10 Best Restaurants in North Coast, New South Wales

In this century-old farmhouse with distant views of Byron Bay the draw is upmarket Mod Oz cuisine blending Asian and Mediterranean flavors. Produce fresh from the owners' farm is featured on the ever-changing menus. There is always one meat dish and one seafood, like dry-aged bone in rib eye with tarragon bernaise or line caught fish roasted on citrus leaves, capers, olives. As the name suggests, the restaurant also has accommodations: the Dairy and the Sunrise House, two cottages with wonderful views, can both sleep up to eight people. The restaurant is located 5 km (3 miles) inland from Byron Bay at Ewingsdale.

This is a fine place to socialize with the locals and tourists and enjoy some honest, unpretentious food. The on-site restaurant and bar called The Golfy is open to nonmembers for dinner on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, and the menu includes a variety of roasts (such as roast chicken or lamb), steak with garlic butter, schnitzel, fish, and salads. Friday night is the "big night out" on the island, when almost everyone turns up for the sunset barbecue—try the barbecue kingfish and grab an ice-cold beer. Desserts include what appears to be the island staple—sticky-date pudding and ice cream. It's best to come early to take in the view over the golf links and the lagoon beyond. 

Serving tourists and locals since the 1940s, this is an iconic store-turned-café. You'll find beachy interiors, a vegan-friendly menu, and fresh juices. The smoothie bowls are filled with acai, fresh berries, and nuts. The coffee is often said to be the best in Byron and it opens every day at 7 am.

Located at the Lord Howe Island Museum and Visitor’s Centre, this is a popular café with those exploring Lord Howe’s history. There's traditional bacon and eggs for breakfast and light salads for lunch. And it's licensed so you can enjoy a glass of wine at lunchtime. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. 

By day, this is a stylish, contemporary café that packs in the crowds, thanks to its fabulously tasty meals. By night, it turns into a sophisticated bistro. Try the Corner Breakfast, which has everything from eggs the way you like them to ham hock--braised beans. Return for lunch or dinner and enjoy Wagyu beef steak or ricotta gnocchi. As the name suggests, it sits on a corner and is part of the Macquarie Waters Hotel & Apartments complex.

This friendly vibrant café is found just outside of Byron and is a firm favorite with locals. It's surrounded by a beautiful garden and native trees with plenty of birds. The focus here is on serving ethical coffee and only local produce. The menu is 100% vegetarian and vegan but even if you're a meat eater you won't feel like you're missing out. Each dish is created with care and packed with flavor. Open every day from 7:30 am.

With its vibrant and fun interiors, this casual eatery is as much about the food as it is the cocktails. There's small plates to share, including pork tacos and chicken wings. Or an extensive pizza menu or four types of burger. Salted caramel piña colada is a stand-out cocktail but the mixologists will create a custom-made drink from your preferences. As the sun goes down, this place becomes more lively.

Found at The Farm, a working property near the main entry point into Byron Bay, Three Blue Ducks is the sister restaurant to the hugely successful Sydney eatery of the same name. This is the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch, with the coffee counter always heaving. The farm-to-table movement is in full flow within this barn-style restaurant, with everything on the menu grown or butchered on-site. And nothing goes to waste here, with the chefs creating innovative dishes that ensure all parts of plant and animal are used. The chicken liver parfait is a must try and their take on a simple beef burger is really a culinary delight.

Named by locals as the best brunch in Newcastle, this iconic café has been in action for over 20 years and is still as popular today. The menu is extensive, with everything from loaded cookies to savory beef mince on toast with poached eggs. It's best known for its unique smoothies, with 20 different varieties. Open every day from 7:30 am.