Saltbush Bar & Grill

Saltbush Bar & Grill is a waterfront restaurant at 2 Martin Street, where the Richmond River meets Ballina’s dining scene. Established in 2024, it presents itself as a coastal venue built around local produce, with the kitchen drawing on ocean-caught seafood, Northern Rivers beef and seasonal vegetables from nearby farms. The setting is central to the experience: the restaurant describes dining on its riverfront deck, with options ranging from relaxed daytime meals to dinner, cocktails and wine by the water.

The menu covers breakfast, Friday-to-Sunday lunch, dinner and a broad drinks list. Breakfast ranges from a simple bacon and egg roll with coffee to more substantial plates such as the Saltbush Big Breakfast, while the all-day selection includes smashed avocado, eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes and a house chilli scramble. Lunch leans into the region with offerings including Sydney Rock oysters, Ballina king prawns, local fish and Southern Ranges beef. The Seafood Platter for Two is one of the more substantial choices, bringing together grilled and pan-seared king prawns, wild-caught market fish, oysters, saltbush calamari, flathead, chips and salad.

Dinner provides a wider choice across seafood, meat and vegetarian or vegan dishes. Named specialities include Ballina King Prawn Linguine, Fish of the Moment, Northern Rivers Confit Duck Maryland, Slow Cooked Massaman Lamb Shank and Southern Ranges Rib Eye Steak. The menu also includes Char Siu Tofu and Roasted Eggplant Meatballs for plant-based diners, alongside desserts such as Sticky Date Pudding, Classic Crème Brûlée and Chocolate Bakewell Tart. Dietary markers and optional variations are listed throughout the menus, although guests are asked to advise the team about allergies and requirements.

The bar adds cocktails, wine, beer and spirits, with classics available on request. Its cocktail list includes Margaritas, Martinis, Mojitos, Spritzes and Sours, while the wine selection spans Australian and international labels by the glass and bottle. Saltbush also runs occasion-based events, including high tea, themed lunches, buffet breakfast and special three-course menus, giving groups a reason to return beyond the regular offering. It suits a waterfront lunch, a more considered dinner, drinks with friends or a family meal, with a kids menu that includes chicken nuggets, ravioli and battered fish with chips and salad.