Our Top 5 Favourite Restaurants In Byron Bay

freedom machine top 5 favourite restaurants in byron bay

If you’re looking to come to Byron Bay for the ultimate paradise getaway, refreshing pristine ocean water, beautiful scenery, escapism from reality, and of course, a weekend with a Freedom Machine Byron Bay e-bike rental, you have sure come to the right place. Believe it or not, however, Byron Bay has more than meets the eye than sun soaked residents, some of the best surf in the country, amazing world class street musicians, and international culture. Byron is also a huge foodie hub. With an influx of new ideas coming to town from all walks of life and around the world, it’s no doubt why Byron dishes out some of the best dishes. If you’re a bit lost and not too sure what to decide on to fulfill your tastebuds, we’ve made it easier for your weekend escape in Byron Bay. Here are our favourite spots ever so timeless Byron Bay.

freedom machine byron bay top 5 favourite restaurants to eat

Bar Heather

What can we say bad about Bar Heather? Nothing at all but an exquisite natural wine bar in Byron Bay brought to you by the talented team behind Byron's Luna Wine Store. Drawing inspiration from Parisian charm, Bar Heather boasts an impressive lineup of culinary masters, all of whom hail from some of Sydney's top of the line restaurants. James Audas and Tom Sheer, formerly sommeliers at renowned establishments like Noma, Oscillate Wildly, and LP's Quality Meats, have transitioned into wine importers under the Lo-Fi wines label, contributing to Australia's flourishing collection of exceptional natural wines, and we all know how much we love that in Byron Bay.

Heading the kitchen is chef Ollie Wong-Hee, who honed his skills at esteemed venues such as Mr. Wong, Sixpenny, and Ester. Complementing the culinary expertise is sommelier Ollie Smith (yes, yet another Ollie), formerly of 10 William Street, lending his profound knowledge to Bar Heather's wine selection.

At Bar Heather, patrons can indulge in a remarkable array of approximately 650 natural and biodynamic wines. This rotating selection is meticulously sourced from a curated list of esteemed winemakers and treasures from the renowned Lo-Fi cellar. Naturally, the menu at Bar Heather is designed to harmonize perfectly with the natural wine experience. Offering an enticing range of snacks, such as fried bread with garlic scapes, betel leaf with pork and pickles, and egg noodles with cuttlefish and squid ink, Bar Heather ensures an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

freedom machine byron bay top 5 favourite restaurants

Light Years

Get ready for a joyous adventure at this beloved Byron hotspot, which has expanded its empire to three more fantastic venues along the East Coast. If that's not enough reason to pay them a visit, brace yourself for their latest move to an absolutely stunning new location in the vibrant Jonson Lane precinct. Prepare to be wowed by the sleek and grounded ambiance, adorned with delightful earthy peach and terracotta shades. Picture yourself lounging in the glamorous bar area or settling in the lively dining space, complete with comfy striped banquet seating. Oh, what a treat!

 

But hold on, that's not all! As they settle into their new digs, they've also introduced an exciting new menu to match the occasion. While their focus remains on delectable Asian cuisine, they've spiced things up with a share-style extravaganza. Brace your taste buds for prawn toast donuts paired with the zesty yuzukoshu dipping sauce, or surrender to the irresistible salt and pepper tofu. Craving some serious flavor? Dive into the hot and tingly BBQ lamb ribs, or let the honey king prawns with typhoon shelter crumbs transport you to seafood heaven.

Whether you're a loyal fan or a curious newcomer, this place guarantees a culinary experience that will leave you begging for more. So gather your friends, bring your appetite, and embark on a memorable journey of flavors at this vibrant and fabulous venue.

freedom machine byron bay top 5 favourite restaurants

Rae's Dining Room

Prepare to be captivated by the culinary brilliance that graces the renowned holiday haven of Byron Bay. Drawing in some of Australia's finest culinary minds, this coastal paradise is a haven for food enthusiasts. Nestled across from the pristine Wategos Beach, you'll discover the ultra-chic Raes Dining Room, situated within the luxurious Raes on Wategoes hotel. Get ready for a dining experience curated by executive chef Jason Saxby, where modern Australian cuisine takes center stage, infused with delightful Mediterranean influences.

Immerse yourself in the relaxed beach ambiance as you indulge in the effortlessly luxurious interiors of Raes Dining Room. But wait, it gets even better! The menu offers a tantalizing array of dishes that will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds. Picture savoring a succulent Davidson plum glazed free-range pork scotch fillet or relishing in the exquisite flavors of spanner crab and sweet corn agnolotti. It's a culinary journey that seamlessly blends the freshness of coastal delights with a touch of culinary mastery.

As one of the most beloved spots in the country, Byron Bay offers a truly enchanting dining experience at Raes Dining Room. Soak in the breathtaking surroundings, enjoy the warm embrace of the beach, and let your taste buds embark on a delightful adventure. With every bite, you'll be reminded of the culinary wonders that can be discovered in this magical place.

freedom machine byron bay top 5 favourite restaurants

Kouzina

Prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting Greek paradise that awaits you at Kouzina, nestled in Byron's Arts & Industry Estate. Step into a world that is the epitome of warmth, community, and home-style feasting. Leave behind the scene-y vibes and enter a haven where connection and delectable food take center stage.

With Phoebe Tunis at the helm, Kouzina embraces the spirit of togetherness with their taverna-style restaurant. Indulge in their irresistible $60 three-course banquet, thoughtfully crafted to cater to all palates, including a plethora of vegetarian options. While the traditional Greek dishes change with the seasons, you can always count on timeless classics such as succulent calamari skewers and refreshing Greek salad gracing the menu on a regular basis.

The ambiance of Kouzina effortlessly transports you to the idyllic Greek islands. The laidback atmosphere embraces you like a warm breeze, inviting you to unwind and savor every moment. And when the nights turn balmy, their leafy courtyard becomes the perfect haven to enjoy your meal under the stars.

Oh, and here's an exciting bonus: Kouzina is BYO! So bring along your favorite bottle of wine or beverage of choice, and let the flavors of Greece and the camaraderie of the community elevate your dining experience.

Kouzina is where food, friendship, and the spirit of Greece intertwine to create an unforgettable dining adventure. Get ready to be embraced by the inviting ambiance, tantalized by the delectable flavors, and welcomed into the Kouzina family with open arms.

freedom machine byron bay top 5 favourite restaurants

Belongil Beach Italian Food

Get ready to bask in the culinary brilliance of acclaimed Sydney restaurateur Maurice Terzini, the genius behind beloved establishments like CicciaBella and Icebergs. After two decades of yearning, his dream of bringing his expertise to the vibrant town of Byron Bay has finally come true. Allow us to introduce you to the delightful Belongil Beach Italian Food, a coastal oasis that redefines classic Italian dining with a modern twist.

Prepare to be whisked away on a dreamy seaside dining experience that will leave you in awe. Belongil Beach Italian Food takes pride in showcasing the finest offerings from family-owned Northern Rivers producers and growers, truly embracing the demand for locally sourced produce. From heavenly Byron Bay mozzarella to the renowned Ballina prawns, every dish pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of the region.

As you peruse the summer menu, expect to be dazzled by sensational highlights. Picture succulent Esperenza Farm porchetta adorned with vibrant salsa verde, or savor the flavors of a perfectly grilled market fish fillet. And let's not forget the charcoal roasted spatchcock, a true feast for the senses. Each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to tantalize your taste buds and create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Belongil Beach Italian Food is a testament to Maurice Terzini's vision and passion, bringing a touch of his culinary magic to the shores of Byron Bay. So come, gather your friends onto an e-bike adventure and after, allow yourself to be swept away by the captivating flavors, the mesmerizing seaside setting, and the warm embrace of Italian hospitality. 

There you have it. An all star list of some of the best spots in the Byron Bay area. Don't get us wrong, there are so many other options than this as well, including the Bay Lane's version of Spice Alley, as well as some of the best cafes that the country has to offer, which will totally get into on another post. So what are you waiting for? Give one of these fine local establishments and book in for an unforgettable hospitality experience to add to your weekend list.