Discover the Best Restaurants in Cairns
From award-winning fine dining to hidden local gems, Cairns offers an incredible diversity of culinary experiences. This comprehensive guide features 54 of the best restaurants in Cairns across every cuisine, price point, and occasion – your complete roadmap to the tropical dining scene that makes Cairns a true foodie destination.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner with Great Barrier Reef views, seeking authentic Asian flavours, or hunting for the perfect family-friendly spot, this guide has you covered. Each restaurant links directly to detailed listings where you can find menus, contact details, and booking information.
Fine Dining & Special Occasions
Ochre Restaurant
Cairns’ most celebrated fine dining establishment showcases contemporary Australian cuisine with native ingredients and stunning presentation. Ochre Restaurant elevates local produce like barramundi, kangaroo, and native spices into artful culinary masterpieces that define tropical luxury dining.
Best for: Anniversary dinners, special celebrations, impressing visitors
Crystalbrook Riley
The flagship restaurant of Cairns’ premier luxury hotel delivers sophisticated modern Australian cuisine with impeccable service, making it one of the best restaurants in Cairns. Crystalbrook Riley combines innovative cooking techniques with premium local seafood and produce in an elegant waterfront setting.
Best for: Business dinners, luxury dining experiences, special occasions
Crystalbrook Flynn
Sister venue to Riley, Crystalbrook Flynn offers a more relaxed yet equally refined approach to contemporary dining, featuring seasonal menus that celebrate Far North Queensland’s abundant fresh ingredients.
Best for: Sophisticated casual dining, wine appreciation, pre-theater meals
Crystalbrook Bailey
The third jewel in the Crystalbrook crown, Crystalbrook Bailey provides an intimate fine dining experience with personalized service and expertly crafted dishes that showcase the region’s premium produce.
Best for: Intimate dinners, wine pairing experiences, luxury accommodation dining
Bellocale Italian Seafood Restaurant
Where Italian culinary tradition meets Queensland’s fresh seafood bounty, Bellocale creates sophisticated dishes that honor both heritage and location. Their handmade pasta paired with local prawns and fish is legendary among Cairns food lovers.
Best for: Romantic dinners, seafood lovers, Italian cuisine enthusiasts
Flynn’s Italian by Crystalbrook
Authentic Italian flavors with a tropical twist define Flynn’s Italian, where traditional recipes meet the finest local ingredients. Their wood-fired pizzas and house-made pasta showcase Italian culinary artistry in a refined Cairns setting.
Best for: Date nights, family celebrations, authentic Italian experiences
Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook
Modern Australian dining with a social atmosphere, Boardwalk Social combines quality cuisine with a relaxed vibe perfect for both business lunches and casual fine dining experiences.
Best for: Business lunches, group dining, modern Australian cuisine
Waterfront Views & Scenic Dining
Dundees on the Waterfront
An iconic Cairns institution, Dundees on the Waterfront has been serving exceptional seafood with stunning Trinity Inlet views for decades. Their mud crab and barramundi dishes are legendary, making this a must-visit for any Cairns dining experience. When it comes to waterfront dining Dundees on the Waterfront is one of the best restaurants in Cairns.Â
Best for: Seafood lovers, scenic dining, tourist experiences
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Offering panoramic harbour views with quality pub-style dining, Cairns Harbourside Hotel serves hearty meals in a relaxed waterfront setting perfect for watching boats come and go while enjoying cold beer and fresh seafood.
Best for: Casual waterfront dining, group meals, pub atmosphere
Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse
Come and see why local say that Waterbar and Gril is best restaurants in Cairns. Premium steaks meet waterfront ambiance at Waterbar & Grill, where perfectly cooked beef and fresh seafood are served alongside spectacular water views that make every meal memorable.
Best for: Steak lovers, waterfront dining, special occasions
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill
Just north of Cairns, Ellis Beach Bar & Grill offers beachfront dining with your toes in the sand, serving fresh local seafood and tropical cocktails with uninterrupted ocean views.
Best for: Beach dining, tropical atmosphere, weekend getaways
Asian Cuisine Excellence
Gurkhas Himalayan Nepalese Restaurant
For authentic Nepalese and Himalayan flavors, Gurkhas Himalayan Nepalese Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Cairns. Come alive at Gurkhas, where traditional spices and cooking methods create unique dishes rarely found elsewhere in Far North Queensland. Their momos and curry selections offer an authentic taste of the Himalayas.
Best for: Authentic ethnic cuisine, spice lovers, cultural dining experiences
Goong Restaurant
Thai cuisine reaches new heights at Goong Restaurant, where traditional recipes are executed with premium ingredients and authentic techniques. Their tom yum and green curry showcase the perfect balance of Thai flavors.
Best for: Thai food enthusiasts, authentic Asian dining, spicy food lovers
Gourmand China
Traditional Chinese cuisine meets modern presentation at Gourmand China, offering an extensive menu of regional Chinese dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques.
Best for: Chinese cuisine lovers, family dining, traditional flavors
Good Wok
A local favorite for Chinese takeaway and dining, Good Wok delivers consistently excellent Chinese-Australian dishes with generous portions and friendly service that keeps locals coming back.
Best for: Casual Chinese dining, takeaway, family meals
Fuji Homestyle Cuisine FNQ
Japanese home-style cooking at its finest, Fuji Homestyle Cuisine offers authentic Japanese comfort food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like dining in a Japanese family home.
Best for: Authentic Japanese cuisine, comfort food, intimate dining
Cairns Riki Japanese BBQ Restaurant
Interactive Japanese BBQ dining where you cook premium meats at your table, Cairns Riki provides a fun, social dining experience with high-quality ingredients and authentic Japanese BBQ traditions.
Best for: Interactive dining, group experiences, Japanese BBQ lovers
Corea Corea
Corea Corea is one of the best restaurants in Cairns for authentic Korean flavors and traditional BBQ experiences define Corea Corea, where kimchi, bulgogi, and other Korean classics are prepared with authentic ingredients and traditional methods.
Best for: Korean cuisine enthusiasts, BBQ experiences, authentic flavors
Chiangmai Thai Cuisine
Named after Thailand’s cultural capital, Chiangmai Thai Cuisine brings authentic northern Thai flavors to Cairns with traditional recipes, fresh herbs, and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
Best for: Authentic Thai cuisine, traditional flavors, spice enthusiasts
Fresh Seafood Specialists
Cairns Little Seafood Market
A hidden gem for the freshest seafood, Cairns Little Seafood Market sources directly from local boats and serves simple, perfectly prepared seafood that showcases the incredible quality of Far North Queensland’s waters.
Best for: Fresh seafood, local sourcing, simple preparation
Captain Cook’s Fish & Chips
Classic fish and chips elevated with the freshest local catch, Captain Cook’s serves crispy battered fish with perfectly cooked chips in generous portions that satisfy any seafood craving.
Best for: Classic fish and chips, casual dining, family meals
Balaclava Fish
A local institution for fresh seafood, Balaclava Fish offers simply prepared fish and seafood that lets the natural flavors shine through, perfect for those who appreciate quality over complexity.
Best for: Simple fresh seafood, local atmosphere, authentic preparations
Family-Friendly Favorites
Grill’d Burgers Cairns Esplanade
Gourmet burgers made with fresh, healthy ingredients, making Grill’d one of the best restaurants in Cairns for families on a budget. Grill’d offers a family-friendly dining experience with options for every dietary requirement, located conveniently on the beautiful Cairns Esplanade.
Best for: Family dining, healthy options, convenient location
Evo Burger
Creative gourmet burgers with tropical twists, Evo Burger combines quality ingredients with innovative flavor combinations that appeal to both adults and children in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Best for: Gourmet burgers, family dining, creative flavors
Burger Urge
Premium burger experiences with a focus on quality beef and fresh toppings, Burger Urge delivers consistently excellent burgers in a modern, family-friendly environment that’s perfect for casual dining.
Best for: Quality burgers, family meals, casual dining
Cairns Burger Cafe
Local burger joint serving hearty, satisfying burgers with a focus on generous portions and friendly service, Cairns Burger Cafe is a neighborhood favorite for comfort food done right.
Best for: Comfort food, generous portions, local atmosphere
Giants Pizzeria Manunda
Family-owned pizzeria serving authentic wood-fired pizzas with fresh toppings and homemade dough, Giants Pizzeria creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Best for: Wood-fired pizza, family dining, authentic Italian
Cazaly’s
Sports club dining with a relaxed family atmosphere, Cazaly’s offers hearty pub meals, cold drinks, and entertainment options that make it perfect for families looking for a casual dining experience.
Best for: Sports club atmosphere, pub meals, family entertainment
Budget-Friendly Gems
Gorilla Kebabs
Authentic Middle Eastern flavors at incredible prices, Gorilla Kebabs serves generous portions of perfectly seasoned meats, fresh salads, and homemade sauces that deliver exceptional value without compromising on taste.
Best for: Budget dining, Middle Eastern cuisine, generous portions
Ali Baba’s Kebab FNQ
Traditional kebab house serving authentic Turkish and Lebanese cuisine, Ali Baba’s offers flavorful meats, fresh bread, and homemade dips at prices that make quality ethnic food accessible to all.
Best for: Authentic Middle Eastern, budget-friendly, late-night dining
Zambrero Cairns Lake Street
Fresh Mexican with a healthy twist, Zambrero provides nutritious, customizable Mexican meals at fast-casual prices, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t break the budget.
Best for: Healthy Mexican, quick service, budget-conscious dining
Dawg Boys
American-style comfort food with a tropical twist, Dawg Boys serves hearty sandwiches, loaded fries, and creative hot dogs that deliver big flavors at wallet-friendly prices.
Best for: American comfort food, generous portions, casual atmosphere
Apex Milk Bar
Old-school milk bar charm with modern menu additions, Apex Milk Bar offers classic Australian cafe fare, milkshakes, and light meals in a nostalgic setting that’s both affordable and charming.
Best for: Nostalgic dining, classic Australian cafe, budget meals
Chinese Capital Take Away
No-frills Chinese takeaway delivering authentic flavors at unbeatable prices, Chinese Capital proves that great Chinese food doesn’t need to be expensive, serving generous portions of traditional dishes.
Best for: Authentic Chinese takeaway, budget dining, generous portions
Unique Experiences & Hidden Gems
Guerrilla
Innovative dining concept that challenges conventional restaurant expectations, Guerrilla creates unique culinary experiences that blend art, food, and atmosphere in ways that surprise and delight adventurous diners.
Best for: Unique dining experiences, culinary adventure, artistic atmosphere
Bury Me Standing
Mysterious and intriguing venue with a speakeasy vibe, Bury Me Standing offers craft cocktails, quality food, and an atmosphere that transports diners to another world entirely.
Best for: Craft cocktails, unique atmosphere, date nights
Bushfire Flame Grill
Australian bush-inspired dining with native ingredients and open-fire cooking, Bushfire Flame Grill creates authentic Aussie flavors using traditional cooking methods and indigenous ingredients. If your looking for a Churrasco, all you can eat experience, Bushfire Flame Grill is one of the best restaurants in Cairns.Â
Best for: Australian bush cuisine, native ingredients, cultural dining
Garden of Eatin’
Vegetarian and vegan paradise with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients, Garden of Eatin’ proves that plant-based dining can be both satisfying and delicious with creative, nutritious menu options.
Best for: Vegetarian/vegan dining, healthy options, organic ingredients
Ganbaranba
One of the best restaurants in Cairns for Japanese soul food with a modern twist, Ganbaranba serves comfort food favorites with Japanese techniques and flavors, creating a unique fusion that’s both familiar and exciting.
Best for: Japanese fusion, comfort food, unique flavors
Castaway
Tropical island vibes with Pacific-inspired cuisine, Castaway transports diners to a tropical paradise with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and cocktails that capture the essence of island living.
Best for: Tropical atmosphere, Pacific cuisine, vacation vibes
Cafes & Coffee Culture
Four Cinq
Sophisticated cafe culture meets exceptional coffee, Four Cinq serves expertly crafted specialty coffee alongside gourmet breakfast and lunch options in a stylish, contemporary setting.
Best for: Specialty coffee, sophisticated breakfast, business meetings
Guyala Cafe
Indigenous-owned cafe celebrating Aboriginal culture through food and coffee, Guyala Cafe offers native ingredients, traditional flavors, and cultural experiences alongside excellent coffee and light meals making Guyala Cafe one of the best restaurants in Cairns
Best for: Cultural experiences, native ingredients, supporting Indigenous business
Caffiend
Coffee lover’s paradise with serious attention to bean selection and brewing techniques, Caffiend attracts coffee enthusiasts with single-origin options, expert baristas, and knowledgeable staff who are passionate about the perfect cup.
Best for: Coffee enthusiasts, single-origin beans, expert brewing
Chezest Cafe
French-inspired cafe serving authentic pastries, croissants, and coffee in a charming European-style setting, Chezest Cafe brings a taste of Paris to tropical Cairns, making it one of the best restaurants in Cairns
Best for: French pastries, European atmosphere, breakfast treats
Candy Cafe Bar
Sweet treats and quality coffee in a colorful, fun atmosphere, Candy Cafe Bar combines cafe culture with confectionery delights, perfect for satisfying both caffeine and sugar cravings.
Best for: Sweet treats, colorful atmosphere, family-friendly
Mediterranean Flavors
Fetta’s Greek Taverna
Authentic Greek cuisine with traditional recipes passed down through generations, Fetta’s Greek Taverna serves generous portions of moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Best for: Authentic Greek cuisine, generous portions, traditional atmosphere
El Greko Greek Taverna
Palm Cove’s premier Greek restaurant offering waterfront dining with authentic Mediterranean flavors, El Greko combines stunning beach views with traditional Greek hospitality and cuisine.
Best for: Waterfront Greek dining, authentic flavors, scenic location
Ela Mediterranean
Modern Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and healthy preparations, Ela Mediterranean offers lighter, contemporary takes on classic Mediterranean dishes.
Best for: Healthy Mediterranean, modern preparations, fresh ingredients
Floriana Boutique Hotel Mediterranean Restaurant
Upscale Mediterranean dining in an intimate boutique hotel setting, Floriana provides sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine with impeccable service and romantic ambiance, making it one of the best restaurants in Cairns
Best for: Romantic dining, upscale Mediterranean, intimate atmosphere
YaYa’s Hellenic Kitchen and Bar
Contemporary Greek dining with a modern twist, YaYa’s updates traditional Greek recipes with modern techniques while maintaining authentic flavors and generous Greek hospitality.
Best for: Modern Greek cuisine, updated classics, contemporary atmosphere
Italian Excellence
Villa Romana
Classic Italian dining with traditional recipes and warm hospitality, Villa Romana serves authentic pasta, pizza, and Italian classics in a cozy atmosphere that feels like dining in someone’s Italian home, making Villa Romana one of the best restaurants in Cairns
Best for: Traditional Italian, authentic recipes, family atmosphere
Vitalia’s Italian Restaurant
Modern Italian cuisine using fresh local ingredients with traditional techniques, Vitalia’s creates contemporary Italian dishes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Best for: Contemporary Italian, fresh ingredients, modern techniques
Vitalia’s Panini & Focacce
Casual Italian dining specializing in artisan breads, panini, and focaccia, Vitalia’s Panini offers authentic Italian breads and light meals perfect for lunch or casual dining.
Best for: Italian breads, casual lunch, authentic panini
Fratelli’s Cafe Restaurant Bar
Family-run Italian establishment serving traditional dishes with modern presentation, Fratelli’s combines authentic family recipes with contemporary dining in a warm, welcoming environment.
Best for: Family-run authenticity, traditional recipes, warm atmosphere
Final Thoughts: Your Cairns Dining Adventure Awaits
Cairns’ restaurant scene reflects the city’s unique position as a gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest. This diverse culinary landscape offers everything from world-class fine dining that rivals any major city, to authentic ethnic cuisines that reflect the multicultural fabric of Far North Queensland.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic waterfront dinner before a reef expedition, authentic Asian flavors after exploring the rainforest, or simply the perfect cafe for your morning coffee, these 54 restaurants represents some of the best restaurants in Cairns. Each venue has been carefully selected for its unique contribution to the local dining scene, ensuring that every meal becomes a memorable part of your Cairns experience.
From the sophisticated elegance of Ochre Restaurant to the casual charm of a local kebab shop, from innovative fusion cuisine to time-honored traditional recipes, Cairns proves that great food comes in many forms. The city’s access to incredibly fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and quality local produce, combined with the culinary expertise of chefs from around the world, creates a dining destination that truly has something for everyone.
Start your culinary journey through Cairns today – each restaurant links directly to detailed information where you can discover menus, make reservations, and plan your perfect dining experience in tropical North Queensland.
