I feel a huge responsibility when asked to choose a location for a get together, particularly if it’s for an interstate or overseas guest. I need it to a) suit that person’s likes and dislikes and b) suit the other people coming along. And since the interstate visitor was Julia from Brisbane and my fellow diner was pastry chef Y it just had to feature something sweet. Lovely reader Crystal emailed me a few weeks ago to let me know about The French House and her quote “The kind (of place) you want to spend a whole afternoon chatting with your girlfriends and eat their endless desserts ” clinched it for me.
It’s a Sunday afternoon around 1pm and they don’t take bookings. No matter as Y and Julia are there waiting for me having nabbed a prime position in the middle of the room. There’s outside seating in the partially sun dappled balcony that wraps around and inside is a stunning gilt edged French style room. There’s black marble tables edged in gilt, mismatched furniture, black velvet lounges and opulence abounds. I watch a photogenic family of five feeding their children pastries and baguettes.
Ordering is at the counter and we take turns getting up and perving at the selection. As I’ve missed breakfast I start with a ham and cheese croissant and unable to resist pastry I also opt for a mixed berry crumble danish. There are bread loaves available as well (from $4-$5.90) as well as a selection of baguettes and quiches (and one salad) and an array of about a dozen tarts and cakes.
Ham & cheese croissant $5.90
Everything comes out on pretty decorative plates. The ham and cheese croissant has been toasted and filled simply with cheese and ham. I would have liked a bit more filling so that it wasn’t as dry but the pastry is flakey if not particularly buttery. I also prefer ham and cheese croissants to have some of that lovely soft cheese filling.
Mixed Berry crumble Danish $4.50
“You’re hungry!” Y says when she notes that I’ve also ordered a danish. Hunger has nothing to do with it 
I couldn’t resist the look of this danish. It’s filled with a plain custard, topped with some small amount of chopped strawberries and some brown sugary crumble topping and dusted with icing sugar. The pastry itself is glazed and it’s not bad but it’s missing something, perhaps vanilla in the custard or more berries as it doesn’t have a strong flavour either way just tasting of sugar.
Raspberry Financier $5.90
Le Chocolat Chaud $4.30
The hot chocolate comes in a massive bowl and it’s smooth and lightly chocolatey.
Macaron $3 each or 2 for $5.90
We had gone all morning without seeing a peek of a macaron but then suddenly a silver tray laden with vivid purple macarons appeared on top of the counter facing me (I am a macaron seeking missile so I spot it straight away). Julia and I make our way up to the counter to make our sweets order Part Deux. We ask what flavour the macarons are and the ladies behind the counter guess that it’s blueberry but then go to check. It’s actually a plain almond but with a purple shade. We take three so that we can try them as we’re all macaron fiends. I take a sniff – there’s the almond flavour and we take a bit and it’s chewy and a little too firm. It’s a bit strange biting in a vividly purple macaron and just tasting almond and not blackberry or blueberry.
Croissant Aux Amandes $4.90
Yes I know almond croissants are usually made with day old croissants and they have an ungodly amount of calories but I do love a sugar syrup dipped twice baked croissant. There’s something about the sweet, crispy sugary crust, buttery croissant and meltingly soft almond frangipane cream inside. This one is sparingly filled with the almond paste and generously topped with flaked croissants but there’s no dipping in sugar syrup and double baking which is crucial to my enjoyment of an almond croissant.
Apple tart
Apricot and Pistachio Tart $7.90
The tarts however are a different matter. I start with one of the new cakes which is edged with pistachio crumbs and topped with apricot. It’s moistly gorgeous with a layer or crushed pistachios and filled with a moist almond meal, some apricot pieces and a glaze on top. The combination of soft, sweet apricot, crunchy pistachios and soft almond centre is moreish indeed.
Chocolate and caramel tart $6.90
I can’t usually eat a lot of super sweet tarts after a sugar onslaught like this so I expected to peck at this but the tart shell is buttery and filled with a soft caramel. The caramel layer is topped with a chocolate layer and a fresh raspberry, two blueberries and a light dusting of gold lustre powder. It’s like a chocolate caramel sliced married well and got itself a spiffy new wardrobe and makeover.
I don’t know if I’d make a special trip for the pastries but I adore the cake and the tart that I had and want to go back for more. I also do know that we whiled away the hours here for over four hours so as far as catching up with girlfriends are concerned it was just what we needed.
So tell me Dear Reader, are you often the person that picks where you dine out with friends? And do you find it a tough task?
The French House
1G Danks Street, Waterloo, NSW
Tel: + 61 (02) 8399 2770
Open 7 days 8am-5:30pm
Closed public Holidays
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63 Comments | Add your own
Looks like a place worth visiting! Yes, I’m usually the one suggesting where to go and I only find it difficult if there are picky eaters involved!
I think I need to hop on a plane and let you pick a place to take me to eat! Now if only I could go there this Friday on my birthday! Would be amazing to finally get my butt to Australia! LOL
Great post!
Those desserts look awesome! Reminds me of the desserts at Sketch here in London. And my friends and I never have a tough time picking where to go (it helps being a food blogger… we know where to go and what to avoid!).
Ohh I love the French House. It gets very busy on weekends, but I love the atmosphere there. It is especially nice to sit on the balcony in the sun during winter
They make amazzzing iced chocolates too.
Wow, sugar overload.The venue looks pretty, such a shame the pastries didn’t live up to expectations. Isn’t Julia a sweetheart?
Yes! I’m always picking the restaurants and while I like it in the beginning, I get nervous as we drive there, hoping everything will be good. You never know when the service or food might be off on a certain night!
I want the financier and the pistachio tart, they look so yummy, they are calling my name
Lorraine, what a perfect Sunday afternoon that was. Thank you again for organising and selecting the location!
Great recap of all the goodies that managed their way to our table during the afternoon. I was still thinking about that chocolate and caramel tart long after I left!
I definitely wouldn’t have been able to resist the look of that fantastic Mixed Berry Danish either! It looks amazing!
Doesn’t it look grand! And the raspberry financier looks very special…
oh my – that hot chocolate looks so indulgant and the perfect way to warm up on a cold day
I am so hungry… that financiere is just sublime, girl… love the texture.. was it something special? Did I mention the apricot pistachio tart??? WHOa!
The chocolate and caramel tart looks amazing!! Its a shame about the almond croissant- when done well its my favourite!!!
Another must visit place for a pastry and baked good fix!
Thanks for sharing.
SSG xxx
Gimme the chocolate and caramel tart!!!
Yes I’m often the one that has to choose a location, though it’s never a challenge.
I’ve been here a couple of times and agree with you about the pastries not being all that amazing, same with the coffee
I now will always pick because others feel the need to accomodate my dairy intolerance and ALWAYS choose asian restaurants! I would rather have variety and cheat a little – consequences be damned!
I’m with Nicole! I’m always the one organising and picking places to eat…and you always hope it lives up to your expectations, especially if it’s a first time visit. Eeek!
Wow, we randomly drove past here last weekend and it looked like a cozy little place to visit on Sunday. Disappointing to hear that the pastries weren’t better (esp. the macarons, it ‘looks’ divine).
Wow, haven’t gone there even though it’s so close; as it’s often filled with those from across the road. But just around the corner is dear lovely Sonoma (awesome for breaky), and Patisse!
I’m totally in love with this place, Lorraine! And did I see a chunk of rhubarb sticking out of that Danish?
Gosh those tarts look good!!
I always pick the places to eat or to drink and then I get complaints about the prices here!!! I do tend to like the niceties when it comes to food and fine wine perhaps I need to find more places like this one! Mmmm the search is on in Melbourne!!!
I can’t believe how many cakes/pastries you tried! The cafe looks gorgeous and the food seems alright, though they’re playing to a tough audience with yourself, Y and Julia
Those tarts really do look good, but Lorraine, you must come to Canberra and partake in Silo’s pastries. Okay, so maybe I’ve never been
but I have it on good authority that their almond croissants are out of this world, and a friend of mine buys their blackcurrant, mint and cabernet custard tart at least twice a week 
Yes, I usually pick the restaurants too. It’s a painstaking process … researching on the internet, reading blogs like yours (though there are no blogs exactly like yours NQN…), and asking friends/family for recommendations. Life – and money – is too short to eat at bad restaurants.
Hi Lorraine, nice post!
Looks like they didn’t give you grief about taking pictures, did they? I had read somewhere a few months back that they didn’t allow photographs, so obviously they’ve changed their minds, which is a good thing!
“Macaron seeking missile” – love it! Looks like the perfect afternoon for sweets lovers. I’m always the one who organises gatherings as well and depending on the crowd it can be very tough as we have carnivores, vegetarians and fussy eaters to cater for.
I’ve always adored the look of this place, and some of the tarts look great.
Will just have to force myself to not go to Dank St Depot next time…
Gosh you could do a food crawl on danks st. My fave is still Cafe Sopra
Looking at this is torture as I am currently chomping through my microwaved brown rice, canned mixed beans and tinned tuna…bless student life!
The financier looked delicious!! I’m sorry to hear the pastries didn’t live up to expectations though. It’s so disappointing when places don’t live up to expectations, especially after you’ve heard good things about them.
I love this place…it’s so fancy
Did you see the sign not to take any photos inside? I don’t think they really enforce it, but I was surprised to see it when I went to order/pay.
I loved their baguettes and fruit tarts, and their coffee is so good
Yes, I am always asked where to go etc, and it can be really hard especially because there’s so many options. I actually would like others to make the decisions for a change, but then I’d probably have to throw in my two cents as well… lol. I like the look of the almond croissant, but agree with you – sugar syrup and twice baked is the way to do it!
Before I read this post, I was already making plans to visit Alexandre, the boulangerie at one of the swankier supermarkets, after work to grab some almond croissants and the proprietor’s personal fave tarte moelleux (a choc-almond crust with ganache filling). Then, when I saw all the pastries you had, I began to wish I could leave work much, MUCH earlier! Oh, dear…
I love the decor at the French House.
I’ve only been the once shortly after it opened and there were signs stating that no photography was allowed. They must have rescinded that rule???
BuBbles
x.
Picking the place for a group catch-up is always a bit of pressure… and the more you do it, the more you are asked, and the more pressure (eep! Stuck in a continuous loop!).
I love the atmosphere of The French House, but think that is often its best bit (now will have to try the tarts, though). Still, it’s good to find somewhere a bit different, and there’s been a bit of a need for a local patisserie for a while
I really like to see french resturants abroad, that’s funny to read what’s on the menu also. It’s not that far from what we eating, especially the pastries you pictured : I love them all!!
The pastries sound quite disappointing but I love the look of the chocolate tart.
What a beautiful place! i like the idea of eating endless desserts =)
What a beautiful looking place! Makes it even more worthwhile visiting Waterloo.
As the gluttonous friend who Hannah mentioned above, I thoroughly echo her sentiments — come to Canberra, and I will give you the most amazing guided tour of wonderful pastries and tarts and breads and eveeeerything Silo has to offer
Quite a polite review I thought! Chocolate tart looked the best to me (but chocolate always does)
I am usually the one who makes the dining decisions and it does get difficult sometimes! – have any good suggestions for a 2 year anniversary dinner on a Mon night?? (of being together – not of marriage) – he was thinking 360 dining but i’m looking for another option to compare it to!
Looks like a lovely place and that financier looks sooo yummy!
Wait a minute! How many of you ate how many desserts in how many hours? Incredible. But I love sitting over coffee and pastries with girlfriends just chatting and gossiping. Fab place!
I always look forward to your next review of some very interesting locales. It’s just too bad that I don’t live closer. Tagging along with you would be a real hoot! You certainly know how to pick them.
Speaking of picking…I seem to always be the designated organizer. I wouldn’t mind giving up that title once and a while ;o)
Thanks for such a lovely view into your interesting outings.
Flavourful wishes, Claudia
What a great little find! Pity the macaron wasn’t as light and delicate as you’d expect (nor was it blueberry!) but the French House sounds amazing anyway. What fun!
The tarts here look wonderful! The apricot and pistachio one looks especially tempting!
Lorraine, I can tell you are just the perfect hostess. I would come in our winter and sit out on the patio and eat all the danish and “dish” all afternoon
Whoa, this is definitely a fun place to take your gf’s (as I feel men do not always appreciate the fine dining experience…especially when it comes to desserts!) My mouth is watering and as I peer at my pathetic lunch…I’m sad that I don’t have a croissant.
I want to do this every day. Can I? Please? I want to start off with a ham and cheese croissant, eat it on a gorgeous plate, and then follow up with all sorts of tarts and little pets. I think I would be very good at this. Yes, indeedy.
This place looks delicious! I love crossaint sandwiches….
I’m glad you liked the ode.
Yes, I am usually the one who picks out places and I’m sad because my FAVORITE place went out of business. This is a lovely spot though, and I’m so glad you had such a great time.
these people have a lot of humour because having a french restaurant in a city named waterloo which was the worst battle of Napoleon that’s very daring !!
zeese french zey are so subtle !! !! Pierre
That raspberry financier and the chocolate and caramel tart look absolutely heavenly.
Darn it…I used to go to college just around the corner from there!! Grrrr…
The food looks nice, and the decor is cute! That apricot & pistachio tart looks amazing…I would definitely be ordering that if I visited this place!
I found this place a bit meh. There weren’t any macarons but I liked the side of dijon mustard I got with my avo croissant.
The chocolate and caramel tart looks divine. I usually find caramel squares too gooey and sweet. The almond croissant reminds me of my student days! Most of the university’s goodies were brought in from local bakeries, thank goodness. (I think your croissant was topped with flaked almonds, though, not croissants? lol)
I often pick the place, now I’ve lived in Sydney awhile. I went to 1945 last week with a group of girls based on twin recommendations from you and He Needs Food – so thanks! It was a good choice.
there’s not a single piece of food among those ordered that i wouldn’t devour with gusto. the ideal almond croissant you describe sounds AMAZING–too bad this one was lacking.
I’ve walked passed this place so many times but never walked in, might have to go and eat that raspberry financier, great photo
oohhh I would love to go there just to see the interiors, they look divine from your pictures.
Hi Maria-I know, it’s hard when there are picky eaters!
Hi kamran-Hehe you should come here!
Absolutely! Thankyou!
Hi Mowie-ahhh really, I never made it to Sketch but heard that it’s fabulous. Haha so true!
Hi Ladybird-Yes we were so lucky to get the seat that we did and the balcony does look like a great spot. Ah good to know!
Hi Barbara-She’s lovely!
Hi Nicole-I know exactly what you mean!
It makes you want to pray! 
Hi Heavenly Housewife-Hehe I wish I could teleport them to you darling!
Hi Julia-It was so lovely to finally meet you! You’re more than welcome. Oh that was fantastic, how was the apple tart?
Hi Faith-hehe we are so alike!
Hi Celia-It’s such a gorgeous room. I will try that next time
Hi Lisa-It was nice and warming-and huge too!
Hi deana-I didn’t get to try that one sadly! That tart was so good!
Hi sandra-I couldn’t agree more, when they’re done well they’re so good!
Hi Sydney Shop Girl-Absolutely!
xxx
Hi Cakelaw-hehe I would love another!
Hi john-ahh shame about the coffee! Did you get to try the tarts? They were good
Hi Shan-Ahh I see! Hehe you are a true foodie!
Hi Fiona-I know, there’s always that risk for a first time visit!
Hi Zina-I know, I think it’s best to stick to the tarts and cakes
Hi Reemski-yes there’s a lot of choice in the area!
Hi Barbara-I think it was berry! I shared it so I didn’t get that bit of rhubarb but perhaps Julia or Y did
Hi spice and more-They were delish!
Hi Eliza-Oh no really! Ack that’s hard when people have specific price points (and they’re low). I’m sure you have lots of goodies in Melbourne
Hi Belle-hehe I have to admit the tarts were sampled later. Too much sugar otherwise! hehe I think you’re right!
Hi Hannah-I know, I tried to get to Silo but they were closed on the day that I visited! Oooh they sound lovely!
Hi MaidInAustralia-Hehe I’m very familiar with that process!
I couldn’t agree more! 
Hi Sandie-Thankyou! No they didn’t say anything. I’m sure they saw the camera too as I was in the main room. But a lovely lady did warn me about it which is good!
HI Forager-hehe that’s me!
I know, it can be really hard!
Hi Tina-It’s very pretty! hehe I see you’re addicted are you?
Hi reality raver-Yes you completely could. There are so many options!
Hi Wretchdz-Oh no, but it sounds very healthy!
Hi delicieux-I know, especially when I luurve pastry! although it’s probably good in the long term and for the waist line
Hi food.4.two-Isn’t it just! No I didn’t see one. perhaps they took it down?
Hi Betty-I bet you do!
Mmm I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! :0
Hi Midge-hehe sorry about that-how was the tart?
Hi BuBbles-gorgeous isn’t it!
I thnk the must have taken that sign down as I didn’t see it! x
Hi Blue Penguin-I know, people start to ask you to pick (which honestly is fine by me
). Yes it’s very pretty. I wish the pastries were better!
Hi Laetitia-Ahh good to know that it’s not too different from what you have!
Hi Phunk-Yes that was delicious! Oh how I could go for some more now!
Hi pigpigscorner-hehe me too!
Hi Moya-I know, there’s so many cute little places opening up!
Hi L-Izzle-Oh I definitely should make it there!
It sounds like heaven. I was so disappointed when I heard they were closed!
Hi sam-I only do polite reviews!
Monday night dining is very hard-how about Becasse?
Hi Trissa-I should have tried that one!
Hi Jamie-hehe I did try the tarts and croissant later
I know, perfect for girly gossip!
Hi FOODESSA-Thankyou! Perhaps next time you visit Sydney? Hehe thankyou!
Hi catty-I know, I wonder why they colour them so vividly? Surely people would ask?
Hi 5Star Foodie-That was my favourite tart-yum!
Hi Angela-Aww thankyou so much darling! Absolutely, come on over! I’d take you fabulous places!
Hi The Healthy Apron-I agree, this is a girly place especially with desserts
Hi pinknest-Hehe sure!
I think you would be brilliant at it!
Hi Blond Duck-Me too! especially when there is lots of delicious filling
I loved it!
Hi Krista-Oh no what a shame! We had a great time
Hi pierre-Hehe I don’t know if it was deliberate!
Hi Linda-thanks, yes the chocolate and caramel tart were great!
Hi Liv-Oh no what a shame you missed it! That was really good!
Hi Jen-Oh no, you just like the dijon? What a shame
Hi Julia-Hehe I love it but only try a bit of a slice. I can never eat a whole slice. Oh yes flaked almonds! Oh great, so glad that you liked it
Hi grace-Hehe fabulous! Well you must come to Sydney then!
Hi steph-Absolutely do!
Hi Marlo-the room is just gorgeous I have to say!
Yes this is my favourite cafe of the moment – complete with stunning antiques, Noritake china, exquisite pastries and quality Harrogate’s of London loose leaf tea x impressive .. well done French House Je t’aime!
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