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.

I do love a good bakery, but they are quite hard to come by. I'm not talking your typical chicken…read moreroll with too much tomato, or soggy mince pies - I'm talking real quality baked goods. La Tropezienne is still relatively new, but it has certainly made a place for itself. It is a lovely little French bakery right in the middle of Takapuna. And with the abundance of Asian food outlets, it is a welcome change. A friend and I popped in here recently after driving past it numerous times and saying 'we should go in there.' It really is very French. With the cute little tables and wooden décor, and not to mention the very French staff, before you even taste the food you feel transported. There are very traditional French cabinet foods, baguette sandwiches, small rolls, sweets, and fresh bread. There is also great coffee. You can sit and eat there or take the food down to the beautiful Takapuna beach just 2 minutes walk away. The baguette rolls that we had were so delicious - just simple ingredients done really well. I will definitely be back.

Cute bakery that has made itself a destination nestled into a quiet side street. The large space…read morehas a walk-in counter, a place for seating as well as a large kitchen area. We ordered a cake for my daughter's 5th birthday the same day. Ordered at 8am, was supposed to be ready at 5pm. When I arrived they admitted they had completely forgotten about it! They charged half price and delivered to our house which was appreciated given the circumstances. Not ideal as we weren't able to enjoy the awesome look of cake for that long before doing the candles, cutting and getting to bed. The cake itself was awesome with chocolate ganache and piled high with berries on the top. Would go again as long as forgetting orders isn't a regular thing.

This quaint cafe, located in an otherwise quiet residential street of Takapuna/Belmont, is always…read morebusy and as soon as you see the cabinet it is not hard to see why. Beautifully presented and devilishly decadent cakes, pies, tarts and donuts line the shelves just waiting to be devoured. Order at the counter, grab your plastic zoo animal, which serves as your table number, and pull up a pew at the communal table. Trust me, the food tastes every bit as good as it looks!

Milford, look at you! Yet another city-side eatery has opened up shop on the Shore and I couldn't…read morebe more excited. Bread & Butter are well-known for their authentic European-style breads and drool-worthy cabinet goodies but they also have a full breakfast and lunch menu. I went recently for lunch and was impressed with the diversity, from French toast to salad to fish tacos! I opted for their quinoa and haloumi salad and added chicken. It arrived prompty and was a generous serving. No skimping on the haloumi - BIG tick! As for the rest of the salad it was lovely and fresh but there wasn't much quinoa. I also wish they'd roasted the beetroot rather than boiled it but really, these are minor issues. The service was friendly and efficient, despite how busy they were. It's a big space and I think they're nailing it considering they just opened. Looking forward to heading back and sinking my teeth into some of their baked delights!

Super impressed with yet another quality cafe opening on my side of the bridge. Right in the main…read morestrip of Milford and popular with the locals right from the get go. All their signature loaves for taking home and a tempting array of sweet things to choose from. This Bread and Butter Bakery has that same quirky styling, with oversized eggbeater light shades and an eclectic wall of baking pans, artfully arranged. There's lots of seating inside and a few spots on the footpath outside. I was tempted by the individual beetroot and chocolate cakes in the cabinet, but opted for a menu item instead, settling on the fish tacos. They were freshly prepared and presented in soft homemade tortillas. They were good, but maybe a little pricey at $18.50.

Recommend by a friend who is from Switzerland so tried this one the first time. Apparently it's…read morebeen there for over 20 years. I bought cookies this time they look very delicious to me. And they tasted even better. It's different from other bakeries. It's not too sweet and looks very artisan. Love it will definitely come back to try other stuffs.

The Swiss Bakery has been a favourite amongst locals for 20 years. Run by a friendly Husband and…read moreWife team it serves an utterly delicious range of sandwiches, breads, cakes and chocolates AND I've been told they do a mean brunch. Being a local myself I have several wonderful food memories from this place. When I was growing up Dad and I used to stop in every Sat morning after netball to devour one (ok sometimes two) of their ham and cheese croissants and on weekdays I would often be late/disorganized just so that we would HAVE TO pick up one of their filled French sticks for school lunch. To this day, I love The Swiss Bakery and if it weren't for my 'real' job and slowing metabolism I'd be here every day of the week. Pop into The Swiss Bakery for afternoon tea and make sure you order a coffee - it comes with a wee heart shaped shortbread on the side...how sweet!

What makes this bakery so special for me is not just that they give a free muffin or other bakery…read moredelight away with your morning coffee ..but above all the service. Quick and done with a smile on their face. Plus the cappuccino I have is very good , the sausage rolls are tasty and as are some of the other sweet baked delights on offer. The place is clean, has a good selection, price is not bad and I saw they have a very near perfect A grade from the powers that be. Highly recommend for your morning coffee, pie, sweet indulgence and with very good service.