Sleepy little surf town Byron Bay is no more. In its place stands a mecca of bars, boutiques, and plenty of eating opportunities. The former hippie favourite is now a bustling resort region that continues to introduce more and more impressive options for the foodies among us.

The district’s latest addition comes courtesy of a tag team of renowned hospitality heroes from the area. On December 27, Barrio Eatery and Bar will be launched as a part of the new Habitat development in the town’s industrial estate. The restaurant comes courtesy of Harvest Newrybar and Sparrow Coffee co-owners Tristan and Kassia Grier, Dan Wyllie of Flinders Lane NYC, and Saxon + Parole NYC, and chef Francisco Smoje who has made a name for himself with his pop-up eatery Francisco’s Table.

Argentinian native Francisco will be leading the food offering at the restaurant. With a name that translates to neighbourhood in Spanish, the venue will be serving up homestyle cooking in a homestyle setting.

The all-day menu is set to change weekly but will offer casual fare available to enjoy in-house or at-home. There’s a breakfast and lunch menu overflowing with sandwiches, toasties, and salads. Cold-pressed and freshly squeezed juice, coffee from St Ali, kombucha and kefir are also available, with wine, beer and seasonal cocktails also on the drinks list.

Your breakfast could entail a herbed egg morning bun, or house-made yoghurt, served with papaya, and honey coconut crunch. Lunch could see you tuck into grilled beef, roasted peppers, and onions and wood-fired sweet potatoes, green shallots, coriander and pomegranate dressing. Or perhaps some small plates of house-made chorizo, roasted onions, and chimichurri, and octopus partnered with grilled chillies.

The 80-seater restaurant is decorated in an industrial-style, to befit its home in the industrial estate, but comes equipped with an Argentinian wood-fired oven and grill at its heart to make the food as authentic as possible. Wooden communal tables and an abundance of foliage help to remind you that you are in Byron Bay. So to do the terrace seating area and the picnic rugs available for lounging on the grass outside when the sun decides to make an appearance.