J’aime | Commercial bay
Why go
Auckland finally has a macaron destination worth comparing to Pierre Hermé in Paris. J'aime opened its first Auckland boutique at Commercial Bay on Valentine's Day 2025 — fifteen years after founder Bridget O'Sullivan introduced Christchurch to handcrafted macarons inspired by her travels through London and Europe. Now partnered with designer Denise Morreau, J'aime arrives in Auckland with a confident red-on-red boutique on Level 1 of Commercial Bay, designed in collaboration with MA Architecture Studio. It defies the dainty, pastel-hued expectation of macaron shops entirely — framing each macaron like a small work of edible art. The macarons themselves more than deliver: delicate shells, refined fillings, and flavours that pack proper punch.
What to expect
The signature macaron collection runs to over twenty flavours, including the much-anticipated Brûlé Macaron, alongside instantly recognisable Kiwi nods like Flat White, and Feijoa Crumble — and refined classics like Champagne, Pistachio, Salted Butter Caramel and Rose. Build your own box or grab a curated set; either way the packaging is gift-grade and the result is one of Auckland's best portable presents.
Beyond the macarons, the Auckland store carries an expanded confectionery range — chewy caramels, brittles (maple walnut, salted peanut), butter crayons in pistachio, hazelnut, citrus and raspberry, panforte (figgy pudding, limoncello and white chocolate), espresso martini chewy caramels, salted caramel sauce, and toffee butter crunch. The Pretzel Biscuits picked up Gold at the 2025 NZ Inspire Artisan Awards; the Birthday Cake macaron took Silver.
Worth knowing: J'aime is run by an exceptional all-female team — chefs and professionals who also happen to be world travellers, beekeepers, endurance athletes, ukulele players and mothers. The craft shows.
