The Best Spots for a Leisurely Brunch in Byron Bay

With an emphasis on seasonal, organic and locally sourced produce, Byron Bay’s café scene takes its place among regional Australia’s best. These are our picks – expect “mylk”, acai and local seafood among all your brunch favourites.

Roadhouse

On the main road heading south of town, rustic-chic Roadhouse has one of Byron’s shortest brunch menus. This paves the way for seasonally available produce to dictate the specials board which could feature anything from scrambled eggs with asparagus and pesto to Chilli Non Carne. Don’t leave without trying the turmeric-flavoured Golden Mylk.
6/142 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay

Bayleaf

The king of Byron’s brunch scene, Bayleaf has it all: a hip central location, excellent coffee from local Marvell Street Roasters, a varied menu of wholesome, generously portioned dishes and super-efficient staff. Come early (from 7am) to snag a table or be prepared to wait – but never for too long.
87/8 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

Top Shop

It’s just a five-minute walk from the centre, but this former 1950s milk bar feels like a real find – until you see the queue for coffee, at least. Top Shop has limited seating, so meals are served in eco-friendly disposable packaging and most patrons stake out a patch on the grassy knoll out front.
65 Carlyle Street, Byron Bay

Folk

The emphasis is on nourishing, plant-based food at Folk, housed in a converted weatherboard cottage on the Sunrise Arts & Industry Estate. Filled with a rainbow of fresh produce, its “bowl” meals are a menu standout, and the barista will brew your coffee with coconut or almond milk at no extra cost. Aim for one of the picnic tables in the shady garden.
1/399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay

Three Blue Ducks on The Farm

Set on a working biological farm 10 minutes north of town, the Byron outpost of Sydney’s beloved Three Blue Ducks is a sweet spot to linger over a plate of spanner crab scrambled eggs and a single-origin coffee, smug in the knowledge that every ingredient is sourced from as close by as possible. Farm animals and play equipment for kids make it popular with families.
11 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay

Safya

The Egyptian-inspired menu at Safya, which opened on a prime corner block just back from Main Beach in late 2016, offers a nice point of difference from Byron’s mod-Oz menu norm. Order a plate of Cairo Eggs (eggs fried in cumin-infused butter and served with falafel, labne and fresh mint on pita bread) and accompany it with a refreshing Kark a Deh (a mix of hibiscus tea and rosewater) as you watch the world go by.
1/8 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay

100 Mile Table

Take your spot at the communal table alongside local Byron creatives, who come to 100 Mile Table for a quick brekkie (try the mushrooms on toast with herbs and pecorino) or a light lunch (the glazed ham with cheddar and mustard toastie is a crowd favourite) on weekdays.
4/8 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay

Beach

Set on a gorgeous beachfront property renovated in 2016, Beach’s short but smart breakfast menu (hits include avocado and raw local fish on sourdough, and baked eggs with San Marzano tomato sugo, pesto and ciabatta) hints at the restaurant’s Italian leanings.
Clarkes Beach Park, Lawson Street, Byron Bay

Combi

If you like it raw and vegan (or close enough), Melbourne import Combi hits the spot with its organic acai bowls, superfood smoothies, raw pizzas (with cashew “cheese” and raw kale pesto) and gluten- and refined sugar-free sweet treats including vegan doughnuts (oh, yes).
Shop 5b, 21/25 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay

Top image: Beach; This article was originally published in 2017 and has been updated.