If you have the fortune of visiting Byron Bay, my first piece of advice is to stay longer than 24 hours. But if you only manage to have a one night stand with the laid-back hippy that is Byron, then I’ve compiled a list of my favourite places to eat and drink while you’re there.
For your morning coffee: The Top Shop
The Top Shop is a quaint little cafe a little outside of the town’s centre. It’s not uncommon to see customers lounging on the grass outside the cafe with a good strong coffee in hand. The food is great too and if you’re wanting something a little more substantial, the burgers are a big hit!
The Top Shop
65 Carlyle St, Byron Bay
Phone: (02) 6685 6495
For a long boozy lunch: The Treehouse
Located on the beautiful Belongil beach, Treehouse is my favourite place to go with a group of friends or family for a long, long lunch. The drinks list is extensive, a must, and the huge food menu is bound to cater to all your fussy friends. Don’t leave without trying one of their delicious wood-fired pizzas. A definite favourite is the Pumpkinita pizza, the balsamic reduction drizzled over the creamy pumpkin slices gives it a caramalised goodness, and I’m always a fan of fresh rocket on a pizza.
Treehouse on Belongil
25 Childe St, Byron Bay
Phone: (02) 6680 9452
For dinner and cocktails: Miss Margarita
You’ll have to excuse the poor picture quality. In my 24 hours in Byron Bay I only managed to bring along my iPhone. The dim mood lighting at Miss Margarita and our hunger made it difficult to hold back long enough to get a decent photo. But I can promise that these do not do the meal it justice. We ordered the ‘Ultimate Nachos’ packed with all the best Mexican flavours – melted cheese, chilli salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream, The homemade corn chips made it that little bit more special. Add jalapenos for an extra kick! Choose from chilli con carne, chipotle chicken or house black beans and ranchero relish for the vegos. I can recommend the pulled pork – juicy and delicious.
The cocktails were really unique too. As well as your classics, there’s range of margaritas with an exciting edge. We tried the Gingerbread Margarita and the Chipotle Chilli and Lime Margariata. But the favourite by far was the coconut margarita. It has everything you love about the classic, with a subtle hint of coconut from the addition of 1800 coconut and malibu, finished with a coconut flaked rim.
Miss Margarita
2 Johnson Street, Byron Bay
Phone: (02) 6685 6828
For the ‘morning after’ meal: Beloporto Burgers
Had a few too many last night? I have just the cure (if you can find it). Beloporto is Byron’s hidden gem. Tucked away in a little mall in the heart of the town, Beloporto is easy to miss, but hard to forget. Although the menu is a little more extensive than the classic, you really can’t go past the Belo Chicken Burger. And don’t skimp out on the chilli! It’s the best part.
Beloporto
Lawson Street, Byron Bay
Phone: (02) 6680 8989
