With the whole Kapiti Coast bursting with excellent new eateries, restaurateurs have to be innovative in their offerings to ensure customers come back. The Front Room at Waikanae Beach has passed the test.

Having been open since January 2002, the Front Room has successfully glided through the “new restaurant” phase that makes or breaks a business. It has done so on the strength of its innovation and experience. Owner/manager Hilary Bowen is passionate about providing great service to complement the food that is based on fresh local produce. Co-owner and chef Craig McBrearty provides the culinary experience, having worked with top chef Peter Gordon in London, and at restaurants in Europe and the United States.

The Front Room offers what Hilary describes as “modern/contemporary” cuisine, with a brunch menu from 9am-3pm and lunch from 11.30am-3pm. Between 3pm and dinner, you can relax with a wine or beer and enjoy an antipasto platter. Dinner is from 5.30pm till late.

The menu reflects the Front Room’s location on Tutere Street at Waikanae Beach. One of the dinner specialties is Waikanae crab, caught by local fishermen only a stone’s throw from the restaurant. Or try the popular Caramelized pork braised in achinese master stock w pickled plums & steamed rice.

The Front Room is fully licensed, but BYO wine on Sundays and Mondays.

Live music nights on the first Thursday of every month

Take a look at 'Place Finder' Kapiti Coast