The 4 best eateries on the island of Ballina, Australia

An eye-catching venue, managed by a duo of Israeli brothers, has undergone a brand revamp and is now referred to as Cafe Boker, having formerly been known as Chef and Shuka. However, the rebranding has not affected the excellent quality of cuisine and hospitality that earned the eatery its devoted following among both locals and tourists.

The establishment's menu caters to Middle Eastern cuisine lovers, boasting rich aromas and sizable servings of wholesome ingredients. For an appetizer, you might sample vegetarian avocado smash, which comes with mint and poached egg, and then, be sure to indulge in Israeli chicken shawarma with home fries. Lunchtime at this authentic cafe is not complete without Egyptian falafel, savory shakshuka or tender and aromatic slow-cooked lamb served atop a bed of homemade creamy hummus.

The cafe also offers a broad selection of coffee and alternative beverages from The Little Marionette, a local company that roasts its own coffee beans and produces full-bodied, crowd-pleasing blends.

Che Bon, a family-owned restaurant, is a gem in the Northern Rivers region, beloved by locals for its authentic French cuisine for over 15 years. Its warm and inviting wooden interiors are adorned with enchanting lights and black upholstered tables, setting an elegant tone for the evening's exquisite dishes.

Whether dining indoors or outside, you’ll be treated to a menu that combines the best of French cuisine with local ingredients. From snails, ratatouille, scallops, and kangaroo filet, the menu offers an array of mouthwatering options. Start with refreshing strawberry-watermelon gazpacho with goat cheese cream and basil oil, or indulge in classic snails in garlic and parsley butter. Provence-style mussels with white wine and vegetables or blue-eyed cod rillettes with salad and green curry are also excellent choices.

Finish off your meal with a delectable vegan cheesecake or chocolate-coffee ganache with ginger crackers and vanilla whipped cream.

This friendly boutique café offers great food and coffee right in the heart of Ballina, on the main tourist River Street. Passing by, you might think it's just an ordinary eatery, but after trying their food, you will understand what sets it apart from the rest.

Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast from their menu, featuring over 10 balanced and nutritious dishes that will keep you full for half a day, such as blue swimmer crab with scrambled eggs and homemade chili sauce, all perched on a toasted croissant. For lunch, be sure to try cashew and coconut crusted prawns with a side of fig jam and Asian slaw, or succulent Peking duck with lychee. Burger enthusiasts will appreciate wagyu beef or Korean fried chicken options with a medley of flavorsome toppings.

For families traveling with little ones, cauliflower popcorn with chili caramel and strawberry milkshake is sure to be a hit. These delightful and wholesome treats, presented in a creative manner, will impress even the most demanding young gourmets.

If you find yourself at Lennox Pizza, try to grab a seat by the window – the views of the ocean here are truly stunning. The restaurant, run by a local family for over 16 years, has recently undergone a makeover and now boasts a swanky modern building with enhanced capacity and upgraded interior décor. However, the same classic Italian recipes for pizza and pasta continue to be followed, ensuring you still get to savor delicious flavors that you've come to expect.

If you're unsure what to order, start with tried-and-true Margherita – it's a winner here, as are the other lip-smacking pizzas with ham, BBQ chicken, slow-cooked beef brisket, meatballs, or king prawns. Lasagna is a definite standout, as well as fettuccine carbonara with bacon and mushrooms in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. The menu also features a well-prepared poutine – a beloved Canadian staple, along with smokey bacon, buffalo chicken and wings, all of which can be paired with crispy homemade fries.

Take a look at the drink menu too, where you'll find a plethora of great beers, alcoholic cocktails, and wines which are an essential component to Italian cuisine even in Australia.

Looking for more activities to do in the charming town of Ballina? Visit the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, browse through antique, art, and craft shops, or take a stroll along the magnificent pedestrian and bike paths. Have a look at the Big Prawn – an extra-large sea creature built in 1989 as a tribute to the local prawn industry. Enjoy a river cruise along the Richmond River, go canoeing in the wetlands of North Creek, or observe the annual migration of humpback whales from any of the coastal headlands. Trying fishing at the popular Flat Rock and Angels Beaches is also a good idea for those who love this kind of activity.

Discover Australia's lesser-known vacation spot that is full of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and yet to be overcrowded by tourists.