Lunchtime in Byron Bay just got tastier!
Byron Bay, a haven for those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle, is welcoming a new eatery with a focus on community and fresh, seasonal produce. Commune Canteen, nestled within the newly developed Habitat precinct, promises a taste of the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on connection and sustainability.
Inspired by the vibrant daytime eateries found in towns across the sea, Commune Canteen aims to be a hub for locals and visitors alike. Utku Ayhan and Nicolas Degryse, the restaurateurs behind the venture, envision a space that nourishes not just the body, but also the spirit of the Byron Bay community.
The menu, overseen by Byron Bay native Chef Thomas Ahern, offers a celebration of local ingredients. Expect an ever-changing selection of colourful salads, slow-cooked dishes brimming with flavour, and house-baked bread. Dishes like baked shakshuka, crispy gnocchi with carrot top pesto, and wood-fired prawns with a preserved lemon hint at the culinary journey that awaits.
Gone are the days of stuffy, pre-set meals. Commune Canteen embraces a casual and interactive dining experience. Guests can customise their plates using a fill-up tray system, allowing for a mix-and-match approach perfectly suited to individual preferences.
But Commune Canteen aspires to be more than just a place to grab a bite. They plan to host communal lunches where long tables laden with shared plates encourage conversation and a sense of togetherness. Diners can come together to forge new friendships over a steaming plate of lamb tagines with flatbread, or lively discussions sparked by a refreshing Greek lemon chicken.
Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of Commune Canteen. Chef Ahern’s commitment to sourcing ingredients from local growers like Hungry Earth Agroecology and Brad’s Organic Butchery strengthens the connection between the restaurant and the community it serves.
As with any good Byron Bay establishment, Commune Canteen doesn’t neglect the importance of a quality beverage. Expect to find Beams coffee to kickstart your day, a selection of teas from the socially conscious “Good for the Tea,” and a hand-picked list of local and Mediterranean wines – perfect for a leisurely lunch.
Commune Canteen marks the first chapter of a foodie powerhouse at Nourishing Habitat. This exciting project promises to be more than just a collection of restaurants, but instead aims to be a vibrant hub where the love of good food intersects with community spirit and environmental awareness.
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