Soul-warming food on the Kāpiti Coast

Based in the idyllic Kāpiti Coast, 50-50 is an unpretentious fine-dining restaurant. Only serving degustation menus, the restaurant is the creation of co-owner and chef Helen Turnbull, who has won awards and worked at Michelin star restaurants around the world.

There are options for six or nine courses, and if you want to go all out, you can add a wine-matching experience. While the number of dishes may sound like a lot, when they start to appear it quickly becomes clear that each dish is modestly proportioned, perfectly formed, and filled with intriguing flavour combinations.

In Sicily, passo means to pass, to stop by, to drop in. It’s also the nickname of chef and restaurateur Michele Passarello, as well as the name of the street his family have lived on for generations.

Michele is the brains behind Kāpiti restaurant, Passo. It’s where you can find authentic pizza, pasta, secondi, contorni, and more. The meals are just like Michele’s Nonna used to make. It’s home-style Italian cooking paired with modern flavours and techniques.

More than a restaurant, Passo is a place to get together. Offering genuine hospitality, great food and drinks in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

At Long Beach, simplicity meets quality. The all day café and tavern is dedicated to fresh and local ingredients.

Located right on Waikanae Beach, Long Beach is the perfect spot to refuel after a day in or on the water. Grab a coffee after a morning dip, or meet friends here for brunch or lunch. Head down for dinner and make the most of the relaxed atmosphere, impressive beer and wine list. Pizza is the star of the show, with classic flavours along with few the team have dreamed up.

Sitting outside, you’ll be warmed by the heated seats and outdoor fire on cooler evenings. Rain protection means guests can enjoy the sheltered Long Beach garden year-round.

The team behind Salt and Wood BBQ insist, “There’s no combo on earth like legit American BBQ and a cold pint.” The café and restaurant have the first part covered, with its imported smoker oven creating delicious, charred meats. And North End Brewing has the brews. The brewery is connected to the restaurant by a glass door and makes for an excellent duo.

Salt and Wood is a café and restaurant offering all-day food and drinks from coffee and eggs in the morning, to burgers, beer, and brisket in the evenings. The smoked meats are the star of the show. Paired with your choice of sides and sauce, it’s a filling and flavoursome meal. The food pairs well with beer from North End. There’s a rotating selection on tap, all brewed just next door.

Located in Raumati South Village, the Raumati Social Club takes its name seriously. A hub where locals gather to catch up over good food and local brews, the café and restaurant transforms into a live music venue on the weekends, showcasing music from the Kāpiti Coast and beyond.

As well as a large and varied menu, cabinet food is made fresh daily, and dietary requirements are easily catered for.

The focus here is local all the way: from the local art lining the walls, to the local produce at the heart of the menu. And of course, the place is always busy with local faces, catching up at their local spot.

Authentic Mexican cuisine comes with a side of coastal views at Paraparaumu’s Hola Mexican.

Well-known in Kāpiti for its Mexican street food, the restaurant and bar is a popular spot for dinner and drinks. Easily recognisable by the large mural on its outside wall, Hola serves Mexican street food with a modern flair.

The street food menu offers faves like spicy nachos, corn tacos, chilli con queso, and jalapeño poppers. Finish up your meal with some authentic Mexican tequila, and incredible views of Kapiti Island.