Being so close to the natural splendour of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s easy to overlook some of Cairns’ other draw cards.
Namely the proximity to some of the freshest seafood and produce in Australia, which forms the backbone of the local dining scene.
Some of our hand picked favourite restaurants and cafes to tuck into while you're here…
OCHRE
1 Marlin Parade,
Cairns City
(07) 4051-0100
ochrerestaurant.com.au
Where else but in Cairns could you expect to nosh on an emu wonton, a char-grilled kangaroo sirloin with a quandong chilli glaze, or wattleseed pavlova? Fusing Indigenous bush food ingredients with the produce of North Queensland. Ochre is one of the most unique dining experiences in the state, maybe the world. The major pull of their perspective is how expertly they utilise native Australian flora and fauna. Davidson plum, quandong, riberry – these ingredients aren’t found anywhere else in the world, so you can guarantee that Ochre will hit buttons you never knew you had.
SALT HOUSE
Pier Point Road
Marlin Marina
Cairns City
(07) 4041-7733
salthouse.com.au
Salt House offers one of the best seats in town. Right on the marina, they serve lunch and dinner before an enchanting view of the Trinity Inlet. Their whole operation is designed to complement the tropics, case in point the chilled seafood tasting plate that perfectly cuts through the North Queensland heat and celebrates the quality of the local seafood simultaneously. On cooler nights, it’s all about their custom-built, Argentinean wood fire grill. Choose from the decorated Darling Downs Wagyu, Oakley Black Angus, or certified humane raised sirloin from Bass Strait and Salt House will roast it to a gorgeous char.
C'est Bon
20 Lake Street
Cairns
(07) 4051 4488
cestboncairns.com.au
Cairns’ only truly French restaurant. Authentically, classically French, yet always affordable and fitting in with smart casual tropical dining. It’s the perfect marriage of French sophistication and down-to-earth local charm. With all the trappings of traditional French cuisine, the splendor and abundance of fresh local produce, blending the two to bring you a true taste of France – North Queensland style.
PRAWN STAR
Pier Point Road
Marlin Marina
Cairns City
(07) 0497-007
prawnstarcairns.com
Looking for some of the best seafood in Cairns? You can't beat prawns pulled straight from the trawler and onto your plate at Prawn Star. If you love a seafood platter and a casual atmosphere, you simply can't beat this spot that's a hit among both locals and travellers. Nestled into Cairns' marina, grab a few friends, some beer and tuck into plates of prawn, mud crab and more.
CAFFIEND
5/72-74 Grafton Sreet
Cairns City
(07) 4041-7733
salthouse.com.au
Melbourne comes to the tropics in this coffee-first cafe. Unlike Melbourne, the clientele aren’t so much looking for something warm and comforting in their morning brew. Instead, Caffeind is something more like Melbourne on holiday, with a specialty cold drip that will invigorate and refresh you in swift sip. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t go past the house-made banana and walnut bread served with caramelised banana, coconut gelato and coconut caramel sauce, or dip into the chilli eggs for a savoury breakfast.
COCO MOJO
14 Clifton Road
Clifton Beach
(07) 4059-1272
Global street food sure to make tastebuds sing can be devoured in generous portions at Coco Mojo Bar & Grill. Pulsing with a rhythmic vibe, Coco Mojo boasts a tropical setting with ferns and lush plants fringing a wide alfresco patio, while inside is fitted with rustic timber slats for an earthy aesthetic. Diners are met with a plentiful selection of dishes inspired by flavours from around the world in small and large plates, as well as signature share boards. Feast on enticing starters like Peking duck pancakes with cucumber, spring onion and hoisin sauce; before pepper-crusted rump steak, grilled radicchio and gem lettuce with ranch dressing, crispy capers, Parisienne potatoes, Merguez sausage, pickling onions, roasted radishes and chimichurri.
YORKEYS KNOB BOAT CLUB
29 Buckley Street
Yorkeys Knob
(07) 4055-7711
ykbc.com.au
The best address is just the beginning! Great food, live music, a warm and friendly atmosphere and an excellent selection of beverages to cater for all. With the best views from the deck, set against the backdrop of the hills and the sea, it's a great place for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner.
VIVO
49 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove
(07) 4059-0944
vivo.com.au
Experience one of Tropical Queensland's most idyllic beachfront settings at Vivo Palm Cove. Offering all day dining in a sensational location. With a tropical outlook second to none, enjoy Vivo's beautiful expansive verandah, located right across from the beach. Vivo offers BYO wine so you can bring along your favourite drop to enjoy with your meal. They have a wide range of breakfast options, lunch and dinner. Enjoy Vivo's fresh seafood, steak and pasta offerings, just to name a few.
Nu Nu Restaurant provides an exciting selection of award-winning Australian dishes and a great atmosphere, serving a unique menu seven days a week from early morning to late. With spectacular views of the Coral Sea, framed by stunning palm trees, the beachfront restaurant is a fantastic location to enjoy a tasty meal and a chilled drink. Well-known throughout Palm Cove, Cairns, and Australia for their recognition in Gourmet Traveller as Regional Restaurant of the Year. Their delicious food guarantees an exceptional dining experience from the ultimate tropical beach destination in the country.
EL GREKO
Shop 14
111 Williams Esplanade
Palm Cove
(07) 4055-3703
Nestled amongst nothing but trees, sand, beach and sunshine, in the heart of Palm Cove. Enjoy a night filled with a relaxed atmosphere, great traditional Greek food and the sound of a bouzouki at a place that makes you feel like you’re somewhere in Santorini. El Greko – where gorging on a feast is no problem at all. Go and be transported into a small village somewhere in Greece. El Greko captures just that with it’s unique atmosphere and traditional Greek food.
BEACH ALMOND
145 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove
(07) 4059-1908
beachalmond.com
Beach Almond beach house is a delightfully fresh modern asian seafood licensed restaurant. an award-winning restaurant celebrating the rich harvest of local seafood. Their menu has an array of south-east asian delicacies from char-grilled seafood, Singaporean chilli crab, black pepper butter prawns to scrumptious curries.
Delicious traditional menu items that come from long-held family recipes. You will be enamoured with the genuine Italian flavors and ingredients that set Il Forno apart as a uniquely Italian pizzeria in the heart of Palm Cove.
ESPRESSO & CO
115/117 Williams Esplanade
Palm Cove
(07) 4055-3021
espressoandco.com.au
Beautiful food and awesome service.
Espresso & Co is a locally-owned cafe and bar specialising in making the very best coffee in Palm Cove. Serving breakfast, lunch and cocktails daily.
With a sublime beachfront position, Chill Cafe capture's the very essence of far north Queensland. Laid back and family friendly, Chill Cafe is the place where locals and holiday makers connect. Relax, let your spirit soar, and enjoy a picture postcard backdrop framed by palms, golden sand and the Coral Sea. Enjoy craft beers, cocktails and wines paired with modern Australian cuisine drawing from cultures from around the world and utilising the fresh produce from our beautiful Far North Queensland.
