The Belle General

The Belle General is the creation of sisters Sarah and Kyla and their cousin Jacqui. Originally hailing from Melbourne, the 3 Belles moved to the Byron area 12ish years ago and have been calling the North coast home ever since. They have vast experience managing restaurants and cafes both in the local area and Melbourne, and share a passion for clean delicious food.

Using local produce whenever possible, their eggs are Scrubby Gully free range, organic sourdough is from Sol Breads and all meats come direct from local butcher Troy Daley. A once a week trip to the Byron Bay Farmer’s Market also sees them support local farms and helps in the creation of sought after weekly specials. They work closely alongside local business Nourish in Ballina, which provides a range of organic produce including insecticide free nuts (used for the amazing almond milk made daily on the premises which provides the basis for the popular DF Super Smoothy range that needs to be experienced to be believed).

Produce from further afield includes bread and buns delivered from Canberra, which are not only gluten free but also grain free (based on quinoa). Their soft light texture is unlike the sometimes gluey texture of many rice-based gluten-free breads and the bun provides a casing that is worthy of the ‘out of this world’ Lamb Burger (alone worth the trip).

The Belle is situated on 12 Shelly Beach Road in East Ballina: follow the ocean for a glorious 25 min drive along the Coast Road.

Here they have created a warm bustling beachside cafe experience. Providing the perfect mix of city meets coast, the well thought out Industrial vintage style would not be out of place in New York and yet is just a stone’s throw away from stunning Shelly Beach.

The portions are generous and the food extremely tasty. On the breakfast menu the Soft Brekky Taco with Bacon gets my vote and for lunch the Fish of the Day with kale, asparagus and broccolini, tahini dressing and toasted nuts and seeds was definitely my pick – although the Salt and Pepper local Squid is hard to go past, it melts in your mouth, is GF and DF and is served with some seriously creamy aioli.

Their homemade sweets are mouth-wateringly good and most are made with sugar alternatives such as honey, maple syrup or agave. All are gluten and dairy free although anything but taste free: the pear and almond tart is truly amazing.

The Belle makes gluten free, dairy free and low sugar food available to the public in a clean accessible way. Raising the bar, the Belle rewrites the rules and consigns to history the notion that gluten free is not as good as ‘normal food’.

While still offering whole wheat bread to those who want it, if your choice is a no or low-gluten diet the Belle offers a selection not lacking in quality, flavour or texture.

With the motto, ‘Eat to Live to your full potential’ the Belles explain, “The benefits of a no or low gluten diet are extensive. Studies have found it reduces bloating and digestive issues, offers increased energy levels and can also reduce depression and unclear thinking. Our vision is not limited to gluten free food however, we also aspire to create a non-pretentious space for all to come and enjoy. Food to nourish the body, an atmosphere that inspires, and service with love are the hallmarks of the Belle experience.”

Oh and did we mention the Allpress coffee is exceptional. The Belles, who prior to opening their own premises have all been head-hunted as baristas by coffee shop owners around the region – cite the secret ingredient to their coffee is the care taken in its production – and this care also extends to a broad range of caffeine-free alternatives, including Jacqui’s famous homemade Numb Gums Chai made with a Rooibos tea base.

The Belle General, which has quickly become a favourite of tourists and locals alike, provides a North Coast café experience not to be missed.