Home to a number of the country’s top chefs who draw on the incredible produce that grows in our sub-tropical climate, a large part of Byron Bay’s appeal is our exciting and diverse food scene. Byron Bay punches well above it’s weight in the culinary stakes; from world-class restaurants to laid back cafes and friendly pubs, there is something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
The Byron Bay Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant is located right in the heart of Byron Bay at the five star Marvell Hotel, a stunning venue with meticulously crafted luxe interiors and relaxed tropical vibes. The menu is both luxurious and comfortingly straightforward with a focus on the freshest raw and cooked seafood and prime cuts of ethically sourced meat cooked on the grill. Their state-of-the-art salt water oyster tank allows them to serve oysters in pristine condition alongside an extensive selection of hot and cold garnishes.
Acclaimed chef Craig Robertson has returned to the region as the Executive Chef at Elements of Byron, introducing a ‘Forest to Foreshore’ dining philosophy across the resort. The menu at the resort’s flagship restaurant, Azure Bar and Grill, reflects this philosophy celebrating the biodiversity this region has to offer and shining a light on local farmers and producers. Azure’s dishes are creative and beautifully presented, comprising multiple elements which are thoughtfully paired and always very delicious. The wine list is extensive and one of the best in Byron Bay, and they make incredible cocktails featuring local spirits.
Rhea recently opened beachside in Lennox Head, a classic Aussie surf town just down the road from Byron Bay that is home to one of the worlds best surf breaks ‘The Point’. With sleek interiors, laid-back vibes and vinyl spinning in the background, Rhea has become an instant favourite with in-the-know locals. The menu is filled with well executed dishes that can be enjoyed with classic cocktails and wine from the list that is a celebration of modern Australian wine-making. Do as the locals do and start with watermelon margaritas during the 3 hour ‘Social Hour’ before settling in for wine and dinner by one of the region’s hottest up-and-coming chefs.
Mornings are busy in Byron Bay with surfers up catching the best waves and early-birds hitting the gym, yoga studo and the popular lighthouse walk. So it is fitting that breakfast is a serious business in Byron Bay with loads of cafes serving up the best breakfasts in the country - it is actually hard to find a bad breakfast in Byron Bay. Located in a beautiful space on the corner of Bay Lane, Kahakai serves one of the best breakfasts around, elevating simple dishes with incredible skill and attention to detail. My breakfast favorites are Combi and The Byron Bay General Store, where the Byron vibes are high, the coffee is epic and the menus at both venues are packed full of superfoods including some of the best acai bowls and smoothies in town.
Don’t miss the farmers markets where you are likely to spot Byron Bay’s top chefs sourcing fresh local, ethical produce for their kitchens. The markets are a Byron Bay institution and a great place to soak up community vibes and pick up some of the freshest food around. Markets are held 7am – 11am weekly in New Brighton on Tuesdays, Byron Bay town center on Thursdays, Mullumbimby’s showground on Fridays and the nearby quaint village of Bangalow on Saturdays.