Saltbush Bar & Grill: An Exquisite Dining Experience in Ballina

Welcome to Saltbush Bar & Grill, an enchanting restaurant nestled along the scenic banks of the Richmond River in Ballina, NSW. Located at 2 Martin St, this culinary haven is a delightful destination for both locals and visitors alike, inviting you to embark on an extraordinary dining experience.

As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by a team of dedicated staff who prioritize impeccable service. Patrons have raved about the attentiveness and friendliness of the team, ensuring that each visit feels personal and memorable.

At Saltbush, the menu showcases an impressive array of dishes, thoughtfully crafted to highlight the flavors of the region. Start your meal with a selection of enticing appetisers like the Bowl of Beer Battered Chips with Lemon Myrtle Salt or the Cheesy Garlic and Mixed Herb delight—all priced at just A$12. The diverse selection extends to breakfast offerings, featuring Toasted Sourdough for A$9 and indulgent Toasted Banana Bread for A$10, perfect for a calming morning treat.

The culinary journey continues with entrees that are nothing short of magnificent. Guests have praised the Flamed Drunken Kinkawooka Black Mussels, Seared Jack's Creek Pepper Crusted Beef Carpaccio, and the unique Saltbush and Mountain Pepper Calamari. Each dish is a testament to local produce and quality ingredients, designed to tantalize your taste buds.

The testimonials from customers speak volumes. From Katie Kelliher's enthusiastic recommendation of the perfectly cooked porterhouse steak to Thomas Bowers' adoration for the Seafood Platter with Lobster, the glow from diners’ reviews shines through. Every plate reflects dedication, skill, and an unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a great meal, Saltbush Bar & Grill ensures satisfaction in every bite. The cocktails here also deserve a mention, with many patrons, including Jodi Peel, exclaiming about their sublime quality.

Saltbush Bar & Grill isn't just a meal; it's an exploration of flavors and a celebration of community. We invite you to immerse yourself in the delights of this hidden gem and savor a dining experience that you won't soon forget. For reservations or queries, you can reach them at +61 2 6618 1188. Come and be a part of the Saltbush story. Your taste buds will thank you!

Katie Kelliher

26/09/2025

Our dining experience at Saltbush was absolutely outstanding! From the moment we walked in, the staff were attentive, welcoming, and made us feel right at home. The food was incredible—everything we ordered was perfection. The oyster mornay was fresh and full of flavor, and the porterhouse steak was cooked to absolute perfection. 10/10 all the way! We’ll definitely be back for another amazing meal. Highly recommend Saltbush to anyone looking for exceptional food and service.

Jodi Peel

27/08/2025

One of our favourite restaurants. The staff are amazing, service is wonderful and the food is exceptional. The cocktails are sublime. Went there for my birthday tonight. Danny and his team never disappoint!

T B

15/08/2025

Our first visit to Saltbush, and WOW, it was fabulous! Delicious food, friendly staff, and a magnificent location. The salt & pepper calamari was perhaps the best I've ever had, both the eye fillet and porterhouse steaks were perfectly cooked and the desserts were decadent! Our friends who had the seafood platter were also quite impressed with it (see pics), it was very fresh and generous enough to comfortably feed a hungry couple. Highly recommend, and we'll be back soon...

Thomas Bowers

14/08/2025

Our favourite local restaurant, consistently delicious, fresh food, cooked to perfection, served with a smile in a pleasant, inviting atmosphere right on the Richmond River. If I ever had to choose my favourite meal, this is it... DELICIOUS Seafood Platter with Lobster, it was so fresh and flavourful! If you haven't tried it yet, spoil yourself and a friend / spouse / partner with this delectable feast for two!

Ged Hughes

07/08/2025

Wow. What a gem! We stayed at the Ramada and decided to grab some cocktails and a meal downstairs at Saltbush. Firstly, the staff were very welcoming and friendly. The cocktails were on point and standard prices for this day and age. Then the meals....Wow wow wow. Outstanding!!! and I think for the quality and taste it was well worth the money. We will be back next time we are down that way. Thankyou so much! This made our trip.

Randy DeGraw

17/07/2025

A really nice dinner here as we were on our road trip. Starters of oysters Kilpatricks and garlic prawns. Both were delicious. But should have been delivered to the table at the same time, not 10 minutes later for my wife prawns. But we understand how things go in a kitchen. Mains for both was the wagyu eye fillet cooked perfectly. Followed with a pancetta that we shared. Absolutely delicious as well. Waiter suggested the red to match the steak and it was spot on. Lovely atmosphere although a bit noisy at times.

Vickie ROBINSON

13/07/2025

Lovely place. We had breakfast. Wanted to do dinner but it comes in 2 or 3 course serves which is too much food for us so we opted out. Breakfast was lovely, although fried eggs were rubbery. ROY served on us without fault and went to lengths to ensure my weirdest requests were met. Thanks Roy. While this venue is attached to the Ramada its privately owned. That said, they give a 10% discount to anyone staying at the Ramada upon presentation of the access card.

Jeff Smith

03/07/2025

Dropped in for late snack after beach walk, staff could not be more helpful. Plenty if parking available and no wait to be seated. We shared a yummy Sirloin Steak Sandwich with crunchy chips, great flavours, tender meat. Also the Banana Smoothie hit the spot.