A Little Piece of France in Mount Maunganui

French Soul Cafe is one of Mount Maunganui's most loved neighbourhood cafes, bringing authentic French-inspired food and warm European hospitality to Maunganui Road. Whether you are a local looking for your daily coffee ritual or a visitor exploring the Mount, this charming spot offers a genuine escape from the everyday.

From the moment you walk in, the relaxed atmosphere, gentle French music, and the smell of freshly baked pastries make it clear this is somewhere worth returning to. First-time guests have a habit of becoming regulars.

Fresh, Homemade French-Inspired Food

A Menu Built Around Flavour and Wholesome Ingredients

Every item on the French Soul Cafe menu is made with care, using fresh ingredients prepared in-house. The food draws on classic French culinary traditions while keeping things approachable, nourishing, and satisfying for everyday dining.

Pastries, Cakes and Sweet Treats

Pastries

The pastry cabinet is a highlight. Expect classic French staples alongside some creative twists, including a Plain Croissant, Almond Croissant, Pain Au Chocolat, Cinnamon Morning Bun, Rhubarb Danish, Cro-nut Vanilla Custard, and Donut. Freshly baked and made to enjoy with your morning coffee, this is proper French patisserie done right in the heart of the Mount.

Cookies

The cookie selection holds its own alongside the pastries. Choose from a Madeleine, Amaretti, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookie, and Shortbread Chocolate Chip Cookie. Several are vegan and gluten-free, clearly labelled on the menu.

Cakes and Slices

The cake range is generous and creative. Options include Banana Bread, Carrot Cake, German Cheese Cake with homemade blueberry or orange jam, Raw Cheese Cake in Passionfruit or Tiramisu, Donau Wave, Fruity Tart, Orange Bloom, Blueberry and Spiced Apple Muffins, Raspberry Brownie Cupcake, Gingerbread Cupcake, and Raw Slices in Raspberry, Snickers, and Macadamia. A large portion of these are vegan and/or gluten-free.

Nutty Desserts

For something a little different, the Nutty Desserts section offers Almond Slices in Milk and Dark Chocolate, Nut Baby Treats in Mini Milk, Dark, and White Chocolate, and a Cranberry Bar. Small but satisfying, these make a great accompaniment to any drink on the menu.

Crepes

French Soul Cafe's crepes are a standout, available in five flavours: Sugar and Cinnamon, Sugar and Lemon, Whittaker's Chocolate, Homemade Jam in Blueberry or Orange, and Nutella. A classic French treat, made fresh and served properly.

Breakfast and Lunch

Galettes

The galettes are a true nod to French cafe culture. Two options are on the menu: Egg, Spinach and Brie Cheese, and Mushroom, Spinach, Tomatoes and Cheese, with a vegan option available. Substantial, savoury, and satisfying, these are an ideal choice for a proper brunch.

Pan-Fried or Scrambled Eggs

A simple, well-executed breakfast option. Two eggs served with sourdough bread and a small side salad, with the option to add an extra egg or mushrooms. Straightforward done well.

Savoury Snacks

For something lighter or a midday bite, the savoury snacks menu covers an English Muffin with butter, egg, Swiss cheese and mayonnaise, a Small Three Cheese Pizza, Spinach and Cheese Borek, Vegetable Quiche, Cheddar Onion Scone, and a Jalapeño Cheddar Scone.

Salads

The salad range is seasonal and changes, so it is always worth checking with staff on the day. Regular options have included Raw Energy Salad, Moroccan Chickpea, Thai Noodle, Potato Salad, and Anti-Pasti Pasta Salad, available in regular and large sizes. Most are vegan and several are gluten-free.

Sandwiches

Three generous cheese-based sandwiches are available on your choice of baguette or ciabatta: Mozzarella Cheese, Swiss Cheese, and Brie Cheese, each stacked with spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, pesto and sandwich sauce. For something different, the Falafel Pita combines hummus, tomatoes, cucumber, tahini, green salad and falafel in a pita. Simple, fresh, and well balanced.

100% Vegetarian, with Extensive Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

Healthy Food That Never Compromises on Taste

French Soul Cafe is a fully vegetarian cafe, making it one of the standout plant-based dining options in Tauranga. The menu is comprehensively labelled with VG for vegan and GF for gluten-free throughout, making it easy to navigate whatever your dietary needs.

Vegan options run across every section of the menu, from pastries and cookies to salads, galettes, cakes and drinks. Gluten-free diners are equally well catered for, with a wide selection of clearly marked choices across both sweet and savoury. This is not a cafe that treats dietary requirements as an afterthought.

Exceptional Coffee and Drinks

Classic Espresso Coffee

The drinks menu is as considered as the food. The full espresso range covers Ristretto, Piccolo, Espresso, Macchiato, Short Black, Long Black, Latte Macchiato, Americano, Flat White, Latte, Cappuccino, Mochaccino, Chocolate Chunks Mocha, Hot Chocolate, and a Fluffy for the little ones. Extras include organic coffee, decaf, extra shot, and flavour syrups in vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut. Alternative milks available are oat, soy, coconut, and almond.

Specialty and Signature Drinks

Hot Specials

The specialty hot drinks menu includes Affogato, Chai Latte in mild or spicy, Turmeric Latte, Matcha Latte, White Chocolate Matcha, and Orangchino.

Cold Drinks

Cold drink options include Iced Matcha, Berry/Mango Matcha, Orange Juice Matcha, Frengina, and the SANDBANK Smoothie range, available in six flavours: Blue Magic, The Nut Job, Dragon, The Green Room, Tropical, and The Acai One. All smoothies are vegan and gluten-free.

The Atmosphere

Warm, Welcoming and Genuinely French

French Soul Cafe has earned a reputation not just for its food and coffee but for the kind of experience it creates. The space is cosy and inviting, with a backdrop of French music and a friendly international team that makes every visitor feel at home. It is the kind of place that draws five-star Google reviews for the atmosphere as much as the food.

Opening Hours

French Soul Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm, and on weekends from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Visit French Soul Cafe in Mount Maunganui

Located at 3/277 Maunganui Road in Mount Maunganui, French Soul Cafe is perfectly placed for locals and visitors alike. Whether you are walking the base track, spending the day at the beach, or simply in the neighbourhood, a stop here is always time well spent.

Bonjour. Your table is waiting.