Where do you go to find rustic, hearty, traditional French food in Auckland? On first glance, you might not think that Upper Queen Street would be the first place you would venture to but you’d be mistaken. Tucked in between a host of Asian eateries is this French gem, complete with red and white checked tablecloths and the menu displayed on a rustic chalkboard.
It is the perfect place for a cosy, hearty meal on these chilly winter days. Complementary French baguette is provided with every meal which is always a bonus. Make sure you ask for the full menu as on a weekend lunch time they will give you a brunch menu but the full menu is in fact available also.
We started with the Chicken Liver Pate served with Toast and Gherkins. A generous slab of pate, this was smoky in flavour, rich and creamy. This is served with garlic toast and a wonderful caramelised chutney with pickled onions and gherkins to offset the richness of the pate.
This is quite a large portion so unless you have a very big appetite we would suggest splitting this between two.
If you’ve never tasted the French classic Tartiflette you have been majorly missing out. Baked potatoes with onion, bacon and cream and topped with Reblochon cheese this is a very tasty heart attack on a plate.
Comfort food at its best, Tartiflette is from the Savoy region in the French Alps and is warming, delectable and really warms you up from the inside out!
To finish we ordered one of Le Garde Manger’s signature crepes. Crepe Calva was served with Caramelised Apple and Vanilla Ice Cream and flambéed with Calvados at our table.
With a sister location set to open In Ponsonby soon, enjoy a perfect winters warming meal at this great French gem.
Le Garde Manger
266 Queen Street
Auckland Central
Auckland
Tel: 09 362 0655
