The Diner Lennox is a true community-based restaurant run by a couple of guys who love hospitality, and get a kick out of people enjoying what they do. If you’ve been to the Diner, chances are you’ve chatted to them during your meal!
Moving to the Northern Rivers region nearly a decade ago, Chef Martin Morelli and co-owner Tim Bryar had grown tired of the inner city (both Melbourne and Sydney) hospitality scene, and set out to create the ‘true hospitality’ soul that was lacking in the city, which they believe is crucial for their longevity in the industry.
The Diner Lennox is the antidote to that – celebrating the produce, creativity and soul of the region through true hospitality.
The ‘set and forget’ mindset that many restaurants employ could not be further from what we see at the Diner.
Working closely with only Northern Rivers-based farmers, markets and distributors, the menu changes on a weekly basis, inspired by seasonal produce. The creative spark usually comes from Chef Morelli being in the fields picking his own produce, gaining inspiration from the relationship with grower and product that only this allows. Keeping community at heart, the local Lennox butcher provides the meat; seafood comes from Bay Seafood, one of the best wholesalers nationally in nearby Byron Bay; eggs are provided by Oliver’s Hens in Mullumbimby, exotic fruits are grown locally by Picone Exotics; even the Italian flour used in the bread and pasta making is sourced through Blue Bay Gourmet in Byron Bay.
The wine and beverage offerings keep to the same principles as the menu, although some of the product comes from a little further afield… Tim’s experience in the wine industry allows the Diner to source world class examples from many distribution networks not seen in these parts, concentrating on Italian varietals and smaller producers with similar regional values to those of the restaurant. The list is constantly evolving with ‘wine by the glass’ changing more regularly than the menu.
The Diner Lennox is open Monday to Friday evenings, from 4.30pm to late. Find them on Instagram @thedinerlennox to see their weekly menu and get updates on special nights. Their Grill Night on a Monday is a must!
1/63-65 Ballina St,
Lennox Head
Web: thedinerlennox.com.au
Ph: (02) 7251 4790
IG: @thedinerlennox
Email: [email protected]