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Mole & Chicken

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A warm and welcoming restaurant in Taupo, offering delicious, fresh cuisine and great bar drinks in a relaxed setting away from the hustle.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
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Mole & Chicken

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A warm and welcoming restaurant in Taupo, offering delicious, fresh cuisine and great bar drinks in a relaxed setting away from the hustle.

"The food here was all impeccable, beautiful atmosphere, and friendly locals!"

TIP

Book Ahead on Busy Nights

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on Fridays, to ensure you get a table.

Worth the Trip Outside Town

Don't be deterred by its location away from the town center; it's lively and a worthwhile destination.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Wednesday 3PM

Cuisine

American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+64 7 378 7843

Address

40 Taharepa Road, Hilltop, Taupō 3330, New Zealand

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Impeccably Cooked Steaks

Impeccably Cooked Steaks

Tender, flavorful steaks, with some calling them the best they've ever had in New Zealand. Cooked to perfection.

Google Review+2
Free-Range Chicken Perfection

Free-Range Chicken Perfection

The Free-Range Chicken dish is an absolute standout, particularly the exquisite mushroom element.

Google Review
Vibrant Cocktail Scene

Vibrant Cocktail Scene

A lively bar scene with a great selection of cocktails, perfect for a relaxed evening.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Our favourite Thai restaurant in Taupo. 😍 📍Thai Central, 45 Ruapehu Street, Taupo. #foodtiktok #foodvlog #lifeinnz #taupo #trending
@kpvenus
29 likes • 1.6K views

Book Ahead on Busy Nights

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on Fridays, to ensure you get a table.

Worth the Trip Outside Town

Don't be deterred by its location away from the town center; it's lively and a worthwhile destination.

Have you tried Thai Central Restaurant in Taupo, New Zealand #food #fyp
@krizzy_b
28 likes • 2.5K views

Explore Unique Dishes

Try specialties like Bao Buns or the mushroom-infused Free-Range Chicken for a unique taste experience.

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Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead on Busy Nights

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on Fridays, to ensure you get a table.

Worth the Trip Outside Town

Don't be deterred by its location away from the town center; it's lively and a worthwhile destination.

Explore Unique Dishes

Try specialties like Bao Buns or the mushroom-infused Free-Range Chicken for a unique taste experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners consistently praise Mole & Chicken for its impeccable food, friendly and attentive service, and warm atmosphere, making it a stand-out casual dining spot. While the food quality is highly rated, some found specific side dishes to be less impressive or portions small. Overall, it's considered a delightful surprise and a must-visit in Taupo for a memorable meal.

"The food here was all impeccable, beautiful atmosphere, and friendly locals! Couldn’t recommend this place more for fresh, delicious, and affordable for what you get!"

Tiffany Rhodes

"Great food and great service, took my partner here for my birthday trip and staff were very attentive. Ordered the T-bone steak which I have to say was probably if not the best steak iv had in an NZ restaurant. We ordered the sticky date pudding after which was amazing and the balsamic vinegar sauce really added another level of complexity. Service was faultless and so was the food. Will definitely come back when I stay up there again."

atom608

"The FREE RANGE CHICKEN dish was astounding! The mushroom element of the dish was potentially the best I've had. Incredible and highly recommend.

My mother's steak dish, while delicious, had crunchy seasonal vegetables and a small portion of gratin.

Huge compliments to the wait staff who were running the restaurant super well while it was busy."

Larissa Gates

What People Like

Exceptional steak quality
Friendly and attentive staff
Warm, welcoming atmosphere

What People Dislike

Small portions on some dishes
Seasonal vegetables could be improved

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many reviewers have celebrated birthdays and special trips here, noting the attentive service and excellent food.

Google Review+1

It's highly recommended, especially on busy nights like Fridays, to secure your table.

The Insider’s Guide To Food And Wine In TaupoGoogle Review

The Free-Range Chicken, steaks (like the T-bone or eye fillet), Bao Buns, and the sticky date pudding are frequently recommended.

Google Review+2

Yes, the restaurant is welcoming, with kid-friendly meals and attentive service noted by guests.

Google Review

No, while it's outside the town center, it's described as lively and worth the short trip.

The Insider’s Guide To Food And Wine In TaupoGoogle Review+1

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