWKES BAY 90
2000 MATARIKI RESERVE HAWKES BAY 98
2007 PARITUA THE RED HAWKES BAY 80
2008 ELEPHANT HILL RESERVE HAWKES BAY 95
2005 DESTINY BAY AEOLUS WAIHEKE ISLAND 95
2008 TE MATA AWATEA HAWKES BAY 78
2007 TE MATA COLERAINE HAWKES BAY 150
1998 TE MATA COLERAINE HAWKES BAY 250
2007 TE WHAU THE POINT WAIHEKE ISLAND 110
2006 NEWTON FORREST CORNERSTONE HAWKES BAY 108
2002 NEWTON FORREST CORNERSTONE HAWKES BAY 108
1999 STONYRIDGE LAROSE WAIHEKE ISLAND 280
1997 STONYRIDGE LAROSE WAIHEKE ISLAND 300
1994 THE ANTIPODEAN MATAKANA 600
1990 THE ANTIPODEAN MATAKANA 400
AUSTRALIA    
2007 KAESLER ESTATE SOUTH AUSTRALIA 78
2006 HOLLICK COONAWARRA 62
2006 VASSE FELIX MARGARET RIVER 80
2005 YALUMBA THE MENZIES COONAWARRA 100
2006 HOWARD PARK LESTON MARGARET RIVER 92
2002 JIM BARRY THE BENBOURNIE CLARE VALLEY 190
2003 PENFOLDS BIN 389 MAGNUM (1.5L) SOUTH AUSTRALIA 240
       

Merlot, Merlot Predominant

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2005 PEGASUS BAY WAIPARA 62
2007 ALLUVIALE HAWKES BAY 70
2008 MAN O WAR WAIHEKE ISLAND 55
2007 CRAGGY RANGE GIMBLETT GRAVELS HAWKES BAY 65
2004 PURIRI HILLS ESTATE CLEVEDON 85
2007 ATA RANGI CELEBRE MARTINBOROUGH 78
2007 TWO GATES OMAHU HAWKES BAY 105
2002 HERZOG SPIRIT OF MARLBOROUGH MARLBOROUGH 120
AUSTRALIA    
2006 MOSS WOOD RIBBON VALE VINEYARD MARGARET RIVER 84
       
BORDEAUX    
FRANCE    
2007 CHATEAU VIEUX ST ANDRE MONTAGNE ST EMILION 84
2005 CHATEAU DU SEUIL GRAVES 98
2005 CHATEAU PETIT BOCQ CRU BOURGEOIS ST ESTEPHE 120
2000 CHATEAU LANESSAN CRU BOURGEOIS MEDOC 220
1998 CHATEAU  GRAND PUY LACOSTE PAUILLAC 250
2000 CHATEAU LEOVILLE BARTON    
  DEUXIEME CRU ST JULIEN 530
1998 CHATEAU CALON SEGUR 3EME CRU ST ESTEPHE 370
2001 CHATEAU FAUGERES GRAND CRU ST EMILION 185
2001 CHATEAU MALESCOT    
  ST EXUPERY 3EME CRU MARGAUX 300
1998 CHATEAU LEOVILLE    
  LAS CASES-2EME CRU ST JULIEN 600
2001 CHATEAU HAUT- BRION    
  1ER CRU CLASSE GRAVES GRAVES 900
2001 CHATEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD PAUILLAC 1200
       

Montepulciano

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2007 HERZOG MARLBOROUGH 140
       

Languedoc

    
FRANCE    
2004 ALQUIER FAUGERES RESERVE    
  LES BASTIDES LANGUEDOC 125
       

Syrah Viognier

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2007 BILANCIA HAWKES BAY 65
AUSTRALIA    
2006 YERING STATION VICTORIA 63
2003 TORBRECK THE DESCENDANT BAROSSA 295
       

Rhone Valley

    
FRANCE    
2007 BEAURENARD RASTEAU RHONE 85
2006 CHAPOUTIER LA BERNARDINE    
  CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE RHONE 130
2006 YANN CHAVE CROZES -HERMITAGE RHONE 110
2006 AUGUSTE CLAPE CORNAS RENAISSANCE RHONE 210
2001 BEAURENARD CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE RHONE 240
2006 DOMAINE LES GRAND BOIS COTES DU RHONE    
  CUVEE PHILIPPINE RHONE 55
2002 JEAN-LOUIS CHAVE HERMITAGE RHONE 450
       

Shiraz, Syrah

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2008 FROMM LA STRADA MARLBOROUGH 75
2007 TINPOT HUT HAWKES BAY 58
2006 THE HAY PADDOCK WAIHEKE ISLAND 130
2008 STONECROFT HAWKES BAY 88
2008 MILLTON CLOS DE ST ANNE GISBORNE 110
2005 PROVIDENCE MATAKANA 195
AUSTRALIA    
2007 WIRRA WIRRA WOODHENGE MCLAREN VALE 68
2006 KILIKANOON GSM CLARE VALLEY 80
2005 GRANT BURGE HOLY TRINITY GSM BAROSSA 90
2006 BREMERTON SELKIRK LANGHORNE CREEK 58
2008 PENFOLDS BIN 138 COONAWARRA 70
2007 JASPER HILL OCCAM’S RAZOR HEATHCOTE 85
2007 HEWITSON NED AND HENRYS SOUTH AUSTRALIA 65
2005 MT LANGI GHIRAN VICTORIA 140
2007 SPINIFEX ESPRIT BAROSSA 90
2005 ST HALLET OLD BLOCK BAROSSA 140
1999 ST HALLET OLD BLOCK BAROSSA 185
1996 ST HALLET OLD BLOCK BAROSSA 185
1995 ST HALLET OLD BLOCK BAROSSA 185
2007 HENSCHKE HENRYS SEVEN BAROSSA 92
2006 HENSCHKE KEYNETON BAROSSA 140
2000 CRAIGLEE VICTORIA 180
      14

Dessert Wines

    
NEW ZEALAND    
2008/09 FROMM LATE HARVEST    
  GEWURZTRAMINER                          MARLBOROUGH 65
2008 KAHURANGI NOBLE    
  CHARDONNAY                                             NELSON 55
2008 ALLUVIALE  ANOBLI BLANC HAWKES BAY 90
2008 DRY RIVER LATE HARVEST    
  RIESLING (750ML)                                       MARTINBOROUGH 145
2008 ATA RANGI KAHU RIESLING       MARTINBOROUGH 78
AUSTRALIA    
NV CAMPBELLS RUTHERGLEN TOKAY              VICTORIA 52
2008 TORBRECK THE BOTHIE MUSCAT               BAROSSA 65
2007 COOKOOTHAMA BOTRYTIS SEMILLON        RIVERINA 65
CANADA    
2006 INNISKILLIN ICE WINE RIESLING                  NIAGARA PENINSULA 265
FRANCE    
NV LAURENT PERRIER DEMI SEC (375ML)       CHAMPAGNE 80
NV DOMAINE DU MAS BLANC BANYULS          ROUSSILLON 60
2007 BAUMARD COTEAUX DU LAYON                 LOIRE VALLEY 50
2007 CHATEAU D’AYDIE PACHERENC SOUTH WEST FRANCE   74
2007 M. CHAPOUTIER    
  MUSCAT BEAUMES DE VENISE RHONE 68
2007 CHATEAU VILLEFRANCHE SAUTERNES BORDEAUX 60
2005 CHATEAU DE FARGUES SAUTERNES BORDEAUX 250
2004 CHATEAU RIEUSSEC  SAUTERNES (750ML) BORDEAUX 360
1991 CHATEAU D ‘YQUEM SAUTERNES (750ML) BORDEAUX 850
1999 CHATEAU D ‘YQUEM SAUTERNES BORDEAUX 400

Reviews & Accolades

— 2010—
CUISINE Restaurant of the Year Awards
Best Smart Dining - Metropolitan Winner
Guest judge Simon Thomsen summed it up: "The French Café could hold its own anywhere in the world. It excelled across the board and I was absolutely wowed by it."
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
Read full review
Awards

Metro Restaurant
of the Year
Runner Up – Best Fine Dining

Dine Out Peoples
Choice Awards
Winner – The French Café 

Lewisham Awards
Outstanding Chef
– Simon Wright

Lewisham Awards
Outstanding Restaurant
– The French Café

Canvas, NZ Herald
Review by Nici Wickes
Would you believe that I first visited the French Cafe more than 25 years ago? My mother had discovered this "new place" in Symonds St. Behind the unassuming shopfront lay a world of food and fashionable people we didn't know existed. Goodness knows where we found the money, but eating there became a bit of a habit for a year or two.
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
Read full review

Gifts

Vouchers

The French Café Vouchers are the perfect gift for loved ones, corporate “thank yous” and staff incentives.

Your voucher can be redeemed for any item (food, beverage or other) at The French Café. Vouchers expire 12 months after date of issue.

 

Order

Cookbook

The French Café Cookbook features more than 80 of our very own recipes, stunning photography by Charlie Smith, and illuminating tales of the blood, sweat, tears and love that goes into running our restaurant.

The recipes range from the very straightforward to the highly ambitious; all have at some stage or another been served at The French Café.

Order

Careers

— Current Opportunities —

Senior Waitperson

We require an experienced full time professional person to join our team.  An excellent opportunity for someone who is wanting to further their career and work with an experienced team of professionals.

Apply

Chef de Partie

The French Cafe is currently looking for a talented individual to fill this position. Please email your CV to apply.

 

Apply

Pastry Chef

The French Cafe is currently looking for a talented individual to fill this position. Please email your CV to apply.

 

Apply

Booking & Contact

Open

Dinner: Tues - Sat
Lunch: Friday

December lunches:
Tues - Fri

Please note The French Café is closed from 31st August, reopening 8th September 2010. And then on 24th December, reopening Tuesday 18th January 2011.

Group bookings & Private functions

At The French Café, we can accommodate for almost all occasions. Our backroom (45 pax), which flows out on to the courtyard, can be used for group bookings or private events any day of the week. The courtyard can be used for pre-dinner drinks, canapés and dining under the canopy in warmer months.  
The entire premises is also available for private functions on Sundays and Mondays.
To discuss your event please call 09 377 1911.

Contact

210 Symonds St
Eden Terrace
Auckland
New Zealand

To make a
reservation, phone:
09 377 1911