The Byron Bay Restaurants We Have Our Eyes On In 2023
The past twelve months have brought a range of new restaurant openings to Byron Bay and the surrounding area. So if dining out is high on your holiday agenda, then consider yourself at the right place! While we’ll always love our tried and tested favourite restaurants, we also love when there’s somewhere new to eat and experience. Fellow foodies, long lunch-lovers and dinner devotees: this list below is for you!
PS. You can find more of our Byron Bay food and drink recommendations here!
New Restaurants To Dine At In Byron Bay In 2022 and 2023
Moonlight
This contemporary Japanese hibachi grill and wine bar, is one of Byron’s intimate, moody, must-try restaurants. Moonlight’s menu showcases classic Japanese flavours, reinterpreted into unexpected and punchy dishes, with gluten-free and vegan options both available. The drinks list has been seriously thought out. The biodynamic wines have been chosen according to the luna cycle, the sake is offered both hot and cold, and the elevated cocktail list pays homage to the craft of Japanese cocktail making.
Ciao, Mate!
In Bangalow, Ciao, Mate! has opened its doors for dinner (Wednesday to Monday), and lunch on weekends. Antipasto snacks, wood-fired pizza with minimal-yet-quality toppings, and pasta are the go here, alongside a mix of Australian and Italian natural wines and beer. They were the deserved recipients of a One Hat Award in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide awards. It’d be rude not to test it for yourself…
Pixie Food & Wine
Combining Byron Bay’s laid back ambiance with the best of city dining, Pixie Food & Wine brings a modern coastal twist to traditional Italian cuisine. Calling on his Sicilian roots, Executive Chef Matteo Tine has leveraged new season produce to create a confidently contemporary menu with a solid vintage kick. Deliciously fresh, yet hearty and humble, diners can expect familiar and authentic flavours showcased in new and exciting ways.
Light Years Asian Diner
Having first opened in Byron Bay in 2017, we’ve long been lovers of the mouth watering flavours coming from the Light Years kitchen and bar. As we head into 2023, we are delighted to now dine in their bigger, brand new Byron venue, designed by Sarah Ellison and Studio Plenty. If the interiors weren’t reason enough to book a spot here, then the revised delectable share-style food menu and cocktail list definitely will be!
Tweed River House
Set on the banks of the beautiful Tweed River, Tweed River House‘s stunning views are just the beginning of a fantastic food experience ahead. The provencal style, seasonal menu focuses on locally grown, organic and indigenous ingredients. There are also vegan, gluten free and children’s menus. Sit outside, undercover with panoramic river views, or inside the gorgeous dining area.
Karkalla
Karkalla is an Indigenous Australian restaurant. Everything from the menu to the atmosphere to the interiors reflect the coastal, sun-kissed, generous essence of Australia. The dinner menu is share-style, with common ingredients including finger lime, lemon myrtle and salt bush. In addition, they serve beautiful brunch and lunch, currently on pause during the pandemic.
Lola Dining
A short drive to Ballina is where you’ll find Lola. This cozy, intimate restaurant providers diners with an authentic menu, which is inspired by co-owner Rosa’s upbringing in Puglia (Italy) as well as Rosa and Olivia’s multicultural experience working at Cho Cho San. A beautiful and unique spot for your next Byron dinner.
No 35 Kitchen and Bar
An Italian-ish restaurant in coastal Cabarita (an enjoyable 40 minute drive from The Lord Byron), is No 35 Kitchen and Bar. Owner Daniel Medcalf, former chef at Icebergs Dining, The Dolphin Hotel and Assiette has created the modern menu. It is both comforting and creative, and sets you up for a wonderful night (especially when combined with the earthy setting!).
Frida’s Field
Frida’s Field is a gorgeous restaurant set on a stunning 120-acre farm and is the perfect complement to a trip to Bangalow. Country dining and long-lunching is what you can expect here. The menu changes every 6-8 weeks (both an omnivore menu and vegetarian menu are offered), and their long lunches are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Soak up the countryside bliss over three to four hours.