Where to Eat & Drink in Byron Bay

For those who appreciate a tranquil setting and sustainable cuisine then Forest Restaurant at Crystalbrook resort is a must-visit. Forest restaurant presents artful creations made with over 80% of ingredients sourced locally plus over 30 organic and biodynamic wines. Journey through a menu celebrating the best of local and native ingredients. Sip on cocktails curated with local Brookies gin, finger lime and lemon myrtle and unwind in style.

For a divinely cozy Parisian-inspired restaurant and wine bar experience, head to Bar Heather located at Johnson Lane. Founded by former sommeliers James Audas and Tom Sheer, the restaurant features an inventive menu by Chef Ollie Wong-Hee, showcasing seasonal product from the Northern Rivers. Unique dishes include hibachi-grilled duck breast and fermented sausage, complemented with a portfolio of over 800 organic-focused wines. With dim-lighting and intimate atmosphere, Bar Heather feels like you could be anywhere in the world.

One of my happy places is the upscale No Bones vegan kitchen and bar located in the heart of Byron Bay. Decorated with art and vibrant colours, the energy feels positive in this elegant dining space. Popular staples include konjac calamari, mouth-watering truffle fries with cashew parmesan, and mock Butter-ish Chicken Curry. Committed to sustainability, the owners prioritize local, organic and spray-free ingredients while practicing composting and recycling. With great music and attentive service from upbeat international staff, dining here feels like a global experience.

For a taste of Euro glam, visit Mullumbimby Continental, a wine bar and bistro founded by Melbournians Daniel Ippoliti and Chef, Karen Batson. Designed by Alexander Ippoliti, interiors feature handmade terrazzo tiled walls and a spotted gum bar. Enjoy cocktails made with local spirits, craft beers and natural wines. Shared plates include rigatoni with winter greens, baked scallops, oysters and eye fillet tartare. Save room for assembled desserts like rosemary crème brule and coconut panna cotta. Open seven days 3pm-10pm.

Another well-loved vegan place is Yuli’s, famous for its plant-based modern Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, vegan dumplings and weekend Yum Cha!  Enjoy dishes like san choy bao, steamed leek and ginger dumplings, and crispy tofu with papaya. Yuli’s is fun for group gatherings – consider their well-priced Banquet Menu that offers three courses plus dessert. With its casual energy and simple decor, Yulli’s is a perfect choice for vegan birthdays celebrations.

Ayurvedic devotees can dose up on daily Kitchari at Vagabond Byron located within the Habitat Retail & Lifestyle Precinct, Vagabond Byron is a casual plant-based eatery for early morning Turmeric Lattes, vegan breakfasts, lunches, smoothies and desserts. Produce is mostly local and gluten-free. All this, plus they recently opened an adjoining store that promotes the best of Byron’s local produce.

Located on the outskirts of Byron is Folk Byron Bay, a small yet homey café that embodies the essence of the area with its white-washed rustic interiors and outdoor seating surrounded by greenery. The soul-kitchen offers a fully vegetarian menu features classics like scrambled eggs with house chili chutney and unique dishes like the Folk Burrito, a delightful mix of rice, quinoa, black beans, and pumpkin. Everything is house made and home-grown. Open for breakfast and lunch only.

Set on a 80-acre working farm and Macadamia Orchard, The Farm Byron Bay is a collective of a sustainable café and bakery, florist, nursery, a local produce store and the award-winning Three Blue Ducks restaurant. This concept revolves around the ethos ‘grow, feed, educate, give back’ and is family-friendly with its regular farm tours, workshops for kids on native bees as well as adult workshops on fermenting and regenerative farming.

Located in the quant village of Newrybar is Harvest Newrybar, an elegant establishment featuring a world class restaurant, a wood-fired bakery and deli showcasing the finest lartisan produce. Set within a heritage house overlooking native gardens, creative cuisine highlights local and native Australian ingredients. In the evenings, cozy up around the fire while sipping on award-winning rare wines sourced from smaller, conscientious vineyards. 

Another must visit is Doma, a rustic yet savvy café nestled in the Federal Village. Dedicated to authenticity, Doma chef’s use handpicked, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to assemble their Japanese dishes with a modern twist – try organic rice sushi, haloumi cheese tempura and tempura prawns with lentils and pesto. Sip on sake and natural and organic wines. Conveniently located on the way to Minyon Falls, Doma is the place you take out of towners for laid-back vibe and live music.

For a memorable farm-to-table dining experience, book a long lunch at Frida’s Field, a family-run 120-acre regenerative farm situated in the Byron Bay hinterland. The ethos here revolves around paddock-to-plate long lunches for locavores, featuring a seasonal menu crafted from on-site veggies and local produce. Led by Head Chef Alistair Waddell, a multi-award winner of the Australian Good Food Guide’s one hat award. The menu changes every second weeks. Advanced bookings are required, and they offer farm stay accommodations.

A unique destination dining experience inspired by the simplicity of traditional southern Italian and Greek flavours and joy of communal meals. Set in a converted, white-washed historic building in the quaint area of Possum Creek, The Hut offers a menu celebrating locally sourced ingredients crafted for sharing. Owner/Chef Bruno Conti and the team collaborate with local farmers and fisherman to create seasonal menus bursting with flavour. The Hut is favoured as a stylish wedding venue and for large gatherings and functions. Open for lunch Thursday-Sunday.