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Flame licked fare

Sefa Kitchen serves up Middle Eastern magic in Byron Bay.

PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

Are you ready to spice up your summer? Sefa Kitchen, Bondi’s beloved Middle Eastern hotspot, opened in Byron Bay recently and is making waves. This culinary gem is the latest project from restaurateurs Utku Ayhan and Nicolas Degryse, and it adds some serious “falafal-abulous” flair to the local food scene.

Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

Utku Ayhan is no stranger to Byron Bay’s dining scene, having been part of the local food fabric since 2016 opening Asian street food venue Foxy Luu’s. Together with Degryse, whose social-enterprise roots in hospitality have transformed dining into a force for good, the pair bring a thoughtful, community-driven approach to the table.

Following the sizzling successes of Commune Canteen and Gitana Spanish Wine Bar earlier this year, Sefa Kitchen brings a feast of Levantine and North African delights. Known for its rustic yet refined dishes that are rooted in centuries-old traditions, It’s a journey to the Middle East in three stops – a casual canteen, a dining room and a bar for a Byron Bay boogie – serving up history, culture and a whole lot of flavour.

Utku Ayhan and Nicolas Degryse (image supplied)
Utku Ayhan and Nicolas Degryse (image supplied)

So, what’s cooking? At the heart of Sefa Kitchen is its wood-fire oven and open-flame grill, a setup that makes every bite a little smoky love letter to the ancient cooking methods of the Middle East. Istanbul in Turkey straddles East and West, and so does Sefa Kitchen, where by day, you’ll find canteen-style dishes served on neat trays, featuring a Mediterranean menu that’s always evolving, including a new summer breakfast menu. Filbir Turkish Frittata with burnt spicy butter, garlic yoghurt, dried mint and sumac as well as the Pide Flatbread with toppings like confit garlic, sulgani cheese, egg and dukkah are already local favourites.

Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

When the sun goes down, the dining room takes centre stage with generous share platters, ideal for wrapping in warm Manaqueesh bread and diving in hands-first. (Yes, utensils are optional – but trust us, getting your hands messy is half the fun!)

The menu is a mezze medley of delights, from halloumi with local smoked bush honey, radicchio and pistachio to crispy brussel sprouts with almond tarator, sorghum dukkah and barberry salt. The star of the show? A slow-roasted baharat lamb shoulder, meltingly tender and paired with cauliflower purée, sumac onions and pomegranate. For the sweet tooth, there’s saffron panna cotta topped with date molasses and Persian floss – adding a wisp of royalty to Arabian nights.

Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

Sefa’s philosophy of sharing shines in the Magic Carpet Ride – a crowd-favorite five-course set menu for just $55 per person.

Keeping the good vibes flowing long into the night, Sefa’s cocktail menu is as creative as its cuisine, featuring jewells like the Egyptian Hibiscus Spritz – a bright, floral concoction of hibiscus tea, vodka, ginger, and prosecco, and the Musky Istanbul, a mezcal twist on refreshing limonata.

Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

Sefa Kitchen sits seamlessly in Habitat, Byron Bay’s village hub that blends community, creativity and sustainability with modern innovations like renewable energy, car-sharing and hybrid work and play spaces. Sefa hosts a range of events from the Habitat courtyard, including poetry nights, cabaret acts and salsa sessions. So don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes!

Where: Habitat, 1 Porter Street, Byron Bay
When: Canteen: Mon – Fri 7:30am–3pm
Kitchen and Bar: Wed – Sat 5:30pm to late

Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Sefa Kitchen, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

Paella and chill

Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

Hola, amigos! If you’re looking for a new go-to spot in Byron Bay, let us introduce you to Gitana – the latest gem nestled within the lush embrace of Nourishing Habitat. It’s not on the Gold Coast, but we’re okay with claiming the Northern Rivers as our own since it’s just a stone’s throw away. And we’re always up for a foodie road trip!

Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

With its perfect blend of Spanish charm and Byron Bay’s signature, relaxed coastal vibe, Gitana has all the ingredients to make it your new favourite hangout and did we mention it’s part of Nourishing Habitat – a collective of new by day, different by night foodie spits so you can change your meal with your feels.

Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

We’re big fans of Spain, we’re big fans of Byron and we’re even bigger fans of wine bars so some might say we’ve found the holy trinity with this new gem so catch us rushing there faster than you can say ‘flamenco’.

Paella at Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Paella at Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

Now let’s cut to it, we’re all here to know about the food – guilty? The menu is a thoughtful mix of Spain’s culinary treasures – of which we all know there are aplenty – like all the paella your tum could desire and those tasty little Ortiz sardine tins that are just as delish as they are ‘grammable.

The counter makes for a lush display of all the bite sized bits and bobs that round out the menu as it all forms part of the theatre and experience, if you’re anything like and you’re all about eating with your eyes then we’ve got you.

Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

Don’t stress if you’ve come with an extra big hole in your tum because there’s goodies like rillette baguettes and grazing boards galore so no one’s leaving hungry – but maybe do leave some room for a little post-lunch siesta.

Wine lovers you’ll be happy to know that their collection rotates weekly so I guess you just have to keep coming back for more, and feature a curated selection of Mediterranean and local drops, along with Spanish inspired aperitifs and cocktails because it’d be criminal not to.

Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

It’s got everything you expect from a classic Spanish wine bar and it proudly embodies that title, while also paying homage to Northern Rivers most boujee beachside burbs with a relaxed dining vibe that’ll make you feel like you’ve just popped into the locals best kept secret – even if you aren’t a local.

The epic outdoor courtyard brings those tapas cravings and creativity together, the ultimate spot for foodies and the community to get together and have a chin wag over a cheeky cocktail in the fresh Coastal air and under the Jacaranda that takes centre stage while you soak up sweet tunes and good vibes.

Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

If you’re here for a good time AND a long time then you’ll be tickled pink to hear that special events are Gitana’s jam, think all day Happy Hour Thursday (hurry up and take our money) and pintxos for $2 on Saturdays – yep, you’re reading that right. And for some reason everything just tastes so much better when it’s a bargain, you know?

Salud! Here’s to many unforgettable nights at Gitana.

Where: Nourishing Habitat, 1 Porter Street, Byron Bay
When: Wednesday to Saturday, 3:30pm – late

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
Images by @jilliangiamchugh

Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)
Gitana, Spanish Wine Bar, Byron Bay (image by @jilliangiamchugh)

11 road trip worthy restaurants

Paper Daisy restaurant located within boutique hotel Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach (image supplied by Destination NSW)
Paper Daisy restaurant located within boutique hotel Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach (image supplied by Destination NSW)

Every January the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) bestows upon us its much anticipated Chef Hat Awards, a discerning and definitive ranking of culinary excellence. Aka, the foodie holy grail. For hardcore dining devotees, it feels a lot like Christmas morning. Our very own cheat sheet to work our way, hungry caterpillar style, around the most esteemed and decorated local destinations.

Our Northern Rivers neighbours, in particular, are giving us plenty of reasons to pack our appetites and venture south for some serious nosh. Here are 11 of this year’s most road trip worthy restaurants.

Ben Devlin cooking at Pipit (image supplied by Tweed Tourism)
Ben Devlin cooking at Pipit (image supplied by Tweed Tourism)

Pipit
Founded by former Paper Daisy chef, Pipit owner Ben Devlin is no stranger to the art of crafting exquisite eats – nor has he pulled any punches when it comes to his first solo venture. And AGFG clearly agrees, with Pottsville’s Coronation Avenue darling taking out the coveted top spot among this year’s most noteworthy Northern Rivers Hat recipients.

Pipit’s superb score of 16/20 propels them to pole position on our day trip priority list and also, according to the AGFG, ‘ worth a detour’ designation.

Set aside a few hours and treat yourself to the revelatory set menu dining experience, a curated sequence of flavours, textures and ideas spanning over several hours, one which Ben likens to ‘a day trip around the Northern Rivers’ in and of itself.
Where: 8 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville

Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay (image supplied)
Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay (image supplied)

Rae’s Dining Room
Coming in second place with a score of 15 is Byron Bay institution, Raes on Wategos. Headed by Executive Chef Jason Saxby, the restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence deemed ‘Quite Out of the Ordinary’ by AGFG- we wholeheartedly agree.

The chic, boutique retreat, an icon set amongst Byron’s idyllic beaches, delivers a fine dining experience in its Dining Room, headed by Executive Chef Jason Saxby. A culinary showcase of the region, curated with Mediterranean influences, the menu offers Caviar service, 3-course a la carte and Tasting Menu options.

A word of warning, though – after tasting dishes like Australian Bay Lobster (bug), glazed in fermented chilli, hand-rolled fregola pasta, and the Lemon Meringue Bombe, served with lemon aspen sorbet and lemon myrtle semifreddo, you might just want to move in.
Where: 6 – 8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay

Mcauley’s Road Beef, Tweed River House (image supplied)
Mcauley’s Road Beef, Tweed River House (image supplied)

Tweed River House
Murwillumbah’s aptly named Tweed River House, perched just a stone’s throw from its banks, also scored a hat – earning a rating of 14 for its gastronomic bistro and bar experience. Shout out to master chef Dayron Perugorria.

The venue, housed in a spruced up, century-old colonial-style mansion – offers a panoramic river vantage flanked by wraparound verandas, and elevated eats to match.

The luxurious and immaculately appointed interiors alone make it worth filling your tank. Still, decadent dishes like Ratatouille made with confit eggplant, tomato consommé, roasted zucchini, condiment puree and tapenade and the Citrus Bavarois with lime & gin biscuit, orange gel, lemongrass powder and macadamia certainly sweeten the deal.
Where: 131 River St, South Murwillumbah

Bistro Livi, Murwillumbah (image supplied)
Bistro Livi, Murwillumbah (image supplied)

Bistro Livi
Another noshery deemed to be one of the best in the Northern Rivers Restaurant category is Murwillumbah’s Bistro Livi, scoring the prestigious hat accolade with its total of 14.

A short 30km trek from Cooly and one of the fresher faces among its culinary cohort – if you’re yet to be acquainted with Livi, it’s an easy one to tick off the list when you’re looking for a low effort adventure snap you out of the Sunday lazies (or scaries).

Tucked within the arts precinct of the tight-knit Murbah community – the European-inspired venue radiates romance with rustic textures and an inviting, intimate ambience, while Spanish influences inform the menu. It’s certainly not just the AGFG critics that this regional gem has succeeded in winning over… #swoon.
Where: 1A 1-3 Brisbane St, Murwillumbah

Frida's Field, Nashua (image supplied)
Frida's Field, Nashua (image supplied)

Frida’s Field
If long, lazy farm lunches are your vibe, Frida’s Field is a must. Set on 120 dreamy acres just outside Bangalow, this paddock-to-plate gem dishes up a seasonal feast that scored 13/20. Award-winning chef Alastair Waddell lets Northern Rivers produce shine with a modern Australian menu that changes every six weeks—think wood-fired meats, farm-fresh veggies and big, bold flavours.

With only three long lunches a week (Friday to Sunday), this is a slow-food experience in every sense—one sitting per service, plenty of time to sip, savor, and soak up the Byron hinterland views. Whether you go omnivore or veg, you’re in for a next-level spread that might just ruin you for regular dining forever.
Where: 76 Booyong Road, Nashua

The Hut Byron Bay, Possum Creek (image supplied)
The Hut Byron Bay, Possum Creek (image supplied)

The Hut Byron Bay
This Possum Creek gem scored 13, shocking absolutely no one who’s ever eaten there. Set in a literal old-school setting (the former OPossum Creek Public School), it pairs Southern European flavors with Byron hinterland charm.

Soak up garden views through airy white windows as you dive into fresh oysters or Burrata with grilled zucchini, bottarga, and pistachios. For mains, expect delights such as  Pappardelle al Ragù, beef and pork ragù, fresh radicchio and Parmigiano Reggiano and whole butterflied snapper with fish with tahini butter, fried capers and olive crumb.

Rustic, refined, and ridiculously good—this is one lesson in good taste you won’t want to skip.
Where: 471 Friday Hut Road, Possum Creek

Beach Byron Bay, Clarkes Beach (image supplied)
Beach Byron Bay, Clarkes Beach (image supplied)

Beach Byron Bay
With a score of 13 and front-row seats to Clarkes Beach, Beach Byron Bay is a local fave for good reason. Their seafood-focused, hyper-seasonal menu celebrates Northern Rivers produce and their wine list is equally well-curated.

Start with the Byron Bay ricotta, local figs, honey, almond, sourdough crackers before moving on to the Duck breast with hazelnut, muscat grape, and watercress. For dessert, don’t restrain yourself, there’s Mille Feuille with peach custard, lemon myrtle, and vanilla mousse to be had!
Where: Clarkes Beach, 2 Massinger Street, Byron Bay

Spiced falafel, whipped tahini, pomegranate, pistachio and roti, Shelter, Lennox Head (image supplied)
Spiced falafel, whipped tahini, pomegranate, pistachio and roti, Shelter, Lennox Head (image supplied)

Shelter
For a long, leisurely meal in a ridiculously scenic spot, Shelter is the move. with a score of 13, an award-winning wine list, and bi-fold windows framing 7 Mile Beach, it’s got everything going for it—top-tier food, service, and views.

From sunrise to sunset, they’re serving up seasonal, sustainable, and ethically sourced goodness. Kick off your morning with spiced falafel, whipped tahini, poached eggs, pomegranate, pistachio, herbs and roti or swing by later for gems like local sashimi, ginger, bonito vinegar, lemon oil, followed by 350g Rangers Valley porterhouse steak, black sesame and roasted miso emulsion. Don’t skip the smashed chat potatoes with togarashi mayo and paprika salt. Trust us.
Where: 41 Pacific Parade, Lennox Head

Paper Daisy restaurant located within boutique hotel Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach (image supplied by Destination NSW)
Paper Daisy restaurant located within boutique hotel Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach (image supplied by Destination NSW)

Paper Daisy
Halcyon House’s beloved Paper Daisy of course also earned itself a nod, with an honourable 14. The esteemed and elegant eatery, sitting pretty against Cabarita Beach’s stunning shores – is not just reserved for sandy-footed in-house guests.

We’re all invited to see what the fuss is about courtesy of the bar, open from 3pm, or for dinner. Led by Andrew Milford, the kitchen shoots for ‘sophisticated simplicity’, where you can expect to delight in inventive and delectable dishes like Local Hiramasa kingfish, cos, radish, pea, brown rice vinegar butter or Rangers Valley Wagyu flank MB5+, poblano pepper, potato confit, whey & mustard.

We’d recommend packing your appetite (and your towel, because, y’know, Caba #phwoar).
Where: 21 Cypress Cres, Cabarita Beach

Couple having lunch at Potager, Carool (image supplied by Tweed Tourism)
Couple having lunch at Potager, Carool (image supplied by Tweed Tourism)

Potager
Capitalising on Carool’s sweeping valley views, Potager – A Kitchen Garden has long been a favourite destination among locals and discerning visitors. The charming nosher is also somewhat of a teacher’s pet, earning a score of 13 for its Modern Australian style eats in this year’s Chef Hat Awards – along with a near-perfect 4.8 score on Google, might we add… and honestly, we’re not sure which is harder to pull off.

Set on a small 10-acre farm, the seasonal menu is informed by locally sourced produce, much of which is grown on the property. Dishes like the Byron Bay burrata served with charred summer stone fruit, basil, evoo and warm focaccia, are a testament to the community-minded culinary experience, while the Alabama apple pie made with apple and rosemary sorbet, Brookies Mac compote, and cinnamon Swiss meringue macadamia gets a mention, because #yum
Where: 502 Carool Rd, Carool

Bar Heather, Byron Bay (image by Jess Kearney)
Bar Heather, Byron Bay (image by Jess Kearney)

Bar Heather
Perched on Byron Bay’s Jonson Lane, Bar Heather transports its diners to the charm of Paris or New York – at least that’s what it feels like. They lead with an exquisite selection of natural wine, followed by an equally impressive menu, so clearly designed to torture and tantalise you into returning time and time again. It’s no surprise that they, too, were awarded a 13/20.
You must try their mahi mahi with green chilli and brown butter (oh my) and the burnt honey and cardamom ice cream sandwich (oh my, oh my).
Where: 139 Jonson Lane, Byron Bay

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

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