Why stop at one restaurant when you can create an entire precinct? Acclaimed Aussie chef Shannon Bennett has done exactly that, unveiling The Belongil, a multi-level, four-venue dining destination set to redefine Byron Bay.

Partnering with neighbour and long-time friend Glen Norman, the duo has pooled a cool $10 million into the project, bringing food, art, architecture and community together.

For this full-scale hospitality takeover, Shannon arrives with a tour de force of culinary talent in tow. Long-time collaborators Cory Campbell, Ryan Henley, Steven Kirkpatrick and Carlos Simoes Santos, all alumni of Shannon’s famous Melbourne restaurant, Vue de monde, form the backbone of the kitchens, each adding their own flavour to the mix.

The precinct also unites an impressive roll call of artists and designers, including Nik Karalis, Lee Brennan, Jack Bailey, Otis Hope Carey, Alex Pole, GRIT Studio, Andrew Trewern and Sam Gordon. Together, they have helped create an environment where art and dining collide, from incorporating recycled timbers from a 300-year-old Japanese temple to AI immersion toilets into the design. Yes, even the bathroom becomes part of the experience, with a toilet that responds to your voice and delivers a tailored soundscape aimed at lifting your mood!

At the heart of The Belongil is a commitment to local produce. Shannon and his team have travelled up and down the east coast, meeting fishers, farmers and makers, giving farm-to-table a whole new meaning.

Like any good series, the openings of these four venues are being rolled out slowly over December. Here’s what to expect, venue by venue.

The Kiosk
Open early for dawn-patrol surfers and sandy-feet foodies, The Kiosk delivers streetside eats designed to fuel your morning. Kickstart your day with St ALi coffee and grab-and-go snacks, or linger over breakfast jars like chia pudding topped with coconut yoghurt, berries and cacao nibs. Savoury lunch options include turmeric and ginger–poached chicken with barley, cucumber, cos and almond dukkha. There are also smoothies, burgers, and possibly Byron’s bougiest vending machine, stocked with takeaway matcha, iced teas, elixirs and breakfast bars.

Belongil Bistro
For those who want to stay a while, the Bistro welcomes you in, shoes or not. Built with reclaimed materials and shaped by community, the space is grounded in sustainability and designed for long lunches that effortlessly drift into evening soirees. Expect dishes like Dan Fleming’s spanner crab cocktail, Moran Family Farm lamb leg cooked in kelp and clay for 12 hours, and irresistible desserts like vanilla and yuzu soufflé with raspberry ice cream. 

FEU
FEU (French for fire) is Shannon’s passion project. This is fine dining, Byron-style, with a choose-your-own-adventure experience where multi-course ingredient-focused menus blur the line between creativity and cuisine. As Bennett puts it: “Every ingredient on this menu has a story. We’ve stood in the dirt, by the ocean, or in the shed with the people who make it possible. We know them, we trust them, and we want you to taste that connection.”

Blind Tiger
Named after a secret bar in New York during 19th-century American prohibition, Blind Tiger takes on a new form here as a hidden, members-only sanctuary. Details are scarce, but inside looks like an upturned boat, and you’re only allowed entry if you know a local who’s on the guest list. Bennett and Norman’s shared love of music, rare spirits and deep conversations takes centre stage here, and leaves us wanting more.

Where: 33–35 Childe Street, Byron Bay, NSW
When: Times vary for each venue.

Words by Lisette Drew

Byron Bay. Just an hour south, but a whole new vibe. When the GC feels a little too familiar and you need a new coastal playground to frolic in, Byron always delivers – with cocktails, croissants and crystal shops. Whether you’re chasing handcrafted margaritas, beachside brekkies or that elusive ‘wellness era,’ here’s why we keep making the pilgrimage.

1. Because the Beach Hotel is basically a rite of passage

Name a more iconic duo than a Byron sunset and a cold one at the Beachy. You can’t. This pub is legendary for a reason – live tunes, ocean views, and a beer garden that feels like one long Sunday session. And now there’s The Shack, their new seaside bar slinging lobster tacos, lychee martinis and seriously cruisy vibes. It’s the Byron glow-up we didn’t know we needed.
Where: 1 Bay Street, Byron Bay

2. Because nothing hits like a cold one at the source

Stone & Wood is Byron’s OG brewery and an absolute must for craft beer lovers. Sip a fresh Pacific Ale straight from the tank, kick back in the leafy beer garden, and snack on epic eats from 100 Mile Table. Tour optional, good times guaranteed.
Where: 100 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay

3. Because the restaurants are the stuff of foodie dreams

Byron’s food game is elite. Some GC faves have even set up shop there – plus a few you’ll want to gatekeep.

•  Beach Byron Bay – Dine with uninterrupted ocean views. Coastal luxe at its finest. Clarkes Beach, 2 Massinger Street, Byron Bay
•  Three Blue Ducks at The Farm – Paddock-to-plate done very right, in the prettiest farm setting. 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale
•  Pixie Italian – 70s Italian chic with Byron flair. Gnocchi night is a must. 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay
•  Light Years – Modern Asian faves, terrazzo bars, and cocktails that pack a punch. 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay
•  Miss Margarita – Fresh, fun Mexican steps from the sand. Margaritas with actual muscle. 2 Jonson St, Byron Bay
•  Bang Bang – Asian fusion and serious buzz. Try the Emerald Garden cocktail – dangerously sippable. 4/1 Byron St, Byron Bay

4. Because brunch here is a personality trait

Breakfast is sacred, and Byron treats it accordingly.

•  Top Shop – Vintage milk bar vibes with brekkie burgers worth the drive. 65 Carlyle St, Byron Bay
•  The General Store – Historic charm and mostly plant-based eats that actually slap. 26 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay
•  Roca – Dulce de leche pancakes that’ll ruin you for all other pancakes. 14 Lawson Street, Byron Bay
•  Éclair at The Bay – Pastries that’ll haunt your dreams (in the best way possible). 3a/1 Byron St, Byron Bay
•  Baloney’s Deli – Sopranos-style sandwiches + $2 espresso bar. Fuggedaboutit. 10-12 Shirley Street, Byron Bay

5. Because the bars are hot, salty, and full of sangria

Byron knows how to pour a drink, and the vibes are immaculate.

• Byron Bay Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant – Oysters shucked to order, luxe raw bar bites and coastal elegance. 4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay  
• The Mez Club – Mediterranean magic in the form of clay-hued interiors and dreamy cocktails. Bottomless brunches and interiors that will 100% end up on your Instagram. 85-87 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
• Balcony Bar & Oyster Co – Cocktails, oysters and people-watching from the wraparound balcony. It’s giving vintage movie star energy (with a side of seafood). Corner of Jonson & Lawson Streets, Byron Bay
•  Bar Heather – With 700+ bottles and serious food cred, this wine bar is equal parts swanky and sippable. 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
•  Smoking Camel – Middle Eastern eats, zesty cocktails, and a vibe that says, “Yes, I do own a spice rack.” 17 Lawson St, Byron Bay

6. Because shopping here = finding your boho alter ego

Byron’s boutiques hit different – floaty, boho, and expensive in a way that feels justified.

•  Spell – Floaty dresses and Byron-born boho realness. 15 Browning St, Byron Bay
•  Mister Zimi – Retro prints for your inner disco queen. 5/85-87 Jonson St, Byron Bay
•  Zulu & Zephyr – Swimwear and leisurewear made for sun-drenched lounging. 10/11 Banksia Dr, Byron Bay
•  St. Agni – Minimalist heaven. Think earthy tones and rich-girl sandals. 4 Acacia St, Byron Bay
•  Temple of the Sun – Jewellery with soul. Timeless, ethically made, and totally covetable. 3 Ti-Tree Pl, Byron Bay
•  Habitat – A design-lover’s dream precinct. Come for the boutiques, stay for the vibe. 1 Porter St, Byron Bay

7. Because you can ride a horse on the beach (yes, really)

Zephyr Horses makes every horse girl’s dreams come true with forest-to-beach rides. It’s giving The Saddle Club but aesthetic.
Where: 145 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

8. Because the lighthouse walk is elite cardio

The Cape Byron loop is 3.7km of breathtaking views, ocean breezes, and smug satisfaction. Bonus: you’re basically guaranteed to spot dolphins, whales or a shirtless surfer named Bodhi.
Where: 199 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay

9. Because soaking in a bathhouse counts as exercise

Navia Bathhouse is your ticket to mineral soaks, icy plunges, and steaming away the sins of last night’s mezcal. This sleek little sanctuary serves Scandinavian calm with an Aussie accent – think steamy saunas, icy plunges, and magnesium pools that feel like a full-body exhale.
Where: 7 Marvell St, Byron Bay

10. Because staying the night is dangerously tempting

You came for the day. You stayed for the magnesium pool. Byron’s got no shortage of dreamy digs to rest your head.

• Hotel Marvell – Designer rooms, plush suites and a rooftop bar and pool. 4 Marvell St, Byron Bay
•  Basq House – Boutique and boujee with art deco flair. 4 Fletcher Ln, Byron Bay
•  Raes Guesthouses – Byron’s newest luxe stay brings vintage charm, dreamy suites and two lap pools just steps from Wategos. Guests also score access to Raes Dining Room, Cellar Bar and spa – beachside bliss, sorted. 1 Marine Parade, Byron Bay
•  Elements of Byron – Beachfront luxe with a spa and a kid-free pool. You deserve it. Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

11. Because you’ll absolutely bump into a Hemsworth

No proof, just vibes. When Hollywood’s golden gods (hi, Hemsworths) choose Byron as their backyard, you know it’s got something special. From actors to artists, celebs have clocked the chill factor – and honestly, same.

12. Because there’s no place like Byron

Spiritual. Stylish. Slightly chaotic. But always, always worth the trip.

Words by Chelsea Ipsen and Belinda Symons

If you’ve been looking for a reason to ditch your usual dinner plans and head south of the border, we’ve got just the ticket – and it’s dressed in moody lighting, plated like art, and possibly smoked over cherrywood.

Introducing Dorsia, Byron Bay’s bespoke new dining spot crafting contemporary Australian fare with flavours that flirt shamelessly with international technique. This intimate 32-seat gastronomic hideaway – founded by the esteemed culinary mastermind Martyn Ridings of Project Chef fame, is what happens when a private chef goes public…and we all win.

The vibe at Dorsia could best be described as “Byron noir” and is like a moodier, tastier version of your favourite book club. The dining room is cloaked in deep red French-washed walls, giving off strong Parisian bistro energy, and just the right amount of mystery. And at the heart of the space is the eye-catching 12-seat Chef’s Table that runs the length of the kitchen. Inspired by Japanese omakase dining, plates are prepared and served right before your eyes, so there’s no hiding behind swinging doors or suspiciously long waits for sauce.

Inspired by UK born Martyn’s time working in fine-dining kitchens across Australia and abroad (including two-Michelin-star restaurants in Southern France), Dorsia is a reflection of everything he loves about food: artistic execution, genuine hospitality, and ingredients so local, they probably waved at him on the way in.

There’s a seasonally shifting tasting menu, but some stunners are here to stay – including the 14-Day Dry-Aged Duck, slow-cooked, grilled over charcoal and lovingly kissed with cherrywood smoke (yes, it’s as sexy as it sounds). It’s served with pumpkin red miso and a red wine jus that takes four days to make (yes four, that’s not a typo) – a nod to Martyn’s inspiration from Thomas Keller’s iconic French Laundry.

If duck doesn’t ruffle your feathers, the Cured Kangaroo with native pepperberry, pickled daikon and a foam of parsnip and horseradish will hop right into your heart.

From the sea, there’s line-caught Flame Tail Snapper marinated in turmeric-laced hiwaij, wood-fired to perfection, and plated with coconut, kaffir lime, red papaya and toasted local macadamias.

And for dessert? A Caramelised White Chocolate Cheesecake with tarragon oil of course, a sweet-tart-floral fantasy that shouldn’t make sense – but somehow totally does.

Dorsia might be new, but the concept is seasoned. Years of private cheffing have taught Martyn that people don’t just want food – they want a connection, a story, and an experience that feels like it was made just for them.

In a world obsessed with share plates, Dorsia is marching to the beat of its own beautifully curated drum. Here, the experience is yours and yours alone – no awkward negotiations over the last scallop. Martyn’s vision is to give guests a night that feels deeply personal, like you’re not just dining at a restaurant, you’re part of it.

So if you’re ready to lean hard into one of the most exciting dining concepts to hit Byron Bay (and let’s be honest, the entire Northern Rivers region), tell Siri to make a beeline for Dorsia, because life’s just too short to miss out on four-day jus.

Where: 109 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
When: 3pm – 12pm Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to 4pm Sunday. Closed Monday.

Words by Bianca Trathen