For those of you who know me, know that I love Byron Bay (well to be honest, it’s more the amazing surrounding hinterland that excites me), it’s a place I certainly consider a second home. One of things about this energetic region that I love is the incredible food. Given the tropical weather combined with a more conscious outlook into health, farming and organic farming by the community creates a recipe for super fertile soil which is evident by the taste and quality of the food. So here are my favourites…

Byron Bay

The Roadhouse 6/142 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay. NSW

I’m a bit of a creature of habit and like to stick to things that I am comfortable with and enjoy, the Roadhouse creates an interesting dilemma for me… I’ve had some incredible meals here over the last 3-4 years that I’ve been going to Byron. The dilemma is every time I go back, sometimes even on the same trip these incredible meals have been replaced on the menu, the good news is usually with something equally as good.

I’m the type of person that orders the same things on the menu every time if it’s something I love, I hate the idea of ordering something different when there’s something on there that I’ve loved in the past, yes I suffer from FOMO! But like I said I’m generally always impressed with the ever changing “hunter & gathers” blackboard menu these guys offer. This is the best way to incorporate the freshest, local produce anyway so I shouldn’t complain, having said that… feel free to put the pork belly back on the menu anytime! One of the local farmers they use Is Farmer Foster (he also does organic boxes so if your local check him out here) is definitely a progressive café and ahead of the times. I recall my first visit to Byron Bay they pretty much had all the good stuff which has pretty well become the norm years later, such as kombucha on tap, medicinal mushroom elixirs, MCT oil & butter coffees, fermented foods, pickles & preserves lining the walls, pretty much a hipster’s paradise. Their coffee is always top notch as well!

One thing I do have to mention are the gluten free muffins!!! These are on the menu daily (usually come out fresh around 8:30am and I’m usually the first to grab one or 6 on my day I fly home:) ) The flavours are varied daily but always amazing and a naughty treat that I’m happy to enjoy.

If you are into a good fashioned toasted "sangga" then according to my Dad they are delicious!

Three Blue Ducks at The Farm 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale, NSW

These days seems like most people know of “The Farm” and for good reason! It’s an interesting beast hosting not only the famous Three Blue Ducks restaurant but literally a farm as well, pigs, cattle, horses, organic sub-let farms such as Greens From The Farm, chooks for eggs to name a few make up part of the 80 acres. Super popular tourist destination especially for families as there’s always something for the kids to do (highly recommend the farm tour!). You certainly can’t miss it as it’s pretty much at the entrance of Byron off the Pacific Highway. Anyway focusing on the food they are open for breakfast and lunch as well as dinners Friday, Saturday & Sunday (recommend booking as it can get busy and they occasionally have events on). Another example where they showcase local, fresh produce and whilst have their staple items on the menu often rotate around the sides based off what’s growing literally 100 metres from the kitchen in the sub-let farms. My favourite the prime cut beef on the bone with a side of whatever is fresh from the farm. Oh and also the house made Davidson plum ice cream from the old dairy bails which you can get during the day is to die for!!! Look out for Bobby the resident Rooster, he's usually scurrying around the restaurant showing off. And if you eat too much just go for a walk around the stunning farm:)

The General Store - 26 Bangalow Rd Byron Bay

This is a relatively new café which opened early Dec 2017, whilst still new it’s set in the original General Store which was established in 1947, and the guys have done a great job bringing it back to life putting a modern touch on the old school theme. Food wise the menu is pretty straight forward with lots of the usual crowd pleasers; burgers, smoothie bowls, waffles, pastries etc which personally limits things a little for me however the crew were happy to modify a few things and ditch the bun with a few of the burgers, add some ferments and satisfy my requirements. Also features a lot of the usual suspects, kombucha on tap, nitro coffee, cold brews etc. I will say I did enjoy the coffee here a lot! And nice to see they endorse a more sustainable attitude where you can bring your own keep cup or have the option for getting your brew in a ceramic cup to save on wastage. Pretty sure they offer a discount if your ride your bike too instead of drive, but don’t quote me on that!

Folk - Lot 1, 399 Ewingsdale Rd Byron Bay

This is a cute little café – breakfast and lunches. More of a vegetarian focus but some delicious options. Their house made fermented water kefir was very impressive and it takes a bit to impress me with fermented foods and drinks! We enjoyed the gluten free option sandwich which was packed full of flavour and nutrition. Coffee was decent too and a nice selection of elixirs and other beverages worth checking out. They have a sister Cafe out in Bangalow "Woods" which features much the same menu.

We Are Combi - Shop 5b 21-25 Fletcher Street Byron Bay

Vegetarian and vegan – bit too carb heavy for more liking but still a worthy recommendation as the weather gets hot and humid an acai bowl never goes astray and I did definitely enjoy the one I had here! Plenty of smoothies, elixirs, coffees including cold brews/drips etc. A large selection of gluten free treaties as well Right in the heart of Byron Bay as well so good spot to stop if you’re doing some shopping.

Top Shop 65 Carlyle St, Byron Bay

There’s something about this place that gets me every time, set on top of a hill, a humble little shelled out house they keep the dining very simple with most people enjoying the sunshine and fresh air outside on the lawn or patio. I’ve included The Top Shop for their coffee, they always serve up a solid coffee, and they stock some decent cold brew as well. As for the food it’s simple burgers, pastries, muffins, chia puddings so not up my alley but popular with the majority who aren’t so strict with their diet. Now for the picks of the bunch in the surrounding Hinterland (all within a 20-30 minute drive from Byron Bay)

Doma 3-6 Albert Street Federal, New South Wales, Australia 2480

Japanese inspired café this place you have to try, and worth the stunning drive through the hinterland on route to Federal. My favourite was the Yuzu Peppered seared beef fillet, dad loved the Teriyaki chicken and the sushi and nori rolls were beautiful. The staff were very accommodating to our food requirements and went to all the lengths to avoid cross contamination with food allergies. Beautiful outdoor setting and often live music which creates an awesome atmosphere and every time we were there we had some lovely conversations at the shared communal tables with locals or other tourists. Open breakfast and lunch.

**Moonshine Coffee Roasters 3 Albert Street Federal NSW 2480 ,**

Whilst you’re out in Federal next door to Doma is one of the best if not the best places for coffee within the region – you’d kind of expect it as coffee is all they do and roast fresh onsite. Their coffee machine is pretty impressive too a vintage refurbished machine.

The ladies there were so lovely and more than willing to show us how they prepare the coffee which is a very precise and calculated routine!

On hot days I couldn’t go past the Nitro Coffee on tap, not only looks cool but even for someone like myself who loves a good straight espresso or longblack this cold brew won me over!

Shelter – Lennox Head

Stunning location set just off the beach, which if you sit at the window you’ll enjoy the view. Very tasty food, slightly more fine dining.

Harvest Newrybar 18-22 Old Pacific Highway Newrybar village nsw 2479

Certainly more on the fine dining side, these guys are passionate about the local produce, have a vintage bakery onsite and often have ‘special nights’ when we were they ran a “Wild Harvest” night on the Wednesday where the menu was based off a unique mixture of local wild foraged foods including some interesting natives. Couldn’t get good pics sorry as the ambiance was focused more on the natural lighting of the moon which was lovely either that or I was too interested in eating it :)

Farmers Markets...

A food review in Byron wouldn't be complete without including the Farmers Markets. Byron Bay and the Hinterland I am sure must be home to the most farmers markets any where in the world, as well as some of if not the BEST!!

My favourites -

Mullumbimby Farmers Market - Friday's

Bangalow Market - every 4th Sunday of the month

Byron Farmers Market host a decent set of markets Thursdays in Byron Bay & Saturdays in Banglow. Brunswick Heads was also pretty good.

If I had to pick it would be toss of the coin Mullums or Bangalow (Sunday one).