The Bistro

Bistro is in danger of underselling itself with its ‘simple but nice’ strapline, given its ability to turn local and seasonal produce into creations such…

Blessing your tastebuds with the best European fare around is The Bistro. Run by Jude Messenger (whose credentials include Peter Gordon's The Sugar Club in London) and his wife Tiffany, this is where you go for smoked fish chowder and olive oil poached prawn tails—butternut squash cake and golden crackled pork belly—and warm Belgian chocolate cake and ruby grapefruit sorbet. The kids' menu is also tops (they get pork belly too) or there's a six-course degustation, if you're feelin' fancy.

This is in my top things to do in Taupo for adults too but it really is that good that it deserves to be in both lists. I’m a long time fan of The Bistro and as soon as we turned up in Taupo yesterday after a day of playing the Getting Lost Game I knew we’d have to go!. As much as I love the food (and I rate it as some of the best I’ve ever had) I’m even more in love with their ethos – to make amazing food affordable for the average kiwi family.

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.

Situated within the scenic premises of The Hilton Lake Taupo, The Bistro stands out for its sophisticated dining ambience and breathtaking views. The standout dish, the Grilled Scotch Fillet of Greenstone Creek beef, showcases the best of local produce, perfectly cooked to enhance its natural flavours. The Bistro's commitment to contemporary New Zealand cuisine and its picturesque setting makes it a prime spot for best dinner in Taupo.

Back in Taupō town, Vine Eatery & Bar is the place to be seen on a Friday night, Plateau Bar & Eatery love innovative food that highlights the best of the season, and The Bistro has won numerous awards for its fresh, local produce focused cuisine. Cosy and charming, The Brantry Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a night out whether with friends or for that romantic evening you have been planning.

Nestled in the heart of Taupo, The Bistro Taupo is the perfect spot for locals and visitors to enjoy a European-style dining experience. With dishes like the confit leg of Cambridge duck and golden crackle pork paired with kumara, each offering is designed to reflect the best of what’s available locally. So, next time you’re looking for places to eat in Taupo, make sure you check out The Bistro Taupo.

The Bistro combines classic European cooking techniques with the local flavours of the Waikato region. The dishes are creative and beautifully plated. Reserve a table at the Bistro when you book cheap flights to Taupo to tuck into delicious dishes such as golden crackled pork belly with seasonal vegetables, fresh Hawkes Bay fish of the day, and sous-vide calamari with lemon gnocchi.

The Bistro wild rabbit & chicken liver terrine, salsa verde, house pickles, pistachio nuts, crème fraiche, sherry syrup. Strip loin of Wharekauhau lamb, braised Belgian endive, truffled fennel cream, pecan nuts, ruby grapefruit, sherry gastrique. Grilled eye of scotch fillet, braised short rib tortelloni, sweet corn, hazelnuts, stone fruit panzanella, black pepper dressing

The Bistro is known for its European, healthy, and New Zealand cuisine, offering a cozy ambiance and delicious dishes. Dixie Browns, with views of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe, provides an extensive menu and a beautiful lakefront setting. Indian Affair Taupo offers a fine dining experience with a diverse mix of traditional and modern Indian cuisine.

Explore The Bistro, where culinary excellence meets family passion. Meet the Messenger family, where award-winning chef-owner Jude and his crew - including six talented offspring - create a dining experience that's part of Taupō's winning formula. From experimental menus to sustainable practices, discover what sets this gem apart in the world of gastronomy.

THE BISTRO The Bistro is the flagship of a quiet revolution that is transforming the Taupo-Turangi dining scene. After working in top US and UK restaurants, chef Jude messenger returned home with a vision of offering locals European-style dining with unpretentious service and affordable prices. It’s proved a smash success.

If award-winning dining is your forte you can’t pass up The Bistro, specialising in sourcing local ingredients, the menu is ever changing as produce changes seasonally. For something a little more relaxed the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club offers wood-fired pizzas, beers on tap and is located right on the lake.

The Bistro is a modern and elegant restaurant, that transforms simple ingredients into stellar dishes. Book a table for two in a bold menu that’s experimentative yet hits the right notes every time. A fantastic atmosphere with a focus on flavour – you can’t go wrong.

Wining & Dining, Restaurant, Cafes, Cafe, Art Gallery, Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant, Internet Cafe, Voted Lonely Planets No 1 cafe pick for the and one of the top 10 places to visit L'arte Café Gallery is not to be missed when visiting

A short drive from Centennial House Taupo, The Bistro epitomises the New Zealand dining experience with its emphasis on local ingredients. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing dinner after a day exploring Taupo.

For us, our best kept secret has to be Gourmet Pizza at the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club, it gets the nod for its rustic charm, amazing views, warm and friendly service and food with gluten free options.