Named: The people behind Byron Bay’s must-visit restaurants
North Coast visitor hub Byron Bay is perhaps as well-known for its dining options as its beautiful beaches. Here’s the people behind some of the town’s most popular venues.
Byron Shire
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Byron Bay is well-known for its beautiful beaches, celebrity sightings and it’s huge selection of restaurants and other eateries.
Here are some of the best venues in the tourist hotspot covering various budgets and dining option – and the managers and owners behind the scenes.
North Byron Hotel
North Byron Hotel has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and is a home away from home for many of its regulars.
The newly renovated hotel reopened in December 2021 and has been blessed by abundant support and supplies from farmers, fishers, brewers and other producers in the region.
“Our commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and partnering with nearby breweries and distilleries is a testament to our dedication in the community,” North Byron Hotel marketing manager Yasmin Alexiou said.
“What truly sets us apart is our garden. It’s our little oasis adorned with lush greenery, bright florals and seasonal herbs.
“It’s a place where you can escape with family and friends, catch up with our gardener Fiona, and even steal a taste of something growing for our chefs.”
The hotel has a boutique bottle shop offering local and international beers, small batch wines and spirits.
Ms Alexiou said the venue was successful because of its passionate team.
“But what truly makes us thrive is the unwavering support of our guests, who infuse our space with their energy and enthusiasm, turning it into a true community gathering spot,” she said.
North Byron Hotel can be found at 61 Bayshore Dr.
Fishheads
Fishheads not only serves up some brilliant food – owner Ralph Mamone has a commitment to help those in need in Byron Bay.
Mr Mamone began opened the business in 2000.
He said being in business comes with a responsibility to contribute to community wellbeing.
“We’ve collaborated closely with organisations such as the Youth Activity Centre and local surf clubs, underscoring our commitment to nurturing the future of Byron Bay,” he said.
Fishheads has also been involved in raising awareness about youth suicides.
The venue has also hosted a free Christmas lunch for the homeless or people sleeping rough for six years.
During the floods, the restaurant raised more than $5000 to assist Mullumbimby Rotary Club in supporting 2022 flood victims.
“These community campaigns embody the essence of our purpose, infusing our business and staff with a profound sense of satisfaction, that goes beyond the surface,” Mr Mamone said.
“It’s a shared understanding that even small acts of kindness can have an enormous impact.”
Mr Mamone said Fishheads served up regional ingredients, craft beer and spirits.
“This deliberate choice allows us to bring the essence of our community to each drink we serve, celebrating the craftsmanship of our region,” he said.
Mr Mamone moved to Byron Bay after working wholesaling seafood for some of Sydney’s finest restaurants in the 90s.
“My journey naturally progressed towards the idea of establishing a seafood-focused restaurant,” he said.
“Seafood was not only a profession but also a passion that ran in my veins.
“Byron’s atmosphere made opening a seafood restaurant in this picturesque location a choice that felt like destiny, and the rest is history.”
Mr Mamone said it was important to uphold a high standard of hospitality.
“Just as we do in our homes when we welcome guests, our commitment to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere is paramount,” he said.
Fishheads is located at 1 Jonson St.
No Bones Byron Bay
No Bones Byron Bay is a vegan restaurant working to redefine the way diners perceive plant-based cuisines, while ensuring a positive impact on the environment.
The restaurant opened its doors in April 2018 and the pair recently opened a second venue at Ocean Shores.
Ms Cross and co-owner Tahlia Ward wanted to provide great vegan food in a venue with a notable ambience and service.
“We‘ve created a space that is inclusive and inviting to everyone, vegans and meat eaters alike,” Ms Cross said.
“Our staff are the heart and soul of the business and reflect the love and energy that goes into the restaurant.
“We have enjoyed adapting and expanding the restaurant to the times.”
Ms Cross said No Bones aimed to be 100 per cent carbon neutral and she and Ms Ward were focused on running an open and honest business.
“We do our best to support local producers where possible,” Ms Cross said.
“Our wine and beer lists are all Australian and we use mostly Australian spirits to help minimise our environmental footprint.
“It is a definite choice to dine at a vegan restaurant and we find both our staff and customers are here with a purpose.
It creates an incredible environment to have a restaurant full of people choosing to eat only plants for the evening.”
You’ll find No Bones at 11 Fletcher St.
Casa Luna
Byron tourists and residents flock to Casa Luna for its seasonal menu, live performers and international tunes.
Throughout the night, Casa Luna transforms from a restaurant to cocktail bar to nightclub.
The venue has been open almost two years.
Co-owner Vincent Valliere gave a shout out to his talented team, who he said strive to ensure visitors have the best experience each time they visit.
“We wanted to create a space where you could indulge in a nice cocktail with friends in a cosy yet vibrant atmosphere, have a nice dinner and be able to jump on a dancefloor in front of a DJ,” he said.
“We really aim to give a memorable experience to each guest by paying attention to every detail including the food, drinks, music and atmosphere.”
Visit Casa Luna at 9 Fletcher St.
Loft Byron Bay
Loft Byron Bay is a cocktail bar/restaurant boasting beach views and a menu covering lunch, dinner and snacks. It’s also a popular spot for functions, big or small.
Owner Matt Hunt moved from Melbourne to Byron in 2017, with the Loft concept front of mind.
He was confident Byron would embrace the concept and the lease was locked in fairly quickly, before Loft opened its doors in late 2018.
“Being surrounded by a team as passionate as I am and as clear on the direction as I am, is a true driving force,” Mr Hunt said.
He said the cocktail bar and restaurant blend created an “electric” and exciting place to eat.
Attentive service is also a focus.
“Our values have always been about creating a culture of consistency and approachability, creating a warm, comfortable and inviting atmosphere and above all a customer-first approach,” Mr Hunt said.
“Another equally important value is a happy team culture. Positive energy will always flow through the food, cocktails and overall service/experience when the team is happy.
“As a young business, the concept has evolved at a very fast pace.
“Being clear on the business identity, who your market is and how to communicate to that market is so important, especially when located in a tourist destination.”
Loft is at 9/4 Jonson St.
Raes Dining Room
Raes Dining Room has been a fixture in Byron for years – the venue opened its doors in 1994 and was reimagined in 2014 when the Catalano’s took full ownership.
The restaurant has a top location, eye-catching architecture and the premises are rich in history.
Executive chef Jason Saxby said the hotel will mark 30 years next year and he was proud the Dining Room has become a Byron institution.
“I believe it’s the old-world charm and undeniably impressive outlook of Wategos Beach, combined with our innovative approach in the kitchen that sets us apart,” he said.
“Not only from other restaurants in the area but also from other restaurants in Australia.
“We’re not afraid to push boundaries and experiment with unique flavour profiles and this is something I’m proud to have led and been a part of.”
Raes is a member of the GoodFish sustainability initiative that assesses the environmental impact of Australian fisheries and promotes sustainable sources.
Mr Saxby said he took on his role in 2019 because he could see the potential of the restaurant and he admired the natural beauty of the area.
“The exceptional quality of the local produce has allowed me to cook the style of food that I love to cook, making it an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” he said.
“Raes continually strives to provide the best possible workplace for our staff and this has fostered an authentic work culture that filters through every touchpoint of the hotel.
“This ethos has greatly contributed to the restaurant’s success, where we instil a warm and personable yet professional service style – or a relaxed take on the luxury experience, as we like to call it.”
Raes Dining Room can be found at 6-8 Marine Parade.
Karkalla Byron Bay
Karkalla owner and chef Mindy Woods said the restaurant is a First Nation-owned and operated venue which aims to connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to traditional culture, history and knowledge through food.
Ms Woods opened the restaurant in September 2020.
She said it has become successful due to connections and relationships formed in the community.
“As a First Nations woman of the Bundjalung nation, I felt compelled to open my restaurant on ancestral land to pay homage to my community, country and ancestors,” Ms Woods said.
“To understand a culture you must experience its food.”
The menu features native ingredients and focuses on seasonal produce.
“It includes ancient ingredients and modern flavours, bringing the old world and the knowledge of our ancestors into the modern kitchen,” Ms Woods said.
Karkalla is located at 10/8 Fletcher St.
Yulli’s
Yulli’s restaurant fuses South-East Asian and Mediterranean cuisines with a 100 per cent vegan menu designed to be shared.
The venue opened its doors in Byron on May 2019, on the back of the success of Yulli’s Brews and Yulli’s Surry Hills.
Co-owner Karl Cooney said he grew up in a Greek household where mealtimes were an important part of the culture.
“We try to keep our service style and restaurant atmosphere feeling like an extension of our living room where it is casual, but professional,” he said.
“We think of our customers as guests so ensuring they have a good time is our most important goal.
“We pride ourselves on providing high-quality food, with knowledgeable and professional staff.
“We also aim to be accessible and welcoming to all and try to keep our prices as reasonable as we possibly can.”
Mr Cooney and Danielle Gleeson planned to grow Yulli’s Brews in Byron, which they did for a few years, however, they wanted to be more directly involved with the community – so they opened the restaurant.
“It’s been great. We’ve gotten to know so many wonderful people and feel part of the Byron energy,” Mr Cooney said.
Ember
Ember in Byron Bay, which features meats cooked under an impressive 400C charcoal grill, dishes up tasty fare – and backs crucial organisations like the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Byron Community Centre and Fletcher Street Cottage.
The steakhouse has been open since 2019 and it has a focus on regional produce, quality food and attentive service.
“I love Byron. It’s such a diverse town and it’s always changing,” owner Troy Lister said.
“You get to meet and work with so many different people. It’s like you are travelling overseas every day.
“We love our locals … personal service and delivering a great experience to our guests is a big focus.
“Our food team is very proud to deliver premium quality products cooked consistently well.”
Check out Ember at Mercato on Byron, shop 8 (upstairs), 108-114 Jonson St.
Chihuahua
Chihuahua is a Mexican restaurant serving up simple, fresh dishes like tacos, quesadillas, nachos and more.
The business began as a smaller venture in April 2016, tucked away in Feros Acade.
But co-owners Pierre Bigant and Josh Wheatley decided to shift to a more traditional restaurant premises on Byron St.
“Our core values are refreshingly straightforward: a commitment to freshness and locality,” co-owner Pierre Bigant said.
“Each morning, we diligently prepare our food using fresh ingredients and we make a conscious effort to collaborate extensively with local producers.
“Additionally we take immense pride in our dedicated staff, many of whom have been part of our team since the early days of our journey.”
Mr Bigant said Chihuahua’s success could be attributed to the venue’s consistency and much-loved food at reasonable prices.
Chihuahua is at 8 Byron St.
The Mez Club
The Mez Club is inspired by Morocco and the Greek Islands. It is known for its beautiful fit-out and flexible menu, suitable for both grazing and dining proper.
The venue, which opened in 2016, is run by co-owners Monica Pacheco and Robert Dohert, who value a friendly and welcoming environment.
Ms Pacheco said The Mez Club focuses on high-quality ingredients prepared using skilful international culinary techniques.
“We thought Byron Bay was the perfect place to bring our wealth of experience gained from working in the hospitality industry in New York, Montreal and Miami,” she said.
“The venue’s success comes from transporting our guests to another part of the world both through flavours and aesthetics.”
The Mez Club can be found at 4/85-87 Jonson St.
The Cyprus Tree
The Cyprus Tree is a longstanding Byron Mediterranean restaurant, which opened its doors back in 1997.
Annette and Andrew Kyprianou still own and operate the venue.
“We‘re all about family and that family feel. We’ve tried to build and maintain that ever since we started and make people feel welcome every time they visit,” they stated.
“There‘s lots of shiny new places around town these days, but I think we’re maintaining that original Byron atmosphere as much as we can, which is why we still have customers coming in from the day we opened.
“We had a family come in recently with their young children and one of the parents commented on how their parents introduced them to this restaurant when they were the same age. That‘s pretty empowering in my mind.”
The owners said they loved their restaurant and work, which was crucial to success.
“Nothing can manufacture that artificially it needs to be genuine. Wwe don‘t really think about it to be honest. We just live a simple and happy life,” the pair said.
The Cyprus Tree is restaurant 3 at 4 Bay Lane.
Jonsons Restaurant Bar
Jonsons Restaurant Bar pumps out the tunes while serving up creative cocktails and “mouth-watering food straight from the chefs heart to your plate”.
The venue sources fresh ingredients from regional farmer’s markets and has an extensive menu.
Jonsons opened back in 2018 with the catch cry: ‘Where the locals meet and eat.”
“We selected Byron to open our restaurant to feel part of a fabulous community and unique landscape,” co-owner Geoff Coward said.
“Our secret to success is providing an honest environment for all to enjoy.
“Everyone is welcome and you never know who you will meet at Jonsons.”
Jonsons is popular for functions including birthdays, dinners, receptions and more.
Check out Jonsons at 111 Jonson St.
Barrio
Barrio means neighbourhood eatery and bar in Spanish. The multifaceted Byron restaurant provides all day dining in Byron’s Habitat Industrial Estate.
The venue opened in 2017 and encourages locals and visitors to come together for a tasty meal in a family focused atmosphere.
Owner Dan Wyllie said he opened in Byron because it has the best lifestyle and community on the planet.
“Everyone should visit even just once in their lives,” he said.
Mr Wyllie said Barrio was offering something unique in the fairly crowded Byron food scene.
“The centrepiece of our restaurant is our open flame grill and wood-fired oven, giving everything we do authentic smokey flavours,” he said.
You’ll find Barrio at Habitat Industrial Estate, 1 Porter St.
La Bottega Byron Bay
La Bottega Byron Bay is a traditional Italian business with a warm vibe that invites diners to kick back and have a laugh.
Chef and owner Giuseppe Abbruzesse, also known as Peppe, opened the restaurant in 2017, after he worked at several venues in town. He dreamt of his own bottega (small food shop).
Mr Abbruzesse said he loves giving back to the community, alongside his wife and three children.
He said he believes family is key to success and were his biggest supporters.
La Bottega offers traditional Italian dishes including fresh pasta, spruiks “the best pizza in town” and sells ingredients including cheeses, sausages, pickled veggies, salumi and tiramisu.
The restaurant is also the HQ of catering service Peppe Pizza Byron Bay.
Visit La Bottega at 1/7 Grevillea St.
Trattoria Basiloco Byron Bay
Trattoria Basiloco Byron Bay is another family-owned Italian restaurant in Byron Bay and it specialises in homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
Current owners Jacopo Pulcher and Manoela Oestreich took over the venue from another Italian family in 2019.
They focus on creating memorable experiences for families and friends stopping in to dine in the cozy premises.
Trattoria Basiloco mostly serves simple fare, allowing quality regional ingredients to shine.
“Trattoria Basiloco is the most genuine Italian restaurant in Byron due to its understated warmth and caring vibes – just like the nonna’s casa,” Mr Pulcher said.
Trattoria Basiloco Byron Bay is at 30 Lawson St.
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