Byron Bay has long been an Australian holiday hotspot, boasting stunning beaches and a laid back coastal vibe popular with bohemian travellers. The Northern NSW beach town has recently begun to overhaul its Boho heritage, and we're seeing some of the best dining spots in the country establish themselves in Byron Bay and its tranquil surrounds.
Eateries with a strong focus on local produce and sustainable farming practices dominate the local foodie scene, often growing and harvesting their own ingredients on-site, with many of the top spots hidden in alleyways or just out of town. Here is our guide for travelling foodies on where to find the best spots to eat in Byron Bay.
Targa Cafe
Established in 2010 as an Italian eatery by owners Ben & Sarah Musu, Targa is a modern European restaurant reflecting its owners love for good food. Serving up Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese favourites, Targa is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a bar licensed to serve drinks with or without food from 10am.
Don't miss: House-made gnocchi with thyme roasted mushrooms and tallegio cream sauce.
TARGA CAFE - DESTINATION NSW
Harvest Newrybar
Promoting sustainability and a belief in freshly sourced homegrown food, Harvest is a locally owned restaurant, bakery and delicatessen offering the spoils of the Byron Bay region in a menu rich with seasonally prepared food and locally farmed produce.
Don't miss: Beef short rib with charred spring onion and green beans.
Three Blue Ducks
Three Blue Ducks is a restaurant, cafe and produce store at The Farm, Byron Bay established by five mates passionate about nourishing the community with quality food and hospitality. Serving up seasonal dishes bursting with substance and flavour, penned by 'The Ducks' as real food, the fully licensed restaurant is busy seven days a week and has become one of Byron Bay's iconic dining experiences.
don't miss: Slow cooked lamb shoulder with chimichurri, eggplant hummus and pickled currants.
THREE BLUE DUCKS - DESTINATION NSW
Stone & Wood BREWERY
The birthplace and heartbeat of Byron Bay's much loved Stone & Wood beer, the purpose built Byron shed hosts a tasting room and brewery, available for tours and casual dining. The family-friendly brewery offers a selection of Stone & Wood's brews alongside a Tasty Bites menu with bar style snacks and beer-friendly eats.
DON'T MISS: Cajun Chicken Burger with Mojo Verde, Lettuce & Topped with an Onion Ring.
Bayleaf Cafe
A Byron Bay breakfast hotspot, Bayleaf Cafe is always bustling with locals and visitors eager to sample the innovative and locally sourced food options. With a reputation for friendly staff and attention to detail, the service and setting never fail to match the standards upheld in the kitchen.
Don't Miss: Sesame-crusted seared tuna with honey carrots, pickled ginger, snow beans, boc choy and a chilli caramel.
BAYLEAF CAFE - DESTINATION NSW
Bali Bagus Cafe
A family-run beachside cafe with an extensive vegan offering and a distinctly Balinese style. Serving up modern Australian dishes with an authentic Indonesian influence, Bali Bagus Cafe is a consistent winner for a casual breakfast or lunch option with sea views of Byron Bay's main beach.
Don't Miss: Lemongrass and kaffir lime grilled corn fritters with garlic potato fritter, poached egg, sprout salad and tamarind sambal.
Doma Cafe
A meandering half-hour drive from the throngs of Byron Bay, over the rolling green landscapes of the hinterland, Doma Cafe sits in the sleepy town of Federal welcoming hungry travellers with its offering of seriously good Japanese food. The relaxed 'Tatami' style cafe, often a delectable lunch stop en route to Nimbin or Lismore, is a destination worthy of the journey in its own right.
Don't Miss: Cauliflower karaage with vermicelli noodles.
DOMA CAFE - DESTINATION NSW
The Top Shop
Giving a new life to a classic milk bar from the 1950s, Andy and Charlie Gordon converted The Top Shop, Byron's second-oldest continuously running business, from corner store to foodie institution in 2008. It has since become a local favourite, offering high quality food and coffee in a welcoming atmosphere, just up the street from Clarkes Beach.
Don't Miss: Hayter’s Hill chorizo sausage & egg roll w/ rocket, relish & mayo.
Byron at Byron
Nestled amidst 18 hectares of lush rainforest, Byron at Byron is a contemporary resort restaurant that draws on local produce by embracing the region's abundance of stunning ingredients. The seasonal menu and extensive wine list is served up in stylishly casual surrounds just twenty minutes from Byron Bay.
Don't Miss: Dorper slow-cooked lamb loin with roasted cauliflower, labneh, eggplant and dukkah.
BYRON AT BYRON - DESTINATION NSW
Dip Cafe
Originally a Bondi local, Dip Cafe moved its French-inspired brunch offering to Byron Bay in 2010. Supporting ethical farming practices and sourcing the majority of their ingredients locally, Dip aspires to meet its high expectations of excellent food within a casual-feel cafe.
Don't miss: Poached eggs on organic sourdough with baby spinach, smoked salmon & dip hollandaise.
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