Must-see restaurants in Byron Bay & Northern NSW

  • Raes Dining Room

    Byron Bay

    The sound of the surf perfectly sets off the excellent Mediterranean-influenced dishes at this exclusive little retreat overlooking Watego's Beach…

  • Bellingen Gelato Bar

    Mid-North Coast

    Robert Sebes, the former owner of a legendary inner-Sydney cafe, has been scooping out stellar gelato in Bellingen since 2006. It's all made from scratch,…

  • Hearthfire Bakery

    Mid-North Coast

    Follow the smell of hot-from-the-woodfire organic sourdough and you'll find this outstanding country bakery and cafe. Try the famous macadamia fruit loaf…

  • Bang Bang

    Byron Bay

    Byron's gone bonkers for Bang Bang and it's obvious why: outdoor eating on high benches, hot and tasty Asian food served up plate after sizzling plate and…

  • Il Buco Cafe & Pizzeria

    Byron Bay

    The best pizza in town with authentic thin-crust wood-fired pizzas sparingly topped with outstanding flavours using as much local produce as possible –…

  • Scratch Patisserie

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    All-organic flours, butters and fresh produce go into the region's favourite sourdough, beautiful pastries and gourmet sausage rolls, served along with…

  • Combi's gelato-coloured exterior

    Combi

    Byron Bay

    Melbourne clean-eating icon Combi has brought its signature raw, organic and highly Instagrammable drinks, cakes and breakfast and lunch bowls to this…

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    Beach

    Byron Bay

    Beach does triple duty as post-surf coffee stop, fish-and-chips or egg-and-bacon-roll kiosk, and Byron's best dining-with-a-view option overlooking…

  • Targa restaurant.

    Targa

    Byron Bay

    At this reliable spot, the menu takes you through the day casually from build-your-own-breakfasts to tasty lunch salads, pastas and steaks, and antipasto…

  • Japonaise has a cool, izakaya feel

    Japonaise

    Byron Bay

    This is no standard sushi takeaway: the bustling little space with its open kitchen and rustic communal tables is a proper slice of ultra-urban Osaka…

  • The popular sushi bar has a prime spot on Byron's main street

    Kinoko

    Byron Bay

    Choose something from the sushi train or let the Japanese chef slice up a plate of fresh sashimi at Byron's most popular Japanese place. You can also dig…

  • A private leafy path leads to the restaurant

    Italian Byron Bay

    Byron Bay

    Adjoining the Beach Hotel, this atmospheric Italian place has Med-resort vibes and turns out a reliable menu of authentic dishes to an appreciative…

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    Top Shop

    Byron Bay

    High up on the hill east of town, Top Shop has long been the choice of local surfers. Today it's a casually upmarket version of the old-school takeaway,…

  • With plenty of greenery and rustic finishes, Folk has a relaxed, holiday vibe

    Folk

    Byron Bay

    This delightful wooden-cottage cafe sits beside a busy caravan park but is a world unto itself, with a pretty garden setting and even prettier plating up…

  • Barrio

    Byron Bay

    The hip industrial decor at Barrio blends in well to its industrial estate surrounds, where Argentinian-chef Francisco Smoje serves a flavour-filled menu…

  • Safya

    Byron Bay

    This family-run spot gives cafe fare a fusion Med–Middle Eastern tweak – eggs with cumin-spiked butter, falafel and pita bread, and avocado toast dusted…

  • Milk Bar

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    A later than usual opening means this lovely cafe, with its rustic communal dining table and footpath seats, is all about the big brunch or late lunch, or…

  • The Point

    Mid-North Coast

    A local favourite for special occasion dining, patrons enjoy lovely views from the balcony and glassed-in dining room of this flagship restaurant at the…

  • Curries & More

    Mid-North Coast

    Amrit and Rachana Poudyal are known for their authentic kitchen at this friendly place, nestled in a less-than-glamorous shopping strip. Indian standards…

  • Latitude 30

    Coffs Harbour

    Views take in the charming working harbour to the jetty and Muttonbird Island, or across to the Pacific Ocean at this popular seafood spot. Gorge on…

  • 100 Mile Table

    Byron Bay

    One of Byron Bay’s most feted cafes, in the Arts & Industry Estate, 100 Mile Table's locavore ethos, produce-led menu and relaxed industrial styling are a…

  • Sienna's

    Mid-North Coast

    Sienna's offers a budget-conscious alternative to the myriad of Port Stephens' tourist-priced seafood restaurants. Now in its second decade of operation,…

  • Crest Birubi Beach

    Mid-North Coast

    This stylish, smart-casual cafe within the Birubi Point surf club boasts an absolute beachfront location with stunning views over Stockton Bight and the…

  • Sandbar

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Downstairs from the Yamba Beach Motel, this casual eatery serves as a cafe in the morning and morphs into a popular seafood restaurant in the evening…

  • Roadhouse

    Byron Bay

    A short trip out of town, Roadhouse doubles as an excellent cafe by day rocking elixir-based drinks, fish tacos and fantastic coffee, then transforms into…

  • Ground Earth

    Mid-North Coast

    Tables spill onto the street at Wooli's hippest cafe where the seasonal menu delivers a refreshingly interesting range of dishes from coconut sago…

  • Ethel Food Store

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    A Tweed Rd shopfront takeaway that's perfect for pre–day trip stocking up. Sister cafe to famous Fleet restaurant, here you'll find platters of amazingly…

  • Red Ned's Gourmet Pie Bar

    Mid-North Coast

    More than 50 varieties of pies ranging from flavours such as macadamia-nut Thai satay chicken to the classic savoury mince or old-school lamb's fry and…

  • Mez Club

    Byron Bay

    Drenched in white with woven straw accents, this chic bar-restaurant nails the Greek Islands vibe. Enjoy a lazy afternoon grazing on share plates of…

  • Lime Mexican

    Coffs Harbour

    Lime does modern Mexican tapas-style, designed to share. The taco line-up includes tempura fish, braised lamb and halloumi, and there are share plates of…

  • Suzu Japanese Dining Bar

    Mid-North Coast

    Vintage Japanese posters, noren (hanging curtains) and large sake bottles set the scene at this delightful, authentic and intimate Japanese restaurant…

  • French Pan Tree

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Dusky pink walls and candlelight set the scene at this atmospheric restaurant on the hill. Traditional French cuisine is tweaked with a modern approach by…

  • Waterfall Way Cafe

    Mid-North Coast

    This delightfully rustic, charming cafe at the Lookout Mountain Retreat is the perfect spot for a road-trip stop. Some of the produce is sourced from the…

  • No Bones

    Byron Bay

    No bones, no problem at this plant-based restaurant that doesn't compromise on flavour. It's not your typical Buddha bowls and tofu here – dine al fresco…

  • Butcher Baker

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Let the aroma of freshly baked sourdough lure you in, then stay for the crispy pork belly or perhaps a beef bacon burger at this cafe run by a local…

  • Singhan Da Dhaba

    Mid-North Coast

    This traditional Sikh dhaba (roadside food stall) does tasty traditional North Indian vegetarian dishes that are very much like what you'd have in an…

  • Burger Rebellion

    Mid-North Coast

    A smart space with wooden communal counters, booths and street-side tables, it delivers tasty gourmet burgers, craft beer and friendly service…

  • Table View

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    The coffee is just about perfect here and the breakfast, brunch and lunch menu holds a few happy surprises. Sure, there are breakfast bowls, chia pud and…

  • Main Street Burger Bar

    Byron Bay

    This laid-back joint has a neat list of burgers, shakes, beers and cocktails, with an emphasis on local produce. For purists, the classic cheeseburger (…

  • Lighthouse Beach Cafe

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    With terrific views of East Ballina's Lighthouse Beach, this family-friendly cafe at the surf club turns out hearty breakfasts and some good comfort food…