Since early October, when Light Years closed its doors to relocate to the new Jonson Lane Precinct, locals and tourists alike have waited with bated breath to catch a glimpse of the next iteration of the beloved Byron Bay restaurant. And, spoiler alert: they’ll love what they see. If the previous Light Years was the fun, cool younger sister, this version is the sleek, more mature (but still cool) older sister.

The reason for the move was space. Light Years had the issue of never having enough tables to cater to demand. In its previous location it only sat 50 people and was too often turning walk-ins away. This shiny new venue seats 95 and includes an intimate private dining space and bar seating for those last-minute diners.

Designed by Melbourne’s interior designer of the moment, Sarah Ellison, in collaboration with Studio Plenty, Light Years’ new vision for the brand veers away from its signature tropical style and leans into a more refined, tonal palette with elements of playfulness. Soft muted tones of pink hues are heavily featured throughout and are contrasted with terrazzo marble, splashes of bamboo and wicker and pops of art by local talent Studio of the Sun.

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The more refined approach to design also extends to the menu. Staying true to its roots, the menu remains a full Asian-fusion affair of shared plates and includes its signature dishes, but with few more new, elevated and delicious options.

What’s new to try? Highlights include a crunchy prawn toast donut served with a yuzu kosho dipping sauce, hot and tingly BBQ lamb ribs that melt in your mouth, and honey king prawns with typhoon shelter crumbs (referring to a topping used by Hongkongese fishermen to serve with crab while taking shelter from typhoons).

There’s also an extended bao menu and additional ‘From the wok’ section that includes a vegetarian egg fried rice that will compete for the best you’ve tried thanks to its secret ‘flavour bomb’ sauce that is packed with fresh ginger and chilli.

The drinks menu hasn’t been forgotten. You’ll still find old Light Years favourites like ‘Netflix and Chill’ with popcorn infused rum, passionfruit and lemon featured, with some added options like the Kiwi Matcha Margi with tequila, kiwi puree, matcha syrup, and lime; and a Szechuan Sour (subtly flavoured yet strong enough for drinkers to experience its mouth numbing quality) with szechuan shiso infused gin, Aperol, vermouth, and orange.

Consider our appetite whet.

Light Years
139 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm
Fri-Sun 12pm-10pm
lightyearsasiandiner.com.au

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