Goanna Lennox

Welcome to Goanna, a celebration of the Lennox Head community and the Bundjalung land that surrounds us.

Our restaurant is named after the Goanna, a mythical creature that plays an important role in the Aboriginal culture of this region. We are proud to honor this tradition and the natural beauty of our surroundings by using locally sourced and native ingredients in our dishes. Our menu is a fusion of classic brunch favorites and innovative creations inspired by the flavors of the Bundjalung land.

At Goanna, we believe that food is a way of bringing people together, and we are committed to providing a warm and welcoming space where everyone can gather and enjoy delicious, nourishing meals. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee or settling in for a leisurely brunch, we invite you to experience the flavors and culture of Lennox Head at Goanna. 

The Cafe/Brunch Restaurant was founded by two experienced chefs. One of them, Leonardo Cardillo, has more than 10 years of experience working with a variety of ingredients and has learned from some renowned hospitality groups such as Accor, Coral Sea Marina resort ,Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, Hakuba in Japan & MamaSan Kitchen. He has a passion for travel and bold flavours, which he incorporates into innovative dishes that honor the rich and ancient Aboriginal culture of Australia. To create these dishes, he works closely with local suppliers to source unique ingredients such as wattle-seed, flax Lilly, Bunya Nut, and Silver Aspen, and respectfully incorporates their traditional uses by learning from Aboriginal communities.

The other chef, Luiz Henrique, also known as Rick, has over 15 years of combined experience as a chef, having trained at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu Culinary College in Sydney. He has worked with esteemed hospitality groups such as the Sofitel in Sydney, the Merivale Group, Aria restaurant, Momofuku Seiobo, Elements Resort and Spa in Byron Bay, and Harvest Newrybar. More recently, he was part of the kitchen brigade at Aurora in South Australia, where he gained valuable knowledge about using locally sourced produce and supporting small businesses.

Together, these two experienced chefs bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to Goanna. By establishing their own Cafe/Brunch Restaurant, they have the opportunity to build on their previous experiences and create a warm and welcoming space where everyone can gather and enjoy delicious, nourishing meals.

Follow them Goanna Lennox or check out their website HERE