La Familiá & Co. has been brought to life in Mullumbimby by Byron Shire local, Jack Wright, who – also behind Brunswick Heads’ much-loved Hooper’s fish-and-chippery – knows a thing or two about quality nosh. The Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar has taken up residence in a sprawling, warmly lit outdoor space, meaning there’s room for live music aplenty as the sun dips below the horizon and you indulge in a few hand-crafted cocktails. Speaking of which, we have it on good authority that the margarita selection is superb – if you can make it past the signature cocktails, which include delights such as the Rainforest Sour (Brookie’s Slow Gin, lemon, Davidson plum jam and aquafaba) and the La Familia Colada (Lord Byron Distillery Pina Rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream).
Feeling like Mullum’s burgeoning dining scene was missing an integral element, Jack has been slowly piecing together –amidst COVID curve-balls – the pieces for an informal Mexican eatery with a focus on local produce, authentic flavours and delicious drinks. La Familiá & Co.’s fit-out riffs on the concept of a rustic Mexican cantina with an added Australian spin in the Aussie hardwood features and meandering garden setting. With hatted chef Brett Luckens at the helm, La Familiá & Co.’s menu features considered share-plates and flavoursome tacos, slow-cooked meats and traditional spices. Think pork-belly tacos, cheesy jalapeno bites and oysters topped with mezcal, salted ruby grapefruit, habanero salsa and coriander. Plant-based pals don’t miss out either, with culinary delights including tacos piled high with asada king brown mushrooms, pulled hibiscus flowers, cashew crema and micro confetti flowers. Although La Familiá & Co. is open from Thursday to Monday evenings, on Friday and Sunday nights the vibes are at an all-time high with a DJ spinning relaxed tunes until late.
Image credit: Sam Clarke.