Beautiful and friendly service, they clearly make the effort to go above and beyond. Perhaps it was an off day but everything we ate was too salty or too sweet for our taste. The lobster bug was cooked perfectly but we just couldn’t enjoy it because of the seasoning. That and we could pick up a salty fishy smell from the head as garnish, a little too close to the ocean for us. Although everything was plated beautifully, and it really is a wonderful setting - i would visit for drinks and snacks/fries instead in future.

Wow what a night! Francesco had plenty of presence and character. The restaurant was absolute quality. Thank you so much to Francesco - who is too good looking for his own good! A wonderfully giggly character who made our night so special we can’t thank you enough. The food was marvellous too might I add… the waffle and cornetto are add ons you must try! Thank you all! I’d defo recommend what a treat on our last night of our holiday :)

A birthday lunch to remember at Raes on Wategos. From the moment of arrival, the experience felt special, with a warm welcome and attentive, genuine hospitality that set the tone for the afternoon. The setting was stunning, and the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere made it the perfect place to celebrate a birthday. The food was truly excellent – beautifully presented, full of flavour, and thoughtfully balanced across each course. Service throughout the lunch was superb: professional, friendly, and intuitive without ever feeling intrusive. The team anticipated needs before they were voiced, checked in at just the right moments, and added a personal touch that made the celebration feel extra special. Overall, the experience at Raes on Wategos was exceptional and turned a birthday lunch into a memorable occasion. It is a place that inspires a return visit and is highly recommended to anyone looking for a refined, memorable dining experience for a special day.

I came for dinner and had the taster menu and what a fantastic experience all round! The staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgable and passionate about the menu. Every dish was explained brilliantly, any questions I had were answered and if they couldn’t immediately, went to the chefs and came back with the answer! Every dish was incredibly well thought out, the trio of pre-starters were all wonderful, then each dish after that was hit after hit! A Wonderful experience and I’ll be back again! Thank you to the chef and the team!

I booked a night at Rae’s as a surprise for my partner’s birthday. The night cost nearly $2000 with breakfast included. Having recently been to Qualia (their birthday gift to me) on Hamilton Island for about the same cost, I was expecting great things. Other than Watego’s Beach at the end of the street, there was nothing on offer. We had a nice cordial on arrival and a cheap bottle of prosecco waiting in our room when we got there. At Qualia there is unlimited French champagne on check in and a lovely bottle of the same when you get to your room. There are chocolates and freshly brewed herbal tea waiting for you after dinner alongside the bed turn down service. Nothing like that at Rae’s. Dinner at the original guest house was good and reasonably priced. When we got to breakfast most things were either no longer available or too much trouble (my partner doesn’t eat eggs, but the egg with avocado and feta could not be removed - they’re integral apparently). A piece of toast with avocado on it really doesn’t constitute a gourmet breakfast. I’ve been going to Byron Bay since the late 70s and there is no doubt it is a beautiful part of the world, but Rae’s should not be charging for that. It’s there already! It was a very expensive night for what it was and we would not go back