Moonlight Japanese — Restaurant in Byron Bay

Absolutely superb.

Everything was impeccably done and beautifully presented.

My companion and I sampled the following: 1.) KINGFISH (gf) Ginger & Yuzu Vinaigrette, Shiso, Puffed Wild Rice, Kombu Oil - $27 The vinaigrette was a dream companion to the raw fish which was lovely and firm. Kombu is seaweed so there were lovely little circles of bright green oil floating around the fish which gave the whole dish just that bit more elan. Fantastic beginner.

2.) MISO GLAZED SALMON Toasted Aonori, Chive Panko - $18 (2 pce) Three chunky pieces in a skewer was one piece. Perfectly cooked, melt in your mouth bites.

3.) CARAMELISED MISO EGGPLANT (v) Puffed Rice Furikake - $24 Her main was this. I had a bite but found it too sweet, albeit delicious, and questioned whether she could eat the whole serve. She did but commented later that she gave me the taste with the skin on, and after a few bites herself she stopped eating the skin which made it much better and easier to eat.

4.) TOKYO STEAK FRITES Yakiniku Jus, Kim-Chi Béarnaise, Onion Rings - $65 I got this for my main. This is possibly the best steak I have ever had, and I am not exaggerating. It was rare but so beautifully seared it basically melted in the mouth. The combination of the yakiniku jus and the kim-chi béarnaise was an experience I will never forget, this is what I go fine dining for. This is real artisan cooking. Many places I have said were "good". A few "great". This? Superb. Breathtaking. An orchestra of the tongue. The five flavours (sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami) are all there. The seaweed flavoured french fries were excellent as well but the steak and sauce combo was the crowning achievement of the night, full stop. I will be back for this dish alone (I was tempted to ask for another!) and I implore you, try this.

To accompany the mains we got: 5.) CHILLED SOBA NOODLES (gf,v) Niji Vegetables, Sesame Dressing - $15 Fantastic, simple and classic sesame soba. It went really well with the eggplant main but for the steak, I just could not mix the two flavours, it would have been a disgrace and disrespectful to the perfection of the Tokyo steak. However, afterwards it was a wonderful palate cleanser.

To finish it all off, we got the WHITE MISO PANNA COTTA (gf) Yuzu & Strawberry - $14. Delightfully caramel flavoured and firm Panna cottage that was presented in a shallow plate. I did find the reduced strawberry slightly overpowering for the delicate richness of the jelly but I did find once the strawberry was gone, it enhanced the rest of the dessert itself.

To accompany the food, we ordered two 200ml carafes of warm sake: 1.) TENGUMAI 'UMAJUN' JUNMAI Vanilla, Crushed Nuts, Crisp - $36 for 200ml Once we finished that, we tried 2.) GEKKEIKAN 'TARU' Spicy, Herbaceous, Cedar - $26 for 200ml My companion and I both love dry sake and those two absolutely delivered. I found the second, the Gekkeikan, slightly edged out the other for my favourite. The rest of the sake was fruity options which we did not want to try anyway. There was one more but it was a cold sake so that made the drinks simple.

Just be warned - the sparkling water is $5 a glass ($10 for 2 people)

The cocktails looked amazing and I would try a couple next time.

Service was impeccable, considerate and respectful.

$235 for true fine dining, an absolute bargain. You want to impress your date, this is where to go in Byron. I felt I got absolute value for my money, which is usually rare in most places like this and I left pleasantly full.

Thank you, and I will be...

If there were a place that could define the essence of hospitality, warmth, and culinary excellence, it would be this restaurant. From the moment you step through the door, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that feels less like a dining experience and more like a celebration of human connection. The staff is nothing short of extraordinary—every interaction radiates kindness, patience, and a genuine desire to make you feel not just welcomed, but truly cared for. They treat each guest like family, and it’s clear that the same respect and camaraderie are extended to one another behind the scenes. It’s a rare and beautiful thing to witness, and it makes every moment in the restaurant feel like a shared experience, not just a transaction.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Each bite of food is a revelation. The dishes are a symphony of flavors, meticulously crafted with the kind of thoughtful precision that can only come from a deep, unwavering passion for the craft. The ingredients are fresh, vibrant, and full of life, but it’s the way they are combined—every morsel perfectly balanced, every texture in harmony—that elevates this dining experience to something unforgettable. You can taste the love, the care, and the dedication in every dish. It’s not just food; it’s an expression of artistry, made to nourish not only the body but the soul.

In a world where restaurants can sometimes feel like a blur of fleeting moments, this one stands as a beacon of what’s possible when skill, heart, and soul come together. It’s a place where the food sings and the service touches your heart, where every detail is attended to with grace. Dining here is more than a meal; it’s a full experience—one that lingers with you long after you’ve left, making you not just a guest, but a cherished part of something...

I recently dined at Moonlight and I can't stop raving about my wonderful experience! From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, making me feel right at home.

But let's talk about the star of the show - the food. The menu at Moonlight is an absolute delight for food enthusiasts. Every dish I tried was exceptional, bursting with incredible flavors and beautifully presented. From appetizers to desserts, each course was a journey of culinary excellence. The chef's skill and creativity were evident in every bite.

Pairing the delicious food was an impressive selection of drinks. Moonlight offers an extensive beverage menu with expertly crafted cocktails that were as visually appealing as they were delicious. The mixologists truly know their craft and took the time to recommend drinks that perfectly complemented my meal.

Moreover, the service at Moonlight was simply outstanding. The staff members were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about providing an unforgettable dining experience. They were always ready to answer any questions, provide recommendations, and ensure that every aspect of our meal was flawless.

Overall, my visit to Moonlight exceeded all expectations. The restaurant's commitment to excellence shines through in their exceptional food, divine drinks, and remarkable service. If you're looking for an extraordinary dining experience, Moonlight is unquestionably the place to be. I can't wait to return and indulge in their culinary...