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Hours
Sun
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Mon
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tue
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thu
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sat
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
European, Healthy, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
features
Does this restaurant serve Romagna food?
Details
About
The Bistro is a small family owned restaurant focused on simple clean flavours and honest tasty food from fresh local produce, all in a relaxed causal setting to provide our guests with moments that last a life time.
CUISINES
European, Healthy, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
1,354 reviews
Excellent
989
Very good
250
Average
75
Poor
26
Terrible
14
maka4
Ngatea11 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
We've stayed in Taupo many times but had never eaten at The Bistro. We're so pleased we came across it online, we had an outstanding evening. Booked easily online, the service was impeccable, great selection of dishes to choose from and the food was absolutely beautifully presented and tasted even better -we both had 3 courses and neither of us could find fault with anything. And to top it off the complimentary in-house made sourdough bread with lemon curd browned butter was amazing! We will definitely be back next time we're in town.
Written 28 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward M
Portola Valley23 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
We visited Taupō with an eye towards a nice refined meal and this restaurant was recommended by Frommer’s Travel Guide. Our experience was spectacular! After talking briefly about our taste in wine (Californian), we were guided by the Chef and owner Jude towards Hawkes Bay wine Chardonnay and Syrah. Outstanding choices we enjoyed as we settled into choosing our meals. Our initial course was the rabbit and chicken liver terrine, which was scrumptious but not too rich. We followed with the duck confit and the beef dishes that left us very satisfied. Along the way we chatted with Jude as it was not a busy evening and that added to the feeling of welcoming. We highly affirm the top rating given this restaurant (2023 guide) and encourage anyone interested in refined dining to make this restaurant a required stop.
Written 30 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerrimai
Albany225 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
Thoroughly enjoyed our meals at this restaurant right in the middle of town in Taupo. A few of us had the confit duck which was cooked to perfection. The wine was a little disappointing in that the cheapest choice was the house wine which was very average and then the prices were ridiculously over the top for anything else. Bit of a shame when the food was so good!
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gingermstickel
New York City6 contributions
Jan 2025 • friends
This is one of the worst meals out I've had in a long time. I booked this restaurant for a friend's birthday, and wow do I regret it. We had terrible service. From the moment we arrived, the waitress barely spoke to us. When she took our order we asked some questions about items on the menu. My daughter is vegetarian and asked about the Greens dish, which our waitress said included broccoli, asparagus, and cauliflower - none of which were served in the dish. When we asked to return it, the waitress gave us a hard time, telling us there was broccoli in the dish. I asked for the manager, who insisted on coming to our table to view the dish, which was filled with white grains. He took it back, but still tried to charge us for it, explaining it was the kitchen's fault for not doing it correctly? The waitress mixed up the drink order (serving 2 lemonades instead of 2 diet cokes) and never brought our side of fries, even though we asked for them multiple times. The restaurant had been told it was my friend's birthday, and included a birthday dish on the receipt, but did not bring it out until I questioned them when I got the receipt and saw it on there. The dish included a one inch piece of cheese or white chocolate. They did not sing. They overcharged me, including a 15% holiday upcharge. The ambience was bland and the food was mediocre at best. I would not recommend this restaurant.
Written 2 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Audrey W
2 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
The waitress was very attentive and the restaurant has a nice ambience. There were 3 of us dining and whilst the meals were flavoursome we all felt that they were overpriced relative to the size of the meal. Especially the cauliflower cake which looked like an entree sized meal instead of a main.
We would not be inclined to return
Written 19 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monz M
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • family
From the first bite to the last, this meal was an absolute delight.
The crispy-skinned fish was cooked to perfection, with a beautiful soft interior, rich and flavourful crust.
The steak was equally impressive—tender, juicy, and packed with deep delicious flavour.
The thoughtful presentation and attention to detail made the experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, this meal was a true standout, quality ingredients with expert preparation. A dining experience we won’t forget anytime soon!
Written 1 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Max G
Los Angeles962 contributions
Mar 2023 • none
Two friends had recommended The Bistro to us, so we made a reservation about a week before we arrived.
The meal got off to an average start. The heirloom tomato I ordered did not seem like an heirloom tomato, nor did it have very good flavor. The raw fish that my wife ordered was better.
Our main dishes were excellent. My wife had the Scotch fillet and I had the pan friend fresh fish.
The staff was friendly and attentive.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan
3 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
This was a wonderful accident as I thought we were going to a different restaurant. The comfortable room, enhanced by an engaged young waitperson was promising. Delivery followed with dry aged hapuka, Cambridge duck with fennel and pork and a red pickled cabbage mixture. The balance and modest degree of innovation was seriously impressive. We shared a silky crème brûlée cooked sous vide, a successful first. After a multi day road trip eating every meal out it was a great finale. Not cheap but great value.
Written 13 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rickyboy2222 Melbourne
Melbourne105 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
Can’t fault The Bistro.
Great service, great food and wine, and just a fantastic comfortable restaurant to enjoy when you’re visiting Taupo.
The Chef/Owner is a magician in the kitchen, the food coming out is really really delicious
Great wine list, top NZ wines to try by the glass, and not too expensive
Give it a go for sure
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler
Chicago55 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
Underwhelming Dining Experience. We were so disappointed in the lazy service and the low quality of our meals. The fried vegetables were very greasy and the tomato salad was sparse. The young servers seemed inexperienced. For the price of the meals, we expected much more.
Written 1 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stan-Pope
4 contributions
Mar 2024 • family
What an outstanding experience. Jude, and his team provide superb cuisine that is not to be missed.
We were there for 2 consecutive nights during the V8 Supercars weekend, very busy but they presented friendly service, and consistently excellent food that will have us both highly recommending The Bistro, and without doubt, coming back again, and again.
You will not be disappointed.
Written 23 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet D
Camberley9 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
Great little Bistro in Taupo. We were only visiting for the night and staying relatively close by when our hosts recommended dinner here. I went online and booked immediately. We weren’t disappointed. We were met by our friendly hostess who explained the day’s specials, brought us water and a drinks menu. Having chosen the drinks, the dinner menu was also brought for us to choose from. I had the fish of the day even though I’d never heard of it or tasted it before (which was delicious) and my husband had the confit duck which was also pretty damn good. The bill was excellent value and we left feeling very pleased with ourselves (despite the appalling weather).
Written 2 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IanandAnne314
Christchurch11 contributions
Feb 2023 • none
From the moment we arrived we knew it would be good. Our waitress was friendly and efficient. We ordered pork belly and fish. While we waited for our meals we were brought warm sourdough bread with a special lemon curd butter. A really nice touch. The wine was brought to and opened at the table. We both enjoyed our delicious meals and can’t wait to visit again. A very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Loved it.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
feipo
Tauranga318 contributions
May 2021 • none
We always dine at the Bistro whenever we are in Taupo.
The Monday night we were there, the restaurant was packed and noisy. Our little table was placed close to a big group and the noise level was unbelievable. Only 2 waiters to serve a full dining room. We waited for at least half an hour before we were served, and finally a table away from the group became vacant, so we shifted away from the noise !
We chose the 3 course fixed menu, it didn't disappoint. The zucchini salad, calamari, pork and scotch fillet were beautifully cooked and matched. The brulee and sundae were delicious.
It was well worth the wait with a lovely meal to follow.
However, whoever took our booking should have warned us about the big group booking so we could change our booking time.
Reservation is essential !!
Written 26 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wendy1811027
Taupo207 contributions
May 2021 • none
We had heard that The Bistro was very good when we first moved to Taupo and went for the first time on a Thursday night as it was my husbands birthday
It is an excellent eatery, They have got the formula just right, its a small, intimate restaurant serving top class food and not at all pretentious. Our waiter Julio ensured we were well informed, and looked after us to make the evening most pleasurable.
We opted for the 3 course set menu which we thought was good value for such excellent food.For entree I had the slow cooked calamari which melted in the mouth, Hapuku mains which had such a delicate fusion of flavours and the creme caramel was stunning. Tom had the same but an excellent steak for mains.
Nice extra touches are the home made sourdough bread, and ceviche tasters before the meals and happy birthday written in chocolate on Tom's desert plate. Highly recommended for a nice night out. We will return.
Written 28 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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