As part of the Wake Up! team and a recently turned vegetarian, I love showing off Byron Bay’s amazing and super tasty vegan and plant-based eating options to travellers. (And trust me, there are plenty). I always say, if there’s something that Byron can offer aside from its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s the unreal (and mostly organic!) food. While my cafe and restaurant list is perfect for veggie-lovers and vegans, these eateries are also much-loved by carnivores too.
All you need to do is jump on our courtesy shuttle bus to town from Wake Up! Byron, or grab one of our rental bikes, and head to your favourite venue.
Now let’s dive into some of our favourite, mostly plant-based, restaurants.
10 Vegan and Plant-Based Cafes & Restaurants in Byron Bay
1. FOLK CAFE
Breakfast; Lunch
Folk Cafe is just a 10 minute bike ride from Wake Up! Byron Bay. It has a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan meal options suitable for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Feel at home within its rustic setting – the ideal spot to sit with a friend and plan your trip, have a good nourishing plate, or bring your laptop for some remote work while enjoying a good meal.
2. BYRON BAY GENERAL STORE
Breakfast; Lunch
Byron Bay General Store is an iconic place to grab some breakfast or brunch. It is mostly a plant-based venue, where they only have some non-veg add ons if desired. They state their food is as fresh as it gets, so rush into their store and enjoy their wonderful meals while sitting in the sun.
3. HIGHLIFE BYRON BAY
Breakfast; Lunch
One of my favourite breakfast/brunch new venues in town is Highlife Byron Bay. Here, they offer a nutritious organic seasonal menu, extremely tasty meals, medicinal mushroom coffees, and all sorts of good grub. It’s not exclusively vegetarian and vegan, but their options are unreal. Trust me when I say, you must not miss this one!
- Agustina’s order: Turbo Coffee (organic cold brew, MCT, lion’s mane blended) + medicinal mushrooms with grass fed butter and sourdough; or their famous hemp bread for a gluten free option.
4. FOXY LUUS
*Temporarily closed* Lunch; Dinner
Even though Foxy Luus is not strictly vegan, they have an outstanding amount of vegan options. Rest assured, their bao buns are vegan (and are like eating a cloud!). Whether you are after lunch or a cool dinner, Foxy Luus serves fresh Asian street food, in a hip art haven by day and a playful den by night. Grab yourself some bao buns, or a tasting plate, and soak in the great atmosphere.
- Extra tip #1: Foxy Luus has weekly live music on Wednesdays and Sundays; Latin nights on Mondays.
- Extra tip #2: You can also book the inside section for group gatherings, making it a great group activity.
- Extra tip #3: The restaurant is BYO, and there’s a bottle shop literally next door.
5. OCA CUISINE
Lunch; Dinner
When it comes to Brazilian meals, Oca knows the deal. Located in the Byron Arts and Industrial Estate, they offer organic plant-based Brazilian options, with a different menu for lunch and dinner. Prepare your taste buds to be blown away by the cassava taste, or the unreal tapioca crepes. There’s also occasional live music here.
6. CARDAMOM POD
Lunch; Dinner
Located in a small alley in the heart of Byron, Cardamon Pod serves Hare Krishna and Satvic plant-based meals. You can enjoy taking a seat in their small pod or enjoy a takeaway meal.
7. ELIXIBA
Lunch; Dinner
Elixiba is a plant-based and alchemy bar located in Feros Arcade in Byron Bay’s town centre. Take your pick from their healthy, healing meals and herbal infused drinks, all while enjoying the very chilled atmosphere. They have specials every month, such as “pay what you want” days, just have a look at their website!
8. NO BONES
Dinner
If you have vegan food dreams (or are simply a foodie enthusiast), No Bones is your place to be. Enjoy their butter chick’n or chick’n wings, and their tasty cocktails. They shake up a happy hour everyday from 5-6pm, and they have occasional live music. No Bones is a great option if you’re travelling in a group, as their menu is a shared, tapas style. Simply ask their staff for recommendations, and enjoy!
9. MANNA HAVEN
Lunch
Home cooked, nourishing food is what you’ll discover at Manna Haven. This 100% fully vegan cafe has beautiful vibes, and is a great option when you’re seeking not only a delicious vegetarian meal, but a moment of serenity too. The menu features dishes like curries, salads, gluten-free lasagna, lentil burgers, vegan desserts and smoothies. Also recommend for those who are gluten free – they have so many options for you!
10. YULLIS BAR & RESTAURANT
Lunch; Dinner
Yullis is known for their amazing South-East Asian and Mediterranean inspired cuisine, as well as great beer and wine options. Their venue is all plant based, they have a big range of gluten free options, and they are just simply awesome. Definitely make sure you try it out – I promise it won’t disappoint!
- Extra tip: Yum cha is available on Saturday and Sundays, from 11:30am – 3:00pm.
Byron Bay Accommodation
Need somewhere to rest your head between delicious plant-based meals and the best vegan fare? Wake Up! Byron Bay provides affordable backpacking accommodation, loved by travellers worldwide. With an attention to quality, a social atmosphere, and plenty of complimentary perks and inclusions, it’s a hostel experience like no other.