Brunch in Byron Bay? Yes please! The region has always been synonymous with farm fresh produce and a healthy lifestyle. However, the past few years have seen a heightened focus on creating a premium dining scene. In fact, you’d be hard pressed NOT to find a café gem here. Whether you’re sampling your way down the main street, chilling by the beach or venturing through the lush hinterland, our must-visit list of The Best Cafes in Byron Bay is waiting to be ticked off!
WOODS BANGALOW
Address: Arts precinct. 10 Station St, Bangalow
Opening Hours: 8am – 2:30pm, Wednesday to Sunday
Instagram: @woodsbangalow
Woods is a quaint little café with loads of charm and a bohemian luxe vibe. Nestled in the arts precinct of Bangalow (approx. 15 minutes west of Byron Bay) the café is conveniently adjacent to on-trend fashion stores, artisan studios, bespoke jewellers and a charming florist. Locals swing by here in the morning for their coffee fix and are always met by smiling effervescent staff. It is a small venue so when it’s busy you may wait a short while for a spot in the sun or a perch at the bar. Which is no problem when you can wander about the precinct and maybe find yourself a token Bangalow memento. Breakfast standout dishes include but are not limited to; avocado on organic sourdough with dukkha and ‘Summer Eggs’ poached on rustic sourdough with organic smashed peas, greens, fresh herbs and pickled fennel. Enjoy!

THE PASS CAFE
Address: 1 Brooke Dr, Byron Bay
Opening Hours: 7am – 2pm, daily
Instagram: @thepasscafebyronbay
With stunning views of the iconic “The Pass” surf break, The Pass Cafe is a popular hang out by Byron Bay locals with big hearty servings from menu favourites such as bacon and eggs to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. The cafe’s major drawcard is not only its fabulous alfresco dining with ocean views but its top-notch coffee from Espresso Botero. Tourists can conveniently tour Byron’s Bay’s iconic lighthouse from The Pass Cafe. It is also a fully licensed venue for that refreshing post-surf drink.

COMBI
Address: Shop 5b, 21-25 Fletcher St, Byron Bay
Opening Hours: 7am -4pm, daily
Instagram: @wearecombi
Combi is, was and has always been at the forefront of the ‘super bowl’ revolution. Their price point is very reasonable and pretty much anything you order makes for an eye catching Instagram story. A stalwart breakfast menu item such as the organic acai bowl loaded with berries, pistachios and coconut flakes guarantees you a nutritious start to the day. Lunch is deftly enticing with a healthy array of raw dishes. Excellent examples include the raw Zucchini Spaghetti and my favourite the Organic Raw Pad Thai – fresh ribbons of carrot and zucchini, beansprouts, coriander and a homemade spiced peanut and ginger sauce. Bring it on.

HARVEST DELI
Address: 18 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar.
Opening Hours: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Instagram: @harvestdeli
Harvest is at the top end of the dining game. The atmosphere is welcoming and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable with a professional yet friendly manner. Now the food, gosh the food. A huge emphasis is placed on ethical and sustainable produce. There’s an impressive edible garden on-site plus a delectable bakery and ever popular deli. Do yourself a favour and go all out with a multi course meal and matching wines. It’s always a memorable experience to visit Harvest. Unrivalled in its quality cuisine choices.

BAYLEAF CAFÉ
Address: Corner Jonson & Marvell St, Byron Bay
Opening Hours: From 6:30am for coffee, from 7am for food
Instagram: @bayleafcafe
A trip to Byron Bay is not complete until you have called in to the somewhat hypnotic Bayleaf Cafe. Staff here are super friendly and ooze charisma. There’s impressive art pieces adorning the walls too. Menu options will satisfy anybody, no matter what your preference, from carnivore through to vegetarian fare, they have you covered. It’s an awesome people watching place whether you’re seated inside or out. It’s an iconic Byron Bay café well worth your time. Note: opens from 6:30am for those that require an early coffee fix.

BEACH BYRON BAY
Address: Clarkes Beach, Lawson St, Byron Bay.
Opening Hours: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Instagram: @beachbyronbay
Location, location, location. This enigmatic café sits upon prime beachfront real estate at Clarkes Beach. The view over the bay is breathtaking and it’s not unfamiliar to see whales and dolphins playing just offshore. Beach Byron Bay is a classy establishment that still manages to convey a relaxed atmosphere. The menu is contemporary in fare and it’s clear the head chef is passionate about delivering quality produce. Presentation is impeccable and essentially a food bloggers dream. The token ‘Fish of the day’ doesn’t come any fresher than here at Beach Byron Bay. After dark the café turns into a destination restaurant hence bookings are a must.

THREE BLUE DUCKS
Address: 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale
Opening Hours: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Instagram: @threeblueducks
This hugely popular café/restaurant is part of The Farm. Essentially it’s an operational farm complete with animals, on-site workshops and sprawling produce gardens. If you happen to venture to Three Blue Ducks do make time to explore your surroundings. The always changing menu includes vibrant salads, fresh fish dishes and heavier meat options during the colder months. A terrific place to take a group of friends and settle in to enjoy the finest of food amid stunning green scape vistas. Note: this is child friendly venue complete with an epic adventure playground.

BYRON GENERAL STORE
Address: 26 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Opening Hours: 6:30am – 2pm, daily
Instagram: @byron_general_store
Don’t be surprised if you visit this iconic eatery and see a line of hungry foodies lining the street to get in, it’s for good reason! The cafe is owned by born and raised Byron boy Ben Gordon and his business partner Phil Taylor who have made it their mission to capture Byron’s soul and personality. Adorned with hanging pot plants, warm wooden furnishings, outside seating shaded by funky patterned beach umbrellas, a kids play area and even an area for your four-legged friends, it’s all about community and feeling at home. Just recently the team announced they are transitioning to plant based, which couldn’t be more exciting! Already the cafe exceeds in giving back, being sustainable and environmentally friendly, they also support local farmers and companies who pride themselves in recyclable and compostable packaging, it seems taking this next step couldn’t be easier for the duo, serving up 100% plant based, fresh, healthy food that will leave you beyond satisfied and desperate to return. Expect good vibes, friendly staff, comfortable seating and quality food!

DIP CAFÉ
Address: Shop 1, 21/25 Fletcher St, Byron Bay
Opening Hours: 7am – 2pm, daily
Instagram: @dipcafe
Eggs any which way you like, coffee strong, cool tunes and cheery staff. What’s not to like? Dip Café never fails to deliver in all of the above. Breakfast and lunch both offer a very extensive menu chock full of flavours to match your food mood. An open plan kitchen adds to the cafe’s trendy energy that seems to always attract a variety of clientele. The eggs benedict is officially (because I said so) the best in the bay. If the saying goes ‘eat where the locals eat’ than Dip Café is it. Highlight; Top position nearby a selection of fashion boutiques, bookstores and surf shops.

FOLK BYRON BAY
Address: 1/399 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 2:30pm, daily
Instagram: @folkbyronbay
Organic, local, and ethical are the words we’d use to describe this delicious vegetarian kiosk serving up delicious food to locals and tourists seven days a week. Situated away from the hustle and bustle of the Byron crowds, Folk Byron is a cosy spot to escape to to enjoy good coffee, great tunes and even better food. The cafe soaks up the natural sunlight, making it feel light and spacious, complemented by lush greenery, pottery pieces, bespoke timber benchtops, stools and wall features. Pull up a stool and enjoy a selection of unique dishes on offer, from the memorable folk burrito, Spanish inspired omelette and field mushroom burger, to something a little sweeter like salted caramel and mixed-berry dream cake or a banana smoothie. Delicious!

BYRON FRESH CAFE
Address: 7 Jonson St, Byron Bay.
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 10pm, daily
Instagram: @byronfreshcafe
At the top of town is where you’ll find the world famous Byron Fresh Cafe. Stroll across the road after a refreshing swim at Main Beach, find yourself a table here and we promise you will find yourself an unparalleled slice of foodie heaven. It’s a terrific vantage point for people watching and features live music daily from 4-9pm. Without exaggeration the food here is amazing! Fresh Cafe is effectively a Byron Bay institution, operational for 20 + years. No easy feat but one they have effortlessly managed to achieve by remaining at the top of the modern food game. Must try dish; Tasmanian Salmon Fillet served with sweet potato, kale and cashew cream salad, broccolini and a zesty salsa verse. The aforementioned pairs well with a local craft beer and/or a glass of New Zealand’s finest Golden Goose sauvignon blanc.

FEDERAL DOMA CAFE
Address: 3/6 Albert St, Federal.
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 2:30pm, daily
Instagram: @federal_doma_cafe
A little off the beaten track and into the ethereal Byron Bay hinterland is where you will find the highly regarded Japanese café Doma. Everybody knows that the Japanese pay extraordinary attention to detail and its evident in every meal here. Doma’s team of chefs are super inspiring and create a little magic in every mouthful. Servings are generous and the prices are fair considering the high quality of ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are all available too. Heralded as the best Japanese/Western fusion food around sees weekends at Doma get pretty busy so if you prefer a more quiet meal then mid-week dining may be preferable. Do try the Tataki Beef, Miso Eggplant Salad and the Katsu Chicken Burger. Overall it’s a wonderful café, in a lovely forest like location that we guarantee you will love!

TOP SHOP BYRON BAY
Address: 65 Carlyle St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Opening Hours: 6:30am – 4pm, daily
Instagram: @topshopbyronbay_
Perched on top of a hill just outside of Byron’s main strip you’ll find this retro, charming and cherished hotspot, The Top Shop. What use to be an old 1950’s milk bar is now the popular cafe converted, owned and run by Andy Gordon, his partner Sarah and brother turned business partner Jeremy. Sticking to the original old school milk bar design, the team pulled the building apart, dug up the old signage from under the shop, hand built the table and chairs, and gave it a fresh layer of paint, complete with surf and art memorabilia they created a laidback, welcoming atmosphere for barefooted surfers and bikini-clad locals to enjoy a hip açai bowl, freshly ground coffee or a mouth watering burger. Grab your food and sit out on the outside lawn under the warm sun or shade yourself under a red polka dot umbrella. You’ll be sure to leave with full bellies and big smiles!

ESPRESSOHEAD
Address: 7/4 Middleton St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Opening Hours: 7am – 3pm, daily
Instagram: @espressoheadcafe
Coffee is serious business in this hipster town and if you want to taste some of the locals favourite for the past 15 years, then get yourself down to Espresso Head Coffee Byron Bay. Parched? Choose from the house blend coffee, the organic teas project, the monthly filter brew special or go for something a little different like the dandelion latte, not to mention the selection of fresh juices and smoothies to take your fancy. Apart from knowing a thing or two about impeccable coffee and tasty drinks, this retro designed coffee house offers an extensive menu with creative, fresh, well presented and generously sized dishes to cater to everyone’s taste buds!

This Best Cafes in Byron Bay guide was co-written by Roxanne Williams from @luxesurfstyle.
Did you love our Byron cafe recommendations? Don’t miss our Best Cafes in Bondi guide.