The Top Shop — Restaurant in Byron Bay

For a local coffee shop that I usually hear good things about recently I decided to give it a shot at being the new morning coffee spot after being locked inside during these crazy times!

Sadly multiple times this week I’ve had horrible experiences. (Today being my last time I’ll be spending money here)

On both counts the small sized coffee shop has been absolutely jam packed full of patrons inside seated, lined up out the door and in groups all over the nice lawn, this is usually always a good sign about the quality of the business but a complete disregard for current COVID laws and regulations, there is minimal spacing and nobody controlling the distance between patrons onsite. (It’s literally close to calling it a mosh pit, was pretty much shoulder to shoulder inside).

Ordered two coffees that took 20minutes to come out, upon paying for my coffee I had forgotten my card in the car so I dashed to their designated car parks where I was parked (5metres from door) and quickly grabbed my card to finalise the payment. Upon returning the lady had cancelled my order and another staff member had to reprocess order increasing the duration it took to come out. (There was minimal communication from the staff members and I felt like I wasn’t really appreciated as a customer)

I don’t normally do reviews like this and it takes a lot for me to jump on here and write one but I felt like I needed to voice my opinion and frustration on this especially as it created quite the dilemma for my day as I was late to a very important meeting. (Time management is my responsibility Ofcourse but watching three new patrons walk in get served and receive their cooked “food” before my two coffees was a little...

The Top Shop is another highly recommended cafe for the best breakfast and the best coffee in Byron Bay. However our experience differ.

We enjoyed the laidback vibe with a quick burger for lunch. I thought The Top Shop burger was really tasty and better than the one I had in the Main Street Burger Bar, however my partner disagreed and thought the patty was flavourless. Anyhow, I thought the burger size was a little small for $15 and the bun wasn’t soft enough.

The little paper tray and plastic cutlery also made eating hard to manage as we sat on the uncomfortable high stool with not much space around us.

The coffee was also a slight letdown, it tasted ordinary to me. Although the watermelon, pineapple and mint juice was wonderfully refreshing and very tasty.

I would rate the burger 4/5, coffee 3/5 and the juice 4/5, though my partner rate...

This place is AMAZING! Tucked in a cute area, it has some of the most incredible pastries. We had the ham & cheese and veggie croissant (super good, and I'm a french picky eater so trust me!). The lemon cake was great too. My favorite was their blueberry muffin. Haven't tried their chocolate croissant but if you do, let me know!

Staff is super friendly as well. We will definitely come back here!

(#ProTip: Doesn't have a ton of space for a sit down breakfast, although people sat on the lawn outside so it works!)

#Update: I had to come back and add more information. I tried there burger today (beek, fish and shrimp) and they are just excellent.

This place is a #MUST. Owner is french and surprised us by talking to my mom in French. Just incredible service and great food. I've been here 5 days, and I must have come here at...