With its lake and mountain views and primo food, Bistro Lago may be Taupo's top special occasion restaurant (though it has stiff competition from The Bantry, also reviewed on this website). It's the creation of local celebrity chef Simon Gault, who has a sure hand when it comes to fish. This he tends to wood-roast, adding such interesting sauces as carrot and ginger butter. He also does an excellent beef filet. Desserts shouldn't be skipped, especially the house's version of rocky road.