Not travelling to Europe this winter? Find a French fix in Auckland with the best Bastille Day dining events, dinners and treats in Auckland.
If the French Film Festival or your social media feed of friends in Europe have left you pining for all things French, here’s an excuse to
indulge: Bastille Day is just around the corner.
Every July, Auckland’s restaurants, wine bars, cafes and bakeries embrace France’s national day with food events and celebrations to suit every taste and budget.
From Champagne and Chablis to croissants and crepes, here’s where to celebrate Bastille Day (July 14) in Auckland this year.
Maison Vauron
This Newmarket institution celebrates France year-round, but on Bastille Day it goes all out. You can’t miss the place on McColl St (the giant French flag is a giveaway), and there is plenty of street parking.
This year, the venue is leaning into the Bastille festivities with a structured lunch-and-dinner offering centred on traditional flavours. Le Dejeuner runs from 11.30am to 1.30pm on July 14 and is priced at $75 per person, beginning with bubbles on arrival followed by house-made canapes. Guests are then served a traditional cassoulet “Le Classique”, before finishing with a choice of a cheese board (plateau de fromages) or an opera cake served with creme anglaise.
In the evening, Le Diner offers a more elevated experience from 6.30pm at $120 per person. The menu opens with Champagne on arrival, followed by canapes, cassoulet and a full cheese course, before ending with the signature opera cake dessert. The celebrations are designed as a full immersion in French dining culture, bringing together rich regional dishes, celebratory bubbles and the relaxed ritual of shared plates and long-table style dining.
Bistro Saine in the Hotel Indigo. Photo / Babiche Martens
Bistro Saine
This relative newcomer to the city’s dining scene is housed on the ground floor of the Hotel Indigo. Executive chef Yutak Son brings a timeless yet classic approach to the menu here, and this year the venue will mark Bastille Day with a special menu centred on one hero dish: moules frites. Running across lunch and dinner on July 14, the restaurant is getting into the spirit of French dining with a simple format designed for sharing and pairing.
The special menu features mussels served two ways, accompanied by crisp pomme frites and crusty bread – a nod to traditional French brasserie cooking. Guests can also choose from the full a la carte menu on the day, making it a flexible option.
Paname Social, Lorne St.
Paname Social
If your idea of celebrating Bastille Day is less fine dining and more French nightlife, Paname Social is the place to be. The Lorne St venue has quickly built a reputation for bringing a taste of Paris to Auckland, pairing French-inspired food and cocktails with live music, DJs and a lively late-night atmosphere.
On Saturday, July 11, Paname Social is teaming up with Alliance Française Auckland for a special Bastille Day edition of its popular La French Night. Expect DJs spinning French favourites alongside international hits, classic French drinks and a dance floor that promises to recreate the energy of a Saturday night in France. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme of bleu, blanc, rouge with plenty of glitter. Entry is free from 8pm.
Try a sweet crepe at Ponsonby Crepes.
Ponsonby Crepes
Ponsonby Central’s own little slice of France, Ponsonby Crepes, will celebrate Bastille Day from July 10 to 14 with French flavours, music and festive decor. Draped in the tricolour and with a soundtrack of classic French tunes, the popular Ponsonby sweet spot is inviting food lovers to soak up the atmosphere.
The highlight of this year’s celebration is a limited-edition menu created in collaboration with Bora Bora Tahitian Vanilla Sea Salt. Four exclusive sweet crepe dishes will be available, featuring combinations such as butter, sugar and Tahitian vanilla sea salt; dark chocolate with Tahitian vanilla sea salt; salted caramel; and a decadent mascarpone, roasted coconut, Tahitian vanilla sea salt and Biscoff crumble creation.
To complete the experience, the restaurant is running a happy hour all day, every day during Bastille festivities, with French cider, French wines and sparkling available by the glass, plus traditional grenadine for younger guests. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy a taste of France without leaving Auckland.
Ambler in Pt Chevalier. Photo / Rebecca Zephyr Thomas
Ambler Cafe
Ambler Cafe & Bistro in Pt Chevalier is embracing Bastille Day on July 14 this year with a French dinner designed around shared tables, classic dishes and a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere. Priced at $60 per person, or $100 with matched wine pairing, the experience promises an easygoing, convivial celebration.
Guests will be welcomed with a selection of French-inspired amuse-bouches before choosing between two main courses: a rich, slow-cooked boeuf Bourguignon or a lighter salade gourmande. The meal finishes on a traditional French note with a flambeed poached pear dessert.
French wines, music and a festive blue-white-and-red dress code round out the atmosphere. Seats are limited, so early bookings are recommended.
Strand Wine Bar in Takapuna. Photo / @strandwinebar
Strand Wine Bar
Strand Wine Bar joins Auckland’s Bastille Day 2026 celebrations with a relaxed, wine-focused event that matches the venue’s reputation for thoughtfully curated drops and intimate hospitality.
The Strand describes itself as a wine bar, retail store, delicatessen and tasting room, and this year on July 14, guests can expect a French-inspired wine list built around classic regions, alongside a special food offering. Think cheese, charcuterie and simple, elevated bar snacks made for grazing. The atmosphere is designed to be social and unpretentious and, for $90pp, offers a laid-back way to mark the day. Bookings are a must.
All wines from the event will be available to purchase on the night, making it a great opportunity to stock up your home cellar.
Where to find the best French pastries and treats in Auckland
Vaniye Patisserie
Vaniye is an award-winning boutique patisserie known for its elegant French cakes, macarons and chocolates. Chef Sonia is well-known for her buttery croissants, decadent millefeuille, and if you’re lucky, you might pick up a special-occasion treat: Paris-Brest filled with praline cream.
La Voie Francaise. Photo / Babiche Martens
La Voie Française
This cult-favourite is famed for its authentic caneles, crusty baguettes and traditional pastries that regularly sell out before midday. Arrive early to avoid the queues that form here, and to have the best choice of the bakery bounty.
Little French Pastry
With two venues in Mt Albert and Pt Chev, Little French Pastry brings a taste of France to Auckland with handcrafted pastries that are as beautiful as they are delicious. From cakes and tarts to frozen treats to keep for later, you’ll find all your Bastille needs here.
La Petite Fourchette
This charming waterfront bakery serves classic French pastries, flaky croissants, and delicate tarts, alongside beautifully curated catering platters for events.
Copain Boulangerie Patisserie
A neighbourhood-style French bakery offering rustic, buttery favourites like pain au chocolat and mille-feuille in a relaxed, local setting, with great coffee to match.
More French-inspired food & drink
Dining and Cooking