Restaurants in Taupo & The Central Plateau
-
A
Plateau
One of a growing number of brewery-branded gastro-pubs, Plateau is a great place for a drink (Monteith’s beer being the main poison), but the food is the key. The menu is predominantly modern NZ (think lamb rump and rib-eye), with plenty of fancy fusion twists.
reviewed
-
Tongariro Lodge
Some of the world’s most famous blokes (Robert Mitchum, Liam Neeson, Larry Hagman, Jimmy Carter, Timothy Dalton) have come to this luxury riverside fishing lodge, set in 9 hectares of parkland, to relax in wood-panelled anonymity. Not surprisingly, the menu’s orientated around man-sized slabs of meat but the real squeals of delight come when a lucky lodger is presented with their day’s catch, smoked and served to perfection.
reviewed
-
B
Brantry
Chef Prue Campbell and sister Felicity continue to run the best and most consistent restaurant in the region at this 1950s town house, a few minutes from the town centre. Dine in intimate, unobtrusive surrounds, inside or out. The menu makes use of some of NZ’s finest ingredients, including top-quality cuts of beef and lamb. The set menu (two-/three-courses $40/50) is a gift.
reviewed
-
L’Arté
A 10-minute drive from town will reward you with a fantastically artful cafe in an ebullient sculpture garden with a gallery alongside. Lots of mouth-watering treats are made from scratch here, including the pesto that sits on the must-have antipasto platter. The home baking is a triumph.
reviewed
-
C
Replete
Widely regarded as one of Taupo’s best cafes, Replete’s counter is packed full of delicatessen delights – running the gamut from sandwiches and salads to sweets. Its pastry selection is particularly commendable. A blackboard menu offers inexpensive and interesting light meals.
reviewed
-
D
Pihanga Cafe
The Pihanga is a consistent performer with good-value meals along the lines of soup, salads and fancier fare such as osso bucco. Next-door, the T-bar is a cosy spot for a winter warmer or a beer outside in the sunshine.
reviewed
-
E
Utopia Cafe
A funky, upbeat and perennially popular destination for locals and visitors alike, with good reason. Great breakfast staples such as eggs Benedict and brioche with bacon and banana, plus a good vegie selection and fresh homemade counter food.
reviewed
-
F
Pimentos
Such a local favourite that you may well need to book to enjoy some of the town’s best food in this convivial environment. Its lamb shanks and mash are legendary, but the relatively short menu offers plenty of well-considered experimentation.
reviewed
-
G
Cyprus Tree
Distinctly Italian food – pizza, pasta and antipasto – served in a chic yet relaxed space. Thursday ‘pizza and pint’ nights are great value – especially as the ‘pizza’ stretches to pasta and the ‘pint’ to house wine.
reviewed
-
H
Fat Pigeon Garden Café
Interesting breakfasts, tasty sandwiches, home-made cakes and excellent coffee. Set in a beautiful cottage and gardens, this is a great place to start your day or recharge after a walk up the hill. Terrific garden.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
I
Mountain Rocks
A log-cabin-like space that feels more like a watering hole than an eatery. However, decent sandwiches, homemade burgers and great cakes are available, as well as substantial evening meals to soak up the alcohol.
reviewed
-
J
Fine Fettle
An airy cafe on a quieter edge of town, serving wholefood, organic, and GE- and gluten-free options. The healthy, satisfying offerings include quiches and fresh salads, plus juices, smoothies and iced chai.
reviewed
-
K
On Tap
This place packs a paunch with paté to start, steaks as big as your fist, cheese to round off and a beer bonanza throughout. Modern-man interior with beaut wooden bar and smokers' den out front.
reviewed
-
L
Matterhorn
Upstairs in the Powderhorn Chateau is the swanky Matterhornserving cocktails and sophisticated bar snacks as well as relaxed but chic á la carte dining. Great sunny balcony.
reviewed
-
M
Bearing Point
Hearty après-ski fare is offered at this upmarket establishment run by local identities. Warm your cockles with aged eye fillet, maple-glazed salmon, lamb rump or a seafood curry.
reviewed
-
N
Eruption
Shelter behind one of the free newspapers while Eruption’s espresso machine steams and spurts out black rivers topped with creamy foam. The food selection’s limited but tasty.
reviewed
-
O
Stir Taupo
Despite operating out of a caravan by the marina, Stir managed to snaffle a 2009 cafe award. The formula’s simple: killer coffee and scrumptious sweet and savoury crepes.
reviewed
-
P
Classic Espresso Bakery
This is a budget diner's creamy dream, baking daily delights like pies and pastries, and old-school treats like lamingtons, Eccles cake and gingerbread people.
reviewed
-
Q
Mountain Kebabs
Any old kebabery can come up with the basic lamb, chicken or felafel varieties – but here camembert, hummus, sprouts and olives are rolled into the mix, too.
reviewed
-
R
Red Crater Café
Bright and cheery with a loungy outdoor area, this café inside Extreme Backpackers serves snacks, breakfast, and light meals including soup and nachos.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
S
Mustard Seed Café
This modern café with a garden area has staple breakfast offerings like eggs benedict, panini, sandwiches, cakes and good espresso.
reviewed
-
T
Fergusson’s Cafe
Fergusson’s is a casual tearoom with outdoor tables, and proffers pies, sandwiches, cakes and coffee.
reviewed
-
U
Projection Room
This funky little spot has occasional films and dancing to DJs, as well as a comfort-food menu featuring burgers, curries, noodles and steak.
reviewed
-
Bus Stop Café
Local identity Garry Gradwell dishes out burgers and toasties from the back of an old Bedford bus parked on the Maraetai lakefront.
reviewed
-
Licorice
It’s worth holding off for this pit stop 8km north of Turangi for excellent coffee, cheap, light meals, and lovely home baking.
reviewed
