Action-packed days on the Great Barrier Reef ensure you work up an appetite worthy of the tropic’s best cuisine. From Cairns Esplanade restaurants to trendy cafes, you’re guaranteed a laid-back vibe and eclectic dishes to satiate your holiday hunger, at the 10 best restaurants in Cairns.
Caffiend
Fresh, local produce looks like this at Caffiend, for a gourmet taste bud treat © Caffiend
Caffiend is a creative haven for coffee aficionados. The ‘Caffiend’ himself, owner Oliver James, started making coffee as a child and judges barista competitions – so your morning brew is in safe hands.
A staple spot for breakfast and lunch, the foodies of Cairns flock to the café for an ever-changing menu, sourced from fresh, local produce. Treat your tastebuds to chilli eggs, salmon salad, miso scramble and pulled pork. Or, really indulge your caffeine craving with a coffee beef taco.
Where: 72 Grafton Street
Tel: +61 7 4051 5522
Website: Caffiend
Bellocale Italian and Seafood Restaurant
A friendly atmosphere at Bellocale, for seafood and pasta © Bellocale
For best restaurants Cairns Italian style, Bellocale has long ranked high with locals and tourists. Here, it’s all about the food, with a simple, fresh interior taking a back seat to creative dishes blending everyone’s favourites with innovative flavours. Chef James and the team also score big points on travel forums, for friendliness and professionalism.
Locally caught seafood stars on the menu, with Gulf prawns, White Bait Frittas, Crayfish and Pappardelle Bugs. From the sea to the earth, try Osso Bucco Milanese or Scaloppini al Fungi.
Where: 62 Shields Street
Tel: +61 7 4051 5522
Website: Bellocale
Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant
Stroll into Bayleaf Restaurant for a slice of tropical Bali in Cairns © Bayleaf
If you’re looking for hotels in Cairns with award-winning restaurants, Bay Village Tropical Retreat houses the acclaimed Bayleaf. Indonesian authenticity is guaranteed, as the Balinese chefs are trained under MasterChef and author, Heinz von Holzen, at the Bambu Bali Restaurant and Cooking School.
Your slice of Bali begins with crisp entrees like Sambal Tapa, with tuna, bean sprouts and cucumber salad topped by chilli and lime dressing. Move on to grilled fish in sweet and spicy sauce, with Ikan Bali. Best of all, the tropical ambience of the indoor and outdoor dining areas adds to an exotic vibe.
Where: Gatton Street
Tel: +61 7 4047 7955
Website: Bay Leaf
Salt House
Dining under the stars by the ocean, at Salt House
Cairns offers panoramic views of the sparkling ocean and if you can’t get enough, head to Salt House. The Marina Point establishment is a design dream, with a restaurant, cocktail bar and entertainment area highlighted by nature at its best.
Pop in for breakfast accompanied by the balmy salt air, do lunch on the waterfront with an eclectic set menu and sip on cocktails as the sun goes down. When it’s time for dinner, nothing says ‘tropical holiday’ like a Wood-fired Plantain Banana, with confit taro, banana ketchup, roasted peanut and papaya salad coated with coconut dressing.
Where: 6/2 Pierpoint Road.
Tel: +61 7 4041 7733
Website: Salt House
C’est Bon
French fine-dining in the tropics, at C’est Bon
In terms of fine dining restaurants, Cairns delivers with C’est Bon. Internationally trained chef, Nicholas Devic, wife Debbie and team blend classical French appeal with fresh local produce for a hint of sophistication – all while maintaining the casual vibe of the tropics.
Exquisitely crafted dishes are a feast for the eyes, as well as the tastebuds. A set, three-course menu is fantastic value and offers delectable morsels like Hot and Cold Shellfish in Bisque Cappuccino with Lemon Greens. Plus, endearing French accents are thrown in for free.
Where: 20 Lake Street.
Tel: +61 7 4051 4488
Website: C’est Bon
Pantry 15
Pantry 15 serves up a rainbow of health food © Pantry 15
With adventure activities galore to get your body moving, Cairn’s is the ultimate spot to kick-start your health. And, for a menu that’s 100% gluten free, Pantry 15 is clean eating central.
That’s not to say diners are chewing on carrot sticks though. Fuel your energy levels with a Thai prawn salad, a fritter stack with crispy bacon or a delectable strawberry smoothie.
Where: 15/62 Grafton Street
Tel: +61 7 4041 3885
Website: Pantry 15
M Yogo
Water views and modern French cuisine at M Yogo © M Yogo
A meal at M Yogo is a ‘must do’ for visitors to the city. The cuisine is modern French, topped off with relaxing marina views from the Cairns pier.
Head chef Toshihiko Takahashi and Sous chef Tsubasa Murakami create mouth-watering masterpieces, including Cauliflower Mousse with Moreton Bay Bug Salad and Sauteed Australian Lobster Tail.
Where: Pier Point Road
Tel: +61 7 4051 0522
Website: M Yogo
Ochre
Outdoor dining with the seabreeze and Aussie inspired menu, at Ochre Restaurant © Ochre
Waterfront dining fuses with a touch of the outback, at contemporary Australian restaurant, Ochre. The natural timber interior features works by Indigenous artist, Shane Wallace, to really capture the spirit of the country.
This is the place to try the weird and wonderful native foods of legend. For example, order the Australian Antipasto for smoked kangaroo, salmon green ant gravlax, smoked crocodile and damper crumb.
Where: 6/1 Marlin Parade
Tel: +61 7 4051 0100
Website: Ochre
The Paddock
The Paddock is a BBQ lovers heaven with locally sourced produce © The Paddock
Carnivores rejoice in the funky steakhouse, The Paddock, in South Cairns. The very best, grass fed Australian pork, veal and bush meat is what’s on offer, whether you like it smoked, grilled, roasted or barbequed.
Seasonal local produce enhances dishes prepared from scratch and you can match your meal with cocktails, beers and wines. Don’t leave without trying the succulent Byron Bay Pork Belly.
Where: 312-314 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt
Tel: +61 7 4031 0100
Website: The Paddock
Tamarind
Thai and Australian fusion with a large dose of style, is on the menu at Tamarind Restaurant. © Tamarind
Before you hit the slots at the Reef Hotel and Casino, Tamarind awaits – its sumptuous décor only surpassed by the innovative menu. The multi-award winning restaurant mixes Thai and Australian flavours, on a seasonal menu rich with regional produce.
To make the most of the experience, tasting plates whet an adventurous palate, with blow torched reef fish, pink grapefruit pearls, crispy coral, sea succulents and squid ink.
Where: 35-41 Wharf Street
Tel: +61 7 4030 8897
Website: Tamarind
