There are plenty of fun things to do in Taupo. However, there is a lot more to Taupo than just exploring the natural landscapes and outdoor bucks activities, with the city being blessed with some amazing eateries.
Taupo provides a range of different cuisines to suit all tastes, with a great mix of cheap and fine dining options available. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Taupo.
It can be a bit of a challenge to find the very best dining options, with every restaurant and eatery receiving a large number of plaudits for their high-quality food and service.
We have saved you the trouble of having to find the best food options yourself, so you can go and taste your way throughout the Taupo and experience why it is so well regarded in the food scene.
L’Arte Café and Gallery
Voted as Lonely Planet’s No.1 cafe in the Central North Island, L’Arte Café and Gallery is not to be missed. Not only is the food and drink amazing, but so are the visual delights.
There is an enchanting art-filled garden, with a complete outside mosaic living room. The work of Judi Brennan, Resident Ceramic artist has been completely brought to life all over the place.
L’Arte Café and Gallery is very popular for its coffee and wonderful alcohol menu, which includes a top class selection of New Zealand wines and beers.
255 Mapara Rd, Acacia Bay, Taupo 3377
Espresso Cove Cafe
This is another cafe that is a gem within Taupo. It provides visitors with the option of enjoying a coffee and meal with stunning views of Lake Taupo.
It is a cosy cafe that provides a full breakfast and brunch, with the cabinet food boasting an amazing selection of freshly baked sweet and savoury choices.
1 Lowell Pl, Waipahihi, Taupo 3330
The Bistro Taupo
This restaurant is a new addition to Taupo’s dining scene and has already gained a strong following with a lot of plaudits.
It is ranked the number one restaurant in Taupo on TripAdvisor and its easy to see why, It provides the perfect place to enjoy a delicious dinner with its amazing menu and exquisite overall European dining experience.
The Bistro focuses heavily on bringing the flavour and freshness of the menu to life in every meal. The crackled pork belly, confit of Cambridge duck or braised Rangitikei lamb shank are only some of the delectable options available.
The chef and owner of the restaurant, Jude Messenger has also won the winner of 2011 Monteiths Wild Food Challenge, highlighting just how good the food really is.
17 Tamamutu St, Taupo 3330
Master of India
If you love Indian cuisine and are looking for a really authentic experience, then you’ll absolutely love Master of India.
This restaurant takes you for a taste adventure right to the very heart of Indian cuisine, which is complemented by a traditional and elegant setting.
It provides delicious classics such as butter chicken, curries, crisp popadoms and a range of different naan breads.
No matter what you order from Master of India, you are sure to love the authentic meals on offer.
47 Ruapehu St, Taupo 3330
Storehouse
A warm, home-like cafe offering a seasonal soul food style menu, with a delicious tapas menu in the evenings, you can be sure that you can’t get enough of this hidden gym.
Storehouse is also well known for providing some amazing coffee options including espresso, filter and cold brew as well as an amazing range of organic cold drinks.
This homestyle cafe is sure to delight and provide you with plenty of surprise treats for you to indulge your taste buds.
14 Runanga St, Taupo 3377
Victoria’s Kitchen and Bar
Victoria’s kitchen and bar provides a wide range of delicious menus for its guests, including a hearty breakfast and brunch, to burgers and ribs by night.
The burgers and ribs have become so popular, that it has become a must do for tourists when they come to visit Taupo. The burgers and ribs are massive and full of flavour, proving to be a huge hit.
127 Tongariro St, Taupo 3377
2 Mile Bay
This is a huge popular food option in Taupo, with it being walking distance to the water. Boats can literally pull up to the floating jetty out the back and order a quick coffee to go.
You can order a tasty lunch, with the wood fired pizza being a huge hit. There are a wide range of delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner options, making 2 Mile Bay a good choice, no matter what time of the day it is.
With panoramic views across Lake Taupo while you enjoy a nice tasty meal, you cant go wrong with 2 Mile Bay.
When it comes to enjoying a nice tasty meal, Taupo has an abundance of top quality restaurants and eateries for you to try. No matter what cuisine you’re feeling or if you feel like fine dining or something cheap, quick and easy; there is something to suit everyone’s taste.