Shelter Lennox

If you’re passing through Lennox Head, a small town 20 kilometres south of Byron Bay, there are a handful of quality dining options to choose from along Pacific Parade. But all roads inevitably lead to Shelter, an all-day casual diner by Three Blue Ducks alumni Andrew Love and Troy Noonan.

If you go early, the menu is stacked with upmarket brunch options. Expect a fancified bacon and egg roll, or a Japanese-influenced miso hash with yuzu mayo, tonkatsu sauce, pickled ginger and a gooey ramen egg.

At lunch and dinner, the kitchen’s versatility really shines. Bounce between Shark Bay scallops with XO, preserved lemon and wild rice; and casarecce tossed with shiitake, black garlic, pecorino and chives. Large plates might include local dry-aged beef with Jamon butter and oregano. Finish with an orb of white chocolate atop mango, macadamia and riberry.

This being a licensed venue opposite the beach, there’s an appropriate list of easy-drinking wines, aperitivo and cocktails to choose from. Local producers such as Cape Byron Distillery and Yulli’s are in good supply, and there’s coffee by Sydney roaster Single O served every which way.

Shelter also has a stylish boutique accommodation upstairs, with views up and down Seven Mile Beach. The fact that you have one of the Northern Rivers' best diners downstairs means there's continental breakfast included – plus full room service if you'd prefer to stay put.