Dining Your Way Around the Kāpiti Coast

With its eye-catching black fitout and artistically plated dishes, Lustre has quickly established itself on the Coast’s dining scene, offering an intimate and refined experience that leans into sustainability. With a menu built around what’s fresh and in season, every visit feels like something new. The signature snack is a must-try: a goat’s cheese gougere with toasted hazelnut and spiced honey.

At 50-50, fine dining takes centre stage, with chef Helen Turnbull at the helm. The restaurant is a destination in its own right, where the carefully plated six- or nine-course menus draw on local ingredients and global inspiration. With a focus on seasonality, the menu gets a total revamp every month, keeping even regular punters on their toes. It’s the place to book when you want a night that feels truly special.

A true Kāpiti institution, The Raumati Social Club is all about community, creativity, and a little bit of chaos in the best possible way. By day it’s a go-to for coffee and casual meals, but as the sun sets it comes alive with live music, hearty dinners, and a lively buzz. The space has an eclectic, homely feel that makes you want to settle in for hours. Whether you’re after a weekend brunch or a night out, it’s guaranteed to deliver good vibes and good bites.

Salty’s is the epitome of beachside casual, perfect for long evenings that roll into the night. The food is hearty and unfussy: think Detroit-style deep dish pizzas, deli sandwiches, and all manner of fried snacks that pair well with a cold beer or a cocktail in hand. The atmosphere is warm and fun, a mix of locals and visitors winding down after a day by the water. With the sea breeze nearby, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.

A meat-lover’s paradise, Salt and Wood BBQ brings a taste of American BBQ to Waikanae, with smoky meats, hefty burgers, and generous plates packed with flavour. The vibe is relaxed with just the right amount of rowdy, making it perfect for groups or a laid-back night out. Brisket and ribs are the stars of the show, cooked low and slow until tender. It’s comfort food at its best; bold, hearty, and made to be shared.

Passo is a love letter to Italian food, delivered with warmth and authenticity. The menu is anchored in Sicilian tradition, with handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and antipasti that beg to be shared. The atmosphere is lively, equally suited to family dinners, date nights, or catching up with friends over wine. Every detail feels welcoming, from the generous portions to the eye-catching artwork and fitout, making it a spot that’s easy to love.

Long Beach Tavern captures everything good about coastal dining. Set just steps from Waikanae Beach, it’s the kind of place where sandy feet are welcome and the food feels both comforting and fresh. Seafood features prominently, alongside thoughtful meat dishes and other crowd-pleasing classics. With a breezy, relaxed feel, and a kitchen garden that produces the freshest ingredients in town, it’s the perfect stop for a sunny afternoon lunch or a sunset drink.

Adding more than a dash of spice to the Coast, Jugnu’s Little India has built a loyal following with its colourful, flavour-packed menu that showcases the best of North Indian cooking. It’s the quintessential neighbourhood Indian spot, where the curries are rich and fragrant, the vegetarian options plentiful, and the beers ice-cold. It’s a welcoming spot for groups, families, or a cosy dinner for two, with friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.