The Salt and Wood Collective

A self-acclaimed carnivore haven, The Salt and Wood Collective in Waikanae is all about big, bold, meaty meals. Ribs and smoked brisket are the stars of the show, accompanied with North End brews created just beyond the glass wall at the far end of the restaurant.

Being a smokehouse is taken seriously here, and just about everything is cooked in the restaurant's famous Myron Mixon smoker, imported all the way from Connecticut. And it's not just the way the meat is cooked, but what goes on it that is just as important – sauces such as beer, mustard mayo and the classic BBQ are all made from scratch by the passionate chefs.

The Salt and Wood Collective gets the majority of its greens from its sibling restaurant, Long Beach's, gardens. You'll also notice a bunch of herbs, edible flowers and citrus trees around the courtyard, all of which have been purpose-planted for use in the kitchen.

Open from early until late, this is a community go-to whether it's a coffee catch up after the morning yoga class, a long lunch or an evening get-to-gether with mates for some beers and good grub. Choose to sit at the back and watch the brewery in action, find a sunny spot out on the courtyard or settle down at one of the tall tables along the bar where it's just the right amount dim and intimate.

It's fair to say that The Salt and Wood Collective is a must-visit when in Kāpiti. Make sure not to miss it when in town.