Best Restaurants in Cairns

There’s something really special about the dining scene up north, and Best Restaurants in Cairns takes on a whole new meaning up here. You get hit with humidity before you even get a whiff of the fantastic food – and between the seafood, spices & tropical fruit, the local chefs know just the right recipe to get your taste buds working overtime. From tiny little izakayas tucked away in corners to fine dining restaurants overlooking the Coral Sea, Cairns dishes up some of the most vibrant plates in Tropical North Queensland.

What to Expect from Restaurants

Cairns is one of those gateway cities – the one that kicks off your journey to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree, and just about everything in between. As a result, the restaurant scene here is as mixed as the crowd: people fresh off dive boats, locals just looking to grab a Friday beer with mates, and chefs who’ve worked all over the place, from Melbourne to Manhattan.

Here’s what makes dining in Cairns rather unique:

Seasonal produce: Menus change with the seasons – think coral trout and mango salsas in the wet, and mud crab and papaya salads in the dry months.
Open air everything: You’ll be eating outdoors more often than not, so don’t forget your mozzie spray!
Cultural mix: Expect to see a strong Asian influence on almost every menu – Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese & Indonesian flavours all blend in together.
Dress code: Pretty casual. Thongs are acceptable unless you’re heading to a fancy dinner.

Wawawa Izakaya

If you’re a fan of cold sake and hot karaage, then Wawawa Izakaya in Cairns City is a cracking start. This tiny little Japanese spot is tucked away near Lake Street, and it’s actually where locals go for a good feed. The sashimi is melt-in-your-mouth fresh, and their miso eggplant is well worth raving about.
The chef’s specials are always changing – depending on what’s flown in from Sydney Fish Market – and the service is warm & cheerful, just like Cairns itself.
Top pick: Try their grilled mackerel with ponzu & daikon, paired with a Yuzushu liqueur.

Gambaramba

Down on Spence Street, Gambaramba is what happens when Malaysian street food meets the Far North Queensland heat. It’s loud, casual & utterly delicious – and their laksa bowls are famous for a reason.
You’ve got your choice of noodle type (thin rice vermicelli’s your best bet in the wet – trust me, the thick egg noodles will leave you dripping in sweat), their roti canai is flaky perfection, and the curry sauces are made fresh every day.
Best for: Quick, spicy lunches between reef tours or after the night markets— ideal if you’re exploring the city on one of the popular Cairns Tours.

Ollie's Italian

Ollie’s Italian brings a taste of coastal Europe right here to the tropics. It’s the slow-roasted tomatoes and Aperol spritzes that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Perched on the Esplanade, it’s an easy walk from most hotels. Their wood-fired pizzas are cooked to perfection, striking the ideal balance between a charred crust and a soft centre. The handmade pasta is prepared daily, with servings that always hit the mark. Locals swear by the seafood linguine and inevitably get hooked on the tiramisu. Insider Tip: Book a table for sunset and watch the Coral Sea turn gold. Ollie’s Italian brings a taste of coastal Europe right here to the tropics. It’s the slow

C'est Bon French Restaurant

C’est Bon on Lake Street has been a local favourite for years. It brings a French feel to the tropics — the kind of old-school charm you’d expect in Paris. You’ll want to visit for the buttery escargots, the wagyu steak, and the choux pastry puffs, which are truly unforgettable. The wine list is extensive, the service is consistently excellent, and the rear courtyard feels like a hidden Marseille laneway. Perfect for: Anniversaries, birthdays, or any excuse to indulge with a glass of Champagne. C’est Bon on Lake Street has been a local favourite for years. It brings a French feel to the tropics — the kind of old-school charm you’d find in Paris. You’ll want to get here for those buttery escargots, the wagyu steak and the choux pastry puffs, which will knock your socks off. Their wine list is epic, and the service is top-notch. The courtyard out the back feels like a secret hideaway in Marseille. Perfect for: Anniversaries, birthdays, or just any excuse to come in and indulge with a glass or two of Champagne.

Bayleaf

Don’t let the fact that Bayleaf is inside the Bay Village Tropical Retreat fool you – it’s still one of the best places to go for a feed in Cairns. It’s been around for years, and the kitchen is constantly pushing out modern takes on Balinese flavours – so expect plenty of lemongrass, kaffir lime and chilli in everything.
The satay skewers are legendary, and that duck curry will stick with you for days. You’ll want to bring a few mates to share it all out, family style.
Local Hack: Order the “Rijsttafel” – it’s like a sampler menu but way better. It’s a big spread of all the best dishes to try.

Salt House

Salt House on The Esplanade is a real showstopper – sleek, modern architecture, fire pits and views of the marina and Coral Sea that will blow your mind. It’s part restaurant, part cocktail bar and part party under the stars. Their seafood platter is a must-have, with all sorts of local seafood piled high on the plate. Wash it down with a Salt House spritz or one of their crazy tropical cocktails. Hot Tip: Get in for their New Year’s Eve or Melbourne Cup luncheons – their package deals and live bands make it a real night to remember.

Nunu

Just a 25-minute drive up the road at Palm Cove is Nunu – it’s where the tropics meet gourmet food. The ocean views are pretty unbeatable, and Chef Nick Holloway and his team are always pushing local produce to the limit. The menu is pretty much contemporary Aussie food with a bit of tropical flair thrown in – expect chargrilled prawns, coconut braised beef cheeks, and desserts that show off every fruit in the region. When To Go: Lunch is the best time – you can watch Double Island sparkling over the water.

Il Forno

For pizza purists, Il Forno in Palm Cove is as good as it gets. Family-owned, wood-fired and as friendly as your local pub. The dough is slow fermented, and all the ingredients are Italian – except for the North Queensland basil, which is even better. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of their live music nights when the locals spill out onto the footpath with a glass of vino in hand. Don’t miss: The Diavola pizza – spicy, smoky and perfect with a cold beer.

El Grekos

Head to Trinity Beach for a taste of the Aegean at El Grekos. This Greek taverna has a cult following among locals thanks to its seafood platters and friendly owners who treat every diner like family. The lamb shoulder falls apart at the touch of a fork, and the moussaka tastes just like it does in Santorini (minus the flight). Sit outside, drink ouzo and soak up that sea breeze. Pro tip: Go hungry – portions are big, and dessert is non-negotiable.

Ochre Restaurant

If there’s one name that consistently tops the “Best Restaurants in Cairns” lists, it’s Ochre Restaurant. Located near the Reef Fleet Terminal, Ochre is known for celebrating native Australian ingredients — think kangaroo sirloin, wattleseed pavlova, and crocodile spring rolls. Chef Craig Squire has been refining the menu for decades, making Ochre the go-to choice for visitors seeking an authentic taste of the tropics with a distinct fine-dining edge. Sustainability bonus: Ochre focuses on local suppliers, native produce, and low-waste cooking, aligning perfectly with Cairns’ eco-conscious travel culture.

FAQ

What Kind Of Food Is Cairns Known For?

Cairns is famous for local seafood, tropical fruit and multicultural menus blending Asian and Mediterranean influences.

Which Restaurant Has The Best View?

Salt House and Nunu Restaurant have the best views of the Coral Sea, while Ochre overlooks Marlin Parade and the Harbour Lights Boardwalk.

Are There Fine Dining Options In Cairns?

Yes — Ochre Restaurant, Tamarind at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino and C’est Bon French Restaurant are top-notch for degustation and service.

What’s The Average Price For A Main Course?

$35-$50 at mid-range venues; $90-$140 per person for degustation or set menus at fine-dining venues.

Is Cairns Good For Casual Dining Too?

Absolutely — Boardwalk Social, KOI Bar & Restaurant and Three Wolves offer relaxed bites, cocktails and live music.

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