Top 7 Places to Eat in Northern Rivers Region

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
23/08/2025
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The Northern Rivers Region offers a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local, and seasonal produce, catering to a wide range of dining preferences.

1. Raes Dining Room

Cuisine: Modern Australian with Mediterranean influences

Perched on Wategos Beach, this elegant dining room provides a luxurious setting with stunning ocean views. The menu highlights the finest local seafood and produce, artfully prepared to offer a refined experience, perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent long lunch.

Price: AUD $95 for two courses, AUD $125 for three courses, AUD $195 for an eight-course tasting menu (approx. USD $63-130+ per person).

Getting There: Located at Wategos Beach, a short taxi or ride-share drive from central Byron Bay.

2. Three Blue Ducks at The Farm

Cuisine: Modern Australian, farm-to-table

Situated on an 80-acre working farm just outside Byron Bay, this restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with picturesque countryside views. The seasonal menu is built around local, sustainable, and organic produce sourced directly from the farm and surrounding region, making it ideal for a wholesome meal.

Price: Mains AUD $30-50+ (approx. USD $20-33+ per person).

Getting There: Located in Ewingsdale, approximately a 10-15 minute drive from central Byron Bay. Taxis or ride-shares are recommended.

3. Bang Bang

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

This vibrant and energetic restaurant in central Byron Bay serves an exciting Asian fusion menu, blending Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese influences. Guests can expect a lively atmosphere, delicious sharing plates like sticky braised beef ribs and sashimi, and a creative cocktail list, suitable for a fun evening out.

Price: Shared plates and mains AUD $20-40+ per dish (approx. USD $13-27+ per dish).

Getting There: Centrally located on Byron Street in Byron Bay, easily walkable from most town accommodations.

4. Bar Heather

Cuisine: Modern Australian/European, small plates

Blending Byron's relaxed charm with Parisian bistro sophistication, Bar Heather is celebrated for its natural wine selection and innovative small plates. The rotating menu offers dishes crafted from fresh local produce, such as fried bread with spring onion and braised pork belly, creating a chic yet welcoming dining experience.

Price: Small plates AUD $15-35+ (approx. USD $10-23+ per small plate).

Getting There: Found in the Jonson Lane precinct in central Byron Bay, easily accessible on foot.

5. Federal Doma Cafe

Cuisine: Japanese-inspired Cafe

Nestled in the quaint Federal village, Doma Cafe offers a unique Japanese-inspired culinary journey. Known for its dedication to seasonality and quality, the chefs meticulously select local ingredients to create visually appealing and flavourful dishes. The menu includes Western classics with a Japanese twist for breakfast and lunch, and an evolving dinner menu.

Price: Lunch mains AUD $20-35 (approx. USD $13-23 per person).

Getting There: Located in Federal village, approximately a 20-25 minute drive inland from Byron Bay. A car or taxi/ride-share is required.

6. The Stockpot

Cuisine: BBQ, Modern Australian

This Lismore favourite, awarded 'Restaurant of the Year' in 2024 for its BBQ, offers a casual and hearty dining experience. Known for its delicious ironbark smoked brisket, The Stockpot provides a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors seeking well-prepared barbecue dishes. Daily happy hour specials add to its appeal.

Price: Dishes like a brisket meal AUD $25-35 (approx. USD $17-23 per person).

Getting There: Situated on Molesworth Street in Lismore, easily walkable if staying in the city center. Lismore also has local bus services and taxis.

7. Chihuahua Taqueria

Cuisine: Mexican Street Food

Bringing authentic Mexican street food to Byron Bay, Chihuahua Taqueria is a laid-back spot for delicious and budget-friendly meals. The menu focuses on fresh, flavourful tacos, complemented by affordable side dishes like corn cobs, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying bite.

Price: Tacos AUD $6-10 each; a filling meal AUD $20-30 (approx. USD $13-20 per person).

Getting There: Found in Feros Arcade on Jonson Street in central Byron Bay, easily accessible by walking.

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