The Ultimate French Toast Stacks

Often referred to as the OG of Instaworthy brunches in Auckland, Winona Forever goes above and beyond with their extravagant French Toast. Currently, up to their third take on the dish, it’s evident that owners Francesca Mazza and Aaron Carson take their brunch seriously.  Their ‘Eton Rifle part 3’ offers an eye-catching plate of thick cinnamon brioche French toast served with a range of epic toppings such as panna cotta, meringue, and poached pear.

Francesca and Aaron continue to impress as they bring vibrant colours and jaw-dropping dishes to other locations, including Rosedale’s Major Tom. With meals such as cinnamon crusted brioche on their menu, it doesn’t come as a surprise that finding a seat on the weekend can be a challenge. If the toast itself wasn't enough to get you through the door, the panna cotta and meringue toppings surely will.

After venturing up the black staircase on Vulcan Lane, you’ll find the adorably cosy Raw Power Cafe. Dedicated to serving nutritious food for an affordable price, you can satisfy your French Toast craving without breaking your budget. Last time we checked, you can score yourself a tasty stack for under $15 served with grilled banana, berry compote, and maple syrup.

If you’re an avid coconut fan, you’ll certainly want to get your hands on Billy’s Coconut French Toast. This incredible dish comes served with poached berries, pineapple and mango jam, mascarpone, granola, and miso coconut syrup. In addition to this tropical fiesta of flavour, Billy Café provides iconic views of the War Museum and Auckland Domain.

Centro’s wood, marble, and dried flower interior give us ultimate Britomart vibes on the shore. With a menu to match its trendy aesthetic, your camera roll and taste buds are in for a treat. Titled ‘Nut-Crusted French toast’ this beautiful dish comes served with seasonal fruit, bacon, saffron rose syrup and passionfruit mascarpone. DE-LI-CIOUS!

A short stroll away from Takapuna Beach lies Zomer Cafe & Beach Club. Previously renowned for their PB&J French Toast, this cute cafe has decided to change things up with a Mashed Banana and Salted Caramel Brioche. As part of their winter breakfast menu, this divine dish comes accompanied with matcha mascarpone, fresh fruits, and pure Canadian maple syrup.

Amongst the boutique stores of Newmarket, you’ll see the popular Cali All Day Eatery. Although their sugared house-made brioche is on the pricey side, it’s unique doughnut-like appearance, and incredible taste makes it well worth it. Not to mention, the toppings are also every berry lover’s dream.

The candy floss hype continues at The Shelf on High Street. In addition to this pop of colour, the dish’s aesthetic gets bumped up with an artistic display of grilled bananas, oranges, and rhubarb compote. While the phone’s out you’ll also likely want to snap a pic of the interior, as their black-tile walls and low lighting gives this place such a great vibe.

Another hotspot close by is Bambina Newmarket Cafe. Once the dish is placed in front of you, it’ll be hard not to mistake it for a colourful piece of art. Inspired by flavours of a banoffee pie, their take on French toast is every sugar lover’s dream. In addition to two thick slices of banoffee brioche French Toast, the dish is served with dulce de leche, grilled banana, crème patisserie, cookie crumbs, and rose fairy floss.

For a little extra crunch, Woolfy's has got you covered. While you can also find candy floss on top of their oatie brûlée brioche, the rest of the flavours certainly make this dish stand out. From blueberry cream cheese to grilled bananas, your taste buds should be ready for a party!

We couldn’t finish this list without including our favourite “pain perdu" (authentic French Toast). Whether you choose to cosy up inside or enjoy your meal from their quaint blue chairs outside, you’re bound to feel like you’ve been transported to the south of France. The simplicity of the interior is reflected in the dishes classic toppings of fresh fruit, cherry compote, and maple syrup. Bon Appétit!