A Northern Rivers Coastal Escape
For Queenslanders seeking the perfect weekend getaway, Byron Bay remains a favourite. Just a short drive from Brisbane, this Northern Rivers hotspot offers surf, sunshine and, at its heart, some of the best dining on the east coast. And no trip is complete without a long lunch or sunset spritz at Balcony Bar & Oyster Co.
Perched above the buzzing streets of Byron Bay, only steps from Main Beach, Balcony Bar has become an icon for those who love fresh seafood, coastal charm and relaxed Mediterranean-inspired dining. With its sweeping wraparound balcony and daily oyster shucking, it’s a true taste of seaside holiday living.
Fresh, Simple & Seasonal
At Balcony Bar & Oyster Co., the motto is simple: fresh and amazing ingredients that speak for themselves. The team doesn’t overcomplicate things. Instead, they draw inspiration from classic seaside holidays where food comes straight off the boat and into local eateries — prepared simply, seasoned well, and served with heart.
This spring, the restaurant is unveiling a new menu where Coastal Australian meets Mediterranean. Expect light, vibrant dishes that let local produce shine, such as:
- Chilli Moreton Bay Bug Pasta – house-made pasta tossed with bug meat, garlic and cherry tomato.
- Yellowfin Tuna Carpaccio – sliced thin, dressed with capers, shallots, lemon and olive oil.
- Grilled Ballina King Prawns – flame-grilled and served with Café de Paris butter.
- Hot Grilled Seafood Platter – Moreton Bay bugs, Iluka calamari, Ballina king prawns, ocean trout and swordfish, perfect for sharing.
- Insalata di Mare – prawns, cuttlefish and octopus with lemon and olive oil vinaigrette.
Of course, oysters remain the star of the show. Whether natural, dressed or baked, they are shucked to order every day, embodying Balcony Bar’s ethos of freshness and simplicity.
A Chef’s Inspiration
Balcony’s new menu is led by Head Chef Stefano Farese, who brings a wealth of experience and heart to the kitchen.
“I was born in Cuggiono, a little town near Milan, and grew up in the city. My inspiration has always been my family — the food of my Nonna, and my Mamma, who was a professional chef,” he says. “I love food that goes from sea to plate, prepared simply but beautifully.”
Hello Sunshine, Hello Spring
To toast the new season, Balcony Bar is celebrating with its Spritz Social. Throughout September, sip $16 Aperol Spritz all day, every day, or enjoy seasonal favourites like the Watermelon & Mint Spritz, Cucumber Spritz, and Byroncello Spritz — all just $20. Paired with local seafood, there’s no better way to spend a spring afternoon.
A Northern Rivers Icon
For Brisbane day-trippers or those exploring the Northern Rivers coastline, Balcony Bar & Oyster Co. is a must. It combines the best oysters in Byron Bay, a menu centred on local and seasonal seafood, and an atmosphere that is as welcoming as it is iconic.
✨ Balcony Bar & Oyster Co. – where Coastal Australian meets Mediterranean, and every dish tells the story of the sea.
Discover the new menu and book your table at balcony.com.au.
The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co.
7/3 Lawson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
(02) 6680 9666
Balcony.com.au
