The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food & Drink Heroes of Kāpiti Coast

A woman holding Dutch pancakes in front of a white caravan.

While Kāpiti Coast might be more commonly associated with a holiday destination where the classic fish 'n’ chips on the beach scenario is a fit-for-purpose culinary experience, scratch the surface, and you’ll find the region brimming with food and drink locations that will have you toss away the thought of eating off paper.

Words by: Petra Nyman

Photos by: Anna Briggs

From wholefoods goodness to authentic Italian, modern Kiwi cuisine to Dutch delicacies, sustainably focused roasters to imaginative gin distillers and foodie empires that sprawl across the region, there is loads to discover here and plenty of good people behind these local hospitality businesses.

Sunday Cantina

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31 Poplar Avenue, Raumati South, Paraparaumu

Fi Greig of Sunday Cantina is a woman with a passion for wholefoods, community and educating others. Her friendly and fun eatery in Raumati South is a gathering ground for local foodies who flock to devour the delicious, fresh goodness created in the kitchen. The prolific chef has released two cookbooks so far, The Fi Greig Method and Sunday Cantina, and hosts regular, ever-popular cooking classes at, where else than, Sunday Cantina.

50-50

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22 MacLean Street, Paraparaumu Beach, Wellington

Chef extraordinaire, wahine toa and owner-operator of 50-50, Helen Turnbull is on a mission to create dishes that reflect our island nation and contribute to building a stronger sense of what modern New Zealand cuisine is. She likes to experiment with seasonal produce and create dishes that surprise and intrigue, yet also nourish and comfort. A dining experience at 50-50 is unlike any other, a journey into Helen’s world of wondrous hospitality.

Passo

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159 Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu

Michele Passarello hails from Agricento, Sicily, a city famous for its culinary culture. It’s no surprise then that his restaurant, Passo, showcases modern Italian fare with a Sicilian twist. Michele grew up in a family of cooks and is passionate about sharing his heritage with the people of Kāpiti Coast. This is your destination for authentic, made-from-scratch Italian food that will have your senses celebrating.

Montfoort

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4a Sheffield Street, Paraparaumu, New Zealand

It all started with a taste of fresh stroopwafel at a Dutch market for Eloise van Wynbergen. The daughter of a Dutchman, Eloise grew up with the flavours of the European nation, but it wasn’t until she tasted the good stuff straight from the source that she realised what New Zealanders were missing. In the business of showcasing authentic sweet Dutch street food, you can find Eloise and partner Andrew cooking up tasty treats directly from their cute caravan Montfoort.

Dark Horse

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4a Sheffield Street, Paraparaumu

Dark Horse Coffee Co. grew out of a passion for artisan coffee and consistent roasting quality. Matthew Payne, the man behind the business, began roasting in 2016, and since then the business has grown immensely. Now sporting a state-of-the-art Loring hot-air roaster, which creates 80% less emissions than regular roasters, Dark Horse is on a mission to keep an eye on its environmental impact as well as spread its wings across Te Ika-a-Māui. 

Foodfolk Collective

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Waikanae

At the heart of everything at Foodfolk Collective is connectedness. The connectedness of people and the natural world, the food, and where it comes from. The collective's gardens grow the majority of the produce used in the various kitchens of its Kāpiti-wide foodie empire that includes Salty's, Olde Beach Bakery, The Salt and Wood Collective and Long Beach Tavern, while its brewery, North End, supplies beverages to keep its clients quenched. Head to any of Foodfolk's restaurants and feel the commitment to community, good food and good times.

Duncan's Brewing Company

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4B Sheffield Street, Paraparaumu

One half and namesake of Duncan’s Brewing Company, George Duncan is a man determined to create the wackiest beer flavours you’ve ever come across. It’s as much about an untapped niche as it is about a personal interest in creating out-of-the-box beverages that surprise and evoke curiosity. That’s exactly what Duncan’s Brewing Co. is now known for: an array of fun ice cream sours that are appropriately adorned in psychedelic art.

Neat Kāpiti Coast Places

Long Beach Tavern

Graffiti art on an exterior wall.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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The ultimate community restaurant, Long Beach, is a Waikanae institution.

The Wilderness

Flowers and candles on display on white shelves inside The Wilderness.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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Stunning seasonal blooms, dried floral installations, indoor plants, terrariums, candles, chocolate… it’s well worth popping in to admire all the lovely items in The Wilderness.

Salty's Diner

A close up of a burger on a table.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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A hybrid between a pub and a restaurant, Salty's is an experience not to be missed while visiting the Kāpiti Coast.

Toi Matarau

A large gallery full of colourful works of art.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Toi Matarau is a gallery within the Māoriland Hub in the heart of Ōtaki village.