12 Byron Bay Restaurants with Proper Vegan and Vegetarian Options
The Byron Bay region has long attracted food-conscious travellers, and the local dining scene reflects genuine commitment to plant-based and vegetarian cooking. Whether you're vegan by choice or just prefer to eat more vegetables, these venues across the Northern Rivers offer proper options—not an afterthought side dish. We've included restaurants and a couple of pubs worth visiting for their substantive meat-free menus.
- 1Restaurants Ewingsdale
1. No Bones Byron Bay
Start here if you want a dedicated focus on plant-based dining. Located in Ewingsdale, this venue makes vegan cooking its priority rather than an add-on.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.8(1,369)· Google69Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Restaurants Mullumbimby2. The Heritage Dining Indian Restaurant
Indian cuisine naturally suits vegetarian diets. This Mullumbimby restaurant draws on a tradition where vegetable curries, dals, and breads are central to the menu, not supplementary.
Open MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.7(106)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Cafes Lennox Head3. Beef and Beach Lennox Head
Though it's a pub with 'Beef' in the name, modern pubs in the region typically balance their offer. Lennox Head's location makes it worth checking what vegetarian options they provide.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.2(500)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Restaurants Brunswick Heads4. Sticky Fingers Pizzeria
Pizza is inherently flexible for plant-based eating. The Brunswick Heads location offers the option to build your own or choose from their vegetarian selections.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(297)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Restaurants Bangalow5. BANGBURGERBAR
While the name suggests meat, Bangalow burger bars often cater to vegetarians with creative plant-based patty options and can customise most offerings.
Open MondaysView venue4.3(339)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Restaurants Ewingsdale6. FRIDA'S FIELD
Ewingsdale venue with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients—the kind of farm-to-table approach that typically emphasises seasonal vegetables.
Open SundaysView venue4.5(136)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Restaurants Mullumbimby7. The Cardamom Pod
Another Mullumbimby Indian option with strong vegetarian credentials. The spice-forward approach means vegetables carry serious flavour.
Open MondaysView venue4.7(50)· Google56Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Restaurants Brunswick Heads8. Tom Tom Thai Restaurant
Thai cooking excels at vegetable dishes. Located in Brunswick Heads, the cuisine naturally accommodates plant-based preferences with curries, stir-fries, and rice-based plates.
Open SundaysView venue4.4(113)· Google56Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Restaurants Ballina9. Saltbush Bar & Grill
Ballina venue where a grill setting doesn't preclude good vegetable cookery—charring and roasting vegetables can be as satisfying as meat dishes when done well.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.2(140)· Google55Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Restaurants Byron Bay10. Crusta Woodfired Pizza Catering
Based in Byron Bay itself, woodfired pizza naturally suits vegetarian cooking. The high heat and quality ingredients make vegetable pizzas genuinely satisfying.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue5.0(19)· Google53Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Restaurants Ballina11. Tavola Restaurant Bar
Another Ballina option. The name suggests Italian influence, which traditionally includes substantial vegetable-forward and pasta-based dishes.
Open MondaysView venue4.2(93)· Google53Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Restaurants Ewingsdale12. Azure Bar & Grill
Ewingsdale location. Bar and grill venues increasingly recognise that vegetarians and vegans expect the same care and creativity applied to their dishes as any other diner.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.1(77)· Google$$$$52Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Bones Byron Bay | 69/100 | 4.8(1,369) | — | Ewingsdale | Open 7 days |
| The Heritage Dining Indian Restaurant | 59/100 | 4.7(106) | — | Mullumbimby | Open Mondays |
| Beef and Beach Lennox Head | 58/100 | 4.2(500) | $$ | Lennox Head | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Sticky Fingers Pizzeria | 58/100 | 4.3(297) | $$ | Brunswick Heads | Open 7 days |
| BANGBURGERBAR | 58/100 | 4.3(339) | $$ | Bangalow | Open Mondays |
| FRIDA'S FIELD | 58/100 | 4.5(136) | — | Ewingsdale | Open Sundays |
| The Cardamom Pod | 56/100 | 4.7(50) | — | Mullumbimby | Open Mondays |
| Tom Tom Thai Restaurant | 56/100 | 4.4(113) | — | Brunswick Heads | Open Sundays |
| Saltbush Bar & Grill | 55/100 | 4.2(140) | — | Ballina | Open 7 days |
| Crusta Woodfired Pizza Catering | 53/100 | 5.0(19) | — | Byron Bay | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Tavola Restaurant Bar | 53/100 | 4.2(93) | — | Ballina | Open Mondays |
| Azure Bar & Grill | 52/100 | 4.1(77) | $ | Ewingsdale | Open 7 days |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book ahead at these restaurants?+
We don't have confirmation of booking requirements for each venue. It's best to call ahead, especially during peak holiday periods when Byron Bay draws large crowds.
Are there fully vegan restaurants in Byron Bay?+
No Bones Byron Bay appears to be the venue in this list with the strongest vegan focus. For a definitive fully vegan venue, contact them directly or check their current menu online.
Which of these restaurants suits a quick lunch versus a long dinner?+
Pizza places (Sticky Fingers, Crusta) and burger bars (BANGBURGERBAR) tend to be faster. Indian and Thai restaurants (The Heritage Dining, The Cardamom Pod, Tom Tom Thai) and the bar and grills typically suit longer meals, but again, call to confirm service style.
Do these venues cater for large groups?+
We don't have group catering details. Contact venues directly—most restaurants can arrange larger bookings with notice.
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