Where to Eat and Drink in Byron Bay: A Local Sommelier’s Guide

Isabel Pérez Fiz was born in Ciudad Real, in Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha wine region, but it wasn’t until she started casual work as a waiter in Byron Bay that she discovered her passion for plonk. Spotting her enthusiasm, James Audas and Tom Sheer hired her to oversee the 700-strong list at their acclaimed Bar Heather (they also own Luna Wine Store), a moody spot that feels more European city than Australian beach. The food by chef Ollie Wong-Hee (formerly of Sydney’s Ester and Sixpenny) is Asian-accented, anchored in local produce and designed to complement Pérez Fiz’s selections. Here’s where she hangs out in Byron.

High Life for a soy latte

“The coffee at this cute little locals’ haunt is made with Allpress beans and it’s amazing. It’s busy but also really chill. I go with my book or computer, order a soy latte and always the same dish – corn tortilla tacos with salsa verde and a poached duck egg.”

Raes Cellar Bar for chablis and charcuterie

“I love sitting outside with friends at this institution. It’s close to the ocean and makes me feel like something light, refreshing and salty. I normally order a bottle of chablis or a Rafael Palacios As Sortes godello from Galicia in Spain, plus a charcuterie plate of prosciutto, salami, jamón and olives. They also do the most delicious shoestring fries.”

Moonlight for hibachi bites

“The bar at this small, perfect Japanese kitchen is a great place to sit by yourself. I enjoy the watermelon ‘sashimi’ but mostly choose dishes cooked on the hibachi grill, such as king prawn with yuzu kosho butter and finger lime. It’s nothing pretentious, just beautiful food.”

Bombay to Byron for the kadai prawns

“I normally go here to grab takeaway. They cook classic Indian, the kind of food you feel like having at home with a light red wine. I like the kadai prawns cooked with capsicum and onion.”

Ciao Mate! for pizza

“Not technically in Byron, this spot is about a 15-minute drive away in Bangalow. It’s very simple, just pizza and pasta with a couple of snacks to start. They do amazing thin crusts and toppings for vegetarians but, last time, I had the kale, pork sausage and grana padano with caramelised onion special. There’s also a solid wine list – mostly Australian with some European bottles, too.”