Skip to content

Where to Eat in Taupō (Our Relaxed Local Guide)

One of the questions we get asked most is simple:

“Where should we eat while we’re in Taupō?”

And we love that question because Taupō’s food scene is quietly excellent. It’s not flashy or overwhelming. It’s good, grounded, and relaxed. Just like the town itself.

Here’s our personal, genuinely local guide to where we send friends, family, and guests when they stay with us.

Mole & Chicken

📍 40 Taharepa Road, Hilltop, Taupō 3330

Let’s start close to home.

Mole & Chicken is our friendly local — just a five-minute walk up the hill from Gillies Ave. If you’re staying with us, it’s the easiest first-night option when you don’t feel like driving anywhere.
Despite the name, there are no moles involved. Just very good chicken. Think fresh, vibrant flavours, generous plates, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel.

It’s easy. It’s consistent. It’s the kind of place where you can turn up a little sandy from the lake and still feel right at home.

Perfect for:

  • First night in town

  • Casual family dinners

  • A relaxed mid-week meal

Vine Eatery & Bar

📍 37 Tūwharetoa Street, Taupō 3330

Vine is the “no one got fired for recommending Microsoft” of Taupō dining, and we mean that in the best possible way.

It’s consistently one of the best restaurants in town for a higher-end meal that still feels relaxed. The menu is extensive, blending Mediterranean and New Zealand flavours, and it’s backed by a seriously good drinks game: craft beer, fine wine, and a cocktail lounge that’s ideal for starting (or finishing) your night properly.

If you’re choosing one “let’s do it properly” dinner while you’re here, Vine is a very safe bet, polished, reliable, and always a good time.

Perfect for:

  • Date night

  • celebrating something special

  • When you want or when you want a sure thing

2 Mile Bay Sailing Club

📍 331 Lake Terrace, Two Mile Bay, Taupō 3330

This one feels very Taupō.

Right on the lake. Woodfire pizzas. Cold drinks. People barefoot on the grass.

2 Mile Bay Yacht Club is a locals’ favourite for a reason. It’s relaxed, family-friendly, and ideal on a warm evening when you want to watch the light change over the water.

It’s not about fine dining — it’s about atmosphere. Grab a pizza, sit outside, let the kids run around, and enjoy the view.

When you’re staying near the lake, it’s an easy rhythm to fall into: lake swim → shower → pizza → sunset.

Perfect for:

  • Families

  • Summer evenings

  • Low-effort, high-enjoyment dining

Plateau Bar + Eatery

📍 64 Tūwharetoa Street, Taupō 3330

Plateau has been a Taupō staple for years.

It’s right in town, easy to get to, and strikes a nice balance between relaxed and refined. The menu leans modern New Zealand with good wine options and thoughtful dishes without being intimidating.

It’s a great “everyone will find something” spot.

Perfect for:

  • Mixed groups

  • Visitors who want central location

  • A reliable night out in town

The Bistro

📍 17 Tamamutu Street, Taupō 3330

If you’re looking for something a little more intimate and elevated, The Bistro is worth booking.
It’s slightly tucked away, which makes it feel like a find. The food is beautifully presented, seasonal, and thoughtful. This is more of a slow dinner — the kind where you settle in for a few courses and take your time.

Perfect for:

  • Special occasions

  • Couples

  • Food lovers wanting something refined but not formal

Incredible India Restaurant and Bar

📍 19 Pāora Hapi Street, CBD, Taupō 3330

This is our favourite Indian in town — and we don’t say that lightly.

It’s humble. It’s relaxed. And it makes a genuinely banging curry.

If you’re after something comforting after a big day outdoors, this is it. The flavours are bold, the portions generous, and the atmosphere unfussy. It’s the kind of place you go back to more than once during a stay.

Perfect for:

  • Takeaway back to your accommodation

  • Group dinners

  • A cosy night in

Lionel’s

📍 14 Northcroft Street, Taupō 3330 (Suncourt Hotel)

Lionel’s has a lovely lakefront position and is a strong option if you want good food paired with an easy waterfront stroll. It feels polished but still welcoming, great for lunch or dinner, especially if you’ve been exploring the town centre and want somewhere convenient with a view.

Perfect for:

  • Lunch with a lake outlook

  • Easy-access dining near town

  • Visitors wanting waterfront atmosphere

Embra

📍 97A Kaimanawa Street, Taupō 3330

Embra brings something a little different to Taupō’s dining scene.

Modern, slightly European-influenced, thoughtful without being overcomplicated. It’s a great option when you’re in the mood for something a bit more contemporary and creative.

Perfect for:

  • Couples

  • Food-focused evenings

  • When you feel like trying something new

A few relaxed tips from us

Book ahead for weekends and school holidays.

Mid-week dining in Taupō is wonderfully easy — another reason we love mid-week stays.
If you’re staying near the lake, you can often walk or take a very short drive to most of these spots. And of course, if you’re ever unsure, just ask. We’re always happy to suggest something based on the mood of your group — whether that’s casual pizza by the water or a slower evening with good wine and conversation.

Taupō’s dining scene doesn’t shout about itself. But it doesn’t need to.It’s relaxed. It’s welcoming. And it fits beautifully with the rhythm of a stay where you’re here to enjoy every moment.

Comments