Little French Cafe

Overview

The search for the perfect ham-and-cheese croissant is one we're always undertaking at Concrete Playground, willing to put our bodies on the line for such a quest. Well if you like yours stuffed with the good stuff – plus a creamy bechamel-style sauce — you're going to want to hit up this criminally underrated Mount Albert spot.

The two-man French team behind Point Chevalier's Little French Cafe opened their second cafe last year, taking over the space formerly belonging to long-standing Mount Albert local Pyrénées. Owners Ben Chevré and Matt Betron gave it a much-needed fresh fitout, stocking the cabinet with delicious pastries, desserts, breads, cheeses and more. While the aforementioned savoury croissants stand out, sweet-toothed pastry fans will also be well catered to — the pain au chocolate and croissants are baked fresh each day.

But those popping into this spot for a grab-and-go treat might be unaware there's a stacked a la carte menu which changes every couple of months to prevent any food fatigue — think eggs served on croissant, the 'big Frenchie', burgers, and prawn and potato hash.

The menu shifts with the seasons — you'll also often spot a sign requesting locals drop off their unwanted fruits from trees to create fruit-filled danishes or smoothes. And great news — LFC just received a liquor license, so you can embrace your inner European and enjoy a wine or two with lunch.

Each year the team creates a special series of treats for the festive season and this year is no exception— Chevré has created another festive lineup of delicious (and decadent) French canapés and desserts for this year's. Impress friends and family with the Étoile de Noël — a star-shaped white forest cake made from shortbread, cherry gel and sponge. The best bit? It comes readymade as a stunning Christmas centrepiece meaning all the work is already done.

The teams are also slinging a range of French Christmas treats including macarons, Christmas logs, vol-au-vent, pies and more. Head to the website to get the deets (and some treats).