Bistro Lago at The Hilton, Lake Taupo, New Zealand

The selection of dining options in Taupo, New Zealand’s beloved holiday destination, is extensive. Taupo is home to Australasia’s largest lake and this major tourist destination is also home to many renowned cafes and restaurants. With so much choice and confusion, one turns immediately to TripAdvisor or other online social recommendation platforms for guidance. However, from personal experiences, if it’s fine dining you are after in Taupo, then do not miss the opportunity to celebrate at Bistro Lago, The Hilton.

It is here at Bistro Lago that you will be swept off your feet, with not only mouth-watering local produce but the panoramic vista of New Zealand’s treasured Lake Taupo and its majestic mountains beyond. Elegant provincial style floor to ceiling windows capture these views from inside the classy restaurant or alternatively enjoy the scenery from outside with alfresco dining seating on the sweeping balcony. The simple yet stylish décor at Bistro Lago creates the perfect ambiance. Crisp linen napkins and polished silver cutlery. Open fires, leather sofas and timber furnishings radiate warmth and comfort with an abundance of natural light. Though, if you are after a cosier and more intimate scene, the designated bar area is the ideal spot to indulge in that special glass of New Zealand wine.

If staying at the Hilton Lake Taupo, the convenience of Bistro Lago is right at your doorstep. Attached to the hotel, the restaurant is open daily and caters for all, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, including a children’s menu and also a separate bar menu. Celebrity chef Gareth Stewart, from New Zealand’s My Kitchen Rules television series, leads the team in the kitchen at Bistro Lago. Showcasing mouth-watering local favourites in his own creative way, brings satisfaction to not only Gareth but his diners as well.

An appetizing menu with the importance of locally sourced ingredients, delivers quality dishes of the highest standard. Pre-dinner salmon ceviche appetizers tastefully accompanied the glass of local craft beer “Lakeman Taupo Thunder”. Mains of wild pork belly with celeriac puree, local duck and crispy fried free-range chicken breast did not disappoint. And the “Mindful” salad with cranberries, pepitas and goat’s cheese was a must, after all, the name was self-explanatory!

A word of warning. If you are a sweet tooth, then make sure to leave room for dessert! Whether indulging solo or in pairs, there is no incorrect choice on Bistro Lago’s dessert menu. Berry meringue, panna cotta with citrus and the delectable dark chocolate fondant; all heavenly options. The only thing left to do was surrender to the call of sweet pleasure!

Bistro Lago’s friendly yet knowledgeable and skilled staff guarantee an enjoyable experience. The changing seasonal menu allows variety and innovation for staff and guests alike. Bistro Lago greets like a warm embrace and delivers excellence throughout its food and service. This culinary jewel of Taupo definitely earns a deserving mention amongst the plethora of dining options within this amazing region of New Zealand.

Bistro Lago

Open Daily 7am –9pm

Address: 80-100 Napier-Taupo Rd, Hilltop, Taupo 3330, New Zealand

Phone: +64 7-376 2319

Disclosure: Sponsored post in collaboration with Bistro Lago. This post contains a mixture of my own personal photos and those of The Hilton Taupo. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I choose to write this honest review to inform you of my experience.

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