Tavola Restaurant Bar

In the tropical heart of Ballina, Tavola Restaurant Bar sits beside a lagoon-style pool and lush gardens at the Islander Resort, setting a languid, holiday tempo from breakfast through to dinner. Relaxed, fresh and locally inspired, it channels the clean, green ethos of the Northern Rivers with a modern, seasonal approach.

Mornings begin gently with artisan coffee from Knockrow Ridge and comforting plates like the chef’s special hot breakfast or pancakes with maple and fresh berries. As the day drifts on, the menu celebrates local produce and coastal flavours, beginning with favourites like crisp salt and pepper calamari and golden duck spring rolls. For something lighter, the grilled lamb, peach, and rocket salad brings a vibrant mix of sweet and savoury, perfectly suited to long, lazy afternoons by the pool.

Mains carry on the region’s bounty, featuring comforting classics such as a hearty chicken parmigiana and Etty Bay barramundi with lemon cream sauce. Pasta lovers can dive into the seafood marinara, a generous medley of mussels, squid, prawns, scallops and fish that feels like a love letter to the ocean.

Guests can dine indoors or alfresco under the covered courtyard, glass in hand from a relaxed wine bar pouring boutique wines and cocktails. With its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming spirit, Tavola is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, savour the moment and stay a little longer.