Summary
Byron Bay, located in New South Wales, is renowned for its unspoiled beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and vibrant culinary offerings. The town boasts a distinctive fusion of cultures and cuisines, drawing food enthusiasts from across the globe, which makes it a prime destination for exquisite dining.
Whether you are a culinary expert searching for a new gastronomic adventure or simply in pursuit of an exquisite dining experience, Byron Bay presents an abundance of options.
We invite you to unwind and indulge your palate with the premier dining experiences this town has to offer!
THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN BYRON BAY
PIXIE FOOD & WINE
CUISINE: Italian
ADDRESS: 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia (Location Map)
OPENING HOURS: Daily 8.30am – 11pm
INSTAGRAM: @pixiebyronbay
Pixie Food & Wine, known for its deep appreciation of food, wine, music, and camaraderie, has established itself as Byron Bay’s first establishment offering Italian cuisine throughout the day and into the night. The restaurant features an array of fine dining alternatives that draw inspiration from European coasts and urban landscapes, deftly blending Byron Bay’s relaxed vibe with exceptional inner-city dining.
The interior design, a tribute to 1970s Italy, was created by David Flack of Flack Studio, who was recognized as Belle Magazine’s ‘Designer of the Year’. The eclectic elements and rich material selection lend an atmosphere that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortably inviting.
Guests can enjoy a cocktail and light snack at the bar, sip on a spritz in the outdoor dining area, or dine within the main restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Discover the menu at Pixie Food & Wine here, regarded as one of the top restaurants in Byron Bay.
RAES ON WATEGOS
CUISINE: Australian, Mediterranean
ADDRESS: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Daily 12pm – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @raesonwategos
For many, a dining experience at Raes is a must when visiting Byron Bay. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of Wategos Beach, the establishment offers an enviable photo opportunity, available to both hotel patrons and casual diners in its stylish dining room and relaxed terrace area.
The culinary offerings are curated by Chef Jason Saxby (formerly of Pilu and Quay), delivering a delightful interpretation of modern Australian cuisine. While it is indeed fine dining, the atmosphere is relaxed, reflecting the essence of Byron Bay, aided by the casual staff and coastal decor designed by Tamsin Jonson.
Explore the menu at Raes Dining Room here, recognized among the leading restaurants in Byron Bay.
LIGHT YEARS
CUISINE: Asian
ADDRESS: 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Daily 12pm – late
INSTAGRAM: @lightyearsasiandiner
Established in Byron Bay in 2017, Light Years Asian Diner has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The brand has since expanded from one venue to four locations along the East Coast (Newcastle, Burleigh Heads, and Noosa) and, in late 2022, considerably upgraded its Byron Bay location to a spacious new venue three times larger than the original!
With stunning interior designs by the local firm Studio Plenty and custom furnishings by designer Sarah Ellison, the redesigned Light Years offers a sophisticated palette of peach, earthy reds, and clay tones, moving away from its original tropical aesthetics. While the decor is visually striking, the star of the show remains the distinctive flavor of the cuisine. The menu is bold and unapologetic, with each dish designed to be vibrant and flavorful!
Explore the menu at Light Years Asian Diner here, regarded as one of the finest dining establishments in Byron Bay.
MOONLIGHT HIBACHI GRILL AND WINE BAR
CUISINE: Japanese
ADDRESS: Bay Ln, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Daily 5pm – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @moonlightbyronbay
Located in Bay Lane, Moonlight Hibachi Grill and Wine Bar serves as the stylish counterpart to Light Years Asian Diner. Featuring a modern and minimalist aesthetic, the menu incorporates elements from traditional Japanese cuisine while reinterpreting them into unexpected and flavorful dishes.
As it is also a wine bar, patrons can expect a vibrant assortment of biodynamic options. Experience a selection of delicate, crisp, aromatic wines paired with equally refined raw dishes, or opt for bold, textured wines that complement the grilled offerings. Prepare for a sensory feast!
Review the menu at Moonlight Bar here, distinguished as one of the premier dining venues in Byron Bay.
THE HUT
CUISINE: Mediterranean
ADDRESS: 471 Friday Hut Rd, Possum Creek NSW 2479, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Thursday – Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
INSTAGRAM: @thehut.byronbay
The Hut is cherished for its genuine hospitality and offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu that delights from start to finish, featuring a diverse selection of appetizers, seasonal mains, and delectable pasta dishes.
Situated in a charming weatherboard house in Byron’s hinterlands, the venue is perfect for leisurely lunches accompanied by a selection of martinis. It’s advisable to leave the car behind and consider alternative transport options.
Discover the menu at The Hut here, recognized as one of Byron Bay’s finest dining establishments.
BAR HEATHER
CUISINE: European
ADDRESS: G9 Jonson Lane, 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday, 5pm – 12am
INSTAGRAM: @heather.bar
Bar Heather has earned renown, particularly amongst hospitality professionals, owing to its exceptional alumni from some of Australia’s premier establishments. This elegant natural wine bar, nestled in Jonson Lane (which also hosts Light Years Asian Diner and Pixie Food & Wine), is complemented by knowledgeable staff and a diverse menu of share-style dishes and bar snacks. Don’t forget to try their signature banana ice-cream sandwich with vegemite caramel!
Review the menu at Bar Heather here, a distinguished establishment in Byron Bay.
BELONGIL BEACH ITALIAN FOOD
CUISINE: Italian
ADDRESS: 33-35 Childe St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Monday – Friday, 5pm – late; Saturday – Sunday, 12pm – late
INSTAGRAM: @belongilbeachitalianfood
The vision of restaurateur Maurice Terzini, Belongil Beach Italian Food is a vibrant and inviting new addition to the dining landscape at Belongil Beach. The airy pink-hued interiors, enhanced by an eclectic assortment of art by Marty Baptist and Ozzy Wrong, create a lively, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a European beach club. The service is relaxed yet attentive, fostering an environment conducive to leisurely dining over contemporary Italian dishes.
View the menu at Belongil Beach Italian Food here, celebrated among the best dining options in Byron Bay.
NO BONES
CUISINE: Vegetarian
ADDRESS: 11 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Sunday – Thursday, 5pm – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 5pm – 11pm
INSTAGRAM: @nobonesrestaurants
No Bones redefines vegan dining by crafting a menu that captivates the textures and flavors typically associated with meat dishes. Designed for sharing, each dish, from prawn tacos to calamari, fried chick’n, and Caesar salad featuring brussel ‘bacon’, closely mimics their non-vegan counterparts.
The recently renovated space blends alfresco and indoor dining, featuring a modern bar area and numerous cozy seating options. The venue retains its inviting old-school Byron charm.
Discover the menu at No Bones here, listed among Byron Bay’s premier restaurants.
DI VINO
CUISINE: Italian
ADDRESS: shops 4/2 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Daily, 5pm – late
INSTAGRAM: @divinobyron
When the craving for Italian cuisine arises, Di Vino stands out among several fantastic options in the area, holding a special place in the hearts of both residents and tourists. Start your meal with exquisite fish crudo, plates of prosciutto, and velvety burrata, followed by a curated selection of house-made pastas that frequently change.
Make sure to check the specials, as they often feature delightful rotating options for fish and steak that should not be missed!
Review the menu at Di Vino here, recognized as one of Byron Bay’s exceptional restaurants.
KOUZINA
CUISINE: Greek
ADDRESS: 1/1 Acacia St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Thursday – Saturday, 5pm – 9pm
INSTAGRAM: @kouzina_byronbay
A hidden gem offering a slice of Greece, Kouzina is located in Byron’s industrial district. With a no-menu policy, this taverna-style restaurant creates an ideal experience for communal dining. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with mezze platters consisting of dips, labneh, olives, pickled vegetables, and pita. This is followed by shared mains, culminating with a Greek-inspired petit four.
Although the menus are fixed, Kouzina is accommodating towards dietary needs. Guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages, so remember to visit a local bottle shop if you wish to enjoy a glass of wine with your meal.
Explore the menu at Kouzina here, acknowledged as one of the top dining spots in Byron Bay.
We trust you found this carefully curated selection of the Best Restaurants in Byron Bay enlightening.
This piece was contributed by @peta.vandevelde.
