Light Years - Byron Bay image

Light Years - Byron Bay

Restaurant Bar Cocktail bar Asian restaurant

One of the Best Places To Visits in Byron Bay


Address

139 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia

Website

www.lightyearsasiandiner.com.au

Contact

+61 423 138 538

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 12 to 11 pm
  • Saturday: 12 to 11 pm
  • Sunday: 12 to 11 pm
  • Monday: 12 to 11 pm
  • Tuesday: 12 to 11 pm
  • Wednesday: 12 to 11 pm
  • Thursday: 12 to 11 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Byron (14) good (14) cocktails (12) table (11) Light (11) Years (11) staff (10) chicken (9) Asian (8) service (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Sarah C. 2 years ago on Google
    Had high expectations and was disappointed. Went as a group and shared a lot of plates. We were all still hungry after we'd ordered what we imagined would suffice. Portions are very small. Way too $$ for what you get. Staff were lovely and friendly, but also sit down next to you at the table to chat. In 'normal' times this would be fine, but I imagine some people would not be very happy with this closeness, especially as the staff weren't wearing masks. On arrival we were also told that the two dishes we most wanted to try weren't available which was disappointing. Overall would not recommend. We did also go as a group to another very popular Asian restaurant in Byron and the food there was amazing. If you're choosing between Light Years and another really popular one, definitely go the other one.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danielle W. 1 year ago on Google
    Am yet to be disappointed with the drinks or food at Light Years. At my most recent visit we started with some cocktails followed by prawn, scallop and crab dumplings that were wonderfully fresh and served with a lovely sauce. We then ordered the popcorn chicken and papaya salad which were both amazing. Finally, the highlight was the beef rendang curry. Absolutely delicious. With one bottle of wine between the two of us and the cocktails and food as listed it was the perfect amount of food and we came out just shy of $200 which I consider to be very reasonable for Byron. Will continue to keep coming back :)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexis W. 2 years ago on Google
    Light Years is busy, as well it should be. The outdoor seating area feels slightly Mediterranean and the atmosphere created by the waitstaff was trendy and friendly - a fine balance. If you've made it to Light Years, you need to try the cocktails. We tried three and all were delightful, but the Lychee Martini deserved a second round. The Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns are fresh and filling - grab two serves. They're worth the spotlight. The only slight downsides were being seated at a shared, high table and the extreme heat in the outdoor area at lunchtime. No matter - will be visiting again as soon as possible!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wonder- ing F. 5 months ago on Google
    A complete dining experience Our table tried most of the meals on the menu and they were all to die for They had our favourite French Rose on the menu. The oysters are 10/10!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sug B. 1 year ago on Google
    I absolutely loved this place. I dined with 4 friends and we ordered almost everything on the menu and everything was outstanding. Can’t wait to go back. Highly highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natalie T. 11 months ago on Google
    So glad I finally dined at Light Years after being recommended by a friends. Every food dish was so delicious, and the cocktails were outstanding as well. The atmosphere and stunning interiors added to the experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jason T. 5 months ago on Google
    Overall very good but not a 5. Food - most dishes brilliant but the chicken was overhyped and dumplings simply awful texture. The rendang curry was elite and the winner. Service - simply hate when dishes come out one on top of each other, at one point we put our foot down as they tried to pile 2 hot dishes down despite us still going on our 2 cold starters (tartare etc.). Ironically there wasn’t enough room on the table in any case, but why would you bring a dish when the customers are minimum 10 minutes away from reaching it (if we were hurrying through)? Cocktails were very good!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joseph B. 7 months ago on Google
    We had a group gathering for my wife's birthday. The whole experience from booking, the seperate dining table and service was nothing short of exceptional. We had chosen the premium banquet option which made the celebration seamless. All the Light Years crew were attentive with service and the food was exceptional. All our party was equally impressed. Thank you Light years Team. We will be recommending and look forward to dining again soon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff M. 1 year ago on Google
    A must if you’re in Byron! Light Years was recommended by several friends in Byron Bay and it exceeded expectations. The Kingfish ceviche was a brilliant way to start the experience. Perfect balance of flavours between the fish, coconut, kafir lime and chilli. It was so good that I saved a bit to come back to at the end of my meal. I tried the Eggplant Katsu as recommended and I’m not sure what is in the strange sauce but I want more of it. Cucumber kimchi was a lovely accompaniment. Also ordered the Fire Cracker Chicken which was delicately coated and fried and was paired with Thai basil and chilli. Excited to come back and try more of the menu!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Anush F. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing service by the staff. The food was surprisingly lack lustre for such a popular place. Would recommend a look into making the Asian food more authentic. It felt more like an weak interpretation of Asian cuisine.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lidia F. 4 months ago on Google
    My husband and I visited Lightyears in Byron for his birthday and we were welcomed at the door and wished happy birthday straight away which was very nice. All the food we had was amazing, we couldn’t fault one dish! We had the kingfish ceviche (our fav), the hot and sour cucumbers, the pork belly bao, the fire cracker chicken, the bbq prawns and the rump steak. They were all outstanding. The cocktails I had myself was the best cocktail I think I ever had. It was the papa verde. The service was impeccable, all the food and drink came out really well timed and all of our waiters and the host were lovely, friendly and the host was hilarious. It made our time there very memorable. We even asked if we could move to the window seat because we were next to quite a loud bunch of people (not the restaurants fault) and they had no problem moving us. All in all it was a 10/10 experience. I don’t normally do reviews, I just don’t go back 😂 But this was worth a review. Both my husband and I said it was the best place we’ve eaten in a long time and we go to quite a lot of restaurants. We can’t wait to come back ❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 TB 2. 3 months ago on Google New
    Wonderful New Years Eve at Light Years Byron Bay. The food was spectacular and no trouble at all to accommodate some dietary issues. Service wasn’t rushed, staff were run off their feet but service always top notch. Cocktails were delicious. Excellent night 👏🏻👏🏻

  • 4/5 Tracey E. 4 months ago on Google
    Great place. A little out of town but a nice walk before and after dinner. Food and cocktails were great. We were a table of three and felt the table size was a bit tight and cramped. Also right next to the teams order computer which was a little intrusive for dining. Always felt like someone was looking over my shoulder. Food is good. Definitely put it on the list for a good dining experience in Byron Bay.

  • 5/5 Captain P. 3 months ago on Google New
    Flavour sensations , as you can see from photos there is not much left. We ordered the $69 banquet and had to take some home. Service was outstanding. Definitely a place to go if your in Byron Bay. Free parking underneath building.

  • 5/5 Judy F. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful restaurant. The firecracker chicken and king fish ceviche were my favourites but truly everything we ordered tasted amazing. The flavours and serving size were on point. Would definitely come back and highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Lydia D. 4 months ago on Google
    We had a celebratory dinner at light years last night. We got the chefs selection, it was fantastic value - we left soooo full. The service was great, we were never left without drinks or food. The cocktails also delicious. Highly recommend!!!!

  • 5/5 Caroline W. 7 months ago on Google
    I was a bit skeptical given its hype and popularity but honestly, I'd say it's the best Asian fusion restaurant I've been to so far - incl. those in Syd! The portion size, flavours and vibe are worth the price point. Highly rec the tuna tartare and lamb ribs.

  • 5/5 Jocelyn W. 5 months ago on Google
    A highly recommended place suggested by a local friend. Staff were wonderful, food was fast and it melted in our mouths. Local produce and drinks. We loved it all. Very aesthetically pleasing too. We will be back!

  • 5/5 Fran C. 3 months ago on Google New
    Our second time at a Light Years Asian Diner, this time in Byron Bay. And the verdict? Delicious again. We had the mud crab dumplings, the duck pancakes, Fire Cracker chicken, and the stand out, the Panko Fish Bao. All of it was delicious. The only question I have is how does a lad from Brighouse, West Yorkshire end up from of house in Byron Bay? #winning

  • 5/5 Casey W. 6 months ago on Google
    We did the premium banquet. We love wining and dining and the food here was incredible - the best food we have had in a while (and we’re from the city!). We will definitely go back. A huge congratulations to the owner and the team as the service, fit out, menu and drinks selection were all impeccable.

  • 5/5 Alex W. 6 months ago on Google
    Great food! We had the ceviche (x2) to start and dumplings, really good flavours! For mains we had the pork belly, duck pancakes and the chicken (see pics) which were all really tasty as well. Staff checked on us regularly so we could alway top up our drinks order if needed. We had a few glasses of wine and sparkling water for the table, bull was just under $300. Some points to consider (but still didn’t stop me rating 5 stars!) - portions were a little small so would definitely say go with two courses as a minimum. - very busy, which added to the lively atmosphere but it meant the tables were very close together and felt packed in. I would not recommend for a romantic date night but great if you want somewhere loud. - strict on the 2 hour table policy due to their popularity! So if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a longer relaxing meal, this is not your spot.

  • 5/5 Maite F. 11 months ago on Google
    Delicious!! Such a great vibe in there, and the food is outstanding. Dish after dish it got better and better! Can’t wait to go back there. Piper was our second waitress and she couldn’t have been nicer and friendlier. Also so good to be able to to have a meal at anytime with the kitchen open all afternoon!

  • 4/5 James A. 1 year ago on Google
    A nice dinner. It was quite a busy evening but staff were fairly attentive. The crab dumplings were great, and the honey prawns and fried rice were good too. For the price, it didn't blow my mind, but a good meal nonetheless.

  • 4/5 John D. 1 year ago on Google
    Best Asian fusion in Byron. I really wanted to give this place 5 stars however we had to wait over 30 minutes to be seated at our table as it wasn't ready. Apart from that and the staff not bringing out our drinks after reminding them, the food and decor was absolutely AMAZING (5 stars). There were so many stand out dishes and those were the South Korean fried chicken bao buns, the pork belly, mushroom dumplings & surprisingly the cauliflower! When i come here again I will book an earlier table than 815pm so we are aren't waiting until 9pm to be seated and hopefully they wouldn't of had ran out of the ribs, tuna & kingfish. Perhaps it was just an off night but all in all the staff were lovely and the food was tops.

  • 4/5 Terese H. 1 year ago on Google
    Light Years has moved to Johnson Lane in Byron and the interiors are new and spaciously luxe, the menu has all of my favourites Miso Eggplant and Prawn-Scallop dumplings. The cocktails are served quickly and we were given a walk in spot at the bar. The food is modern Asian street food. It came in at $112 for two.

  • 4/5 Nikolaus A. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome fit-out, nice staff and really good food. The reason it’s 4 and not 5 is because while the food was good, there was no stand out dish - everything was a solid 8/10. And the only reason I can be this discerning/painful is that we are just so massively spoiled in terms of good Asian food these days. Also note that if I’d been drinking it probably would have been 5 as the cocktails looked really good.

  • 5/5 M 1 year ago on Google
    Sooo yummy! I highly recommend this restaurant. The staff were so lovely ☺️ the host needed to give them more credit, they did an amazing job, were very attentive and friendly. The cocktails were delish

  • 5/5 Elie I. 2 years ago on Google
    Had one of my favourite meals in Byron at this place. The food was divine, so tasty and fresh, everting we had was better than the next. Service was darling, with our waitress giving us extra attention and hanging around for a chin wag. I will definitely return when I’m back in town!

  • 4/5 AJ C. 2 years ago on Google
    The pineapple pork belly is too sweet for me. Other dishes were really good tho. The staff were accommodating. Quick and excellent customer service. 👍🏻👍🏻

  • 5/5 Anjana R. 2 years ago on Google
    The girls at reception recommended me this place and I must say I’m so glad I tried it despite it being a busy night. Ordered the firecracker chicken & Vietnamese slaw - flavour packed punch that hits you in the right spots. Would definitely recommend this place but would advise to make a booking (I didn’t know) Service was great and staff was polite & lovely.

  • 5/5 Nikita D. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent food! We ordered two mediums, one side side and one starter. Was enough for the two of us. 2 cocktails each and the food cost us 170 aud Book the place on a weekend. Dont miss their cocktails. Pork bao buns were delicious. The qty of viet slaw was more than the sides you are served in other restaurants. Can be eaten as a mains as well. Firecracker chicken comes with a tangy sauce.

  • 5/5 Host 2 years ago on Google
    Probably the best quality food you’ll find in Byron bay. Make sure you book in on there website as they have limited availability. The bao buns melt in your mouth. That is a must get!!!!!


Call +61 423 138 538 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Service options
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Cosy
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Casual
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Groups
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Toilets
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Kids' menu
    • ✓️ Bar on site
    • ✓️ High chairs
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
    • ✓️ Accepts reservations
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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