In the heart of Byron Bay, Commune Canteen ( previously Barrio ) has transformed the Habitat courtyard into a lively community hub, embracing the spirit of Mediterranean daytime eateries. This visionary project is brought to life by the collaborative efforts of Utku Ayhan, the creative force behind Foxy Luu’s Byron Bay and Sefa Kitchen in Sydney, and Nicolas Degryse of Pure Hospitality Group in Sydney. Commune Canteen focuses on local produce, community, and sustainability, seasoned with art, music events, talks, and collaborations with local creatives.
Inspired by the home-cooked meals found in Mediterranean townships, Commune Canteen offers an ever-changing menu based on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. Open from Monday to Saturday, 7:30am to 3pm, this new venue promises a blend of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and community-focused dining.
The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits, forms the backbone of Commune Canteen’s offerings. It features a great balance of vegetables and greens for fibre, easy-to-digest proteins, high-quality meats, healthy fats, nuts, fruits, and house-made pickles. Guests can enjoy a variety of colourful salads, hot slow-cooked meals, and in-house baked breads, with dishes served from the counter in a casual yet vibrant atmosphere. The menu changes regularly, including bone broths and specialties like breakfast ratatouille, baked shakshuka, crispy gnocchi with burnt butter and carrot top pesto, lamb tagines with flatbread, Greek lemon chicken with sumac labna, duck shanks with spiced orange, and wood-fired prawns with preserved lemon, vine leaf, and burnt butter.
Embracing a canteen-style dining experience allows guests to customise their meals using a fill-up tray system with three or five compartments, perfect for mixing and matching. They will also host communal lunches, featuring a long table in the Habitat courtyard laden with shared plates, fostering a sense of community and new friendships.
Commune Canteen is the first of three venues to open at Nourishing Habitat. This unique eatery is more than just a place to eat; it’s a destination where food, community, and sustainability intersect. The canteen’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of local produce, reducing the carbon footprint and supporting local farmers and producers.
Art and music events, talks, and collaborations with local creatives further enhance the community spirit. By creating a space where people can come together, share a meal, and engage in meaningful conversations, Commune Canteen aims to build a stronger, more connected community.
Utku Ayhan and Nicolas Degryse bring their extensive experience and passion for food to Commune Canteen. Utku, known for his work at Foxy Luu’s Byron Bay and Sefa Kitchen in Sydney, has a keen eye for creating vibrant, community-focused dining experiences. Nicolas, with his background in Pure Hospitality Group, brings a wealth of knowledge in creating sustainable and innovative hospitality solutions. Together, they have crafted a space that not only serves delicious food but also brings people together in a meaningful way.
The menu at Commune Canteen is a culinary journey through the Mediterranean. Each dish is crafted with care, using the finest local ingredients. From the vibrant salads to the hearty slow-cooked meals, every bite is a celebration of the Mediterranean way of life. The ever-changing menu ensures that there is always something new to try, keeping guests coming back for more.
For those looking to start their day right, Commune Canteen offers an array of breakfast options. The breakfast ratatouille, baked shakshuka, and crispy gnocchi with burnt butter and carrot top pesto are just a few of the mouth-watering options available. Pair these with a cup of Beams coffee or a selection from Teagood, and you have the perfect start to your day.
The house-made Bonny’s Jungle Chai and Mason’s Mushrooms blend offer unique and healthful alternatives to traditional beverages. These options reflect the canteen’s commitment to providing wholesome, nutritious choices for their guests.
With its focus on local produce, community, and sustainability, Commune Canteen is set to become a staple in Byron Bay’s dining scene. The canteen’s unique approach to dining, combined with its commitment to the local community, makes it a standout destination.
In the coming months, keep an eye out for the opening of the additional venues at Nourishing Habitat. Each will bring its unique flavour and flair, contributing to the vibrant community hub that is being created at Habitat. Commune Canteen is just the beginning, and the future looks incredibly bright.
Commune Canteen is located in Porter St, Byron Bay
Commune Canteen is situated at 1 Porter St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia. The eatery is set to become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike, not just for its food but for the vibrant community atmosphere it fosters.
