The Best Cafes in Byron Bay for Brunch by the Beach

With 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 an all-embracing zest for life. From sun up, Byron is pulsing with an eclectic mix of on-trend cafes and eateries championing the paddock-to-plate ethos. 

Much like the area, 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.

Harvest Newrybar

Harvest is a trendy, well-curated eatery offering an extensive and flavoursome menu in the quaint town of Newrybar, about a 20-minute drive from Byron Bay.

Covering all bases, Harvest offers a relaxed deli and cafe in a lovingly restored vintage building and fine dining in its more upmarket restaurant — a contemporary Queenslander situated directly next door. Either way, a visit here promises fabulously fresh and delicious food.

22 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar

Byron Bay General Store

Like a fine wine, the Byron Bay General Store improves with age. The cornerstone of the community’s burgeoning cafe and dining culture, this local treasure has served 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 truffled mushrooms and savoury granola breathe new life into popular plates. There are also plenty of vegan options for all the plant-based babes looking for a decent breakfast.  

26 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay

Folk Byron Bay

If you’re looking for a cool yet casual place to eat, head to Folk, a charming cafe in a converted weatherboard cottage with an easy-breezy vibe. The menu features a selection of fuss-free foods, including zesty avocado toast and freshly baked croissants that you can devour inside or out. Nab a spot outside on the gigantic cushions and get comfy with your coffee. 

399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay

WOODS

A little left of the action in Bangalow, WOODS continues to win over foodies and coffee mavens with its regional charm and homely temperament. Relax on the sun-kissed patio and choose between fusion flavours – think Turkish eggs with chilli burnt butter and red harissa, super smoothies or an epic weekly soup special. 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, Bangalow

Moonshine Coffee

Moonshine Coffee is a family-run business that hand-roasts some of the best coffee in Byron. While they're known for its epic coffee, it also has a charming little cafe in the rolling hinterlands of Federal, where you can enjoy the in-house brew, bacon and egg rolls, fresh sangers, pastries, and other mouthwatering delights. Sure, it's a bit out of town, but you won't be disappointed. 

3 Albert Street, Federal

Vagabond

For the best vegan and raw treats in town, head straight to Vagabond in the industrial estate's hub, Habitat. While everything on the menu here is delightful, our top picks are the layered carrot and walnut cake with creamy cashew frosting, the plant-based soft lemon cake with passionfruit curd icing and the iced coconut matcha. Oh, and they do a mean bullet-proof coffee and fresh smoothies. 

 Habitat, 1 Porter Street, Byron Bay

Combi Byron Bay

This Byron Bay beauty is the sibling of the 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 wholesome delights, such as raw sweet treats, cold-pressed juice and smoothies, house-made beetroot hummus, kombucha on tap, and fair-trade coffee. 

5b/21-25 Fletcher St, Byron Bay

Bayleaf Cafe

Bayleaf Cafe perfectly captures the area’s easy-going, boho vibe. The space is airy and light-filled and a great place to go if you’re feeling virtuous - the menu is mostly healthy, with a few well-chosen indulgences.

For a first-time visit, 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

Dip Cafe

A fabulously French-Australian cafe in the heart of Byron Bay, Dip Cafe celebrates fresh, local produce while creating a Pasisian-inspired vibe. Think smooth music and art deco finishes that will transport you to a chic Parisian eatery in the 1930s. 

Adored for their all-day brunch menu, check out their hollandaise collection that whips up every kind of egg imaginable, all served with their in-house hollandaise sauce, made daily with love. They do all the cafe classics and French favourites like croque madams and French bruschetta. 

Shop 1, 21-25 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay

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 perfectly balances cool and coastal.

The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, gram-worthy smoothie bowls brimming with local, organic ingredients and fresh loaves and pastries from Byron Bay’s Bread Social. Best enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine on their grassy hill.

65 Carlyle Street, Byron Bay

Sunday Sustainable Bakery

The team at Sunday Sustainable Bakery makes everything in-house, by hand, using locally sourced organic ingredients where possible. The results are mouthwatering treats like sourdough doughnuts with local house-made jam, spelt gingerbread scones and vegetarian sourdough pizza. But the biggest attraction is their homemade sourdough, which sells out on the reg. 

20 Bayshore Drive & 101 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

Sparrow Coffee

For those who favour a European breakfast, Sparrow keeps it simple, pumping out All Press coffees and limited-batch pastries to Byron Bay’s early risers. 

Although Sparrow is more of a place to grab and go, its friendly staff and top-notch baristas will keep you coming back. It still oozes that coastal cool cafe vibe, with wood-panelled exteriors and its signature turquoise coffee machine brightening up the compact space.

1/47 Jonson,  Byron Street, Byron Bay

1A/32-34 Byron Street, Bangalow

Espressohead Cafe

Espressohead Cafe’s all-day menu champions fresh, locally sourced, organic produce, catering to all dietary needs with vegan and gluten-free options.

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, which ranges from crispy Vietnamese rice pancakes to organic oat porridge with poached apple.

7/4 Middleton Street, Byron Bay

Did you love our round-up of the best cafes in Byron Bay? To see more of the best spots across New South Wales check out our favourite Central Coast eateries and Blue Mountains restaurants.