Bundjalung Country (Byron) Recommendations

Jul 18

Every retreat, people ask us for the same recommendations. So…we have put together a list of our favourites. It was such a pleasure creating this list. It really reminds me how incredible Bundjalung country is and all the beautiful talented humans who live there doing such epic things.

Food

I obviously have put the most effort into this section. There is sooo much amazing food in the area. I have only posted about the ones we go to regularly. I know there are other incredible restaurants we just havn’t had the chance to try. When we do, I will be sure to let you know!

Restaurants

Saint Maries (Italian)

Located in Brunswhick heads, Saint Maries is a great place to grab a pizza and a cocktail after you go for a swim in the river (make sure you swim on high tide). I would recommend the mushroom pizza and a coconut margarita. This place is our regular, you might see us there :)

Kouzina Byron Bay (Greek)

I love the vibe of this place, such a beautiful setting to drink wine and eat yummy food. Delicious greek salads, dips, grilled vegetables, marinated feta, grilled meats, fish and more. Lots of veggie options.

Ciao mate (Italian)

A hatted restaurant located in Bangalow, a little more expensive than Saint Maries but well worth it. They use a lot of the same organic farmers we use. The menu is small and seasonal. Think homemade pasta and wood fire pizza. I would recommend a pizza with burrata.

Light Years (Modern Asian)

Found in Bryon town, think delicious cocktails, local wine and fresh Asian food. I can highly recommend the wild truffled mushroom dumplings and the wagyu beef rending.

Doma (Japanese)

Doma is a really cute Japanese restaurant out in Federal (Byron hinterlands). They use a lot of local produce and fuse their Japanese flavours into a mix of styles. I would recommend heading out in the morning, hit some waterfalls and bush walks before you stop in at Doma for lunch. Make sure you look at their opening times as there is only a short window.

Bang Bang (Thai fusion)

Located in Byron town, Bang Bang serves a lot of classic Thai dishes with a modern twist. Really cute fit out and epic cocktails.

Barrio Byron Bay (Modern Italian/Australia)

Barrio is lucky enough to have the incredible head chef Daniela Maiorano, who is an Italian dream and also a friend of ours. Cooking with lots of local fresh produce, Daniela and her team make delicious Italian fusion food. Homemade pastas, dips and bread, market fish, slow cooked meats and more. Located in Byron industrial estate.

Special occasion (Fine dining)

Bistro Livi (modern Australian)

If you're feeling like a little drive, Bistro livi is in Murwillumbah about 30 minutes from Byron. This small Artdeco restaurant was awarded the 2023 New Restaurant of the Year by Sydney’s Good Food Guide. So well worth the adventure. The menu focuses on produce from the local area, with a less is more approach. Highlighting how incredible the produce is from this area.

Karkalla Byron Bay (Indigenous Australian)

Located in Byron Town by the beautiful Mindy Woods, a proud Bundjalung woman of the Widjabul Wia-bul clan. Mindy and I often run into each other at the markets and chat about the importance of using local good quality produce. She celebrate indigenous flavours, ingredients and techniques while also keeping her food modern and seriously tasty.

Pipit (Modern Australian)

More on the fancy side of things but very much an epic food experience. Pipit is located in Pottsville a 30min drive from Byron. A set menu which explores a wide range of crazy flavour combinations that just work really well. Make sure you don't eat anything before you arrive as you will need an empty stomach.

Cafes/bakeries/light eats

Old Maids

We go here so much that we are on their website... Located in Brunswick heads, it's a cool vibe, with epic staff, great coffee, good burgers and the best chai you will ever have.

Sunday Sustainable

A great bakery in the middle of Byron Bay (they also just opened a second store in the industrial estate). We recommend the pork and fennel roll. They also do a really great coffee.

Moonshine

Great coffee, great croissants, great vibe. They are in Billinudgel and Federal. If you are heading North, Billinudgel is just off the highway so it's an easy stop.

Billi bakehouse

Another great option after you grab your coffee at moonshine grab a pie at Billi Bakehouse. Which is just around the corner from Moonshine In Billinudgel. We love the pupkin and pine nut or chicken curry.

Bread social

If we are unable to get bread from Dan this is where we go. Located at The Farm on your way into Byron town, just off the highway. Make sure you try a custard tart.

Birds of paradise

This place only opened in the beginning of 2023 but has already got a name for itself. Owners of Fleet and La Casita, they have nailed this concept. It's a humble chicken shop done well in Brunswick heads. Take away the greasiness of an old chicken shop and replace it will good quality, local ingridents and this is what you get... YUM!

Natural Ice Cream Australia

I think I can say this ice cream is the best ice cream I’ve ever eaten. Small-batch, gut-health focused, all natural ingredients whilst highlighting natives of the area. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 - 5pm in Brunswick Heads.