From Cafes to Hatted Restaurants: All of the Best Places to Eat in Byron Bay

Set on the waterfront overlooking Clarkes Beach, Beach Byron Bay celebrates incredible local produce from the Northern Rivers community and surrounds, with a hyper seasonal and seafood focused menu by Head Chef Alanna Sapwell. The restaurant offers a very special dining experience with unparalleled ocean views, whereas the Kiosk is the perfect meeting spot for a casual coffee, breakfast or lunch pre- or post-swim. Better yet, you can finish your visit with a walk around the Cape Byron Headland Reserve. 

As surprising as it may seem, some of the best restaurants in Byron Bay aren’t found nesting around the beach. Enter Three Blue Ducks in Ewingsdale. This famed restaurant embodies all the notions of sustainable living that the coastal surfie spot is known for. The eatery is set on a 30 hectare farm which produces everything this sustainable kitchen needs. Pick up an innovative modern Australian dish to enjoy in the restaurant or grab your meal for takeaway and take off to explore the farm. 

Treat yourself to relaxed Hinterland hospitality at The Hut at Possum Bay, a stone's throw from the bustling seaside town of Byron Bay. Inspired by the Mediterranean way of life, the dining experience is designed to be shared and celebrated with others. Working closely with local fisherman and farmers, the menu is crafted by what is in season and available. Why not make the most of your visit by staying next door at the luxurious Hut Road Estate, perfect for groups and families. 

Sometimes a cafe isn’t going to cut it. So, if you’re craving something juicy or just cooked to perfection, make your way over to Byron Bay’s best steak restaurant, Ember. Tucked on Jonson Street, Ember serves up the finest steak and seafood dishes in town thanks to their unique Jopser charcoal grill. We’re talking Charred Marinated Octopus, crispy Duck Breast, 18 hour slow braised Lamb Shank and even Sticky BBQ Pork Ribs to name a few. The best part is they also serve up plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. 

Theres no denying that Raes is, without a doubt, one of the most popular places to eat in Byron Bay. That is if you’re lucky enough to land a booking. So, what’s with all the hype? Firstly, they’ve been voted one of the world’s top 25 Hotels by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine. As for the restaurant – which only sits 60 guests alfresco style – it showcases gorgeous ocean views that blends seamlessly with their Mediterranean inspired menu. If you need more convincing, their secured two hats in the 2025 Good Food Guide may just reel you in. 

This cafe-by-day and restaurant-by-night eatery epitomises everything we love about Byron Bay: it’s friendly, full of locals and serves nutritious, satisfying and delicious food every meal of the day. But, there is more to this Byron Bay dining favourite than quality food and booze – you won’t find a menu anywhere because it changes daily, and all ingredients are not only organic but sourced from local farmers. It’s primarily a sugar-free zone with coconut sugar available only when requested.

We’re putting it out there: Bayleaf serves the best coffee in Byron Bay. Like most cafes in the area, Bayleaf sources ingredients from local suppliers with beans from Marvel Street Coffee Roasters which is literally just across the road; and bread is sourced from The Bread Social. Lunchtime salads are a standout with combinations such as flaked ocean trout, shredded kale and wakame or seared sesame tuna with honeyed carrots and brown rice.

Situated in the balmy seaside village of Byron Bay is the plant-based, eco-friendly inspired diner, No Bones. From the first step inside, you can feel the personality of the space. It is adorned with vines of indoor plants which creep along the neutral-toned walls that come alive as the communal tables buzz with conversation. The vegan menu thinks outside the veggie box with considered and playful creations like the corn ribs, watermelon tartare and gnocchi with organic mushrooms. The cocktails are a playground of flavour combinations that complement the diverse menu.

Super stylish with an ultra-cool vibe, The Italian at the Pacific is all about food, wine and people. Take a seat by the cocktail bar and watch the antics of the barmen as they shake up colourful cocktails that sing of summer all year long. Order some antipasti, contemporary Italian share plates, or classic risotto as you watch the sun go down, and finish with a liquid dessert or a bottle of wine. What a perfect evening.

A relatively newcomer to Byron Bay, Bar Heather serves up a refreshing approach to the already esteemed dining scene. Their offering is quite simple: seasonal modern Australian cuisine that’s brought to life by local produce. We’re talking Lamb Curry Puffs, caper and lemon adorned Blue Mackerel, pepper sauce dressed Rib Eye. But, the true standout is their 700+ wine list which has since caught the attention of the Australian Good Food Guide.