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Every Palm Cove restaurant you need to know about

Credit: Mitch Fong

Jemma Fletcher Jemma Fletcher
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.

In short

If you only dine at one Palm Cove restaurant, make it Nu Nu. Overlooking the Coral Sea and showcasing the best produce from the reef, rainforest and outback, it’s the quintessential Palm Cove dining experience and one of Australia’s most celebrated beachfront restaurants.

Best Esplanade dining: Vivo Palm Cove
Best fine dining: The Reef House Restaurant
Best family restaurant: Rattle n Hum
Hidden gem: Beach Almond
Best international flavours: Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant

Good to know: Most restaurants are clustered along Williams Esplanade, making it easy to stroll between dinner, dessert and post-meal drinks.

Best beachfront restaurants in Palm Cove

Palm Cove was made for long lunches, sunset cocktails and dinners by the sea. These waterfront restaurants pair spectacular Coral Sea views with some of the region’s best food.

Nu Nu Restaurant

beachfront dining at Nu Nu Restaurant
Book a table at beachfront favourite Nu Nu Restaurant. (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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

  • Insider tip: Order the catch of the day to sample the freshest local line-caught seafood available. The dish changes regularly depending on what’s been brought in that day.
  • Good to know: Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for breakfast, long lunches and weekends.
  • Average price: $$$$ – $$$$$
  • Address: 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove

Vivo Palm Cove

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

Cuisine: Modern Australian

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

  • Insider tip: Order the Seafood Mezze to share and settle in for a leisurely afternoon overlooking the Coral Sea.
  • Good to know: Sunset tables on the deck are popular, so booking ahead is recommended.
  • Average price: $$$$
  • Address: 49 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

Beach Almond

grilled fish at Beach Almond Palm Cove
Tuck into freshly cooked seafood. (Credit: Beach Almond Palm Cove)

Cuisine: Modern Asian seafood

Blending Southeast Asian flavours with fresh local seafood, Beach Almond is a delightfully fresh modern seafood restaurant. From Chilli Live Mud Crabs and Tropical Lobster to Caramelised Slow Cooked Sticky Pork Ribs, it’s easy to see why this long-running restaurant remains a favourite among locals and returning visitors alike.

  • Insider tip: Visit with a group so you can share several dishes across the menu.
  • Average price: $$$$$
  • Address: 145 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

Casual restaurants and family favourites

Travelling with kids, catching up with friends or simply after a relaxed meal? These laid-back Palm Cove restaurants serve generous portions, welcoming atmospheres and crowd-pleasing menus that everyone can agree on.

Palm Cove Tavern

Cuisine: Australian

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.

  • Insider tip: Visit during a major sporting event if you’re after a lively atmosphere and a seat in front of the big screen.
  • Average price: $$- $$$
  • Address: 24 Veivers Road, Palm Cove

Rattle n Hum

Cuisine: Australian

A Palm Cove institution, Rattle n Hum is the sort of place that caters to everyone. The menu covers stone-baked pizzas, burgers, steaks and fresh salads, while the relaxed atmosphere makes it a favourite with families and groups. Grab a table outside, order a cold drink and settle in for an easy-going meal after a day at the beach.

  • Average price: $$-$$$
  • Address: 119 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

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O’Donnells Palm Cove

alfresco dining at O’Donnells Palm Cove
Watch the bustle of Williams Esplanade with a drink. (Credit: O’Donnells Palm Cove)

Cuisine: Irish

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.

  • Insider tip: Check the live music schedule before you visit and settle in with a Guinness on the deck.
  • Average price: $$$
  • Address: 5/139 Williams Esplanade

Cairns Surf Club Palm Cove

a long table dining setup at Cairns Surf Club Palm Cove
Enjoy lunch in a prime beachfront setting. (Credit: Cairns Surf Club Palm Cove)

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Popular with both locals and visitors, Cairns Surf Club Palm Cove pairs a prime beachfront location with a crowd-pleasing bistro menu. From Pulled Pork Loaded Fries to Fettuccini Marinara and kid meal favourites, it’s the perfect family-friendly restaurant.

  • Insider tip: Grab a table on the deck for uninterrupted views across Palm Cove Beach and Double Island.
  • Average price: $$-$$$
  • Address: 135 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

International flavours

Palm Cove’s dining scene punches well above its weight when it comes to global cuisine. From authentic Thai and Greek dishes to Spanish tapas and Japanese small plates, you’ll find flavours from around the world just steps from the beach.

Choc Dee

dining at Choc Dee, Palm Cove
Mouth-watering soups pair well with Jasmine Rice. (Credit: Choc Dee)

Cuisine: Thai

Opposite Palm Cove Beach, Choc Dee has built a loyal following for its authentic Thai flavours, generous portions and relaxed open-air setting. The menu spans all the classics, from fragrant curries and pad Thai to spicy stir-fries packed with fresh ingredients. If you’re craving something comforting after a day in the sun, this long-running local favourite rarely disappoints.

  • Insider tip: Bring friends and order a few dishes to share, as the generous portions are part of the appeal.
  • Average price: $$$
  • Address: 12/123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

El Grekos Taverna

oysters at El Grekos Taverna
Freshly shucked oysters straight from ocean to plate. (Credit: El Grekos Taverna)

Cuisine: Greek

For a taste of the Greek Islands without leaving Tropical North Queensland, head to El Grekos Taverna. This long-running Palm Cove favourite serves generous Mediterranean dishes in a lively setting, with everything from chilli feta and saganaki to grilled meats and fresh seafood. On nights with live music, it’s easy to forget you’re dining just steps from the Coral Sea rather than somewhere on the Aegean coast.

  • Average price: $$$
  • Address: 115-117 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

Il Forno Pizzeria

wood-fired pizza at Il Forno Pizzeria
Grab a slice of authentic wood-fired pizzas. (Credit: Il Forno Pizzeria)

Cuisine: Italian

For more than two decades, Il Forno Pizzeria has been serving wood-fired pizzas in the heart of Palm Cove. Family recipes, quality ingredients and a welcoming setting keep diners coming back, whether they’re sharing a classic Margherita or tucking into a seafood pizza. It’s easy to see why this Palm Cove favourite has stood the test of time.

  • Insider tip: Save room for the homemade tiramisu as it’s a long-time favourite among regulars. 
  • Average price: $$$
  • Address: 7/111-117 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

Miguel’s

charred baby octopus at Miguel’s, Palm Cove
A true taste of Spanish cuisine awaits you. (Credit: Miguel’s)

Cuisine: Spanish

Bringing a taste of Spain to Palm Cove, Miguel’s specialises in share-style tapas and relaxed evenings over sangria. The menu is packed with traditional favourites, from jamón and empanadas to garlicky mushrooms and seafood dishes designed for sharing.

  • Average price: $$$ – $$$$
  • Address: 41 – 47 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

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IGNIS Palm Cove

steak on offer at IGNIS Palm Cove
Delight in dishes that are distinctly Tropical North Queensland. (Credit: IGNIS Palm Cove)

Cuisine: Italian

Named after the Latin word for fire, IGNIS brings a contemporary take on Italian dining to Palm Cove. The menu pairs European influences with premium local ingredients, resulting in dishes that feel both familiar and distinctly Tropical North Queensland. From handmade pasta and fresh seafood to indulgent desserts, it’s a polished option for a relaxed yet elevated dinner along the Esplanade.

  • Average price: $$$$
  • Address: 41 – 47 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

La Mesa

pork belly at La Mesa, Palm Cove
A finely plated cut of crispy-skinned pork belly. (Credit: La Mesa Palm Cove)

Cuisine: Mexican

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.

  • Insider tip: The menu is designed for sharing, so order a mix of small plates and larger dishes for the full experience.
  • Average price: $$$$
  • Address: 123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant

sashimi at Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant, Palm Cove
Sashimi and sake are a much-loved pair. (Credit: Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant)

Cuisine: Japanese

Bringing a taste of Japan to the tropics, Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant is one of Palm Cove’s newest dining additions. Specialising in charcoal-grilled yakitori skewers, fresh sashimi and Japanese small plates, it’s a great choice when you’re looking for something a little different from the Esplanade’s seafood-heavy menus.

The relaxed, intimate setting makes it ideal for sharing a selection of dishes with friends, while the menu showcases both traditional Japanese flavours and premium local ingredients.

  • Insider tip: Pair your yakitori with a sake flight or Japanese whisky for a more authentic experience.
  • Average price: $$$ – $$$$
  • Address: 41–47 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

Resort dining and special occasions

Celebrating something special? These elegant restaurants pair exceptional food with tropical surroundings, making them ideal for romantic dinners, milestone celebrations and memorable holiday meals.

Temple of Tastes Restaurant

dining at Temple of Tastes Restaurant, Palm Cove
Savour Southeast Asian flavours. (Credit: Temple of Tastes Restaurant)

Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Nestled among the tropical gardens of Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa is Temple of Tastes Restaurant, showcasing Southeast Asian-inspired dishes crafted with 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.

  • Insider tip: Reserve a table overlooking the resort’s tropical gardens for the full experience.
  • Average price: $$$$
  • Address: 5 Triton Street, Palm Cove

The Reef House Restaurant

The Reef House Restaurant, Palm Cove
Wine and dine in a tropical garden setting. (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Want to dine under the stars? Surrounded by candlelight, savour the tastes of North Queensland’s fresh produce at The Reef House Restaurant, where you can choose from the à la carte or degustation menu, or indulge in the restaurant’s signature seafood platter showcasing the best local catch and tropical produce. Guests are also welcomed with a complimentary amuse-bouche before their meal, adding an extra touch of luxury to the experience.

  • Good to know: Reservations are recommended, especially if you’re hoping to secure an outdoor table.
  • Average price: $$$$$
  • Address: 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

Ready for a post-lunch activity? Take a look at these things to do in Palm Cove.

Exploring Palm Cove? Check out more of our recommendations here:

Things to do in Palm Cove |Best Palm Cove accommodation | The Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa

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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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How to spend three romantic days on Hamilton Island

(Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
    Continue
    From barefoot beach walks to moonlit dinners, this three-day Hamilton Island itinerary will have lovebirds swooning.

    Few Aussie destinations do romance quite like Hamilton Island. Set in the dreamy Whitsunday Islands, this popular honeymoon destination combines luxury retreats, palm-fringed reefs and spectacular dining with the easy rhythm of tropical living. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary or spontaneous couples’ weekend, here’s how to spend a loved-up three days on Hamilton Island.

    Day 1

    Morning

    A serene ocean-view room overlooking endless blue horizons.
    Let picturesque ocean views welcome you the moment you check in. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Nothing kills the holiday buzz faster than waiting at the baggage carousel. Luckily, our arrival couldn’t have been smoother. Staying at the boutique, adults-only Beach Club Hotel means VIP transfers are included, so the moment we land, a staff member greets us and whisks our bags straight from the baggage claim to our room. We don’t have to lift a finger.

    Occupying a prime piece of real estate on Catseye Beach, Beach Club is a peaceful retreat just steps from sugar-white sand and a turquoise lagoon. Within 10 minutes of stepping off the plane, we’ve arrived and are switched into holiday mode.

    We check into our room, immediately delighted by the sight of several wallabies grazing in the garden just in front of our private terrace. Beyond, picturesque ocean vistas stretch across the horizon. The room’s mini bar is stocked with bespoke sweet treats; the bathroom with premium Aesop amenities that add to the luxury.

    After we’ve checked out the resort’s beachside infinity pool – plotting the lounge chairs we’ll no doubt return to later – we head out to explore the island. Families glide by on hire bikes and chirping rainbow lorikeets dot the foliage. We decide to hike up to Passage Peak – one of the most scenic walks on Hamilton Island – which takes about 40 minutes one way and boasts panoramic Whitsundays views that will stick with you for long after you leave.

    Afternoon

    A romantic beachside lunch as champagne is served.
    Recharge with a laid-back lunch at Beach Club Restaurant. (Image: Nikki To)

    After working up an appetite, Beach Club Restaurant is the perfect place to snap up a light lunch. Think barramundi, nourish bowls, Wagyu beef burgers, brown butter toasties and Queensland chilli prawns. For those who don’t want to move from their prime perch on the beach or by the pool, there’s also the option to order bites via QR code from the resort’s lounge chairs.

    After our fill, we plunge into the hotel’s incredible infinity pool, its surface blending near seamlessly into the blues of Catseye Beach. Quiet and tucked away from the island’s hum, it feels illegal to do anything but relax here.

    Evening

    A curated flatlay of dishes from Catseye Pool Club.
    Celebrate your first evening over beautifully plated coral trout. (Image: Nikki To)

    There’s truly nothing more satisfying than a little R&R (rest & robe) time in your hotel room after spending the day in the sun. Fresh from a shower, we watch the ripe tangerine sun slowly dip below the palm-framed horizon from our plush terrace daybed. Two wallabies are still grazing on the grass. It’s a magical setting; I find it hard to believe I am only a few hours away from home.

    Come dinnertime, we zip over to nearby Catseye Pool Club, which is a short buggy ride from the hotel or a five-minute walk. A chic new haunt from Sydney-based pair Josh and Julie Niland, the restaurant is all about reconnecting over flavour-rich share plates using high-quality Aussie ingredients.

    We sit in a corner overlooking Catseye Beach – arguably the best seat in the house – with mini table lamps casting a soft glow about the contemporary indoor-outdoor setting. What comes next is pure delight; grilled prawns served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a Thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Then, elegantly plated coral trout served with kasundi and zucchini. We savour it all slowly, the conversation flowing easily between bites and sips while the moonlight transforms the ocean into molten silver.

    Day 2

    Morning

    An 18-hole golf course set against sweeping ocean views.
    Tee off side by side against a backdrop of sweeping ocean views. (Image: Andrea Francolini)

    A la carte breakfast is complimentary for guests of Beach Club, and we take full advantage of the fact. Barista-quality coffee and pressed juice – today it’s carrot, melon, orange and pineapple – arrive alongside pastries baked fresh this morning. For the larger meal, I treat myself to the buttermilk pancakes with praline butter.

    If you prefer an active start to the morning rather than lying in, you’ll find plenty of options. Perhaps tee off at the 18-hole golf course, where the views are as much of a drawcard as the sport itself. Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson, the course is integrated into the ridged landscape of Dent Island.

    Afternoon

    Artfully paired wines and bites from the Talk & Taste experience.
    Uncover new favourite wines together. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    For wine-curious couples, Beach Club’s new Talk & Taste experience is a must. Held several times a week for up to eight guests, it’s an intimate tasting of Aussie drops paired with curated bites – all guided by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher.

    We opt for the white wine and seafood option, enjoying pours from Eden Valley to Launceston while Courtenay shares her knowledge and passion for the intricacies of wine making.

    Later, we drive our golf buggy up to One Tree Hill. This is one of the most popular spots on the island for sunset, but we chose to come a little earlier so we have more space to ourselves. We enjoy afternoon wine and cheese, admiring the 360-degree views of the island and its impossibly blue waters.

    Evening

    The moody, atmospheric interiors of Bommie Deck.
    Dress up for a romantic evening at Bommie Restaurant. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Since we are, after all, on holiday, we continue the tipples at Bommie Deck. Suspended above Hamilton Island’s marina, this architectural monument is a fabulous place for a sunset spritz.

    Just a few steps inside is Bommie Restaurant, the contemporary Australian fine dining establishment headed by chef Ryan Locke. Of anywhere on the island, this is the place to frock up and celebrate a special occasion – especially if theatrical culinary experiences take your fancy. The tasting set menu is a whirlwind of native Australian flavours and creative plating – with highlights including the cured venison wrapped in wattle seed seasoning. For dessert, a clever take on white chocolate and lemonade ends the night on a high.

    Day 3

    Morning

    A couple gliding across calm waters on SUP boards together.
    Ease into the morning with a paddleboarding adventure. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Another low-key morning means another blissful breakfast at Beach Club. This time, it’s smashed avo toast topped with Persian fetta, dukkah and poached eggs – a deliciously fueling start to the day.

    The weather today is perfect for a paddle, so we walk straight from our room onto the sand of Catseye Beach to pick up some SUP boards. Guests of Beach Club receive complimentary non-motorised water sports equipment, spanning everything from mini catamarans to snorkel gear and kayaks. Finding our balance on the boards is a fun challenge at first, but before long, we’re gliding across the glassy water like naturals.

    Afternoon

    A helicopter soaring above the iconic Heart Reef.
    Add the ultimate highlight with a Heart Reef flight together. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    No couples’ retreat is complete without a touch of pampering. Located in the resort area, Spa Wumurdaylin offers everything from body wraps and facials to de-stress massages using natural Australian products. The Soul Temple treatment begins with a heavenly feeling sugar scrub, followed by a Vichy vertical shower and underwater massage. I leave in a daze.

    If you prefer adventure to relaxation, there is an abundance of day trips from Hamilton Island, from snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef to Whitsundays helicopter tours – all of which make for unforgettable experiences that will bring you and your partner closer.

    Evening

    A couple standing at qualia, gazing out over the endless ocean horizon.
    Close your journey over a beautiful dinner by the sea. (Image: Sharyn Cains)

    Enjoy an elevated evening at qualia’s tranquil Pebble Beach restaurant, where a private beach setting complements the thoughtful, seasonal menu. Or perhaps continue relaxing at Beach Club, feasting on roast lamb and seafood at the poolside restaurant or soaking in ocean views from your room with in-house room delivery. And don’t forget the champagne – a weekend of love, fun and restoration is worth toasting.

    Getting there

    Hamilton Island has its own airport called the Great Barrier Reef Airport, which makes it fuss-free to get to. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. This means you’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying each other’s company.

    Visit hamitlonisland.com.au for more couples’ retreat ideas.