There's a raft of restaurants in the Byron region and choosing where to dine can be a bit overwhelming. Most places have a paddock-to-plate philosophy, but we've been finding that dining out can be a hit and miss experience. So I've asked some friends to tell me about their favourite eating place. I'm also recommending the restaurant that served up the best vegetarian meal I've eaten - right in the heart of Bangalow!
Who: Julio
Where: The Roadhouse, Bangalow Road, Byron Bay
Why: The atmosphere at The Roadhouse stands apart from all other restaurants in Byron. Candle lit tables and low lighting create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. The food is well presented (without being pretentious) and is well priced. In winter, I especially love the fireplace that reminds me of European restaurants.
Book? Dinner reservations are recommended - especially in summer.
Where: The Roadhouse, Bangalow Road, Byron Bay
Why: The atmosphere at The Roadhouse stands apart from all other restaurants in Byron. Candle lit tables and low lighting create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. The food is well presented (without being pretentious) and is well priced. In winter, I especially love the fireplace that reminds me of European restaurants.
Book? Dinner reservations are recommended - especially in summer.
Who: Tanya
Where: Orient Express, Fletcher Street, Byron Bay
Type: Modern Asian food
Why: The food is incredible and good for sharing. I don't usually like sharing meals but I make an exception at Orient Express. Owner and chef Tipi has a great reputation established over many years.
Book? Yes - to avoid disappointment.
Where: Orient Express, Fletcher Street, Byron Bay
Type: Modern Asian food
Why: The food is incredible and good for sharing. I don't usually like sharing meals but I make an exception at Orient Express. Owner and chef Tipi has a great reputation established over many years.
Book? Yes - to avoid disappointment.
Who: Phil
Where: Traditional Thai, Fletcher Street, Byron Bay
Why: I've been coming to Marianne and Johny's restaurant for the past 10 to 15 years. The food is always beautiful and fresh with generous servings. I also appreciate the scale of the restaurant - one side is open and there's no feeling of being crammed.
Book? Yes
Where: Traditional Thai, Fletcher Street, Byron Bay
Why: I've been coming to Marianne and Johny's restaurant for the past 10 to 15 years. The food is always beautiful and fresh with generous servings. I also appreciate the scale of the restaurant - one side is open and there's no feeling of being crammed.
Book? Yes
Who: Joan
Where: Kinoko Sushi Bar Restaurant,
Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Why: The food is innovate and we especially love the sashimi and tofu salad. It's an indoor-outdoor restaurant that overlooks the street and opens up into an arcade. This gives the restaurant a lovely casual ambience and we can watch the people walk by in the street. We've never been disappointed with the food and the price is reasonable.
Book? No
Where: Kinoko Sushi Bar Restaurant,
Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Why: The food is innovate and we especially love the sashimi and tofu salad. It's an indoor-outdoor restaurant that overlooks the street and opens up into an arcade. This gives the restaurant a lovely casual ambience and we can watch the people walk by in the street. We've never been disappointed with the food and the price is reasonable.
Book? No
Who: Jane
Where: Uptown at Town Cafe & Restaurant,
Byron Street, Bangalow
Why: This is fine dining at its best! I'm vegan - and dining out usually means eating a token veg entree and main meal. How surprising it was to be served a 6 course degustation menu that presented inspiring new ingredients and flavours! We loved the intimate dining room that is situated above the cafe that operates during the day.
Book? Yes, definitely. If you miss out, ask to be added to a reserve list in case of cancellations.