If great healthy food experiences rate high on your list of things to do in Byron Bay, then you won’t be disappointed. While the town boasts some of the most magical beaches in Australia and some of the best adventure-filled activities, Byron Bay is also a mecca for incredible vegetarian, vegan, organic and biodynamic food experiences. Eating out in Byron Bay has never been better, more inspiring or exciting!
Check out our top five picks – including some long-time favourite eating spots as well as some local gems that you won’t find in any glossy travel guides. Why? Because we know our town and that’s why we’re the #1 tour guides in Byron Bay. So, let’s get into it!
The Farm – Three Blue Ducks
There is no doubt that Byron’s clean, green environment has inspired three blue ducks (aka chefs Mark Labrooy, Darren Robertson and their partners) from Bronte in Sydney’s eastern suburbs to fly north. If you want to experience authentic Byron Bay flavours and crave a local food experience, then be sure to pop this place on your to-do list. The restaurant is located at The Farm, a working farm that grows organic produce and raises Berkshire pigs, cattle and chickens in a free-range environment. There is also a florist, boot camp, yoga studio and a team of artisan bread makers. The perfect place to indulge your body and soul.
Folk
This cafe’s neighbourhood does not feature in tourist guidebooks – and maybe that’s why we love it! The customers are locals and people who work in the arts and industry estate, not tourists. Love your organic coffee or chai tea? Then Folk is for you! Choose from organic cow’s milk, Bonsoy as well as coconut, almond and oat milk. The smoothies are equally as diverse, with options to add chia, turmeric, gingko and tahini – to name just a few. If you are in need of some respite from town, then you’ll love this place. Folk is located in a cute little rustic cottage, with outdoor tables and big shady trees. When you’re done drinking your cold-pressed kale and green juice, take some time to explore the neighbourhood – it’s full of great local designers, jewellery makers, vintage stores and hand-made furniture makers.
Il Buco Café and Pizzeria
‘Simple, honest, real food made with love’ – this is how Il Buco describe their authentic Italian food. Local and seasonal ingredients, passion for their craft and aromatic, heart-warming pizza and calzones will leave you begging for more (even though you’ve already downed 8 slices of pizza). But save some room, because the desserts are fabulous too, with their Nutellino calzone – yes a Nutella and ricotta baked indulgence that’s as good as it sounds. You can also order takeaways – perfect after a day’s kayaking, mountain biking or rainforest hiking!
Fig Tree Restaurant
Earth yourself and unwind to a simpler time, when food was organically grown, picked and slow cooked to perfection! Fig Tree Restaurant is the ultimate in paddock-to-plate dining, with raw ingredients picked daily from their kitchen garden. This fine dining experience fills every foodies fantasy, where age-old favourites are given a twist and fusion is brought to life before your eyes in a seven course menu that changes weekly to suit the seasons. Just a short drive from town, you will be spoilt with the hill top ocean views and incredible food experience.
Mana Heaven
When your body needs to be nourished and your soul does too, Mana Heaven will fill your cravings for clean reviving food. With their mixture of raw, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free foods, head here for brekkie to lift you up and prepare you for anything the day might bring. Generous serves and luscious fresh ingredients cooked for love not profit – (yes it’s true, all proceeds go back into the Byron community) will make you feel good all over. We love the Eggplant Tahini Salad and Mana’s Big Vegan Burger. After you’ve fuelled up, you’ll be ready to take on anything, including a Byron Bay Adventure Tour (or two).
Byron Bay is a feast for the senses, not only in terms of its thriving food scene but also for those whose sense of adventure is calling! Book a Byron Bay Adventure Tour today – click here.
