The hip industrial decor at Barrio blends in well to its industrial estate surrounds, where Argentinian-chef Francisco Smoje serves a flavour-filled menu of share plates straight from the charcoal grill and wood-fired oven. Prop at the bar or cosy into a communal wooden table to start with beef empanadas before moving on to charcoal piri piri chicken.

Barrio's space and menu transitions easily from daytime cafe (serving St Ali coffee) to evening dining destination. There's also a cabinet of daily-made sandwiches and salads.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Byron Bay attractions

1. Belongil Beach

0.91 MILES

Northwest of the town centre, wild Belongil Beach has high dunes and avoids the worst of the crowds. It's clothing-optional in parts. At its eastern end…

2. The Farm

1.79 MILES

This photogenic, 32-hectare green oasis outside Byron is shared by Three Blue Ducks restaurant, a produce store, the Bread Social bakery, an ice-creamery…

3. Main Beach

2.06 MILES

Immediately in front of town, lifesaver-patrolled Main Beach is busy from sunrise to sunset with yoga classes, sunbakers, buskers and occasionally fire…

4. Cape Byron Distillery

2.5 MILES

Set on the Brook family's scenic farm in Byron's hinterland is the Cape Byron Distillery, home to a much-lauded Brookie's dry gin. It's created with 26…

5. Clarkes Beach

2.58 MILES

An eastern, and often unexpectedly serene, extension of busy Main Beach. Byron's most popular surf break is at the Pass, where Clarkes Beach meets the…

6. Captain Cook Lookout

2.75 MILES

Start your 3.7km walking track around Cape Byron from the Captain Cook Lookout. The rainforest stretch near the lookout has the best wildlife-spotting ops.

7. Cape Byron State Conservation Park

2.95 MILES

The Cape Byron State Conservation Park is home to the Cape Byron lighthouse, plenty of stunning lookouts (including from the most eastern point of the…

8. Watego's Beach

3.12 MILES

East of Main Beach, the small crescent of Watego's fringes Byron's most affluent enclave. Dolphin sightings are common here.