Little French Cafe in Mount Albert is a neighbourhood bakery and cafe offering classic French baking infused with a Kiwi twist. Founded by pastry chef Ben and maitre d Matt, who initially met working in fine dining, the cafe serves as a community gathering point designed around sharing memorable moments over handcrafted food.
Despite the name, the Mount Albert branch is 'not so little', offering indoor seating alongside an outdoor terrace. The kitchen presents an a la carte menu together with an evolving selection of seasonal, artisan pastries and treats crafted with French techniques and locally sourced ingredients. It provides a warm, welcoming space for leisurely family brunches, morning espresso, or picking up boxes of signature pastries.
Behind the doors of Little French Cafe on New North Road sits a bakery partnership formed from shared passion and high-end restaurant experience. The story began in 2015 when maitre d Matt and pastry chef Ben first met working at Clooney. Bonding on a road trip north to Russell, the two resolved to bring classic French patisserie and bistro hospitality to New Zealand palates in an approachable, joyful format.
What emerged was Little French: an everyday celebration of pastry and cafe dining rooted in the philosophy that food should bring people together to build lasting memories. Combining Matt’s hospitality precision with Ben’s creative pastry craft, the kitchen leans into classic French culinary technique while welcoming fresh local influences and seasonal ingredients.
While carrying the Little French name, the Mount Albert location is famously 'not so little.' The site features indoor dining alongside an open terrace, creating space for neighborhood locals to settle in. Whether stopping by for a quiet morning coffee on the terrace or gathering for a relaxed family brunch, the cafe offers an unpretentious and comfortable environment.
Unlike an exclusively takeaway patisserie counter, the Mount Albert branch operates a full a la carte kitchen designed around sit-down dining. Classic French morning staples and savory brunch options sit comfortably alongside counters stocked with fresh bakes.
The bakery offerings follow the seasons, developed in partnership with local artisans and growers. Pastry chef Ben produces delicate, jewel-toned macarons alongside the cafe's signature mille-feuilles, known for their light and airy puff pastry layers. To balance the buttery laminations and sweet fillings, the cafe pours espresso using beans from Ozone Coffee Roasters.
In addition to walk-in dining, the location functions as an operational hub offering pastry pickup and catering services for gatherings and local workplaces looking for authentic patisserie crafted with care.