Dining at Forest at Crystalbrook Byron feels like stepping into nature’s dining room. Tucked among lush rainforest and shaded by towering greens, it captures the relaxed luxury that Byron Bay does so well. The space itself is stunning: a balance of polished wood, greenery, and warm lighting that feels both grounded and sophisticated. We chose to sit outside, beneath a canopy of stars, the sound of the forest forming a gentle soundtrack to the evening. It’s the kind of setting that makes you slow down, sip your wine a little more slowly, and savour every detail.
We were there to try Tiffany Jones’ new menu, a fresh chapter for Crystalbrook’s signature restaurant. Tiffany, the newly appointed Executive Chef, has an impressive résumé, over 30 years of experience and appearances on The Great Australian Bake Off and Zumbo’s Just Desserts. Her culinary philosophy is simple but powerful: local, seasonal, and waste-smart. You can taste that ethos in every dish, where technique meets respect for produce and a light touch of creativity.
Crystalbrook Byron
The Service
From the moment we sat down, the service set the tone. Our server, Yor, was warm, professional, and genuinely passionate about the food. He walked us through the menu with ease, offering thoughtful insights and explaining the origins of each ingredient. It’s that kind of hospitality that makes you feel instantly welcome, never rushed, always cared for. The atmosphere itself was relaxed yet refined, perfect for a romantic dinner, a long-overdue catch-up with friends, or a special celebration under the Byron night sky.
The Food
The fresh oysters were a highlight, delicate, briny, and brightened by a splash of gin and finger lime that added a coastal twist. The wagyu and octopus skewers were perfectly grilled, smoky and tender, while the mushroom “scallops”, a clever plant-based interpretation, had a surprisingly rich umami flavour. The lobster followed and the sweet, delicate flavour had us wanting more.
For mains, we shared the chargrilled scotch fillet, cooked to blushing perfection and full of deep, smoky flavour, alongside a beautifully rendered duck breast that balanced richness with a light fruit glaze. The vegetable stack was no afterthought, it stood tall with grilled seasonal produce that could convert even the most devoted carnivore. On the side, the duck fat Brussels sprouts were nothing short of addictive: caramelised, slightly crisp, and the sweetest we’ve ever tried (we ate the whole bowl!). The skin-on chips were golden, rustic, and as good as they looked, crisp outside, pillowy inside, and seasoned just right.
Dessert at Forest is not an afterthought, it’s a statement. We couldn’t resist the 11-layer chocolate cake (yes, we counted!), a decadent tower of fudge, ganache, and sponge that balanced richness with precision. The baked rice custard with rhubarb was nostalgic and comforting, a refined twist on a homely classic, and the s’more, charred, gooey, and golden, ended the meal with a playful nod to childhood nights by the fire.
By the end of the evening, surrounded by soft lights and the soft hum of the rainforest, it was clear that Tiffany Jones has brought something special to Crystalbrook Byron. Her food reflects the region’s natural abundance, elevated with technique, heart, and just the right amount of flair. Forest remains one of Byron’s most magical dining experiences, where fine dining meets nature, and every meal feels like a celebration of the senses.
Set on 45 acres of subtropical rainforest just minutes from the beach, Crystalbrook Byron is one of those rare resorts that manages to feel indulgent and restorative in equal measure. The design blends seamlessly into the landscape, with winding timber boardwalks, lush canopy views, and suites that open out to the sounds of nature rather than city noise. Every detail speaks to its Byron Bay soul – eco-conscious, effortlessly stylish, and grounded in a deep respect for the environment. Guests can start the day with yoga among the trees, unwind in the Eléme Spa, or simply drift between the pool and the forest trails. It’s luxurious without pretense, offering all the comfort you’d expect from a five-star stay but with an easy, barefoot elegance that feels uniquely Australian. Whether you’re here for romance, wellness, or a few days of quiet escape, Crystalbrook Byron is the kind of place that you will dream of coming back to, time and time again.
Dining at Forest at Crystalbrook Byron feels like stepping into nature’s dining room. Tucked among lush rainforest and shaded by towering greens, it captures the relaxed luxury that Byron Bay does so well. The space itself is stunning: a balance of polished wood, greenery, and warm lighting that feels both grounded and sophisticated. We chose to sit outside, beneath a canopy of stars, the sound of the forest forming a gentle soundtrack to the evening. It’s the kind of setting that makes you slow down, sip your wine a little more slowly, and savour every detail.
We were there to try Tiffany Jones’ new menu, a fresh chapter for Crystalbrook’s signature restaurant. Tiffany, the newly appointed Executive Chef, has an impressive résumé, over 30 years of experience and appearances on The Great Australian Bake Off and Zumbo’s Just Desserts. Her culinary philosophy is simple but powerful: local, seasonal, and waste-smart. You can taste that ethos in every dish, where technique meets respect for produce and a light touch of creativity.
The Service
From the moment we sat down, the service set the tone. Our server, Yor, was warm, professional, and genuinely passionate about the food. He walked us through the menu with ease, offering thoughtful insights and explaining the origins of each ingredient. It’s that kind of hospitality that makes you feel instantly welcome, never rushed, always cared for. The atmosphere itself was relaxed yet refined, perfect for a romantic dinner, a long-overdue catch-up with friends, or a special celebration under the Byron night sky.
The Food
The fresh oysters were a highlight, delicate, briny, and brightened by a splash of gin and finger lime that added a coastal twist. The wagyu and octopus skewers were perfectly grilled, smoky and tender, while the mushroom “scallops”, a clever plant-based interpretation, had a surprisingly rich umami flavour. The lobster followed and the sweet, delicate flavour had us wanting more.
For mains, we shared the chargrilled scotch fillet, cooked to blushing perfection and full of deep, smoky flavour, alongside a beautifully rendered duck breast that balanced richness with a light fruit glaze. The vegetable stack was no afterthought, it stood tall with grilled seasonal produce that could convert even the most devoted carnivore. On the side, the duck fat Brussels sprouts were nothing short of addictive: caramelised, slightly crisp, and the sweetest we’ve ever tried (we ate the whole bowl!). The skin-on chips were golden, rustic, and as good as they looked, crisp outside, pillowy inside, and seasoned just right.
Dessert at Forest is not an afterthought, it’s a statement. We couldn’t resist the 11-layer chocolate cake (yes, we counted!), a decadent tower of fudge, ganache, and sponge that balanced richness with precision. The baked rice custard with rhubarb was nostalgic and comforting, a refined twist on a homely classic, and the s’more, charred, gooey, and golden, ended the meal with a playful nod to childhood nights by the fire.
By the end of the evening, surrounded by soft lights and the soft hum of the rainforest, it was clear that Tiffany Jones has brought something special to Crystalbrook Byron. Her food reflects the region’s natural abundance, elevated with technique, heart, and just the right amount of flair. Forest remains one of Byron’s most magical dining experiences, where fine dining meets nature, and every meal feels like a celebration of the senses.
For more information and reservations visit here.
About the Resort
Set on 45 acres of subtropical rainforest just minutes from the beach, Crystalbrook Byron is one of those rare resorts that manages to feel indulgent and restorative in equal measure. The design blends seamlessly into the landscape, with winding timber boardwalks, lush canopy views, and suites that open out to the sounds of nature rather than city noise. Every detail speaks to its Byron Bay soul – eco-conscious, effortlessly stylish, and grounded in a deep respect for the environment. Guests can start the day with yoga among the trees, unwind in the Eléme Spa, or simply drift between the pool and the forest trails. It’s luxurious without pretense, offering all the comfort you’d expect from a five-star stay but with an easy, barefoot elegance that feels uniquely Australian. Whether you’re here for romance, wellness, or a few days of quiet escape, Crystalbrook Byron is the kind of place that you will dream of coming back to, time and time again.
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