Maurice Terzini, the restaurateur behind Icebergs Dining Room and Bar and RE, has opened a laidback Italian trattoria at Belongil Beach in Byron Bay.

The new Belongil Beach Italian Food will serve up classic Italian fare from a relaxed seaside setting. Renowned interior architect George Livissianis has created the space, which will have a contemporary feel, inspired by the Byron way of life.

Heading up the kitchen is Danny Rossi, who will work alongside Alex Prichard from Icebergs to create an unfussed menu that showcases the best of Northern Rivers produce. The venue will champion some of the best producers in the region, including Boonluck Farm Organics, Byron Bay Mozzarella, Picone Organics, Salumi Australia, as well as the famous Ballina Prawns and Australia Bay Lobsters from the Northern Rivers.

Locals can expect Italian coastal classics, including a Moreton Bay bug roll with a curried vadouvan mayo, and butterflied local sand whiting with oregano butter. The menu will also include fresh pasta and risotto, including a pumpkin risotto made with Randal Family organic Koshihikari rice and cold-pressed pumpkin juice from Palisa’s pumpkins, along with black garlic and onion from Palisa Anderson’s farm.

The eatery will also take a local approach when it comes to wine. The list will support small, family-run wineries that use sustainable and ethical farming processes. Italian vinos will sit side-by-side local offerings from coastal Australia, skipping from Sicily to Jerez, over to Margaret River, Mornington Peninsula & Byron Shire then back again through Corsica and Sardinia.

On weekends, the venue will also host local producer markets, selling fresh bread, flowers, plants and herbs.

Maurice Terzini describes the new venue as “a simple, everyday beach restaurant. We enjoy working with local producers and providing folks with laughter, food and wine.”

Belongil Beach Italian Food
33-35 Childe Street, Byron Bay
02 8090 6962
Wed – Fri 3pm – late, Sat – Sun 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – late
bbif.com.au

Related food news: Alanna Sapwell has just been named head chef of this Byron restaurant