THE BOOK REVIEW’S GUIDE TO THE NORTHERN RIVERS

01 — WHERE TO EAT

The places we return to, recommend to friends and think you should know about.

Welcome to our Little Black Book of Northern Rivers dining.

We’re lucky enough to spend our days discovering the independent restaurants, cafés, pubs and food spots that make this region so delicious. Some are polished, some are wonderfully casual, and some are the kind of places you’ll want to keep secret — although we’re going to tell you about them anyway.

From the smoky goodness of Charcoal Bay BBQ to the generous hospitality of Wardell Pies, the regional flavours of Alstonville Quality Meats, the Mexican-inspired fun of Taco Love Bros and the beautiful food and atmosphere of River – Wild at Heart, these are the places that deserve a spot in your little black book.

And that’s exactly what THE BOOK REVIEW is about — finding the places worth knowing.

Our tip: Don’t always follow the crowds. Some of the best meals are found just around the corner.

02 — BEST BREAKFAST & COFFEE

Because a great day starts with a great coffee.

There is something very Northern Rivers about taking your time over breakfast.

A really good coffee. Something delicious on the plate. Perhaps a sunny table, a friend across from you and absolutely nowhere else you need to be.

Our Little Black Book of breakfast is all about those places that make getting out of bed worthwhile.

From local cafés and bakeries to relaxed brunch spots, we’re looking for great coffee, beautiful produce, friendly service and — most importantly — somewhere you actually want to linger.

The Paddock is one of those places that captures the region beautifully, bringing together food, community and a genuine connection to local produce.

And then there are the neighbourhood favourites — ESP ESPRESSO BAR places locals quietly return to week after week.

Our tip: Go early, order the good coffee and don’t rush.

03 — WHERE TO HAVE A DRINK

Wine, cocktails, craft beer and somewhere worth settling in.

Sometimes you don’t need dinner.

Sometimes you just need a beautiful glass of wine, a cold beer or a cocktail and somewhere that makes you want to stay for another one.

The Northern Rivers has developed a wonderful drinking culture, from independent breweries and relaxed pubs to intimate wine bars and destination venues.

Wandana Brewing Co. and Common People Brewing Co. are made for relaxed afternoons, good company and discovering locally brewed beers.

For something with a little more glamour, Azteca Margarita brings the fun with Mexican-inspired drinks and atmosphere.

And then there are the places where the setting is almost as important as what’s in the glass.

Our rule?

Good drinks. Good people. No rushing.

04 — DATE NIGHT

Somewhere a little special for the two of you. Date night doesn’t have to mean dressing up and booking the most expensive restaurant in town.

Sometimes it’s a cosy table, a bottle of wine, great food and enough time to actually talk.

Our Northern Rivers date-night picks are about atmosphere as much as the menu.

Look for intimate restaurants, beautiful wine bars, atmospheric dining rooms and those little places where the evening naturally seems to slow down.

HEY LADY River – Wild at Heart is the kind of destination that makes dinner feel like an occasion, while Azteca Margarita brings a little more colour, energy and fun to the evening.

And for something completely different? Start with a drink somewhere you love, wander through town and see where the night takes you.

Our tip: The best date nights aren’t over-planned.

05 — HIDDEN GEMS

The places you might drive straight past — if you didn’t know about them.

This might just be our favourite Little Black Book.

The hidden gems.

The independent businesses tucked away from the obvious tourist trail. The places locals know about. The businesses with personality, passion and a story behind them.

It’s one of the reasons THE BOOK REVIEW exists.

We love finding the places that make you say, “How did I not know this was here?”

From regional food businesses and tucked-away cafés to independent galleries, boutiques and specialist makers, these are the discoveries that make exploring the Northern Rivers so much fun.

Nissarana Galleries is a perfect example — a warm, inspiring contemporary gallery showcasing original works from emerging and established Australian and Indigenous Australian artists.

Our tip: Take the back road. Explore the side streets. Look beyond the obvious.

That’s where you’ll find the good stuff.

06 — SHOP LOCAL

Forget the big chains. These are the businesses that give our region its personality.

There is something very satisfying about buying something from a person who genuinely loves what they do.

A beautiful dress from an independent boutique. Something handmade for the house. A piece of Australian art. A thoughtful gift. A beautifully cut piece of meat from your local butcher.

THE BOOK REVIEW has always been passionate about supporting independent Northern Rivers businesses because they are what make our towns unique.

Alstonville Quality Meats is a great example of old-fashioned craftsmanship meeting a modern gourmet offering, with premium meats, specialty poultry and a carefully curated deli selection.

And across the region you’ll find boutiques, galleries, makers and specialty retailers offering things you simply won’t find in a shopping centre.

Our tip: Shop with the people who care.

07 — PAMPER & INDULGE

Because sometimes doing absolutely nothing is exactly what you need.

Life gets busy.

So every now and then, we think you should put your phone away, cancel the guilt and book yourself something lovely.

A massage. A facial. A treatment. A beautiful new hairstyle. A little something that makes you feel like yourself again.

THE BOOK REVIEW’s beauty and wellness favourites are chosen because they offer more than a service — they create an experience.

And whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, recovering from a busy week or simply deciding that you deserve an hour to yourself, there is something wonderfully indulgent about being looked after.

Our tip: Don’t wait for a special occasion.

You are the occasion.

08 — ART, CULTURE & CREATIVE NORTHERN RIVERS

For people who like their inspiration with a side of discovery.

The Northern Rivers has always attracted artists, makers, designers and creative thinkers — and you can see it everywhere.

In the galleries.

On the walls.

In handmade objects.

In architecture, interiors, fashion and the people who choose to do things a little differently.

Nissarana Galleries celebrates a diverse collection of fine art, including original paintings, sculpture and photography from Australian and Indigenous Australian artists.

But our creative Little Black Book goes well beyond galleries.

Look for the independent designers, makers, photographers, artists and creative businesses that bring their own personality to the region.

Our tip: Buy art locally. Buy something handmade. Meet the person who made it.

You might just find something you’ll keep forever.

09 — A PERFECT NORTHERN RIVERS SUNDAY

Sleep in. Eat well. Wander. Discover somewhere new.

Here’s our idea of the perfect Sunday.

Start slowly.

Find a beautiful coffee and breakfast spot, then take the scenic route somewhere you’ve never explored.

Stop for a browse through a local gallery or independent shop. Pick up something delicious for later. Find somewhere for a long lunch and order something you wouldn’t normally choose.

Perhaps there’s a brewery waiting for you in the afternoon.

Or a wine bar.

Or simply a beautiful spot to sit and watch the world go by.

The Northern Rivers is particularly good at Sundays because there is no need to hurry.

Our tip: Don’t make too many plans.

Leave room for a wrong turn.

Some of the best discoveries happen that way.

10 — THE BOOK REVIEW’S NORTHERN RIVERS BUCKET LIST

The things we think everyone should experience at least once.

Everyone has a bucket list.

Ours is just a little more local.

Eat somewhere you’ve never tried.

Find a hidden beach.

Take a country drive.

Buy something beautiful from a local maker.

Visit a gallery.

Book a massage.

Have a long lunch.

Try a new wine.

Order the local speciality.

Visit a town you’ve never properly explored.

Stay somewhere beautiful.

And most importantly — support the independent businesses that make the Northern Rivers what it is.

Because THE BOOK REVIEW isn’t simply about finding somewhere to eat, shop, drink or visit.

It’s about experiencing the region.

It’s about the people behind the businesses, the stories behind the places and the discoveries that become memories.

That’s our Northern Rivers bucket list.

Now it’s your turn.