Philippe’s Chocolate & French Pastries

Well this is one of those places that I would normally just drive past and stop. I mean I have drove past it’s door for hundreds of times so far. And today for the first time I decided to stop, and what a mission it was. There isn’t any parking outside on the street, and no parking spots on the side street. I had to u-​turn and park on the opposite side of great north rd. And what do you know, the crossing light at the bond and GN is also on the opposite side. So it’s a double cross at the intersection or risk your life and run across the road. I don’t like to gamble on my life, so I waited patiently by the lights.
Once I got through the front door, I was surprised at how few a customer they had at 12noon. The place didn’t smell like a bakery. There is no butter in the air so to speak.
The display case is clean and well lit, but the selection is fairly limited. But, I didn’t feel like sampling anything too sweet. So I just bought a croissant and a palmier to go. The girl behind the counter was very friendly. And trust me, if I wanted to, I would have bought a lot more.
The croissant is very tasty, even when it was cold. And the palmier, I wish I can do one just as good or just as big. So no issues with the baked goods from Philippe’s. I will make sure I return to sample all the other goodies that they offer.
If it wasn’t for the parking issues, I would be glad to rate Philippe’s 5 stars. But, getting there is part of the experience. So unfortunately I can only rate a overall 4 stars. The baked goods are deliciously tho, I give them 5 stars.

rocks in the biggest way. The pastries are to die for. I only get back to NZ once a year on average — and this place is just around the corner from my house. Lucky I don’t live there — I would be the size of a house!
Beautiful light buttery mouthfuls of YUM

A touch of genuine European cuisine in Auckland. Philippes is the real deal — the pastries and croissants are as good as you would get in a bakery in Paris. Like some speciality stores you have to exercise a bit of self-​control with what you buy or else you would buy just about everything. The coffee is pretty good too and it’s a lovely place to come for morning tea. Of course you’re doing waistline no favours but this is pure comfort food and we all need some of that from time to time. If there is a critcism with this patiserrie, it’s that it’s off the beaten track. It’s in a very random location and I think if it was in Mt Eden or something it would be a lot better. Mind you, it would probably be very popular and super busy so perhaps, all things considered it’s better off as it is.

Philippe’s is a Francophillic chocolate and pastry joint on Great North Road. The location is the absolute worst. Seriously terrible. Probably the worst fit for this place imaginable. Luckily Philippe’s manages to ‘pull one out of the fire’ by being pretty great.
I mean, sure, it’s super super unhealthy and absolutely unnecessary in almost every regard. But I guess that’s the point of France in general, right? It’s nice to eat a fresh pastry. Most of the pastry i eat isn’t fresh. This place is all fresh all day.

Oh my yum. This place is off the hook. A former colleague used to catch the bus from Great North Road and often stopped off to pick up extra pastries on her way into work. French pastry is by no means a diet food but, in moderation, these melty, buttery, creamy delights are just what you need to make Monday feel ok. And Tuesday. And Wednesday…
It’s a destination store — you don’t really simply wander past, unless you happen to live nearby — but it’s well worth the drive from wherever you happen to be coming from, and if you can plan your business around town to include a detour past Philippe’s then you’re a smart cookie. Or should I say, smart croissant?
My favourite pastry to date has been a flaky pastry topped with raspberries and filled with a custardy, creamy centre…

mmmmmmm… this place is a gem! I found it accidentally walking too far out of Grey Lynn’s main drag, happy surprise as I was out shopping for a wedding gift. The woman behind the counter spoke French, maybe it was Philppe herself?! and was super helpful in putting together the special gift. Although it is not a traditional wedding present, it is something we don’t normally buy for ourselves — expensive, carefully wrapped and well presented French chocolates, pretty cool I thought. I bought a coffee to go for myself, that was pretty darn tasty too. Philippe, I will be back!

I love that Phillipe’s exisits. Because sometimes chocolate and insanely fresh pastries are exactly what I need to pick myself up. And the best thing is that they’re French, so won’t add anything to my waistline, right?
The store is rather humble but their product is second to none. Constant streams of people come through the doors wanting bread for today’s lunch, coffee, and no one can resist their almond croissants.
Seriously, who needs to go to France when we have this on our doorstep!
They often have cooking classes as well for making the infamous Macarons that are so hard to perfect.
And the best thing is, is that all the staff are French so you know you’re getting as close to the real thing as you possibly could.