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Famed for being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns in tropical North Queensland isn’t just a paradise for adventure seekers like myself but also a haven for foodies. The best restaurants in Cairns hold their own against some of the best in the country – and that is saying something in a country of famously incredible food.
From fresh seafood caught straight from the Coral Sea to vibrant Asian fusion and earthy farm-to-table dining, the food scene in Cairns caters to all tastebuds and budgets. Whether you’re after a relaxed waterfront vibe or an upscale experience, Cairns delivers an array of unique dining options to suit all travelers.
While there are many famous restaurants in Cairns, not all live up to their reputation. From poor food quality to lousy customer service or a mix of both, there’s one restaurant in Cairns that I would suggest avoiding (and, unfortunately, tourists are often told it’s one of the best places to go).
Are you ready to add true bucket list-worthy restaurants to your Cairns itinerary? These are the best restaurants in Cairns to ensure a phenomenal dining experience in this tropical North Queensland city.
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1. Tamarind
You can’t have a list of Cairns’s best restaurants without adding the world-renowned Tamarind. Located in the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Tamarind is not only a fine-dining restaurant but also the most awarded restaurants in the city, including a Chef Hat Award. For those who don’t know, a Chef Hat Award is the equivalent of a Michelin star (the Michelin guide hasn’t covered Australia yet).
Tamarind is famous for its ‘Australian Freestyle’ cuisine. This is where chefs embrace cooking styles and techniques from a range of cultures, using local ingredients to craft mouth-watering dishes packed full of flavor. The best part? The chefs only use seasonal ingredients, so the impressive menu constantly changes but never compromises quality.
With a two or three-course menu to choose from featuring dishes like Angus beef tartare and cured north Queensland kingfish paired with Australian wines or local beer, dining at Tamarind offers an unforgettable experience. I don’t think anyone can have a poor experience at Tamarind.
2. Ochre
Located on the waterfront and serving up incredible native dishes, Ochre is quintessentially Australian.
This award-winning restaurant is known for showcasing the best of Australia’s produce. It’s because of this that people travel not only from around Australia but also across the world to get a taste of the flavors.
Where else can you be served kangaroo satay, tempura Gulf bugs, or salt and pepper leaf crocodile? Not only do the dishes at Ochre look drool-worthy, but they’re packed with tons of flavor using local ingredients, which are enhanced with every bite.
And, if you’re gluten-free like me, you’ll be happy to know that Ochre has an entirely separate but equally delicious, gluten-free dinner menu.
3. Prawn Star
For a unique dining experience, I always recommend Prawn Star.
Located at Marlin Marina, this floating restaurant on moored trawlers is an experience you can’t miss in the Tropical North. The laid-back atmosphere of dining on the trawler with fairy lights shimmering above, music playing in the background, and sharing a communal table with strangers makes this one of Cairns’s most unique dining experiences.
Forget complex dishes and fancy cocktails. Rather, Prawn Star’s simple menu features the freshest local seafood caught off the coast of Cairns, including prawns, salmon sashimi, oysters, crayfish, and more.
If you’re a seafood lover, make Prawn Star your first stop for lunch or dinner in Cairns. You won’t be disappointed – it’ll just get you excited for all the other great meals you’ll have in Cairns.
4. Piato Cairns
Located on the waterfront at The Pier, Piato is the place to go for delicious home-style cuisine.
Serving up Mediterranean-inspired dishes, you can expect quality seafood flown in from northeast Queensland, steaks, and flavorful desserts at Piato. The chefs here only use the freshest ingredients to create and serve dishes you’d be proud to take home to your families.
The lively yet casual upscale atmosphere at Piato is a great place to grab a handcrafted cocktail and experience the burst of flavors from the quality dish you choose from the impressive menu.
5. Dundee’s Waterfront Dining
Being a coastal city, it’s no secret that there are many waterfront restaurants in Cairns, which extends to Dundee’s Waterfront Dining.
Located in The Sebel Cairns Harbour Lights, Dundee’s boasts a modern Australian menu featuring native kangaroo, crocodile, Australian-bred beef, and fresh, locally caught seafood. Sit back and enjoy a glass of Australian wine while tucking into a delectable dish full of native ingredients while watching the boat lights in the marina glisten.
If you want to be even more immersed in the marine setting, Dundee’s also has a restaurant in the Cairn’s Aquarium where you can dine surrounded by walls of colourful marine life!
6. Rocco by Crystalbrook
For a truly memorable experience, head to Rocco by Crystalbrook, the city’s highest rooftop bar and restaurant, which boasts 270-degree views of Cairns and the Coral Sea. One of the reasons visitors love Cairns is because it feels like you’re in nature, and Rocco delivers that experience – but in a much more elevated fashion.
Located on the 12th floor of the Crystalbrook Riley Hotel, Rocco by Crystalbrook is a fantastic place to watch the sunset with a glass of champagne. The bar has a stellar champagne menu and also crafts plenty of sophisticated cocktails.
It’s also a great spot to enjoy a romantic dinner in the sky. Serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu, you can enjoy freshly shucked oysters, Daintree barramundi fillet, seared scallops, and more while watching the streets of Cairns light up.
Whether staying at the 5-star hotel or looking for a unique dining experience, Rocco by Crystalbrook is a personal favorite and cannot be missed while in Cairns!
7. Paper Crane by Crystalbrook
If you love fresh and delicious Asian cuisine with a twist, Paper Crane by Crystalbrook is one of the best restaurants in Cairns to visit.
Inside the Crystalbrook Riley Hotel, Paper Crane is an Asian-fusion restaurant (which Australia does like nowhere else). The menu here draws inspiration from Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine and is designed to be shared among friends and family. You’ll be able to choose from freshly shucked oysters, Thai fried chicken, kangaroo larb (I am willing to bet you will not find this combination anywhere else on earth), and more.
With an incredible selection of cocktails and an extensive global wine list. In case it isn’t clear, you’ll be able to find the perfect drink to pair with your meal.
And the 1 to Skip
While Cairns boasts several high-quality restaurants to dine at, some don’t hit the mark. In our opinion, Salt House is one of them. Located in the heart of the Cairns Esplanade, Salt House serves a range of meals, from fish to pizza and even steak.
However, while the location is fantastic and boasts views of the Coral Sea, the quality of the food and service from the staff is what steers people away from the restaurant. Tourists are often misled into thinking a meal at Salt House is the right choice. However, there is truth when people say to avoid restaurants on the ‘main strip’ – and this is, unfortunately, one of those times.
If you want to visit simply for the views, we recommend staying for a drink. If you’re looking for exceptional food and outstanding customer service, check out one of the other restaurants on this list to avoid wasting your time and money on a subpar experience.
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