The Surfer's Mistress

"Back for more! We first visited in April 2022, and were so thrilled to be able to come back today - we were not disappointed! In fact, it might have even been than I remember. The Ragu is divine and dessert a must (we got the panna cotta this time). We live in Wellington and will definitely go out if our way to be back soon ;)"

"excellent selection of dishes on the menu, and superb service from attentive staff. The restaurant is set down below street level giving it a relaxed and intimate feel For a starter, I had the meatballs that were moist and light. My main was the pan-fried fish in a delectable creamy anchovy sauce I heartily recommend you drop in for a meal if you're in the neighborhood. I will certainly be eating there again soon"

"A classy little Italian restaurant in the middle of Kapiti. Lovely authentic dishes, with friendly, personable service. The Arancini entrees were superb, the pasta fresh and vibrant, and the steak dish just right. The panacotta was also great. It's not the fastest service, but in return, you get freshly made dishes. We'd certainly recommend the Surfers Mistress."

"We were very excited to be going here after booking weeks ahead for a weekend away. So gutted that the good menu did not match the quality of the food. The owner/manager was very apologetic and gracious about it. The staff could probably do with a branded t-shirt which would be more professional. An olive each to start was nice. My 1 arancini ball (you can order 2) was smaller than wait staff described & ok, but a little dry. Main of prawn linguini was also just ok. Pasta pretty good (handmade) but a lack of sauce made it mediocre. Unfortunately this was the best part...husband ordered the entree & main specials. Pork (usually veal) Tonnato was simply nothing we have experienced in NZ or Italy. The minimal sauce was not creamy, tasteless & the pork was like sliced supermarket pork. Foccacia served with it was stale. Main of a risotto (must have been pork?) was virtually inedible. My husband has never not been able to eat a restaurant dinner but left this. Not tasty and it was mushy, in appearance & to eat & resembled a can of dog food. I'm sorry to be posting this and if had read reviews of such bad food we would not book here. As i said, the owner was totally gracious & apologetic so contrary to other reviews this part seems to have improved. We insisted on paying for the full meal as understand businesses are stressed right now but the owner refused to charge us for the 2 bad meals. I really hope you guys can improve your food to the table."