From incredible fine dining, to sensational share plates, hearty mains and delectable desserts, you don’t have to go far in Taupō or Tūrangi to find some of the freshest local ingredients around - proudly served by our amazing restaurants.
So see what’s on offer below and rest assured that wherever you choose will be a top spot!
(P.S. Don’t forget to book, we don’t want you to miss out.)
Tūrangi is the heart of adventure in the central plateau, so if you’re visiting this alpine tourist town, you’ll probably find yourself in some pretty hungry situations.
Thankfully there’s a number of delicious places for dinner and it just so happens that Tongariro Lodge Restaurant is gourmet dining at its best. Enjoy a warm and unique fishing lodge atmosphere, serving the best of New Zealand game and traditional foods.
The Hare & Copper Eatery is ideal if you enjoy sharing plates. Its extensive menu covers a wide range of delicious fare, including something for the kids too, and its relaxed, rustic atmosphere makes for very delightful dining. The popcorn chicken with kaffir lime leaf, cilantro, chilli jam, ginger candied peanuts and sriracha mayo comes highly recommended.
Head to the Riverside Bar & Restaurant for a delicious, hearty meal and friendly, attentive service with a smile - you’ll be impressed by their generous portions. Or for a truly authentic Italian experience, check out Valentino's Ristorante Italiano.
It’s safe to say that Taupō restaurants pack a punch with their array of food, eateries and restaurants. In fact, we are spoiled for choice.
Overlooking the water from a year-round alfresco dining space is Lake Bistro. On The Terrace you can be comfortable, no matter the weather, and enjoy small plates (that are perfect for sharing), pizzas or your own main. They also have a fantastic cocktail menu!
Roquette Restaurant is one of Taupō’s newest restaurants, in the hub of the Taupō towncentre. In a contemporary yet intimate setting, you’ll discover a carefully curated menu with everyone’s favourites - from beer battered fish to brisket, short ribs, burgers, pasta and more.
For the ultimate in fine dining, head to the quaint home of Embra - a bespoke restaurant housed inside a gorgeous, renovated bungalow. With a combination of modern Kiwi cuisine, French and British cooking techniques and locally-grown produce, Embra is a truly unique dining experience.
The award-winning Brantry Eatery is a well-established local favourite, set back from the hustle and bustle of town. Offering a 3-course meal that can be catered to the majority of dietary requirements, Brantry’s sophisticated cuisine ebbs and flows with the seasons.
Attached to the Hilton, Bistro Lago is synonymous with a flavourful menu that boasts the very best from the land, the lake and the ocean. To boot, the elevated position of the restaurant provides an incredible vista across Lake Taupō and the mountains.
Vine Eatery & Bar is in the heart of Taupō’s dining district - Tuwharetoa Street - and has long been one of the most popular restaurants in town. A large venue, it’s ideal for groups, but there are also plenty of pockets for intimate dining and you’ll find something for everyone on their generous menu.
With uninterrupted lake views, Edgewater Restaurant is the ideal location for a special occasion where you can savour local and international cuisine, crafted with the freshest ingredients daily. In between courses, see people wandering by on the Lions Walk and if you’re lucky, you might get to watch a beautiful sunset.
Where great food meets the lake, you’ll find Waterside Restaurant & Bar. With superb casual dining and an incredible menu, their burgers are hearty and their desserts are delicious. If you can’t decide what to eat, check out their Countryside Platter!
The Bistro is tucked away in Tamamutu Street and offers patrons a European-style dining experience. To start, try the wild rabbit and chicken liver terrine, then enjoy the golden crackled pork belly for a main and a Tahitian vanilla creme brulee to finish. Chef’s kiss!
Don’t be fooled by the name, because while The Steak House does some of the best steaks around, they also have a wide selection of other mains, sides, desserts and kids meals. But it certainly is the place to go if you have a hankering for a Porterhouse with a Bernaise Sauce or a T-Bone with Horseradish Cream.
