Embra and The Bistro retain prestigious two-hat status

Taupō’s reputation as a food destination is growing, with 10 restaurants across Taupō and Tūrangi in the latest Cuisine Good Food Guide.

The number of Taupō-area listings in the 2026 edition of the national restaurant guide is double last year’s.

Embra and The Bistro, both in central Taupō, also retained their prestigious two-hat status, recognising what the guide described as consistently outstanding cuisine.

Eight other eateries have been recognised, including five new listings.

They are Bistro Lago at Hilton Taupō, Bombay Bistro, French Market, Lionel’s and Incredible India, joining Brantry Eatery, Hare & Copper in Tūrangi and Plateau Bar & Eatery.

The 22nd edition of the Cuisine Good Food Guide was announced on Monday night, including more than 400 restaurants and hospitality businesses across New Zealand.

Each venue is independently assessed by a national judging panel.

Love Taupō general manager Patrick Dault said the recognition boosted the region’s hospitality industry.

“This is big ups to our vibrant hospitality scene.

“While the Michelin Guide has only touched our big centres, the Cuisine Guide has a national focus.”

Dault said Taupō had the food and hospitality offering to attract visitors specifically for its dining scene.

“Taupō very definitely has what it takes to attract serious foodies.

“Our Taupō and Central North Island hospitality scene has a genuine vibrancy, and locals know that, but it’s always a thrill to see national recognition and endorsement of the quality of our hospo stars.”

He said visitors were increasingly staying longer in Taupō to experience its restaurants.

“Out-of-towners and international visitors alike are discovering that it’s worth staying in Taupō for a few extra nights to allow time to experience our dining scene.”

Embra and The Bistro are among just 48 restaurants awarded more than one hat by the magazine.

The guide praised Embra for its modern New Zealand cuisine, combining French and British influences with seasonal regional produce.

Chef Phill Blackburne and Nora Blackburne own the restaurant, with Blackburne having worked under acclaimed Edinburgh chef Dominic Jack before returning to New Zealand.

The guide highlighted that The Bistro had been operating for more than 14 years.

Chef Jude Messenger and his wife Tiffany had built the restaurant around a seasonal, produce-led menu and a relaxed approach to dining.

Other Taupō restaurants were recognised for cuisines including Indian, Argentinian, Asian, Mexican and contemporary New Zealand food.

The guide described new listing Bombay Bistro as a standout for its goat curries and Indian sharing dishes, while Bistro Lago was praised for its sophisticated menu and use of local ingredients.

French Market, owned by chef Marie Legoux, was recognised for its pastries, artisan breads, cheeses and other gourmet food.

Lionel’s, another recent addition to the lakeside dining scene, was praised for its contemporary menu and carefully considered flavour combinations.

Tūrangi restaurant Hare & Copper was recognised for its combination of Argentinian, Asian and Mexican influences, with dishes including tahr, wallaby and octopus.

Dault said Taupō’s busy events calendar also played an important role in supporting local hospitality businesses.

The annual Treats of Taupō food festival will run from September 26 to October 4.

He said the festival would give visitors another chance to experience the region’s food scene.

The Cuisine Good Food Guide describes itself as New Zealand’s only national and independent restaurant guide, with the 2026 edition featuring more than 400 establishments nationwide.

Tom Eley is a multimedia journalist at the Waikato Herald. Before he joined the Hamilton-based team, he worked for the Weekend Sun and Sunlive. He previously worked as a journalist at Black Press Media in Canada and won a fellowship with the Vancouver Sun.