Embra.

Embra brings a refined, technique-driven edge to the Taupō dining scene without the stiff formality of traditional fine dining. Run by husband-and-wife duo Phill and Nora Blackburne, the intimate 30-seat space centers on a frequently rotating menu that bridges French and British disciplines with contemporary Kiwi soul. The kitchen makes a point of sourcing locally, often getting personal; expect honey from the chef’s parents’ orchard or elderflowers from their garden. Dishes are technically precise but lean into clever, playful touches—like choux pastry served with the cheese course or custom-made local pottery. With its dark green walls, copper accents, and a name inspired by the Kaimanawa ranges, Embra feels like a hidden neighborhood gem that just happens to be operating at an elite level.