WHERE TO EAT

BAYLEAF, 2A MARVELL ST

O ering indoor and outdoor dining, this bustling café o ers an outstanding brunch/lunch menu, good co ee and lots of great vibes. O erings include Bayleaf Greens – raw kale, broccoli, buckwheat, avocado, shallots, herbs, lemon, nuts, seeds and poached eggs, with a side of sourdough. The Pumpkin Spice Porridge comes with almond milk, banana, house granola, hemp seed butter and berries. As well as bacon and eggs; a Japanese savoury pancake option and more.

You can pick up a Monopoly BallinaByron Bay board game here too!

BONITO, 4 MARVELL ST

If you only have time for one meal in Bryon head to Bonito. The food is absolutely outstanding. Chef Minh Le’s passion for seafood and plant-based cuisine comes to life in locally sourced ingredients across a creative menu that simultaneously reflects the ethos of sustainable and responsible dining. The flavour-packed journey starts with organic sourdough accompanied by house-cultured miso butter. I also recommend trying the Ballina prawns with finger limes, Vongole linguini and banana sponge cake with wattle seed dulce de leche and coconut sorbet for dessert. hotelmarvell.com.au

PIXIE FOOD & WINE, 129 JONSON ST

Wear your best to this glamorous contemporary eatery and soak up the relaxed-chic vibes while enjoying a drink or two from its extensive cocktail, wine and beer menu with zero-alcohol beer options. The food is also sensational. I went for the pappardelle with wagyu ragu, Parmigiano Reggiano and fried sage – delish! The menu combines Byron Bay’s laidback ambiance with the best of city dining and brings a modern coastal twist to traditional Italian cuisine thanks to executive chef Matteo Tine's Sicilian roots. It also has gluten-free and vegan menus. pixiebyronbay.com.au

THREE BLUE DUCKS AT THE FARM

A 13-minute drive from Byron Bay, Three Blue Ducks Restaurant is part of The Farm – an 80-hectare working farm that houses a collection of micro-businesses that support the environment and contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Three Blue Ducks Restaurant sits beside a farm shop selling farm produce and has pastural views and o ers relaxed dining on an undercover outdoor patio. Bread comes from the on-site Social Bakery and the menu dishes up freshly grown garden produce.

Dropping in for breakfast, I can recommend the bacon and free-range fried egg panini roll, cheddar, apple and herb slaw, bacon jam, aioli, pickled chilli with a side of avocado or halloumi. Another winner is the red curry scramble, bean shoots, green papaya, toasted peanuts, sriracha, toasted sourdough.

Serves great co ee and tea, and the bar has 56 taps of all Australian craft beers, wines and ciders. thefarm.com.au

+ WHERE TO STAY HOTEL MARVELL, 4 MARVELL ST

Byron Bay’s first 5-star hotel opened in August 2023 and is situated in the heart of the town and an easy walk to cafes, restaurants, shops and Main Beach. It is the epitome of relaxed luxury done in Byron style and also has a rooftop bar and pool, and Bonita restaurant out front – arguably the best restaurant in Byron! hotelmarvell.com.au