A Foodies Guide to Byron Bay
Where to Eat, Drink and Play in Byron Bay.
If you need an excuse to swap city smog for salty air, ocean swims, and barefoot dining, let this be it. Byron Bay is Australia's coastal poster child for good reason, think farm-to-table feasts, laidback bars, and beaches that look like they've been plucked from a postcard. This spring, I finally made the pilgrimage north for a weekend escape (partly inspired by friends who never stop raving about The Pass and a spicy margarita at Rae's infamous front lawn). Whether you're planning a trip to Byron, or we've inspired a road trip, this guide provides the essentials for all your foodie needs.
Tucked away on Ewingsdale Road in the unassuming surrounds of a caravan park, Folk Byron Bay is a true hidden gem that captures the soul of old-school Byron. Set in a white timber bungalow wrapped in lush greenery, this bohemian café radiates a 70s-inspired charm with its focus on organic, ethical, and plant-based dining. The…
In the heart of Jonson Lane, Light Years brings a fresh take on modern Asian dining with a coastal Byron feel. The menu moves from raw kingfish ceviche with coconut and kaffir lime to punchy firecracker chicken, cumin-spiced cauliflower, and the standout wagyu beef rendang. Dumplings, bao and small plates are made for sharing, while…
Balcony Bar & Oyster Co. is where all your seafood dreams (and more) come true. Nestled above Byron's buzzing main street, this is an ultimate display of surf and bohemian culture. While you people watch, let award winning Executive Chef and Owner Sean Connolly whip you up a seafood feast. The freshness of the locally…
With ocean views and a clean, coastal fit-out, Rae's Dining Room offers a menu that moves from refined snacks to indulgent mains. Start with oysters topped with native finger lime or a cornetto filled with dashi cream and smoked salmon roe, before dishes like raw tuna with tuna bone soy, charred octopus with nduja XO,…
Three Blue Ducks at The Farm
Nestled within the lush grounds of The Farm, Little Blue Ducks in Byron Bay is where fire, flavour, and local produce come together in a truly immersive paddock-to-plate experience. Under the guidance of Group Executive Chef Daniel Cooper, who joined earlier this year, the team has rolled out a new winter menu that celebrates seasonality…
Combi Cafe, situated in the heart of Byron is where city slicker meets beach babe complete with golden wooden interiors, pops of copper and pastels in-between. With potted palms and other growing greens, Combi sure knows how to bring the outside in. Top off your morning with one of their colourfully delicious super bowls. If…
Are you recovering from yesterday's sun assault and need an escape from the day's rays? Head to the Stone & Wood Brewery where not only the beer, but their dapper cheer will brighten you up. Entering the iron shed, gaze over the hills of greenery, hanging pieces of history and a forest of wooden crafted…
Bar Heather is Byron's ode to natural wine and Europe's great brasseries, moody, intimate and unashamedly indulgent. Created by James Audas and Tom Sheer (of Lo-Fi Wines fame), the wine list spans over 800 bottles, curating rare vintages and minimal-intervention gems sourced from years of travel through Europe's vineyards. But this isn't just about what's…
The Mez Club is Byron's ode to Mediterranean dining, with a menu that moves from grazing plates to generous feasts. Think charred octopus, lamb kofta, and woodfired flatbreads alongside cocktails laced with citrus and spice. Inspired by Moroccan riads and the Greek Islands, the space is all whitewashed walls, arches and sunlight, a setting that…
Set across 50 acres of pristine beachfront, this award-winning resort blends barefoot luxury with nature at every turn. Stay in one of the architecturally designed villas, each inspired by the surrounding ecologies, from rainforest to wetlands with interiors that reflect the textures and tones of Byron's landscape. Days here can be as slow or adventurous…
Basq House
For a boutique stay, Basq House is the kind of hideaway that feels more like a friend's chic beach house than a hotel. With just 32 rooms, it's intimate, design-led, and built for slow living. Guests can sink into the magnesium-heated pool surrounded by cabanas and daybeds, curl up with a book and a glass…
Broken Head Reserve
Calling all thrill seekers and beach lovers! Do as the locals do, and take a short drive out of Byron and into the Broken Head Nature Reserve. Dotted along the edge of a one-way windy sand road, at the base of every valley sits a strip of beautiful beaches. At the end of this path,…
Bay Grocer
A Byron institution that perfectly blurs the line between café, deli, and corner store, Bay Grocer is where locals gather for their daily fix. The shelves are stacked with the best of the Northern Rivers, from fresh produce and small-batch pantry staples (the roasted chickpeas will change your life) to house-made favourites and artisan treats.…
Since December 2004, a colourful conglomerate has gathered upon the Butler Street Reserve bringing the local community a grower's market. This flourishment of colour blooms every Thursday from 8am-11am. Grab a delicious almond croissant and a coffee from the Scratch Patisserie stall as you stroll around the markets. You will find all types of produce…
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Now, at last, if you're up for it, and find pleasure in early morning rewards, walk to the lighthouse. As the most easterly point in Australia, from this location is where you will see the first sunrise of the day (within Australia that is). So, wipe your weary eyes, put your walking shoes on and…