One of the challenges of travelling is often the inability to find good healthy food without having to prepare it all yourself. What’s wonderful about a stay in Byron Bay is that the region’s bountiful organic produce and a health conscious culture means that there is a veritable rainbow of delicious and nourishing food on offer. Whether you’re looking for organic food cafes, super foods, gluten free delights, raw food delicacies or carefully produced slow creations – Byron Bay has it all! Especially great for recharging those blissfully weary bodies after a Byron Bay Adventure Tour! We’ve complied the essential Top 10 guide of the best local eateries for refueling your body.
1. Naked Treaties Raw Food Bar in Marvell Street.
This is a raw and organic food heaven! Their blissful range of desserts (try their raw vegan cheesecakes), cold pressed coffee and amazing savouries will give you a feel-good boost. This place is more than an eatery it’s a philosophy. Delivering healthy doses of good vibes with their food, owner Jemma and her team pride themselves on using local or ethically sourced fair trade produce and super foods from around the world and making them zing. Tip: If you’re on a healthy holiday ask about their 1 day cleanse, perfect for detoxing or replenishing.
2. O Sushi in Jonson Street.
If you feel like the clean healthy flavours of authentic Japanese cuisine, then this is your place. Multi award-winners, their reputation for absolute freshness and gourmet sushi makes them worthy of a visit. Tip: For picnic perfection they can create amazing sushi platters to take away, just phone in your order 24 hours ahead.
3. The Conscious Cafe in Woolworths Plaza Jonson Street.
Famous amongst bloggers and health food fans, this local’s favourite spot offers some of the best raw, vegetarian and organic food to be found anywhere. Earthy and vibrant, you’ll feast your eyes and then your taste buds with their bounty of smoothies, juices, salads, raw crepes and so much more. Made with 100% organic ingredients the food will leave you feeling satisfied and bursting with health!
4. Heart and Halo Good Food Bar in Middleton Street.
Possibly the best value vegetarian feast in Byron Bay! The food here is wholesome and down to earth with a distinctively Indian and Hari Krishna influence. The dishes will fill your belly and, as their name suggests, warm your heart. Unpretentious and delicious, the owners of this place truly believe in sharing the feelings of home that are created when you eat healing and healthy food made with love. Curries, vegetable dishes, soups and lentils are amongst the fare perfect for the end of an adventure-filled day.
5. Red Hot and Green in Lawson Arcade.
Looking for vegetarian and seafood perfection with spicy Thai and Asian flavours and a great atmosphere? Then head up the arcade to this little gem. Tempura calamari, red and green curries and green papaya salad are among the sizzling selection on offer and you’ll always get generous servings of fresh vegetables.
6. Fig Tree Restaurant on Sunrise Lane Ewingsdale.
Experiencing this fine dining restaurant (just a short drive from town) is a uniquely Byron affair with all meals accompanied by their stunning hilltop view of Byron Bay. The menu is a hand-picked celebration of produce from their abundant garden and local organic farmers. We’re warning you it’s easy to fall in love with this place and you may decide you need to stay on in their very own accommodation.
7. Tree House on Belongil in Childe Street.
Everything here is about feeling good. From the laid back atmosphere to the menu to the amazing live music. Drop in early for brekky or from midday on for mezze platters, tapas, woodfired pizzas and the daily specials. Recharge your batteries and get into the groove, you won’t be disappointed.
8. The Top Shop in Carlyle Street.
You’ll need to get out of the main block to find this hill top gem. Originally a corner store and milkbar, this eatery is now known for its love of good coffee, moreish food and is popular with visitors and locals alike. If you love a great burger then this is your place especially the haloumi burger and their famous brekky burger. Of course you could simply grab a juice, find a spot on the grass out the front and watch the people come and go.
9. Orient Express in Fletcher Street.
Inspired by a traditional Chinese tea house, come here to feast on a sumptuous selection of Asian dishes. Start with the house special pickled vegetable salad and let the journey lead from there. Cleanse your body with Vietnamese Pho, indulge in Peking duck pancakes or choose from their selection of delicious curries. The service here is also excellent.
10. Byron Bay Farmers Market on Butler Street Reserve.
Every Thursday from 8-11 the top local producers of organic fruit, vegies and a host of products and delicacies are on display. Release the hunter gatherer within and fill your basket to the brim with produce, cheeses and locally grown coffee. It’s a colourful and fun morning with entertainment, locals catching up on the weekly news and a warm and welcoming feeling.
