If the closest you get to France is pronouncing croissants 'cwassonts' then I think you need to get…read moredown to La Tropezienne ASAP. As my partner works in Takapuna, there's nothing I like better than making my way down to this little French inspired eatery early in the morning and grabbing some delicious noms to takeaway and head down to eat it on Takapuna Beach. I usually get the brioche crunch and end up with the icing sugar absolutely ALL over myself! It's pretty decadent but I tell myself it's fine, for a treat anyway! They have lots of offerings in the cabinet from filled rolls to little tartlets, and offer coffees and things as well. Make sure to grab some plain croissants on your way out, they are awesome as is, and I particularly like to fill them with lots of yummies myself for work lunches.

Really good customer service. As a French native it's really pleasant to find a little piece of…read morehome in Takapuna. Coffees are excellent and the food is delicious. I highly recommend it!

Another new business in Takapuna, accessed from the alleyway running alongside the carpark by…read moreBerkeley Cinema. Handmade chocolates and packaged gift baskets along with a counter of cakes and coffee. For the late night chocoholics there's a blackboard menu of desserts on offer and they're open til 10pm most nights, great for after a movie.

We ordered from the menu the hot chocolate, brownie and chocolate pudding. The presentation, the…read moreflavours and everything that was also included on the plaster was absol4delicious. You get given a scoop of ice cream with each plates and raspberry sauce too to counteract the sweetness. It cost $30 or $32. It might sound pricey but the sizes are big and once again everything is just delicious. I'll go again and definitely recommend the place to everyone.

Crusty Bakery isn't a fancy place, but they do a great job of making simple delicious bakery food…read more If you're wanting a freshly made pie next time you're in Takapuna I recommend popping in and checking it out. Like many of the independent bakeries in Auckland these days, the owners of Crusty are Cambodian. They are friendly, diligent and eager to give great service and delicious. Having visited Cambodia I always like having a chat to them about home. Although I'm not a big eater of breads and cakes etc. Supporting local businesses like Crusty is the perfect excuse to have the odd steak and cheese or butter chicken pie. Get amongst it!

This is hands down the best beverage I've ever had, and it's a taste I'll never forget. It's…read morerefreshing, flavorful, and crafted with so much care that you can tell it's made with quality ingredients. Add in the super romantic atmosphere--soft hues, comfortable seating, and a serene energy that wraps around you--and it's more than just a drink; it's a memory I'll hold onto. I'll absolutely be back again and again. Good service.

I have not been for a visit to Killarney Park in many months, so my very recent find of this lovely…read morelittle quaint french cafe was a treat I am very thankful for. I arrived on a quite dismal day and was not sure if they were open, but alas they were hooray! A few people were leaving as we arrived with takeaway coffees, and inside two tables of happy diners were chatting away. The music charmed us in with its frenchness, and the friendly waitress asked us to take a seat along the exposed brick wall in the charming eatery. With high exposed wooden ceilings, I could sense that this was perhaps part of the Pumphouse administration before they changed it into a cafe. The food cabinet although a little empty had some treats such as macaroons, and mini florentines, and also a solo fish pie with delicious french pastry, which my dad enjoyed. From his remarks whilst eating it, he stated that he had eaten in cafes in Paris and this pie was up to scratch, so good to know!! They have a lovely variety of savoury and sweet crepes, and my choice this visit was the Catherine Deneuve a crepe with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Stunningly scrumptious, very filling, and decorated stylishly. The waitress also mentioned that if my toddler needed it, they could make him a kids sized crepe. I am sure that when the Pumphouse which is directly next door has a show on, this cafe would be quite a spot to order a pre or post show coffee and bite to eat. Parking can also be accessed by turning off Killarney street towards the Pumphouse theatre sign, and this will bring you closest to the cafe. Such a peaceful spot, I love the surrounding Lake Pupuke.

If you are after an ice cream experience to blow your mind, then you have found the place where…read moredreams come true and unicorns really do exist. Being a newly converted Movenpick aficionado, I have tried nearly all the flavours, the mint chocolate and caramelita being my favourites by far, especially having the latter smothered in caramel sauce and nuts! There are hot desserts available too. I have tried many sticky date puddings in my time and I would have to say the one here is by far one of the best I have ever tried. What sets this store apart though is the service, the manager David is always on hand for a smile and a chat and really knows his stuff. When I was last in I saw a little girl drop her ice cream cone outside on the hot concrete, and David quickly scooped her up another one on the house. It is definately staff doing little things like that, that are truly impressive!

Hmmmmm, I think I've been spoilt by a certain ice cream place in upper Queen Street. I can remember…read morebeing more than happy with a scoop of Movenpick, but now I want drama and all the trimmings. I have to pay extra for toppings? No way, at $6.20 a plain, unadorned scoop, I'm already in too deep.