Lionel’s Bistro and Bar has officially opened its doors at 14 Northcroft Street, Taupo. The new restaurant offers a carefully crafted menu that combines the rich and diverse flavours of the Mediterranean with the finest New Zealand produce.
Lionel’s blends tradition with modern flair to ensure a dining experience that is as memorable as it is delicious.
Tucked away on Northcroft Street, this family-run gem brings a touch of tradition to Taupo’s dining scene, paying tribute to the owner’s father, whose cooking and love of family lives on in the menu.
Step into Lionel’s and you’ll immediately be enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere. The interior has been thoughtfully designed to be elegant and inviting, setting the stage for a warm and embracing dining experience. From the moment you enter, you get the distinct feeling that you’ve entered a special place, where time slows down and the outside world fades away.
A Mediterranean Love Letter
A love letter to the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean, the menu is the brainchild of Chef Reuben Lin. Previously at the helm of the kitchen at Hilton Lake Taupo, Reuben brings a sophisticated touch to every dish.
From homemade pastas to chargrilled meats, each dish is a chapter in the book celebrating New Zealand’s seasons and the best of local produce. Start with warm citrus olives or the chicken liver parfait, perfectly paired with toasted focaccia and bacon jam. For mains, try the slow-braised duck and oyster mushroom mafaldine or the grilled organic chicken “diavola” with smoked yoghurt and romesco sauce.
Desserts such as charred Basque cheesecake with citrus caramel provide a sweet end to a dining experience filled with both tradition and innovation.
But Lionel’s is not just about the food – it’s about feeling welcomed, relaxed and with every detail thought out, from the locally crafted wooden tables to the soft glow of the overhead lights. It’s a place where conversation flows as much as wine, and where service is unobtrusive yet attentive, making every meal feel special.
Lionel’s is a family-run bistro and bar located inside the SunCorp Hotel in Taupo, New Zealand.Lionelshttps://www.instagram.com/lionels.tpo/
