Embra

Embrace the essence of modern Kiwi cuisine at this fine-dining establishment that artfully melds French and British culinary techniques with the freshest local produce. Located lakeside, sustainability is to the forefront with an ever-evolving menu that highlights the best flavours New Zealand has to offer. Named after Edinburgh, this is the vision of chef Phill Blackburne, a Taupō native who honed his skills under the esteemed Dominic Jack at the award-winning Castle Terrace in Scotland’s capital city. Since its opening in January 2022, Embra has garnered acclaim from both locals and visitors who stumble upon this remarkable dining experience - one that rivals offerings typically found only in metropolitan areas. The thoughtfully crafted menu showcases premium ingredients (think kingfish in a spelt risotto with chard and mushrooms, or pork and pāua around a quail scotch egg on a watercress and seaweed salad). Phil's version of a fried Mars Bar is a triumph with its Callebaut chocolate nougat, kataifi pastry and caramel with cinnamon crème fraîche ice cream.