Lionel’s Bistro and Bar, has officially opened its doors at 14 Northcroft Street, Taupo. This new dining destination offers a carefully crafted menu that blends the rich, diverse flavours of the Mediterranean with the finest New Zealand produce.
Lionel’s promises a dining experience that is as memorable as it is delicious, bringing together tradition and contemporary flair.
Nestled on Northcroft Street, this family-owned gem brings a sense of legacy to Taupo’s dining scene—a tribute to its namesake, the father of one of the owners, whose love for food and family lives on through the menu.
Step inside Lionel’s, and you’re immediately embraced by an atmosphere that hums with life. The interiors, thoughtfully designed to be both elegant and inviting, set the stage for what’s to come—a dining experience that feels like a warm embrace. From the moment you enter, there’s a palpable sense that you’ve arrived somewhere special, a place where time slows down and the outside world fades away.
Mediterranean Love Letter
The menu, a love letter to the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean, is the brainchild of Chef Reuben Lynn. Previously at the helm of Hilton Lake Taupo’s kitchen, Reuben brings a refined touch to every plate.
Each dish, from the house-made pastas to the chargrilled meats, is a chapter in a book that celebrates the seasons and the very best of New Zealand’s local produce. Begin with warm, citrus-kissed olives or the Chicken Liver Parfait, perfectly complemented by toasted focaccia and bacon jam. For mains, the Mafaldine with slow-braised duck and oyster mushrooms, or the Grilled Organic Half Chicken ‘Diavola’ with smoked yogurt and romesco, are standout choices.
Desserts like the Burnt Basque Cheesecake with citrus caramel offer a sweet conclusion to a dining experience steeped in both tradition and innovation.
But Lionel’s isn’t just about the food. It’s about the feeling—of being welcomed, of being at ease, of knowing that every detail has been considered, from the locally crafted wooden tables to the soft glow of the overhead lights. It’s a place where conversations flow as easily as the wine, where the service is as attentive as it is unobtrusive, and where every meal feels like a special occasion.
Lionel’s is a family-owned bistro and bar located in the Suncourt Hotel in Taupo, New Zealand. www.lionels.co.nz
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