So when it comes to food, Byron might seem laid-back, but he’s actually super serious about how he prepares and presents his dishes. That’s why we’ve put together a list of what we think are the best restaurants in Byron Bay.
These places have some seriously talented chefs, and no matter what type of food you’re into, you’ll probably find an amazing version of it here. There are a ton of great restaurants to choose from, but unfortunately, you can’t try them all at once. So make sure to check out our guide to the top eateries in Byron Bay and don’t miss out.
And the best part is, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to eat at these places. Our list includes restaurants serving all different types of cuisine, from burgers to fancy dinners. They’re all amazing at what they do, and that’s the one thing they all have in common. These are the restaurants that you’ll want to come back to and that you’ll recommend to friends visiting the area.
1. Lightyears
Light Years cafe, which has gained a reputation for its delicious food and vibrant atmosphere, has recently opened three additional locations along the East Coast. The original cafe can be found tucked away in a backstreet in Byron, just a short walk from Main Beach.
The compact indoor and outdoor space is perfect for a casual dinner with friends, offering a variety of share-style meals including mud crab and scallop dumplings, chilli caramel pork buns, and mi goreng-spiced fried chicken with “firecracker sauce.”
The food comes out quickly, making it a great option for those looking to continue the party at a nearby bar or pub. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out Light Years cafe – it’s definitely worth a visit.
2. Raes @ Wategos
Raes on Wategos is a stunning and sophisticated dining destination that should not be missed by any serious food lover. Located on the beautiful Wategos beach, this restaurant offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable dining experience.
The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Jason Saxby, combines modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean influences and features a range of unique and unusual ingredients. Some standout dishes include bay lobster with squid ink tagliolini, tender lamb rump with asparagus and spring peas, and market fish with smoked bonito butter and a caviar medley.
For those looking for a full culinary journey, Raes on Wategos offers a prix fixe menu for $105 for three courses or a six-course tasting menu for $140, with the option to pair with matching wines for an additional $90.
Vegetarians will also find a separate menu that follows the same structure. The restaurant’s extensive wine list, expertly curated by Sommelier Hannah Howard, boasts a wide selection of Australian and European wines, as well as cocktails and a diverse array of spirits.
3. Treehouse
The Treehouse, located just a short distance from the beach in Belongil, is a perfect place to relax and unwind with your family. With a beautiful and shaded conservatory, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing cocktail or cold beer during the day. In the evening, live music sets the atmosphere alight and creates a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for all ages.
The food at the Treehouse is inspired by the chef’s travels through Morocco and Italy, and features some of the best wood-fired pizzas in Byron. There is a range of seafood, vegetarian, and meat options on the supper menu, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. The cocktail menu is limited but offers a selection of tasty options, and there are also bottled beers available.
The wine list primarily features Australian wines, with a few selections from France and Italy as well. Overall, the Treehouse is a family-friendly location that offers a fun and enjoyable atmosphere, delicious food, and a range of beverages to suit all tastes.
4. Williams Street Kitchen & Bar
Located at the junction of Pacific Parade and Williams Street in Lennox Head, Williams St is a family-friendly café that offers a delicious lunch and dinner menu. The café was previously known as Williamsburg, where it specialized in burgers, but has since been rebranded and now offers a wide variety of dishes. One popular item on the menu is the house-smoked salmon, which is smoked on-site using a technique that the chef has mastered.
The salmon is served with a variety of ingredients, including quinoa, kale, miso broccolini, pickled ginger, carrot, radish, coriander, and a poached egg. The ingredients are carefully positioned in the bowl to create a visually appealing and tasty dish that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed and matched with each bite.
In addition to the amazing cuisine, Williams St also has a full liquor license and offers beers on tap as well as a full bar. So even if you just want to have a drink, you’ll be tempted by the delicious food on offer. On Saturday nights, the café features live music, usually in the form of a singer/songwriter, performing a mix of original and cover songs ranging from folk and blues to rock.
Williams St is also pet-friendly, with water bowls available outside for thirsty pets. The café has a welcoming atmosphere and is the perfect place to relax after a day at the beach, even if you come in with sandy feet. So whether you’re in the mood for a delicious meal or just want to sit back and enjoy a drink, Williams St has something for everyone.
5. Lovers Lane
Lovers’ Lane is a must-visit for foodies visiting Byron Bay. This hybrid bar-restaurant, which is located on Lawson Street, is dedicated to serving excellent cuisine, natural wines, cocktails, and hosting dancing events. The team behind the venue is also responsible for the popular Penny Lane restaurant in Canggu, Bali. The interior of Lovers’ Lane, designed by Adam Grygopruk and George Gorrow, is described as a blend of grungy and elegant, and features local art and photography. The seating options of leather seats and sofas encourage customers to stay awhile and relax.
Executive chef Tyler Preston, known for his work at Bang Bang and Chin Chin, has created a menu of snack and share plates that are perfect for grazing over a casual drink. The menu includes dishes like oysters, beef tartare, barbeque king prawns, and charcoal chicken, and draws inspiration from various cuisines including Southeast Asian, Greek, Italian, and French. Tyler values the quality and provenance of ingredients above adhering to traditional recipes.
In addition to the food, Lovers’ Lane also offers a unique cocktail menu created by Bradley Wakefield of Halycon House. The drinks feature native botanicals from the Byron area such as strawberry gum and lemon myrtle. The wine list includes natural, organic, bio-dynamic, low intervention, and vegan options, as well as a variety of Australian, French, and foreign choices.
6. No Bones
f you’re looking for some amazing vegan food, No Bones is definitely a spot you should check out the next time you’re in town. They’ve mastered the art of creating delicious, plant-based versions of meat dishes, and they’re so good that you might even prefer them to the real thing.
Some must-tries on the menu include their “chicken” skewers and “calamari.” Plus, the restaurant is conveniently located right in the center of town, just a few blocks away from the beach, making it the perfect spot to grab a quick lunch while you’re out swimming and shopping.
