Embra — Restaurant in North Island

Our group chose to dine at Embra for a very very special evening.

The setting was elegant and every dish was thoughtfully plated, showing technique, with high attention to detail. The chefs put their souls into crafting each bite-sized masterpiece. Much respect to them for their patience and skill.

For those who truly love bold, satisfying tastes and heartier portions, this style of dining may not be the best fit. And if you’re like me, someone who believes that food should not just look beautiful, but also pack a punch of flavors and in a down to earth setting, this would not be your kind of party.

Despite being genuinely hungry — a state that usually enhances any meal — I left without feeling that any of the dishes stood out for their taste.

Each course was exquisitely arranged, but the flavors were subtle to the point of being underwhelming, especially in comparison with the vibrant street foods I would seek out when traveling. And alas, every dish was done in about a minute — and then there was a 20minute pause to wait for the next tiny course to arrive.

As someone who’s passionate about discovering great food stalls and authentic eateries, The meal was deprived of the rich, unforgettable flavors I experienced in different parts of France, and the wholesome comfort of street food, which, for me, brings the most joy.

This does not take away the fact that I fully respect the enormous amount of effort and artistry the chefs put into their work here.

As our group is of Chinese and Malaysian descent (Penang - the food capital of Malaysia, too!), it was difficult for us to appreciate the meal as much as other guests could. Arieff Young's videos come to mind when it comes to things like this. I'm not into form-over-function, but there are countless others that would be impressed by dining experiences such as this. I'm certain the majority of customers in Aotearoa would really appreciate Embra team's amazing efforts!

To each their own. I myself will continue to enjoy my next great street food finds that taste like a festival in your mouth and random Michelin Star restaurants in Bangkok.

I hope this perspective is useful for diners whose priorities are similar to mine, and I wish the restaurant team all the best in continuing to offer their unique style of cuisine. The waitresses were lovely too in their service and presentation of each dish. I appreciate it all!

Thank you for your beautiful work!

I know that the Embra team will continue to serve high-end dishes that delight many customers for years...

Embra, located in the heart of Taupo, is a dining experience that goes far beyond the ordinary. Our recent visit left us absolutely captivated, and we couldn't wait to share our thoughts in this Google review.

The standout feature at Embra is undoubtedly the outstanding New Zealand produce they incorporate into their dishes. Every plate is a testament to their commitment to showcasing the very best of New Zealand ingredients. From fresh farm-to-table vegetables to succulent meats, each bite was a testament to the nation's natural bounty.

A special mention goes to their collaboration with Ben from Forge Mushrooms. His handpicked oyster mushrooms, sourced from the local climate controlled production house are not just ingredients; they are an adventure in taste. The unique, earthy flavors and delicate textures of these mushrooms added a magical touch to the dish they graced. Knowing that they come from a passionate forager like Ben added an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.

But what truly sets Embra apart is their innovative use of unusual ingredients. The flavors that emerge from their kitchen are unlike anything we've tasted before. Every element contributes to a mesmerising symphony of taste.

However, what makes Embra a must-visit goes beyond the food. It's the stories behind the ingredients that make this place truly exceptional. The staff here aren't just culinary artists; they are storytellers. Sharing tales of the origins and significance of the ingredients, giving diners a deeper connection to the food on their plates. It's a dining experience that engages all the senses.

As an additional note, we had the pleasure of staying at the Boat House on Kiwi Airbn'b during our visit to Taupo. Its central location, breathtaking views, and the delightful bonus of craft beer on tap made for an excellent pairing with our culinary adventure at Embra. We highly recommend this combination for an unforgettable New Zealand experience.

In summary, Embra in Taupo is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary gem that celebrates the richness of New Zealand's produce and the captivating stories behind them. From Forge Mushrooms to the innovative flavors and ingredient tales, this dining establishment is a must-visit destination. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the unique culinary journey that...

I have no idea what just happened.

I arrived hungry, and left feeling full and emotionally overwhelmed. In the 37 years I have lived on this planet, this is the only restaurant that has made me cry tears of joy. My eyes are literally welling up with tears as I write this review.

And yet, we came to visit this restaurant completely by chance. I was sitting in a campervan, in a nearby campsite, looking for a nearby restaurant within 1-2km. And this absolute diamond of am establishment showed up on Google maps.

From the reviews it looked good. Locally-sourced seasonal menu, check. Nicely presented food, check. I booked a table online, expecting it would most likely be fully booked. Somehow the stars aligned, and they had a table available for dinner the same evening. Perhaps it helped that we were visiting on a Tuesday at the very end of April.

In my opinion the kitchen team are literally god-tier. The food was interesting, creative, and beautifully presented. The wine pairings were fantastic. The petit fours prepared by their apprentice chef looked like they could have been made by a Swiss master chocolatier.

And it was all served with an honesty and lack of pretentiousness that you would find in a Michelin starred restaurant. The front of house team were excellent and gave a brilliant explanation of the dishes and wine pairings.

As a Cambridge (UK) local, I was bemused to find a book titled Midsummer House on their bookshelf (this is my local 2 starred restaurant in Cambridge). In my opinion this restaurant is on par with Midsummer House but for about half the price.

Unfortunately this restaurant has ruined my life as I am very unlikely to ever have as good of a dining experience again. My only regret is that I was unable to say thank you to the kitchen team, as they had cleaned up and presumably gone home (we were one of 3-4 tables that night).

I suspect that this restaurant is usually fully booked for a couple of months in advance (and rightly so). If you are considering this restaurant, stop thinking and book it before the waiting list and price both go up.

TL;DR Food so good it made me...