• Bar manager Paaka Edwards and restaurant manager Adam Mather.
  • Manager Adam Mather and bar manager Paaka Edwards.
  • Manager Adam Mather and bar manager Paaka Edwards.

Franc’s – your friendly beachside diner

Franc’s is a distinctive presence in the Takapuna dining scene.

It has the advantage of being directly opposite the beach, of course. And it differs from other bars and its immediate neighbours in being open almost all hours, and having an overtly casual vibe that extends from the décor to the food. The aesthetic is “beach bach”: bright colours, plenty of tropical plants, and the  whole space open and light with plenty of glass doors and windows linking to the beach and reserve.

The menus have a slightly idiosyncratic twist in being southern “Americana meets street food”, as manager Adam Mather describes it. Southern American, he says, is real comfort food. “It’s easy to do pub classics. Here at the beach we want to offer something different as well.”

There is still some standard pub comfort food (burgers, fries…) but you can also opt for Asian-inspired soft-shell crab or Mekong beef. Hardly Americana, you might think. But wait – there’s also crispy Cajun squid, jambalaya, and the increasingly popular Louisiana chicken and buttermilk waffles, the latter as addictive as they are redolent of America’s southern states.

Add in the impressive range of healthy options, at any time of day (anyone for a Blue Mermaid – and yes, it is blue – smoothie bowl to start the day?) or jackfruit tacos, and the separate vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free menu, and the word that comes to mind is eclectic – and inviting. Something to tempt all tastebuds and occasions.

Adam and his team, headed by head chef Carson Donaldson and bar manager Parkr Edwards, are always “playing around” and offering specials on the latest dish they tested in the kitchen to see how locals and beach visitors alike respond.

In this age of Instagram and Facebook, and given that on summer weekends around half the customers are visitors to the area, the menu is designed not just for maximum taste but also to be attractive. “Our purpose is to have food that is delicious, nutritious and that looks beautiful.”

“We try to avoid stagnation,” adds Adam. “We constantly offer specials and mini menus.” On top of that, there are three major menu changes each year, to ensure Franc’s makes the most of fresh seasonal produce, one at the end of summer, one in spring, and another for the hottest months when stone fruit and other hot weather produce is most available.

Adam says they are increasingly sourcing specialty ingredients from small local suppliers. ”It’s the only way to get really seasonal things,” says Adam.

Franc’s is one of the larger venues in Takapuna, seating up to 250. At weekends the place is heaving, full of beach walkers, locals and families enjoying time together. But if the beach calls, anything on the main menu can be ordered as takeaways (in eco-friendly recyclable and compostable packs). If winter prompts a hunker-down-at-home mood, you can call Uber Eats – the menu selection is slightly smaller but still extensive.

Franc’s eco-friendly ethos doesn’t stop at its takeaway packaging. “We compost all our rubbish, and use as little packaging as we can,” says Adam. “And we use paper straws – though we only offer those if people want them.”

The size and L-shaped layout make Franc’s ideal for functions as the two sides of the L can be separated off, with plenty of space for groups of around 100. It’s a popular place for anything from significant birthdays to work functions or team building sessions. Menus can be tailored to each group’s needs, and you can work with the bar team to design customised cocktails to serve as guests arrive. Adam suggests that if you’re organising a function of any sort, you come in and discuss what you want with him or his team.

Whatever the occasion, Franc’s offers a welcoming casual environment. “You can come in your board shorts from the beach,” says Adam, “bring the whole family, or come for a corporate lunch and feel comfortable.

“Our staff are passionate, and casually dressed but deliver high quality service. We have a real focus on what we deliver and how we deliver it and not old ideas of what service might be. We deliver really good value in a comfortable environment.”

And what value. In June, from Monday to Friday, Franc’s again offers its Cheap Eats menu – a selection of Franc’s favourite dishes at just $9 a plate. If that’s not an invitation to try out Franc’s inimitable style we’re not sure what is.

Franc’s Bar and Diner, Main Beach, The Strand, Takapuna

09 488 0016 www.joylab.co.nz/francs

FB @francsnz Insta: francsnz

Open Monday – Wednesday 9am - 9pm; Thursday/Friday 9am – late; Saturday 8am – late; Sunday 8am – 9pm