From a Caravan in Kūaotunu to a Favourite Coromandel Destination
Seventeen years ago, Luke’s Kitchen started with a simple caravan on Luke’s dad’s property in Kūaotunu. Since then, it has grown into one of the Coromandel’s favourite destinations, but family is still at the heart of everything.
For Luke, that means his partner Steph, founder of Sol Goods sunscreen, and their kids, Evie and Jaxon, are part of the everyday rhythm of the restaurant. Evie loves getting creative with dishes, and young Jax can often be found on a stool behind the pizza bench, apron on and helping Dad.
That same family spirit brought Steve and Els to Kūaotunu in 2019. After years in Auckland hospitality, including managing Vivace and working as a consultant, Steve was ready for a change when he spotted an advert for a summer pizza chef role at Luke’s Kitchen. He came down for a long weekend, met Luke and the community, and never looked back.
But the pizza job never eventuated. Instead, Luke offered Steve the general manager and operations role, and five years later, a business partnership. Els now runs the bar, their son Tyrone has worked his way up to managing the pizza bench, and their daughter Sharmian spent two years managing ‘front of house’. For Steve, it has meant more family time than ever before in his career.
Luke and Steve share a simple philosophy: Luke’s isn’t just somewhere to eat and drink. It’s a destination and an experience, run like a family.
It’s about the food, the music, the atmosphere and the staff who bring the energy.
Every summer, locals, uni students and travellers from around the world come together, each bringing their own personality.
They become part of the extended Luke’s Kitchen family.
Growth is important, but never at the cost of character. Recently, Luke renovated the middle of the restaurant, opening things up and improving the flow while keeping its rustic charm. He has a knack for making new things feel old. Customers say the place feels more open, but still unmistakably ‘Luke’s’.
Recognition has followed, too. Being included in the Cuisine Good Food Guide 2026 was a proud moment for everyone, and Luke’s Kitchen also took home the People’s Choice Award in the Thames-Coromandel category at the Hauraki-Coromandel Business Awards. But for Luke and Steve, the real reward is still seeing people happy.
Looking ahead, summer is shaping up nicely. Live music remains central, with Tiki Taane returning, P Diggs playing in November, and plenty of talented locals in the mix. Familiar faces, new sounds.
Seventeen years on, the heart of Luke’s Kitchen hasn’t changed: family, friends, community, good food and good times. And with another summer just around the corner, there’s plenty more to come.
Keep an eye out for the full Luke’s Kitchen summer gig guide in Coromind’s December issue.
Facebook: Lukes kitchen
Instagram: lukes_kitchen
07 866 4480 – info@lukeskitchen.co.nz
20 Blackjack Road, Kūaotunu
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