"Where should we go for our graduation celebrations, near town? We are a party of four."

Congratulations, B, on your graduation! Hopefully it won't be too wet on the day while you parade down the main streets of Auckland CBD from uni to the town hall, like it had been on mine.

I can't actually remember where I had gone after my graduations. But I've got just the right place for B. Le Chef hadn't existed yet on my (second) graduation day, the small restaurant is relative new on the scene.

We were invited to dine there with friends some time ago, and almost walked right past it. Le Chef is right next to Vulcan Lane Bagels, a tiny window of a cafe, and equally hidden away from the wider, lower, louder, Vulcan Lane strip. The upper lane is a charming spot with cafe/restaurants on either sides spilling out onto the cobblestones, often with live musicians offering entertainment in a corner. You could almost imagine yourself in some European getaway. Almost.

Le Chef is owned by a young French couple, who also own another restaurant and bakery in Auckland, I'm told. My highest recommendations at Le Chef is their Faux Fillet for Two - the meat is absolutely spot on, we were immensely surprised on our first bites. Their Creme Brulee could have been more cooked on the top, though. It wasn't crackling enough for me, and that's where half the fun in creme brulees lies!

Image from Unsplash/Alisa Anton

Le Chef
Vulcan Lane
Auckland CBD