One of Byron Bay’s favourite lunch spots is wowing guests after a recent community-gifted makeover. More than 50 volunteers and local tradies refreshed Manna Haven Cafe with lush tropical gardens, a sun-drenched deck and calming interiors.
‘It was an outpouring of love far beyond anything we could have imagined,’ said cafe chef and manager, Melinda Archer. ‘For the past 20 years, Manna Haven has been serving whole-food, plant-based meals in the heart of Byron Bay. Along the way, it has earned a loyal following and an impressive reputation, with TripAdvisor diners ranking it Byron Bay’s #1 lunch cafe and restaurant for the past 12 years!’ she said.
Local Byron Shire registered nurse, Terri Lowe, is a weekly patron and loves to remind the cafe team, ‘I’m telling everyone that Manna Haven has the best food in Byron!’
Melinda says that what makes this not-for-profit cafe special is the devoted farming community behind it. Many ingredients are donated by generous growers, including macadamias and limes from Tintenbar, mangoes from Chillingham, bananas from Murwillumbah, salad greens from Myocum and herbs from gardens in Byron Bay and Bangalow.
As the sun rises over Cape Byron the fresh produce arrives, and by 11am it’s transformed into nourishing curries, the cafe’s famous ‘love-sagna’, vibrant salads, smoothies and desserts.
As a community service of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Manna Haven also provides free and discounted meals to individuals and families experiencing hardship. Melinda shared, ‘We’re grateful for the incredible support we’ve received over the past 20 years and look forward to welcoming many more locals and travellers who are seeking great value and delicious meals’.
Manna Haven Cafe
97 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
11am to 3pm Monday to Friday
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