Summer dining in Byron Bay just got hotter with the opening of The Belongil, a restaurant precinct like no other.
Helmed by renowned Chef and Restaurateur Shannon Bennett (of Vue de monde fame), The Belongil is a landmark coastal dining precinct with an innovative multi-venue experience-led offering that’s redefining the Australian hospitality scene.
The $10million project blends artistry, architecture and gastronomy intended to connect and inspire the entire community and welcome visitors alike.
“The Belongil is about the intersection of food, design, and emotion. It is a place where every detail, from the cutlery to the wall art, tells part of the story,” says Bennett. “We wanted to create something that feels intimate and inspired, but distinctly Australian. An example of this is our collaboration with Song for the Mute. We’ve banned the word ‘uniforms.’ Instead, every team member is dressed uniquely, in clothes that make them feel confident and empowered. When the season changes, they keep their outfits. This is a small but important thank you for being part of our team.”
The Belongil unfolds across four unique venues, each an interpretation of coastal sophistication, offering an accessible Kiosk up to a members only exclusive bar.
The Kiosk – A streetside outpost where barefoot ease pairs with quietly elevated fare. From coffee at sunrise to salt crusted snacks at noon and a focus on flavourful functionality, it’s a space where casual becomes considered - designed for early risers, sandy feet and familiar faces.
Belongil Bistro – A refined return to the social bistro, designed for long lunches, lazy brunches, and golden-hour gatherings. Every surface and scent tells a story - crafted from reclaimed materials and grounded in sustainability. Expect menu items such as spanner crab cocktail, Bangalow pork, pecan and apple or poached bar cod in umami broth, but save room for dessert with an incredible dessert trolley to tempt diners.
FEU – A fine-dining experience conceived as a total work of art, where the line between architecture, cuisine, and emotion disappears. “Every ingredient on this menu has a story and we’ve stood in the dirt, by the ocean, or in the shed with the people who make it possible. We know them, we trust them, and we want you to taste that connection.” Bennett explains.
Blind Tiger (Members Bar) – The name originates from 19th-century America, where “Blind Tiger” described secret speakeasies that dodged prohibition laws. Built around a 300-year- old Japanese temple painstakingly relocated and rebuilt by hand, Blind Tiger is a private space where friends gather, without social media or cameras, to share stories and spirits from one of the world’s finest whisky and cocktail collections.
At The Belongl, sustainability meets sensory innovation, where even the bathrooms are designed with purpose, featuring a mood-responsive restroom and reacts to guests’ emotions through light, sound and atmosphere. We're sure good moods are the order of the day at The Belongil!
The Belongil adds to the growing number of upscale venues, changing the landscape of Byron Bay and creating a new story for the famed seaside town.
