Oma is the newest food and wine bar in Byron Bay, established by the team at Three Blue Ducks. It has replaced the old nightclub, Locura on Lawson Street, and is a decidedly more refined approach to the simple, real food that the Ducks are known for.
Oma is an ode to the energy and passion of the boys behind Three Blue Ducks. The group was inspired by category three tropical Cyclone Oma, that swept past Byron Bay in 2019, leaving no damage, but bringing 11 days of perfect swell and surf in its wake. And just like the cyclone, a lot of big energy went into the creation of the Oma food and wine bar; and it is now ready for the people of Byron Bay to enjoy.
Leading the kitchen, chef and co-owner, Darren Robertson has curated a menu showcasing the best of the region’s sustainable produce; with ingredients based on the season and the best local produce on offer. The dinner menu is designed to share, there is a ‘Feed-Me’ offering for those happy to simply be fed by the chefs, and a ‘deli’ section of smaller snack-style dishes for those wanting to have just a few cocktails and a nibble.
The Three Blue Ducks Group beverage manager, Mem Hemmings, has curated a straightforward and approachable 50-strong wine list of exclusively organic, minimal intervention wines from around the world, and the current list features only wines made from vineyards with female winemakers at the helm.
‘Natural wine is here and it’s here to stay,’ says Mem. ‘It’s time to get with the program this season, but in a totally accessible way. We want to see our customers sloshing around orange wines, sipping down chilled reds in the open air, and celebrating the summer with a shit hot Pét-Nat. Throw down the tools and get stuck in.’ The group has taken a hands-on approach to the design, collaborating with local artists and designers to bring the venue to life. The walls feature a striking mural and prints by local Byron-based artist Karlee Mackie (MLAK), with soft lighting and earthy floral arrangements by well-known local florist Nikau completing the venue. This month, Oma is launching its Oma & Co series, which is a collaboration series that will see a chef/ producer/ winemaker come into Oma once a month and create a selection of dishes or drinks for the venue. The first one is Sunday 21 March with Sydney-based chef, Luke Powell, of LP Meats & Bella Bruta. Powell will take over Oma with a selection of his own dishes, which will be on special the week following. He will curate the music and chat to customers in the evening. It truly encapsulates what Oma is all about, coming together and sharing a great meal. In the months to follow Powell’s visit they will have Casey Wall of Bar Liberty/ Falco Bakery/ Capitano; Alana Sapwell & Venetia Scott of Hungry Earth & Esmay; and Luke Burgess & Adam James of Rough Rice, just to name a few. Oma’s A La Carte menu will be available alongside the special dishes created on the Sunday evening. Book now! Oma, at 6 Lawson St, Byron Bay, by Three Blue Ducks, is open Thursday–Monday, from 5pm until late. Bookings available and walk-ins welcome. Visit: omafoodandwine.com.
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