Passo

You wouldn’t necessarily expect to stumble upon an authentic Sicilian restaurant serving up mouthwatering dishes in the heart of Paraparaumu, but Passo is here to challenge your expectations. The restaurant is owned and operated by a proud Sicilian, food-lover Michele Passarello, who comes from a family of cooks and has been working in the kitchen from a very young age. Michele is passionate about the culinary traditions of his motherland and thrives on sharing them with the people of Kāpiti Coast. 

Stepping inside Passo, you’ll immediately find yourself immersed in a warm and hospitable environment that is more than just a place to eat; it is a place to gather and spend time with family and friends while enjoying great food. Colourful interiors, complete with an impressive mural by Dr D Foothead (who is known for illustrations at round-the-corner beer makers Duncan’s Brewing) create a sense of fun while dim lighting and quality furnishings add a sense of sophistication. 

The menu offers a wide selection of modern Italian fare. There are the classics, like pizza and pasta, which naturally take centre stage, but a number of other items, such as salads, fresh market fish or steak, also feature. However, who could not love the scrumptious in-house crafted pasta that comes in many forms and with a variety of toppings. 

When it comes to the pizza, it’s some of the best you will dig your teeth into north of the capital. The dough is lovingly created in-house and is twice fermented according to the traditional Sicilian method. This is no fast food, and because the dough is nearly yeast-free, it doesn’t leave you feeling bloated but well nourished instead. It's crispy and soft at the same time and simply delicious. Passo whips up 18” family pizzas that can be snapped up by slice during lunchtime. 

Weekly specials keep things interesting for regular customers, and the entire menu gets a shake-up every once in a while as well. If you reside within a reasonable distance from the restaurant, you can also enjoy its delivery service.