Perched right on the water in East Ballina, Shaws Bay Hotel has always been a draw, but a recent renovation and a refreshed bistro menu have made it even more of a destination.

There’s classic pub fare, sure, from burgers to schnitzels to steak, but the tuna tostadas, crudo, fish pie and a bucketful of Ballina prawns catch the eye, especially on a sunny day under the umbrellas. Start there, split a woodfired pizza, dive into the Margarita menu for drinks and it’s the Sunday session that dreams are made of.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.