Every Palm Cove restaurant you need to know about

Jemma FletcherBy Jemma Fletcher
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For a taste of the tropics, add these Palm Cove restaurants to your must-eat list.

If you’re looking to enjoy a meal on the waterfront, head to Williams Esplanade in relaxing Palm Cove. This popular dining strip hosts a wide variety of restaurants with a mix of cuisines to choose from, alongside beautiful views overlooking the beach.

From high-end, award-winning restaurants to humble establishments using the very best of Tropical North Queensland’s produce, incredible dining adventures await.

The shortlist

1. Palm Cove Tavern

Embracing the region’s laid-back style in its large outdoor space, Palm Cove Tavern offers both a dining area and a beer garden. Enjoy all of your favourite Aussie classics with a nod to the tropics, such as Pulled Pork Sliders, Classic Parma and Beer Battered Market Fish. Dogs are welcome, and sports lovers will be happy with the big screen.

Cuisine: Australian
Average price: $$- $$$
Atmosphere: Welcoming
Location: 24 Veivers Road, Palm Cove

2. Il Forno Pizzeria

pizza at Il Forno Pizzeria, Palm Cove
Il Forno Pizzeria nails authentic Italian pizzas.

Sometimes all you want is a delicious pizza, and Il Forno Pizzeria knows how to deliver. Dine in at the casual atmosphere here for a taste of long-held family recipes with genuine Italian flavours, along with salads, beer, wine and homemade Tiramisu.

Cuisine: Italian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Bustling
Location: 7/111-117 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

3. Tiger Prawn Toby’s

a sandwich loaded with shrimps at Tiger Prawn Tony’s
Tiger Prawn Tony’s is a comfort food hub serving loaded seafood sandwiches.

Serving the freshest catch straight from the Coral Sea, Tiger Prawn Tony’s takes pride in preparing and serving the area’s best seafood with passion. For the ultimate indulgence, go for the Tiger Prawn Tony’s Bonanza filled with bugs, prawns, oysters, sashimi and crayfish.

Cuisine: Australian
Average price: $$ – $$$
Atmosphere: Communal
Location: 95-97 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

4.  Choc Dee

a spread of food at Choc Dee Thai Restaurant, Palm Cove
Choc Dee serves mouth-watering soups that pair well with Jasmine Rice.

Opposite the main beach on the esplanade is Choc Dee Thai Restaurant , offering the tastes of Thailand. Simply put in their own words, it’s “just good quality food that tastes great at a reasonable price with meals large enough to share. You won’t go home hungry."

Cuisine: Thai
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Alfresco
Location: 12/123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

5. The Reef House Restaurant

pouring wine into a glass at The Reef House Restaurant
Indulge in the ultimate seafood platter paired with wine at The Reef House Restaurant. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Want to dine under the stars? Surrounded by the candlelight, savour the tastes of North Queensland’s fresh produce at The Reef House Restaurant , where you can choose from the a la carte or degustation menu, or indulge in the ultimate seafood platter. From confit duck and house-made squid ink tagliatelle, the dishes here are as deluxe as you would imagine. All meals are accompanied by an amuse-bouche with the chef’s compliments.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Romantic
Location: 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

6. Rattle n Hum Palm Cove

Enjoy a hot stone oven pizza, burger, hearty steak or salad at the cosy Rattle n Hum Palm Cove . This bustling bar and grill offers big, delicious and great value for money meals, perfect for lunch or dinner. Finish with the Warm Chocolate Walnut Brownie for dessert. $14 kid meals are available.

Cuisine: Australian
Average price: $$$ – $$$$
Atmosphere: Family friendly
Location: 119 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

7. Miguel’s

a Spanish seafood dish at Miguel's Palm Cove
Head to Miguel’s for a true taste of Spanish cuisine.

A new addition to the Palm Cove dining scene, Miguel’s is the go-to place for exceptional tapas. You’re spoilt for choice with the likes of Jamón Serrano (sliced peppers), Champinones al Ajillo (garlic mushrooms) and empanadas – a Spanish gem to add to your culinary must-eat list.

Cuisine: Spanish
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Passionate
Location: 41 – 47 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

8. El Grekos Taverna

freshly shucked oysters at El Grekos Taverna, Palm Cove
Freshly shucked oysters straight from ocean to plate at El Grekos Taverna.

How does a night filled with traditional Greek food and the sound of a bouzouki sound? Make sure to stop in at El Grekos Taverna – a place that’ll make you feel like you’re somewhere in Santorini. From a chilli feta pot and Greek village-style bruschetta to mixed grill and Mediterranean salad, it’s authentically simple and delicious.

Cuisine: Greek
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Authentic
Location: 115-117 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

9. O’Donnells Palm Cove

al fresco dining at O’Donnells Palm Cove
Dine al fresco at O’Donnells Palm Cove.

One of life’s greatest pleasures is sipping a cold Guinness on the deck of O’Donnells Palm Cove , watching the bustle of Williams Esplanade. The atmosphere here is traditionally Irish with home-cooked fare to taste alongside an excellent live music line-up. From a cheeky beef pie to bangers and mash, enjoy a wee bit of Irish paradise in Palm Cove.

Cuisine: Irish
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Lively
Location: 5/139 Williams Esplanade

10. Temple of Tastes Restaurant

lunch by the pool at Temple of Tastes Restaurant
Savour Southeast Asian flavours in a tropical garden setting. (Image: Temple of Tastes Restaurant)

Nestled among the tropical gardens of Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa is Temple of Tastes Restaurant , where you’re invited to experience the tantalising flavours and textures inspired by Southeast Asia using seasonal produce from North Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands. If you need help deciding, the chicken supreme with honey miso butter or the crispy skin barramundi are standouts.

Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Warm welcome
Location: 5 Triton Street, Palm Cove

11. Vivo Palm Cove

scallops at Vivo Palm Cove
Tender scallops at Vivo Palm Cove. (Image: Mitch Fong)

Set in a white colonial building along the esplanade is Vivo Palm Cove , where you can dine alfresco on the deck and watch passersby go by. From Crab Tagliatelle and old-school Fish ‘n’ Chips to an impressive Seafood Mezze, the menu here is diverse enough for everyone to enjoy.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Beachfront dining
Location: 49 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

12. IGNIS Palm Cove

sample food at IGNIS Palm Cove
Dine on contemporary flavours at IGNIS Palm Cove.

A small, modern Italian diner on the esplanade, IGNIS (meaning passion and fire), offers contemporary flavours and exceptional ingredients. Transport yourself from the idyllic centre of Palm Cove to the heart of Europe through the taste of Vongole (classic Napoli clams), Reef Fish soubise and pistachio gelato Baklava.

Cuisine: Italian
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Intimate
Location: 41 – 47 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

13. Cairns Surf Club Palm Cove

For a spot ‘where the locals eat’, stop in for lunch or dinner at Cairns Surf Club Palm Cove . Relax on the deck overlooking Palm Cove Beach and Double Island while tucking into the hearty bistro menu. From pulled pork loaded fries to fettuccine marinara and kid meal favourites, it’s the perfect family-friendly restaurant.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Local favourite
Location: 135 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

14. Nu Nu Restaurant

a couple dining at Nu Nu Restaurant, Palm Cove
Dine under palm trees at Nu Nu Restaurant. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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.  Enjoy breakfast or lunch here so you can look out at the spectacular views across the Coral Sea.

Insider’s tip: Order the catch of the day — they only ever have local line-caught fish on the menu in order to celebrate the best catch of the day, so it’s a great way to try something new.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$$ – $$$$$
Atmosphere: Tropical luxury
Location: 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove

15. La Mesa

pork belly at La Mesa, Palm Cove
Order savoury pork belly at La Mesa.

Located on-site at Peppers Beach Club and Spa, La Mesa offers a shared dining experience inspired by Mexican and Latin American culture. Mix and match small traditional dishes that can be combined (the pork belly and octopus tiradito are especially good), using locally sourced ingredients fresh from the reef and the surrounding tropics.

Cuisine: Mexican
Average price: $$$$ – $$$$$
Atmosphere: Laid-back
Location: 123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

16. Beach Almond

fried fish at Beach Almond, Palm Cove
Delight in Southeast Asian delicacies at Beach Almond.

Showcasing an array of Southeast Asian delicacies, Beach Almond is a delightfully fresh modern seafood restaurant. From chilli live mud crabs and tropical lobster to caramelised slow low-cooked sticky pork ribs, it’s worth stopping in to see what all the buzz is about.

Cuisine: Modern Asia seafood
Average price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Relaxed hidden gem
Location: 145 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

Staying the night? Take a look at these wonderful accommodations.

Jemma Fletcher
Based in sun-kissed Brisbane, Jemma Fletcher is an accomplished writer, editor and content manager. Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Queensland, as well as over a decade of tourism marketing experience, Jemma now specialises in freelance travel writing and has a soft spot for the beauty of Queensland. Her expertise has been honed through her previous roles as Chief Editor of Queensland.com and WeekendNotes.com and she is the passionate creator of High Cup of Tea, an online directory celebrating Australia's finest high tea experiences. After growing up in the UK (hence her love for tea and scones) and a delightful chapter in Sydney, Jemma loves to explore quaint towns with a rich history. Also high on her weekend list is tasting the local cafe scene, enjoying charming farm stays with her young family and deciding where her next travel adventure will be (half of the fun is in the planning!)
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8 experiences that make Moreton Bay the best getaway

    Rachel LayBy Rachel Lay
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    From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

    Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

    Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

    1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience
    Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

    Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

    End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

    2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

    Morgan’s Seafood
    It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)

    Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

    Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

    3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

    woorim beach bribie island
    Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.

    On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

    Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

    4. D’Aguilar National Park

    D’Aguilar National Park
    Admire the landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park.

    D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

    Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

    5. Arcade Wine Bar

    arcade wine bar moreton bay
    Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

    Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

    Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

    Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

    6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

    Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

    Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

    7. Farm Visits

    Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

    At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

    8. Miss Sprinkles

    Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay
    Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

    An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

    The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine.  Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

    To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.