Great places to eat in Kāpiti
Kāpiti’s food scene begs to be explored, and we've highlighted some of the top spots on the Coast.
From bakeries, to cafes, sweet treats and smoke houses, there are a multitude of culinary delights that feature cuisines from around the world.
50-50 Restaurant
22 Maclean St, Paraparaumu Beach
50-50 is what happens when you combine the freshest local produce with a local dining experience. Blending the best local produce, meat and seafood with culinary tweaks, techniques and flavours from all over the world to make delicious modern New Zealand dishes.
Working for Gordon Ramsay in Tokyo, as well as in the UK, Queenstown and on super-yachts, honed chef Helen Turnbull's inventive take on food. At this stripped-back eatery she opened with maître d’ Eddy Kennedy, Helen takes admirable risks with an ever-changing menu that's a forager to seek out unusual greens. Michelin may never visit, but they should.
Bus Stop Cafe
55 Sims Rd, Te Horo Beach
A unique indoor, outdoor café, located off the beaten track in Te Horo, proving people will go anywhere for good food. A must visit in this coastal town, filled with homemade treats, rustic dishes and great coffee.
Olde Beach Bakery
3 Ono St, Waikanae Beach, Waikanae
Olde Beach Bakery is the first bakery in Waikanae Beach, and little sister to Long Beach Tavern.
A casual, cheerful, friendly and beautified corner of Waikanae Beach, where people of all walks of life enjoy the delicious baked goods as well as the garden and seating area. The open kitchen design provides customers the opportunity to see the processes involved in creating world class baked goods and this also helps promote dialogue between our bakers and our community.
Olde Beach Bakery offers the best cheese scones, traditional French breads and pastries, delicious handmade pies, as well as milkshake syrups made from scratch.
Passo
159 Kapiti Rd, Paraparaumu
Passo means to pass, to stop by, to drop in. It’s the nickname of local chef and restaurateur, Michele Passarello and the original name of the street his family have been living on for generations.
Passo is his newest venture on the Coast. Join him for authentic pizza, pasta, secondi, contorni and more, just like his Nonna used to make, but now combined with modern flavours and techniques. More than a restaurant, Passo is a place to get together offering genuine hospitality, great food and drinks and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Stop in for coffee, lunch, dinner or a decadent dessert. Gelato anyone?
Pram Beach
24 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach
Beachfront dining at its finest!
Hospitality is in the blood of Londoner Ricardo Reis who started in his mother’s Portuguese restaurant when he was 14 before going on to bartend for Elton John and Formula 1 teams.
Seven years ago, Reis moved to Kāpiti with his Kiwi wife and in late 2018 opened this two-storey bar and restaurant. There’s much to enjoy here, from the views of Kāpiti Island, a menu where there is something to suit all tastes, a long cocktail list and eight different beers on tap.
Raumati Social Club
34 Poplar Ave, Raumati South
Located in the heart of The Raumati South, The Raumati Social Club embodies everything its name stands for. A hub where locals gather, eat delicious seasonal food, enjoy a beverage and soak in the atmosphere. With a back drop of live music most weekends you can feel the soul of Raumati within its walls. Blending both cuisine and the arts together, the cafe is a melting pot of culture.
Local art displays line the walls that up and coming artists fill with their soulful tunes and hip hop beats. There is no one size fits all here, a blend of cultures, genres and food is what makes coming to The Raumati Social Club a memorable experience
River Cottage Café Ōtaki
3 State Highway 1, Ōtaki
A beautiful lunch time setting, River Cottage Café is your local coffee shack set in a historical building in Ōtaki. Enjoy their delicious menu in an relaxing country garden setting.
Salt and Wood Collective
11 Ngaio Rd, Waikanae
This is a bar that makes decisions difficult: which of the 14 or so beers brewed at the on-site North End Brewery should you have? Perhaps the tart, slightly salty wheat beer charmingly named Become the Ocean, or maybe the Saison du Nectar, which features hints of dried mango?
Fortunately, the staff know what they’re talking about so just ask for what’s good. There’s also a large wine and cocktail selection, and well thought breakfast and burger menus for all day dining.
Tom Thumb Cafe
Shop 5/2 Donovan Road, Paraparaumu Beach
Tom Thumb is the destination of choice for discerning coffee drinkers and foodies alike due to their selection of delicious and wholesome things to eat and drink as well as allergy friendly, vegan and vegetarian options.
Open Monday to Saturday offering a variety of freshly baked goods, raw and vegan treats, gourmet toasted sandwiches and wraps plus seasonal salads. They also have a retail section, stocking eco-friendly products, and crafts from local NZ creatives.
Providing, nourishing and delicious options for all, and a warm and welcoming space is what they do.