Light Years

When the original Light Years opened on Byron Bay’s main drag in 2017, it became an instant classic for its fun, modern takes on Asian cuisine. Though it’s since moved to a much bigger space in the shiny Jonson Lane precinct (and now with more beach-y locations in Burleigh Heads, Noosa and Newcastle), this bar and diner remains as classic as ever.

Co-founders Kim Stephen and James Sutherland have tapped head chef Joachim Borenius (ex- Mjølner Sydney) to create a menu alongside executive chef Robbie Oijvall. You might start with prawn toast doughnuts with a yuzu koshu dipping sauce, or salt-and-pepper tofu seasoned with szechuan pepper and honey king prawns with typhoon shelter crumbs. There’s also a selection of bao buns (Korean fried chicken and eggplant katsu are the one’s to get your hands around) as well as vegetarian and meat-filled dumplings.

At the bar, find cocktails such as the ‘Netflix and Chill’ combining popcorn infused rum, passionfruit and lemon; or the Szechuan Sour infused with gin, Aperol, vermouth and orange. As well as tap beer, there’s a solid selection of international and Australian wines.

Renowned interior designer Sarah Ellison has led the restaurant’s fit-out in collaboration with Plenty Studio. Together, they've utilisied the venue’s L-shape, natural light and a peachy colour palette to create an open-plan dining room with a terrazzo table-top bar at its centre. Perch here for a drink (or two), or settle into one of the cosy banquets for a lengthy feast. You can also bring your pooch to the al fresco section out front.