Best cafes in Byron Bay.

A dramatic coastline, crashing surf swells and lush hinterland, Byron Bay is a beachside town that thrives on the fringe. With its laid-back village vibe, this surfie town has a zest for life that’s all-embracing. 

From sun-up, Byron is pulsing with an eclectic mix of on-trend cafés and eateries championing paddock-to-plate ethos. So, to help, we’ve created the ultimate guide to help you navigate this beachfront beauty’s café scene like a pro. Much like the area itself, menus here are all about clean-living, so whether you’re looking to fuel up before catching some waves, or for post-yoga nourishment, our roundup of the best cafes in Byron Bay has you more than covered.

Folk

If you’re on the hunt for a cool, yet casual place to eat, head to Folk — a charming café set within a converted weatherboard cottage with an easy-breezy vibe. The menu features a selection of fuss-free foods, including the likes of zesty avocado toast and freshly baked croissants, that you can choose to devour inside or out. Nab a spot outside on the gigantic cushions, so you can sprawl out with your coffee (and cake) in hand. 

1/399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay

Harvest

Located in the quaint town of Newrybar, about a 20-minute drive from Byron Bay’s CBD, dwells Harvest, a trendy and well-curated eatery offering an extensive, flavoursome menu. Covering all bases, Harvest offers a relaxed deli and café, set within a lovingly restored vintage building, and fine dining in their more upmarket restaurant – a contemporary Queenslander situated directly next door. Either way, a visit here promises fabulously fresh and delicious food.

22 Old Pacific Hwy, Newrybar

Byron Bay General Store

Like a fine wine, the Byron Bay General Store seems to only get better with age. The cornerstone of the community’s burgeoning café and dining culture, this local treasure has been serving up some of the best brunches in town since 1947. Steeped in history, the iconic building has retained much of its original charm with contemporary finishes only adding to its dining appeal. Hearty brunch delicacies like their truffled mushrooms with house-made cashew cheese and savoury granola breathe new life into popular plates as well as plenty of other vegan options for all the plant-based babes looking for a decent breakfast.  

26 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay

WOODS

A little left of the action in the picturesque town of Bungalow, WOODS continues to win over foodies and coffee mavens with its regional charm and homely temperament. Take a seat on the sun-kissed patio and choose between a selection of fusion flavours – think Turkish eggs with chilli burnt butter and red harissa, vibrant beauty bowls or a worldly avo toast topped with salsa verde and cashew furikake. As much for the solo paper reader as it is for family catchups, they’ve got the rustic farmhouse style nailed, down to a tee.

10 Station Street, Bungalow

The Top Shop

There is so much to love about this charming corner milk bar. Packed with old-school character, a delicious menu and soul-warming coffee, The Top Shop is a 1950’s retro-styled cafe that balances cool and coastal perfectly. The menu is made up of burgers, sandwiches, and gram-worthy smoothie bowls brimming with local, organic ingredients: think free-range meats and fresh loaves and pastries from Byron Bay’s own Bread Social. Start your day with coffee and an acai bowl, then loop back for a burger or bagel for lunch.

65 Carlyle Street, Byron Bay

Combi

This Byron Bay beauty is the sibling of Melbourne icon of the same name, and what they do best is raw, organic food. From an industrial style, yet fresh fit-out, Combi whips together a smorgasbord of wholesome delights, such as raw sweet treats and smoothies, house-made probiotic cashew yoghurt, fermented bread, kombucha on tap and fair-trade coffee. 

5b/21-25 Fletcher St, Byron Bay

Sparrow Coffee

For those who favour a European breakfast, Sparrow keeps it simple pumping out All Press coffees and limited batch pasties to Byron Bay’s early risers. Nestled within the area’s prominent café precinct it’s toted as serving some of the best brews in town. Although Sparrow is more of a place to grab and go, its friendly staff and top-notch baristas will keep you coming back time and time again. It still oozes that coastal cool café vibe though, with wood-panelled exteriors and its signature turquoise coffee machine brightening up the compact space.

1B Byron Street, Byron Bay

Bayleaf Café

A local favourite, Bayleaf Café captures the area’s easy-going, boho vibe perfectly. The space is airy and light-filled, brimming with hungry brunchgoers looking to start their day on high. It’s a great place to go to if you’re feeling virtuous – the menu is mostly healthy, with a few well-chosen indulgences. For a first-time visit, look to try the breakky greens or house made paleo granola paired with a coconut cold brew or tangy Tropicana for the true coastal experience.

2A Marvell Street, Byron Bay

Espressohead Café

In a prime position just back from Main Beach, this cosy café is beloved by locals. Espressohead Café’s all-day menu champions fresh, locally sourced, organic produce catering to all dietary needs with vegan and gluten-free options in abundance. Standout dishes include a Vietnamese crispy pancake with fried eggs and crunchy slaw topped with nuoc cham dressing and a banging halloumi burger loaded with olive paste, roasted tomato, and rocket. Taking out the title of best coffee shop in Byron Bay as rated by Trip Advisor, you can rest assured the coffee is equally on point as the food.

7/4 Middleton Street, Byron Bay

For more destination guides and local travel inspiration, head to Sitchu.