Summer in Byron Bay means sun-kissed days, glorious beaches and relaxed ambles around town. What better way to cap off a perfect day than with a top class dining experience?
Foodies are often surprised by the quality and energy of our beachside town’s restaurant scene.
It’s multi-faceted, eclectic and ever-fresh with new ventures popping up all the time. And why not? Byron Bay’s natural beauty and relaxed vibe has made it a magnet for all sorts, including world-class chefs and hatted restaurateurs.
With good food playing an important role in any trip, we thought it was time to highlight a sizzling selection of the town’s best and newest kids on the block. Bring on the summer!
1) Bang Bang
Where: 4/1 Byron Street
What: Dinner & Cocktails
When:Mon-Sat 5pm-12am | Sun 5pm-11pm
www.bangbangbyronbay.com
Bang Bang is a shot of Asian Fusion flavours in the heart of Byron. Its Melbourne chefs pay homage to the delightfully sumptuous cuisine of southeast Asia in unique old-world surroundings. From sashimi to satay to sticky braised beef ribs, this place is sure to tickle your tastebuds. But be sure to reserve a table in advanced because the locals know a good thing when they taste it.
2) Di Vino
Where: shops 4, 5/2 Fletcher Street
What: Dinner & Wine
When: Tues – Sun 5.30pm – 10pm
www.divinobyron.com
For authentic Italian food in a laid-back, yet stylish space, check out Byron’s favourite wine bar. With exceptional Italian and Australian wines, and inventive cocktails, Di Vino is the perfect space to unwind. When your tummy starts to rumble, it’s time to savour a mouthwatering antipasti. For the mains, try out the wild boar ragu with pappardelle (punters rave about it), topped with a heavenly coffee mousse and hazelnut praline.
3) No Bones
Where: 11 Fletcher Street
What: Dinner & Cocktails
When: everyday 5pm -8:30pm
https://www.nobonesbyronbay.com.au
The all-female quartet behind No Bones has answered the prayers of vegans and vegetarians alike with the launch of its plant-based food and cocktails venue. While Byron Bay’s hippy roots has blessed the town with its fair share of vegetarian options, No Bones takes things to a whole new level. We know they’re onto something because carnivores love it too! The vegan calamari and housemade gnocchi with almond ricotta are definite winners.
4) Light Years
Where: 17 Lawson St
What: Dinner & Cocktails
When: everyday 5pm-10pm
www.lightyearsbyron.com
The corks were popped at this vibey retro-style Vietnamese restaurant and cocktail bar a few moons ago, but the novelty of a night out here hasn’t waned a bit. According to its marketing machine, “Think – Hanoi in the ’50s, add a splash of pink (in several shades), lots of roses, hanging plants, delicious street food and amazing cocktails all paired to a killer soundtrack…and you’re halfway there”. Cute! Where else in Byron Bay can you dig into delicious five spice roasted duck pancakes, coconut sago and a spiked kombucha cocktail all in one place? Be sure to head out their other locations if your headed to Burleigh Heads or Noosa.
5) Barrio
Where: Habitat North Byron, 1 Porter Street, Industrial Estate
What: Coffee, Brunch & Dinner
When: open Monday – Wednesday, Saturday, 7am – 3pm
Thursday – Friday 7am – 8:30pm | Closed Sunday
www.barriobyronbay.com.au
The Industrial Estate is packed with hidden gems, and presents a great getaway from Byron’s bustling summer crowds. It’s also right down the road from Elements of Byron. Barrio, which means “neighbourhood” in Spanish, is a feel-good spot in the shopping precinct known as Habitat. Head chef Franscisco Smoje’s Argentinian origins are peppered through the menu, with items like chimichurri, empanadas (a classic snack) and piri piri charcoal chicken making an appearance. The vegetarian menu won’t disappoint either (think wood-fired broccoli with labne).
6) Azure Bar and Grill Terrace & Dining Room
Where: Elements of Byron, 144 Bayshore Drive
What: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Azure Bar & Grill Terrace
Open 7 days: Breakfast 7.30am – 11.30am
Lunch 12.00pm – 2.30pm
Dinner 5.00pm – 9.30pm
Azure Bar & Grill Dining Room
Dinner: 6.00am – 9.30pm Tues-Sat
http://www.azurebarandgrill.com
Named after the stunning shade of blue waters surrounding the restaurant, Azure will offer locals and guests a family-friendly dining experience in sophisticated “lux décor” surroundings. With an accent on natural and locally sourced produce, our resort’s latest gastronomic venture will make you feel seriously special. Azure Terrace is open for breakfast and all day dining. Separated into two distinct dining areas, Azure Bar and Grill Terrace is casual cool alfresco dining on a modern, fresh and simply delicious menu. Azure Bar and Grill Dining Room is our signature space built for a celebration of highly curated food and unforgettable dining experiences.
7) Loft
Where: 4 Jonson Street
What: Bites & Cocktails
When: everyday 4pm – 11pm
https://loftbyronbay.com.au/
In a previous life, this site pumped out prime rib steaks and seriously curly fries (it was home to Byron Bay’s original Hog’s Breath Cafe). Today, owner Matt Hunt’s dream of creating a cocktail bar with contemporary Australian food and a casual coastal ambience has been realised with Loft.! Staring down at the action of Jonson Street and just off the sand of Main Beach, Loft is positioned for epic long lunches and cocktail driven dinners. Its drinks list leans toward organic and biodynamic products, while the to-share menu is sourced from local produce. A perfect place to enjoy dishes like roasted free-range pork jowl with spiced pear, guilt free.
8) The Bolt Hole
Where: 9 Fletcher Street
What: Cocktails, Beer & Wine
When: Thurs – Sun 5pm-12am
www.thebolthole.com.au
You won’t have to wander far after a dinner in town to get to this funky bar, complete with great views of the hinterland. Once you’re done gawking at the quirky vintage touches and decorative “references to hunting, steam trains and nautical escapades”, you’ll be faced with an almighty decision – what to drink? There are hundreds to choose from: whiskeys, gins, craft beers, artisanal spirits, and the list goes on. If that’s not enough, the kitchen plates up unique fare in the form of smokehouse BBQ, with the help of a handcrafted wood fired smoker from the US. If apple wood smoked pork ribs or smoked sticky salmon is your thing – and of course, great grog – while the night away at this unique hangout.
9) Supernatural Cellars
Where: 9 Bay Lane
What: Wine, Cocktails & Bites
When: Wed – Mon 4pm-10pm | Closed Tues
https://supernaturalbyronbay.com
The wizards of Supernatural Cellars have mixed a cauldron of exceptional wine, luxurious cocktails and dynamic food together to make something truly magical. Produce is ethically procured, wine is naturally sourced and cocktails are built with pizazz as a standard ingredient. There’s no wine bar white cloth pretentiousness, just genuine cool that you’ll want to be a part of.
10) Shelter Lennox Head
Where: 41 Pacific Parade
What: breakfast, lunch and dinner
When: Thurs – Sat – 6.30am – 10.30pm | Sun – Wed 6.30am – 3.00pm
https://www.shelterlennox.com.au
It’s a little drive to Lennox Head, but Shelter makes the trip well worth it. Located across the road from the ocean, there is an amazing ambience to Shelter whether you sit down for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Community minded chefs seek out the region’s finest ingredients and serve them up with a wine selection worth getting jealous over. This can be our shelter in a storm any time!
11) La Casita
Where: 5/3 Fawcett Street
What: dinner & margaritas
When: Fri – Mon 5.00pm-9.00pm
https://lacasita.com.au
La Casita’s story began when a popular chips, chilli and chimichangas joint was taken over by two of the Australian food world’s brightest young stars. Owners of renowned two hats resturant Fleet, Astrid McCormack and Josh Lewis have created a hip and casual Mexican off shoot with a smart cocktail list. This spicy little senorita is unforgettable.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.
