Byron Bay has long been known for more than its beaches—it’s a town where food genuinely matters.

Having spent years exploring local restaurants, I can tell you the dining scene here is worth exploring.

From relaxed beachfront spots to restaurants in town with a sharper edge, there’s a lot to enjoy, and each place brings something different to the table.

What sets restaurants in Byron Bay apart is how they work with local farmers, fishers, and suppliers. That connection gives every dish a sense of place and tells a story about the region.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up the eight best restaurants in Byron Bay that are worth visiting for their amazing food and great ambiance.

Best Restaurants in Byron Bay

1- Chihuahua Taqueria

Google Rating: 4.7

Located at 3/8 Byron Street, Chihuahua Taqueria is one of the best restaurants in Byron Bay if you’re craving authentic Mexican street food.

The menu has many interesting options, and their tacos alone are worth the visit.

The fish tacos are fresh and flavorful, the salt and pepper calamari taco is a crowd favorite, and the pork taco packs the perfect balance of spice and richness.

For something meatier, we recommend ordering the brisket quesadilla—it’s loaded with slow-roast brisket, queso, chipotle aioli, sour cream, and guacamole.

If you love sharing plates, the nachos are a must-order. They’re massive, topped generously, and the brisket meat is perfectly tender.

The corn cob and jalapeño poppers also come highly recommended, adding that classic Mexican street-food twist.

Pair everything with a refreshing margarita and enjoy the open-air seating, which creates a laid-back, social atmosphere.

Chihuahua Taqueria isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that makes you want to come back again.

2- Casa Luna

Google Rating: 4.8

Located at 9 Fletcher Street, Casa Luna has quickly become one of Byron Bay’s most talked-about dining spots.

This restaurant specializes in contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, bringing together flavors from Europe in a modern and creative way.

The vibe is lively yet refined, making it a great spot for both casual dinners and special nights out.

To start, options like fresh-shucked oysters, spanner crab bruschetta, and chargrilled octopus set the tone for what’s to come.

When it comes to mains, there’s plenty to love. The scotch fillet is perfectly cooked, the pan-roasted scallops are delicate yet flavorful, and the kingfish crudo is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Meat lovers will appreciate the marinated lamb skewer, while vegetarians won’t feel left out with options like roasted spiced cauliflower and fire-roasted sugarloaf cabbage.

Desserts are also great, with the chocolate mousse and passionfruit and lemon tart stealing the show.

Add in a creative cocktail list, friendly staff, and even live DJ sets, and you’ve got a restaurant that delivers on all fronts.

Also Read: Best Lunch in Byron Bay

3- The Mez Club

Google Rating: 4.5

Located at 4/85-87 Jonson Street, The Mez Club offers a fancy and welcoming dining experience in Byron Bay.

The first thing you’ll notice is the interior—it feels warm and inviting, with a beautiful central fireplace that adds to the charm.

The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between cozy and energetic, especially when the DJ is playing at just the right volume.

It’s a place where you can relax, enjoy your food, and still have an easy conversation. Also, the menu highlights modern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences.

The Wagyu striploin is cooked to perfection, while the slow-cooked lamb with burnt broccolini and Moroccan roasted carrots is full of rich flavors.

The 12-hour lamb shoulder is another must-order item on the menu for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

For lighter options, you can order the smoked whipped hummus, wild mushroom risotto, or chicken tajine.

For dessert, you must have the chocolate crème brûlée or baklava ice cream for the perfect sweet finish.

Whether you’re here for date night or a group dinner, The Mez Club always leaves a lasting impression.

4- Bang Bang

Google Rating: 4.5

Located at 4/1 Byron Street, Bang Bang is an Asian restaurant that has become a favorite among Byron Bay locals for its amazing food, energetic atmosphere, and generous servings.

From the moment you walk in, the buzz of the place is contagious—it’s fun, vibrant, and perfect for groups who enjoy sharing food.

The menu is designed around share plates, which makes it easy to try a little bit of everything.

To start, the Korean popcorn chicken, roti chanai, and prawn toast are must-orders, setting the stage for a feast.

For mains, the pork belly is rich and tender, while the pad Thai and beef massaman curry are both crowd-pleasers.

The red duck curry is another must-try, offering a beautiful balance of spice and sweetness.

Seafood fans will love the prawn and mushroom fried rice, and vegetarians will like the BBQ cauliflower.

Cocktails like the Kokomo are the perfect complement to the meal.

With its lively setting and consistently delicious food, Bang Bang is a go-to restaurant in Byron Bay when you’re looking for a memorable night out.

5- Ember

Google Rating: 4.6

Located at 108-114 Jonson Street, Ember has earned a reputation as one of the best steak restaurants in Byron Bay.

This steakhouse is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates perfectly cooked steaks paired with a vibrant atmosphere.

The setting feels both lively and comfortable, with warm lighting, stylish décor, and a buzz from happy diners that immediately draws you in.

It’s the kind of place where a dinner easily turns into an evening to remember.

The highlight of Ember is its Josper Charcoal Grill, which reaches temperatures over 400 degrees Celsius. This allows their steaks to develop a smoky, juicy flavor that sets them apart.

We highly recommend you to order the Ember Wagyu 8+ scotch fillet, it’s one of the best steaks you’ll find anywhere.

Also, you can have the Wagyu 6+ rump steak that has deep, beefy notes with a buttery taste. The New York porterhouse is also worth ordering for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Beyond steaks, Ember also has other good options on the menu such as the 18-hour slow-braised lamb shank, sticky BBQ pork ribs, and pork belly crackling.

For starters, you can have oysters, wagyu steak tartare, and grilled Australian king prawns.

With its combination of amazing flavors, atmosphere, and exceptional cuts of meat, Ember makes a strong case as Byron Bay’s ultimate steak destination.

Also Explore: Best Things to Do in Byron Bay

6- Light Years

Google Rating: 4.7

Located at 139 Jonson Street, Light Years is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience that captures the heart of Byron Bay’s relaxed charm.

Designed by Studio Plenty and Sarah Ellison, the interior has warmth, playful design, and a touch of coastal holiday vibes.

The menu at Light Years is full of amazing options. The Wagyu beef rendang, rich and tender, is one of the best things on the menu and comes in generous portions.

The roasted duck pancake is another must-order, offering layers of flavor in every bite.

If you’re a seafood lover, you should order the honey and sesame tempura prawns or the BBQ king prawns.

For something with a kick, the hot and tingly BBQ lamb ribs are a great choice. Crispy masterstock pork belly is a great option on the menu, perfectly balanced between crunchy skin and tender meat.

Even the spicy Korean fried chicken wins praise for its punchy flavors.

With its lively setting and consistently outstanding food, Light Years is indeed one of the best restaurants in Byron Bay for modern Asian dining.

7- Moonlight Japanese

Google Rating: 4.8

Located on Bay Lane, Moonlight Japanese has quickly become the go-to restaurant for lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine in Byron Bay.

The Japanese restaurant offers a sleek, intimate atmosphere, making it a great choice for a special night out or a relaxed dinner with friends.

For starters, we highly recommend ordering oysters and pickled cucumber, both of which are simply amazing.

Also, their watermelon sashimi and beef tataki are worth ordering.

From the Hibachi Grill, you can order Hokkaido scallops, miso-glazed salmon, and king prawns.

Vegetarians aren’t left behind either, with charred cabbage and miso-glazed eggplant being the best options on the menu.

For meat lovers, the Wagyu steak is a must-try, perfectly grilled and bursting with flavor.

End the meal with a slice of yuzu cheesecake, which is both zesty and sweet.

Even the cocktails are amazing and will perfectly complement your meal.

While the wine list can feel a bit expensive, the quality of the food and overall dining experience make Moonlight one of Byron Bay’s best Japanese restaurants.

Also Read: Best Breakfast in Byron Bay

8- The Smoking Camel

Google Rating: 4.8

Located at 17 Lawson Street, The Smoking Camel is Byron Bay’s go-to spot for Middle Eastern cuisine.

The restaurant brings Moroccan-inspired spices and flavors to life, offering a dining experience that is both comforting and exciting.

With its vibrant atmosphere, upbeat music, and attentive staff, The Smoking Camel makes you feel welcomed from the moment you walk in.

One of the best ways to experience the amazing food here is by ordering the Sultan’s Feast. It includes hummus with grilled pita, falafel, Wagyu steak tartare, BBQ scallops, and BBQ chicken—ideal for groups or anyone wanting to sample a little bit of everything.

If you’re choosing à la carte, favorites include the Persian fried chicken, BBQ lamb skewers, and saganaki.

For vegetarians, the shawarma-spiced cauliflower is a must-order, full of rich flavors.

If you are a curry fan, you will love the lamb curry, which is packed with spices and slow-cooked until tender.

To finish on a sweet note, the baklava pistachio ice cream is a treat that combines traditional flavor with a refreshing twist.