Fresh seafood, tropical flavours and waterfront views – these are the Cairns restaurants worth booking.

Hungry? You’re in the right place. Cairns has quietly built one of Queensland’s most exciting dining scenes, where local seafood, tropical produce and creative chefs come together in everything from casual eateries to award-winning restaurants.

In short

If you only dine at one Cairns restaurant, make it Ochre. Showcasing native Australian ingredients with spectacular waterfront views, it’s one of Tropical North Queensland’s most iconic dining experiences and a true taste of the region.

Best seafood: Prawn Star Cairns
Best waterfront dining: Salt House
Best fine dining: Tamarind Restaurant
Hidden gem: Guerrilla
Best for groups: Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook

Best waterfront restaurants

Some of Cairns’ best tables sit beside the water. Floating trawlers, marina restaurants and sweeping Coral Sea views make this the city’s most scenic place to dine.

Ochre Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Australian

For a true taste of Tropical North Queensland, few restaurants compare to Ochre. Overlooking the waterfront, this award-winning institution celebrates native Australian ingredients through inventive dishes showcasing everything from crocodile and kangaroo to locally caught seafood and bush flavours. It’s the perfect introduction to the region’s unique produce.

• Average price: $$$
• Address: Harbour Lights Boardwalk, 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City

Dundee’s on the Waterfront

Cuisine: Modern Australian

A Cairns institution for more than 30 years, Dundee’s on the Waterfront pairs uninterrupted marina views with a menu celebrating Australia’s best seafood and local produce. Don’t leave without trying the signature seafood platter or finishing with the indulgent Magnum Lava dessert.

• Average price: $$$
• Address: 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City

Prawn Star Cairns

Cuisine: Seafood

For seafood at its freshest, climb aboard one of Prawn Star’s converted fishing trawlers moored at Marlin Marina. Lit by fairy lights each evening, the floating restaurant serves everything from oysters and sashimi to tiger prawns, mud crab and generous seafood platters in a relaxed, no-frills setting. Shared tables often spark conversations with fellow diners, making it feel as much about the experience as the seafood.

• Good to know: Expect communal seating aboard the moored trawlers.
• Average price: $$$
• Address: Pier Point Road | Marlin Marina, E31 Berth, Cairns City

Salt House

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Few restaurants capture the Cairns lifestyle quite like Salt House. Overlooking Marlin Marina, this sprawling waterfront venue is as much about the atmosphere as the food, with fire pits, palm trees and front-row sunset views setting the scene. The menu celebrates Tropical North Queensland produce, from fresh local seafood and wood-fired pizzas to premium steaks cooked over the custom-built Argentinian grill.

• Good to know: Book ahead if you’re hoping to score a waterfront table at sunset.
• Average price: $$$
• Address: Marina Point, 6/2 Pier Point Road, Cairns City

Piato Cairns Restaurant

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Long lunches come naturally at Piato. Overlooking The Pier Marina, this relaxed Mediterranean restaurant serves fresh local seafood, handmade pasta and premium steaks, making it an easy choice for lingering over lunch with a glass of wine. Standouts include the Moreton Bay bugs, prawn and scallop ravioli, and banana mousse for dessert.

• Average price: $$$
• Address: 1 Pierpoint Road Shop G4A, The Pier Marina, Cairns City

Best casual restaurants and local favourites

Whether you’re craving ramen, Korean comfort food or a perfectly cooked steak, these local favourites prove great food doesn’t have to be formal.

Ganbaranba

Cuisine: Japanese

When in Cairns, do as the locals do and eat ramen at Ganbaranba. You’ll recognise this place by the line that snakes up the street six nights a week. Once you’re in, you’ll be rewarded with a busy yet wholesome joint that serves an array of traditional ramen soups and gyoza in a casual setting.

The ingredients are locally sourced and super fresh, with emphasis placed on authenticity. They’ll even ask you how you want your noodles cooked; say medium. Every meal comes with a complimentary serving of iced tea, cementing this casual joint as one of the greats.

• Good to know: Queues are common, but they move quickly.
• Average price: $
• Address: 7/12-20 Spence Street, Cairns City

Corea Corea

Cuisine: Korean

With a stand-out reputation amongst locals and tourists alike, Corea Corea serves up tasty and authentic Korean cuisine at value for money. Located upstairs in Orchid Plaza, dishes include spicy pork, chicken, tofu, stir-fried seafood, beef ribs, hot pots, soups, and vegetarian options.

• Average price: $$
• Address: Level 1, Orchid Plaza, 58 Lake Street, Cairns City

Guerrilla

Cuisine: Mexican

Serving up more than killer spicy margaritas and tacos, Guerrilla is a Mexican favourite with Edge Hill locals. The menu blends traditional Mexican cooking with premium local produce, while the relaxed courtyard is made for long lunches and balmy evenings.

• Average price: $$$
• Address: 120 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill

Little Sister

Cuisine: Modern Asian

Bright, colourful and full of personality, Little Sister brings bold Asian-inspired flavours to Cairns’ dining scene. Overlooking the Esplanade, the all-day menu features everything from bánh mì and nasi goreng to fresh seafood, share plates and vibrant cocktails, making it just as suited to a relaxed lunch as a lively dinner with friends.

• Average price: $$$
• Address: 101 The Esplanade, Cairns City

Ollie’s Italian

Cuisine: Italian

Big bowls of handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and warm hospitality have quickly made Ollie’s Italian a favourite with locals. The menu sticks to classic Italian flavours, with silky pappardelle, creamy burrata and crisp-based pizzas designed for sharing. Pair your meal with an Italian spritz or glass of wine and settle in for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

• Average price: $$$
• Address: 12–14 Spence Street, Cairns City

Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Looking for a lively meal with friends? Boardwalk Social combines gastro-pub favourites, live sport, craft beer and one of Cairns’ biggest gin selections, making it an easy choice for relaxed lunches, casual dinners or watching the game.

• Average price: $$
• Address: Ground Floor, 85, Esplanade, Cairns City (inside Crystalbrook Flynn)

Bellocale Italian & Seafood Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Italian

A long-time favourite among locals, Bellocale pairs warm Italian hospitality with fresh local seafood and handmade pasta. Choose from an array of fresh, locally caught seafood and dishes, including Seafood Ravioli filled with blue swimmer crab, and Fileto Di Manzo — local Tableland beef fillet tenderloin steak.

• Average price: $$$
• Address: 62 Shields Street, Cairns City

Bushfire Flame Grill

Cuisine: Brazilian

Dinner is theatre at Bushfire Flame Grill. Gaucho chefs roam the restaurant, carving perfectly grilled meats tableside until you’ve had your fill, before finishing with grilled pineapple and churros.

• Good to know: Come hungry, as the signature churrasco experience is all-you-can-eat.
• Average price: $$$$
• Address: 43 Esplanade, Cairns City

Best restaurants for a special occasion

Celebrating something special? These restaurants deliver polished service, beautiful settings and menus designed to linger over.

Tamarind Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Elegant without being stuffy, Tamarind has long been one of Cairns’ benchmark dining experiences. The kitchen’s signature ‘Australian Freestyle’ philosophy brings together global flavours and techniques with exceptional Tropical North Queensland produce, resulting in beautifully presented dishes that are both inventive and memorable. Standouts include the cured North Queensland kingfish, quail and crab, while the seasonal menu changes to showcase the region’s best produce.

• Good to know: Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends.
• Average price: $$$$$
• Address: 6-8 Abbott Street, Cairns City (Inside Pullman Reef Hotel Casino)

CC’s Bar & Grill

Cuisine: Australian

Steak lovers should make a beeline for CC’s Bar and Grill. This premium steakhouse champions Queensland beef, including cuts sourced from the nearby Atherton Tablelands, served alongside an extensive Australian wine list.

• Average price: $$$
• Address: Ground Floor A/163 Abbott Street, Cairns City (inside Crystalbrook Bailey)

Paper Crane by Crystalbrook

Cuisine: Asian fusion

For tastes of Asia with a playful twist, Paper Crane is an incredible fusion restaurant, beautifully highlighting Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese-inspired dishes. Signature proteins and local produce feature heavily, with an abundance of fresh options from the region. Thirsty? Their signature cocktails are a mix of sweet and spicy, and a varied global wine list will keep you hydrated.

• Average price: $$$$
• Address: Ground Floor, 131-141, Esplanade, Cairns City (within Crystalbrook Riley)

Rocco by Crystalbrook

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Boasting 270-degree panoramic views of Cairns and the Coral Sea, Rocco is the city’s highest rooftop bar and restaurant. With earthy tones and Middle Eastern prints setting a warm ambience, order from the delicious Mediterranean-inspired menu and choose a signature cocktail to go with it.

• Average price: $$$
• Address: Level 12, Tower, 131/141 Esplanade, Cairns City (within Crystalbrook Riley)

Flynn’s Italian by Crystalbrook

Cuisine: Italian

Big flavours, generous sharing plates and a lively atmosphere make Flynn’s Italian one of Cairns’ best spots for long lunches and celebratory dinners. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood and classic Italian desserts are designed to share, especially when paired with one of the restaurant’s set menus and matching wines.

• Average price: $$$
• Address: Level 1/85 Esplanade, Cairns City (inside Crystalbrook Flynn)

Code Cairns

Cuisine: Modern Australian with Middle Eastern influences

Just 15 minutes north of the CBD in Holloways Beach, Code is one of Cairns’ most exciting dining experiences. The intimate restaurant pairs premium Tropical North Queensland produce with bold Middle Eastern and European flavours, creating a seasonal share-style menu that’s both inventive and beautifully presented. It’s well worth the short drive for a memorable date night or special occasion.

• Good to know: Book well ahead for weekends, as tables are limited.
• Average price: $$$$
• Address: Corner Oleander and Bamboo Streets, Holloways Beach

Ela Modern Greek

Cuisine: Modern Greek

Bringing the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean to Cairns Waterfront, Ela Modern Greek is made for long lunches and balmy evenings overlooking Trinity Inlet. The share-style menu celebrates premium local seafood, quality Australian meats and seasonal produce, with dishes such as grilled octopus, saganaki and slow-cooked lamb shoulder designed to be enjoyed around the table. Pair it with a Greek-inspired cocktail and watch the boats drift by.

• Good to know: The banquet menus are excellent value if you’re dining with a group.
• Average price: $$$
• Address: Cairns Waterfront, Shop 8/1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City

Oak & Vine Cairns

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Perched atop Oaks Cairns Hotel, the city’s Oak & Vine Cairns rooftop restaurant and bar serves up ocean views and share plates daily. Indulge in small plates or hearty mains such as Lamb Rump Ted Curry, Confit Duck and Pesto Linguine. Sit back, relax, and soak in some of the best open terrace dining Cairns has to offer.

• Average price: $$
• Address: 59/63 Esplanade, Cairns City

Restaurants worth the drive

A short drive opens the door to some of Tropical North Queensland’s most memorable dining experiences, from award-winning beachfront restaurants to relaxed neighbourhood favourites.

Nu Nu Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Australian

It doesn’t get any better than dining at one of the country’s best beachfront establishments – the award-winning Nu Nu. This much-loved Palm Cove restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine with a seasonal menu, focusing on locally procured ingredients from the rainforest, the reef, and outback cattle stations. Our tip? Enjoy breakfast or lunch here so you can look out at the spectacular views across the Coral Sea.

Of course, you have to pop into its sweet little sister, Numi Ice Creamery, a short stroll from the restaurant and always stocked with artisan ice cream and sorbet.

• Insider tip: Book breakfast or lunch if you want uninterrupted Coral Sea views.
• Average price: $$$$
• Address: 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove

NOA

Cuisine: Modern Australian

A favourite with locals, NOA showcases the best of Tropical North Queensland produce through bold, produce-driven dishes designed to share. The relaxed neighbourhood setting makes it just as suited to a casual weeknight dinner as a special celebration.

• Average price: $$ – $$$
• Address: 1 Pyne Street, Edge Hill

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill

Cuisine: Australian

Just 5 minutes from Palm Cove on a 6km stretch of beach is Ellis Beach Bar & Grill. With rainforest backdrops and a casual and friendly vibe, it’s the ideal place to sit back and unwind. The menu ranges from slow-cooked barbecue meats and wood-fired pizzas to fresh seafood, burgers and plenty of vegan options.

• Average price: $$
• Address: 13 Captain Cook Highway, Ellis Beach

Planning a day trip? Browse our guides to the best Palm Cove restaurants and Port Douglas restaurants for even more standout dining experiences across Tropical North Queensland.