Two long-time wine importers are behind this fun, loud spot, where you’ll discover lesser-known wines from France, Italy, Hungary, Georgia and beyond. The menu throws similar curveballs with ingredients such as curry leaves, shiitake mushrooms and Chinese broccoli appearing alongside more standard European wine bar fare.

The hibachi is the hero at this playful Japanese wine bar and restaurant, where the wine is chosen according to the lunar cycle. Come for eye-catching raw dishes, flame-grilled snacks on sticks and a vibe that'll transport you to Japan – except you’re only a block from the beach.

Coastal Italian flavours with city polish are on the menu at this sleek all-day diner. Come early for produce-driven brunches and tropical Bloody Marys, or later for house-made pastas and snacks with Sicilian energy. A handsome design channels ’70s Milan via beachside Byron Bay.

The Med-inspired diner at this stunning boutique hotel is a destination in its own right, showcasing the best of the region’s produce in a three-course à la carte menu or a six-course tasting menu. For something more casual, head to Raes' breezy cellar bar for refined snacks with views of Wategos Beach.

Though it only hit Byron Bay's dining scene in 2017, Light Years already feels like a classic. Come for fun takes on Asian cuisine by a former Mjølner chef, plus spicy cocktails and mix of local and international wines.

A beachfront gem where seafood and Northern Rivers produce rule. Hit the breezy kiosk for takeaway coffee, brekkie rolls and beachside standards, or level up in the restaurant with elevated mod-Oz fare and zesty cocktails.

Elements’ in-house restaurant, Azure Bar & Grill, is just one more reason why you never have to leave this stunning resort if you don’t want to. Split between a casual outdoor terrace and a plush dining room, its crowd-pleasing menu spans share plates, woodfired pizza and seafood-forward dishes, with plenty of options for little ones and those with dietaries.

Byron Bay's laid-back coastal vibe is on full display at this cocktail bar and diner perched above street level. The drinks are zesty and fresh, the plates of seafood sing, and the ocean breeze rolls in from big open windows overlooking the street.

A good-times restaurant and bar with natural wines and a banging dance floor. If you need to take a break from the bass, there's an open-air verandah and plenty of comfy couches to retreat to. Plus share plates and snacks to keep you going till late.

Step inside this late-night Levantine diner and feel like you’ve entered the ultimate Arabian Nights-themed party (disco ball and smoke machine included). Mezze, grilled highlights and Turkish Delight cocktails are also in store.

Pipit’s philosophy of “what grows together, goes together” comes to life in an elegant degustation showcasing produce from the surrounding Northern Rivers. It’s one of the best places in the country to eat seafood (both raw and woodfired), served in a light-filled dining room that’s far more relaxed than the menu suggests. Naturally, the drinks list is all-Australian.

A sun-soaked cantina from the duo behind Fleet, one of the Northern Rivers' best restaurants. Dig into street food-inspired snacks, and tacos filled with market fish or coal-roasted lamb. There's also a huge list of tequila and mezcal – plus you can design your own Margarita if the spirit moves you.

Set within historic Newrybar Village, Harvest is a sprawling three-in-one drinking and dining precinct surrounded by lush Byron Bay hinterland. Book in at the restaurant for contemporary Australian dishes; or visit the artisan deli for coffee, specialty pantry items and bread from Harvest’s 120-year-old woodfire oven.

An intimate Melbourne-style wine bar in Murwillumbah? It’s a thing, thanks to a tree changing trio who spent years pouring drinks and cooking in the city. Visit for local produce cooked and plated as simply as possible.

The beach vibes are strong at this excellent pizzeria, where the tomatoes come from Italy, but most other produce is local. Drop in for consistently good cocktails, a stellar natural wine list and a fun, disco-heavy vinyl soundtrack.

With one of Australia’s top chefs in the kitchen, the food at this intimate bistro is topnotch. But it has a welcoming, nostalgic ambiance more like a pub than an inner city wine bar.

One of the country's best chefs turns his hand to pasta and woodfired pizza at this compact Italian joint. He's also doing classic Italian snacks and seafood-focussed plates to match the romantic, old-school Italian vibe.

This 80-acre property is one of the most popular destinations in the Byron Bay area – with young families particularly. It’s easy to spend a whole day here wandering the paddocks spotting animals, relaxing at the all-day eatery run by Three Blue Ducks, enjoying a gelato from Baylato and more.