Raes on Wategos - Byron Bay, New South Wales

Kylie (.

food was incredible. every course was well balanced and fresh. our server was lovely, attentive, and had good recommendations. incredible view from the table. very cosy atmosphere as the sun went down.

only downside was the parking. we had first service at 6pm and beach goers had all the parks near the beach so we parked at the top of the hill and steep walk down. would recommend a later reservation if coming here.

Rudolf M.

We arrived early so had a lovely pre lunch drink downstairs in the courtyard. We were duly shown to our table with a stunning view over Wategos Beach. Our waitress, Cindy, looked after us for the entire lunch. And she was great, friendly, sincere, efficient and responsive to our requests. We had some lovely chats with her during our service. Her timing was perfect, with courses coming out as asked with good breaks. The food, without going into detail of what we had, was delicious, well presented, good portion sizes. Wine list is excellent. When it came to dessert, we asked for a different liqueur with the Affogato, and were presented with 3 different liqueurs to try, great service. It was a long and lovely lunch in all respects, not the least of which was due to the exceptional service. Thank you Cindy. And also a shout out to Juan and Francesco!!

Jim S.

Beautiful location. Food was amazing. Our group of four all did the 8 course chef's menu and the flavors are incredible. We loved every bite. We also got to witness a proposal, another couple that got engaged at the lighthouse, and a son who brought his Mom for her 75th birthday. The entire restaurant was cheering it all. Great experience overall.

onlymyopinion0

We had an incredible two-night stay at Rae’s in Room 9. The room was beautifully designed, well-equipped, and finished to an exceptional standard. Every detail felt carefully considered, making our stay truly special.||The service throughout our visit was outstanding. The staff were attentive and welcoming, and the complimentary local car service was a huge bonus—especially since we hadn’t rented a car.||Dining at the main restaurant was another highlight. The food was fantastic, and the waitstaff were not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, enhancing the entire experience.||This stay was our big splurge on a month-long holiday, and it was absolutely worth it. We’re already looking at dates to return next year!

chesworth11

We had the most exceptional lunch today. Our French waitress was super helpful and steered us towards a phenomenal Chablis (see pic). $500 for 2 and worth every penny. Highly recommend the set menu (3 courses) and bug pasta in particular. Thanks Rae’s team !

Jacopo P.

As locals, this fine-dining hotel and restaurant has become our go-to for special occasions and an unforgettable experience. While it’s certainly on the higher end in terms of cost, it’s worth every cent because the service, food, and overall quality are absolutely incredible.

As Europeans living in Australia, we truly appreciate the balance this place strikes—flawless hospitality, a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere, and food that is fine dining without being pretentious. The restaurant delivers dishes that are both refined and genuinely delicious, making every meal a joy.

The rooms are just as remarkable, blending European elegance with the simplicity and warmth of a perfect home. Every detail is considered, creating a space that feels both beautiful and comfortable.

This is a place that never disappoints. The ambience, the attention to detail, and the consistently exceptional service make it our favorite spot. It’s truly next-level amazing!

Katie T.

My husband and I came for dinner and loved it! We did the tasting menu and everything was perfectly portioned and paced - we never felt overly full or like we were waiting too long between dishes. Our server Francesco was amazing. He was very personable, attentive, and made the experience that much more special. We live in NYC and both felt like we were at a Michelin star restaurant. A memorable meal for sure.

Thomas B.

Came here for a lovely lunch to celebrate my mother's 50th birthday. Francisco was our lovely host, he had great wine recommendations and we loved every dish served. The lobster risotto was the best on ground for sure. Worth every part of the cost for the experience.