Kāpiti Coast Dining Guide
Whether you are looking for a delicious brunch to start your day, a refuel in the afternoon or somewhere for a special dinner, there’s a world of flavours to sip and sample on the Kāpiti Coast. Here's just a few options.
Perching Parrot
7 Beach Road, Paekakariki
Great little cafe/coffee house right next to the best swimming beach on the Kāpiti Coast with plenty of outside seating to watch the world go by. With specials and delicious counter food, it's the cafe to go to in Paekākāriki.
Beach Road Deli
5 Beach Rd, Paekakariki
Beach Road Deli is the Paekākāriki locals' pantry and caffeine hub. Using a fair trade organic Wellington roasted coffee by The Immigrants Son, they thrive on making deluxe coffee.
Their baker is up at the crack of dawn, baking fresh rolls and baked goods. With the majority of baking done on-site, you can be sure it is just how your nana baked with no nasties or additives. Handmade artisan goodness at its finest. Keep an eye our for their pizza nights! Yum!
Olde Beach Bakery
1 Beach Road, Paekākāriki
Well-known Waikanae staple Old Beach Bakery have opened up their second store in the recently refurbished and delightfully pink Holtoms Building in Paekākāriki.
Head there before (or after) your Escarpment Track walk, a trip to the beach or a meander around the Holtoms artist's studios.
Finns Paekākāriki
Beach Road, Paekākāriki
Only a short walk from the beach, in the heart of the village you will find Finns Paekākāriki - the local restaurant, bar and accommodation provider.
Finn's Paekākāriki is a modern boutique hotel that is far enough away from SH1 (at Transmission Gully) to be quiet, yet close enough to be convenient. Finns offers superior studio units with spa baths, king-size beds, microwave, tea and coffee-making facilities and has a café and bar onsite serving good old pub-grub. Perfect after a day at the beach!
Sunday Cantina
31 Poplar Avenue, Raumati South
Sunday Cantina is in the business of providing customers with healthy, fresh food in a cheerful environment.
Known for its owner-operator Fi Greig, who has a passion for raw and plant based food (she’s published a few cookbooks, too), at the heart of Sunday Cantina is quality fresh produce and delicious, healthy dishes. That being said, the menu is extensive, and there is plenty to choose from, including a big breakfast, pizza or pork belly sandwich.
Insider's secret: Fi hosts regular, ever-popular cooking classes to take your cooking to another level!
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 backdrop 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.
Margaret Road Bistro & Wine Bar
9 Margaret Road, Raumati Village, Raumati Beach
The delightful Margaret Road Bistro & Wine Bar provides a sumptuous new dining experience right in the heart of Raumati Beach Village. Relax inside with the delicious menu or, if the weather is playing nicely, sit outside in the garden courtyard and share a selection of small plates. Margaret Road Bistro & Wine Bar is the perfect place to spend time with the special people in your life.
Louis Sergeant French Patisserie
8 Margaret Road, Raumati
No trip to the Kāpiti Coast is complete without a visit to the divine Louis Sergeant French Patisserie. Indulge in Wellington-famous macarons, spectacular cakes and delicious pastries, or prepare a savoury delight with bread, artisan paté, terrines, Saucisson, cheeses and gourmet sandwiches.
Louis Sergeant has two Kāpiti sites, one in Raumati Village and their newest site on Rimu Road, where they not only offer their divine pastries but also have their commercial bakery and an eat-in cafe option. For a special occasion, why not order one of their High Tea Towers to take along? C'est délicieux!
Boundary Tap & Kitchen
3 Raumati Rd, Raumati Beach
Boundary Tap & Kitchen, in the heart of Raumati Beach village, really does have something for everyone. With relaxed inside and outside dining areas and a fantastic food and drinks menu, it is the perfect spot for a quick snack after the beach, a light lunch in the sun, a cosy dinner with the better half or a fantastic 3-course meal with friends and family. Delicious!
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Waterfront Bar & Kitchen
3 Garden Road, Raumati Beach
If you are looking for great food, fantastic drinks and spectacular views, then you can't go past the Waterfront Bar & Kitchen.
Serving up fresh seafood, with one of the best views on the Coast it’s the perfect spot to take in the stunning sunset over Kapiti Island.
Watch this space as new owners Zara Lange and Conrad Banks of Wellington’s iconic Dockside Restaurant & Bar have exciting plans afoot.
Paraparaumu Beach
50-50
22 Maclean St, Paraparaumu Beach
Awarded a coveted "HAT" in the 2021/22 Cuisine Good Food Awards, 50-50 was described as having "an exquisiteness to this experience clearly stamps 50– 50 as the best in Paraparaumu’s ever-growing dining cluster".
This praise is what happens when you blend 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 around the world including for Gordon Ramsay in Tokyo and on super-yachts has 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. Michelin may never visit, but they should.
The Common Room
9 Maclean Street, Paraparaumu Beach
An intimate family-owned and operated coffee shop, big on great service. Serving delicious People's coffee and phenomenal keto/gluten-free cabinet options!
The Lockup
52b Marine Parade , Paraparaumu
Home of the famous Jackie’s Gems, Lockup is a fun, casual, takeaway eatery serving delicious home-style food and locally roasted Dark Horse Coffee. With a seated backyard it's a great place to enjoy delicious coffee and food! The Lockup is kid and dog friendly so there's no need to leave the messy ones at home!
Marine Parade Eatery
50 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach
The team at Marine Parade Eatery serve great coffee and mouth-watering food from an outstanding menu. With its quirky, beachy interior it is a place where the entire family can enjoy great meals from breakfast to lunch - and any time in between!
Hola Mexican
24 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach
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. Reis moved to Kāpiti with his Kiwi wife and has brought the fresh and authentic taste of Mexico to the coast with Hola.
A culinary treat at the beach, enjoy street food faves like spicy nachos, corn tacos, chilli con queso and jalapeño poppers paired with their much-loved margaritas. Salud!
Salty’s Diner
44 Seaview Road, Paraparaumu Beach
Calling itself the "rowdy little sister who gets away with anything", the Salty's team deliver good ole diner food served up with friendly and casual service, and a side of inappropriate kitchen banter. Salty's tasty eats & North End Brewing beers are served from a lovingly converted vintage Airstream inside the building - right in the heart of Paraparaumu Beach.
They promise to keep the food fresh with a big, bold and smokey menu that provides an epic tasting experience. It's a place to catch up with mates, chill, and enjoy the feed. For the competitive types there's old-school pinball and arcade machines to while away your time.
What more could you want?
Soprano Ristorante
Copperfield Complex, 7 Seaview Road, Paraparaumu Beach
Soprano Ristorante offers great tasting and good value Italian cuisine. The relaxed and soothing atmosphere is inviting for a romantic dinner for 2, casual dinner with friends or large family/group functions.
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The Surfer's Mistress
10 Seaview Road, Paraparaumu Beach
The best way to finish off a day at the beach is with delicious food - and The Surfer's Mistress is the ideal place to go! Hand made Pasta, delicious authentic Italian Pizza, grilled steaks and fresh fish! What more could you want?
Two Fat Chefs
30 - 31 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu
Nestled into the Paraparaumu waterfront is a fantastic cafe, after opening in 2019 it has quickly become a local favourite and is regularly packed out for Sunday brunches! Two Fat Chefs is the perfect place to sit down and watch Paraparaumu go by!
Paraparaumu
The Jolly Pub & Kitchen
93 Mazengarb Road, Paraparaumu
The chefs at the Jolly Kitchen use the freshest ingredients to create meals that not only delight your tastebuds, but they also look fantastic as well! Their curry night is a huge local favourite and often sells out quickly. The outdoor seating area provides the perfect spot for a sunny evening dinner.
Passo
159 Kāpiti 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.
Join Michele 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.
Take-out gelato anyone?
Mediterranean Foods Trattoria and Deli
Coastlands Shopping Town, near old SH1, Paraparaumu
Pop into the Mediterranean Foods Trattoria and Deli for your fix of fabulous Mediterranean foods and products.
Fresh from the pizzeria, an amazing range of pizzas, pasta and more. Browse the shop for authentic Mediterranean products. Delicioso!
Waikanae
Salt and Wood BBQ
11 Ngaio Rd, Waikanae
Tasty BBQ eats and smoked meats served with refreshing North End Brewing beers, Salt & Wood BBQ is unashamedly all about meat and beer.
Connected to the North End Brewery by a large glass wall, the Salt & Wood team insist that "there's no combo on earth like legit American BBQ and a cold pint".
Can't decide which of the 14 or so beers brewed at the on-site North End Brewery you should have with your meal? Ask the team which pairs best with your meal or share a 6-beer tasting tray with a friend and then have a pint of your favourite.
There’s also a large wine and cocktail selection, and well-thought breakfast and burger menus for all-day dining.
Karl Felipe Patisserie
Shop 8, 2 Mahara Place, Waikanae
Karl Felipe is a boutique patisserie based in Mahara Place, Waikanae. Specialising in desserts and pastries, make sure you don't come hungry or you will be going away with far too many delights that please not only the eyes but also the taste buds! A great place to sneak to for a special treat during the day!
Siggy's Pies
6 Mahara Place, Waikanae
Siggy's boast that they make the heartiest, tastiest and just downright bestest pies in the known universe...in Waikanae on the gorgeous Kāpiti Coast.
Catering to both omnivores and herbivores (and gluten free on request), plus ongoing flavour combinations being created, Siggy's have turned the classic kiwi pie up to 11!
Offering contactless pick up during Level 3 - order at the window.
Waikanae Beach
Olde Beach Bakery
3 Ono St, Waikanae Beach, Waikanae
An institution on the Coast, Olde Beach Bakery serves up delicious baked goods for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.
Known to many for its original Waikanae location, it’s recently set up a second store in the heart Paekākāriki.
Offering an array of French style goodness including croissants, danishes, pan au raisins and the like, there’s also plenty to satisfy those after some classic kiwi baked goods too – quality pies, filled sandwiches and scones will have you coming back for more for sure.
Hey Coastie Eatery
42 Tutere Street, Waikanae Beach
Located at Waikanae Beach, Hey Coastie is the ideal spot to chill with your crew.
The newest eatery from WAH (We Are Hospo group), Hey Coastie's kitchen has something for everyone, from epic brunches to lunch & dinner. Park up in the garden with the family and choose from delicious shared plates and epic cocktails as the kids stay busy on the lil Coastie coastguard boat and playhouse.
Long Beach Cafe and Tavern
40 Tutere Street, Waikanae Beach
At Long Beach simplicity meets sheer quality with a menu dedicated to fresh and local ingredients.
The relaxed atmosphere, fair trade coffee, International beer/wine list and full bar all speak of the restaurant's originality and commitment to quality. With heated seats and an outdoor fire, the Long Beach garden can be enjoyed year-round.
Tuk Tuk Thai Waimea
1 Waimea Road, Waikanae Beach
A much-loved Wellington favourite, Tuk Tuk Thai is now in Kāpiti! Based in the beachfront Waimea building at Waikanae Beach, Daeng & Team Tuk Tuk welcome you to enjoy their home-style Thai food with a difference. Using only the freshest and most authentic ingredients in their cooking this is authentic Thai food made with a passion. Their tom-yum soup is delicious!
Te Horo
Ruth Pretty's Garden Room Cafe & Cooking School
41 School Road, Te Horo
Pretty by name and nature, Ruth's place is a foodie's delight. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 4pm, Ruth Pretty's kitchen shop and Garden Room Cafe is locally famous for their coffee and cake deal. Set in a rustic glass-covered outdoor area it is the perfect place to unwind. The locals make a beeline for the Ginger Gems!
You're not a true foodie until you've graduated from one of Ruth's Cooking school classes!
Bus Stop Cafe
55 Sims Rd, Te Horo Beach
The fabulously quirky Bus Stop Cafe is a unique indoor, outdoor café, located off the beaten track in Te Horo, proving people will go anywhere for good food. It's a must-visit spot filled with homemade treats, rustic dishes and great coffee. Check the website for their latest hours.
The Winemaker's Daughter
1081 State Highway 1, Te Horo
You'll be surprised by The Winemaker's Daughter! Found down a long drive off State Highway 1, The Winemaker's Daughter is in a beautiful rural setting, with tables under flowering bougainvillea. The delicious menu includes a huge range of vegan options, making the Winemaker's perfect for a delightful dinner for two or an intimate function, luncheon or wedding.
Ōtaki
Antonio's Restaurant and Bar
Opposite Otaki Railway Station, Otaki
A little bit of New York, a little bit of Italy, Antonio's offer pizza, pasta and salad with options for vegetarians and meat lovers as well as special meals for the keto-lover in your life. For something just a tad luxe, try their authentic Italian-styled gelato. With eat-in or take-out options, make sure that you leave room for their tiramisu!
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Gorge Cafe
50 Riverbank Rd, Otaki
With a delicious menu using predominantly local produce and some of the best coffee on the Kāpiti Coast, Gorge Cafe is a great place for brunch, lunch or dinner. Based in Ōtaki, the cafe is the perfect stop as you explore the northern parts of the region! Can't decide from the menu? Check out the amazing cabinet food or mix-and-match from the sides to make your own perfect meal. A great place to soak up the vibes while you try a locally-crafted, award-winning Elemental Cider.
Feeling hot and bothered? Grab a sorbet or gelato to eat in or takeaway. Delicious!
Curry Town
57 Main Street, Otaki
In the heart of Ōtaki village, you will find Curry Town - serving absolutely delicious authentic Indian and Malaysian Cuisine either in their restaurant or as a takeaway option. Don't be put off by the name. The food here is really good!
Te Chur-ch Cafe
84 Moana Street, Ōtaki Beach
Created to complement the gallery of well-known artist The Hori, Te Chur-ch Cafe at Ōtaki Beach delivers delicious coffee, snacks and a truly unique experience. Operating a koha system, they ask you to pay what you think a great coffee is worth. While you are waiting for your coffee to be crafted head into The Hori gallery and absorb stunning artwork that may just challenge you.
Te Chur-ch Cafe is a firm local favourite which means there may not be room to sit - grab your treats and head one street over to the beach to enjoy.
Riverstone Cafe
170 Main Highway , Otaki
A relaxed, friendly cafe with quality home-style food and barista coffee served inside or on the garden deck in the sunshine.
Riverstone Cafe offers a full menu daily from 6.30am till 3pm, as well as cabinet food, fresh scones and muffins baked every day. Gluten-free options and very family-friendly. Their custard slice is a must try!