Concrete Playground

Variety, quality, authenticity, flavour and freshness – this market ticks all the boxes. Most of the food is French and Mediterranean inspired but you can also find a touch of Kiwi with such delicacies as marinated prawns on a stick and mussel or oyster fritters.

Come here for, in this humble writer’s opinion, the best French bread Auckland has to offer. In the inside area of La Cigale market you’ll find baguettes, pain au campagne, kumara or potato bread and sourdough among other classics. My advice is when you arrive, head inside, grab a coffee and an almond croissant or pain au chocolate, pull up a chair at the communal tables and soak in the atmosphere.

If you feel like something savoury, the rolls, made with traditional ham off the bone, are another popular breakfast. You’ll also find an array of imported French cheeses, which, although pricey, are great for a treat. In the stalls you’ll find beautiful fresh cows’ milk mozzarella, handmade locally of course. Near the entrance and hidden among the Fresh Garden stall discover pesto straight from the farm, all delicious and with distinctive herb flavours. Coriander and spinach, thyme, rosemary and chive are some of the interesting choices.

Free parking is provided.

When: Saturday: 8am-1.30pm; Sunday: 9am-1.30pm