Local Secrets: Paraparaumu's Favourite Eateries
Here's the inside info on some of the delicious eateries in and around Paraparaumu. Yum!
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?
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 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?
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!
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!
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 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.
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?
Ambience Cafe
36 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach
With a huge selection of meals - and a variety of menus that cater to almost any dietary requirements, Ambience is the must-stop cafe for many locals. Be warned - the servings are huge and the cakes are delicious so plan on taking away your leftovers or going for a much-needed stroll along the beach afterwards!
