Restaurants in Far North Queensland
-
A
On the Inlet
At this restaurant jutting out over Dickson Inlet, tables spread out along a huge deck where you can await the 5pm arrival of George the grouper, who comes to feed most days. Take up the bucket-of-prawns-and-a-drink deal for $18 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, or choose your own crayfish and mud crabs from the live tank. Great service, cool atmosphere.
reviewed
-
B
Ochre Restaurant
Red Ochre’s certainly creative with its dishes: expect goodies such as emu and vermicelli spring rolls, Australian antipasto, crocodile wanton and salt-and-native-pepper crocodile and prawns. It sounds good and it is good. The Australian game platter is $48 per person, while a slice of amazing wattleseed pavlova or quandong pie with macadamia crumble costs $14. Not sure if it’s Australian, but chocolate slut is also on the menu.
reviewed
-
C
Pier
The Pier’s fires burn brightly on the wooden deck that surrounds this waterfront bar-restaurant. The ice machine mesmerises as it moves ice along a perspex pipe above the bar, but if you can focus your eyes on the menu you’ll find a smattering of snacks, finger foods, pizza and fish. There’s a band every Sunday night from 8pm.
reviewed
-
D
Nautilus
A hidden pathway leads through tropical gardens to intimate white-clothed tables amid tall palms at this decades-old fine-dining institution. Seafood is a speciality, such as wok-tossed mud crab with kaffir lime and lemongrass laksa. The pièce de résistance is the six-course chef's tasting menu ($110; $160 with paired wines). Children under eight aren't accepted.
reviewed
-
E
Salsa Bar & Grill
In a white Queenslander, Salsa is a stayer on Port's often fickle scene. Try the Cajun jambalaya (rice with prawns, yabbies, crocodile and smoked chicken) or the gingerbread-dusted kangaroo with polenta.
reviewed
-
F
Java Blue
With a long coffee menu, free-range eggs, a main street location and good service, this one is popular with the locals.
reviewed
-
G
2 Fish
2 Fish spreads a seafood extravaganza: more than 15 types of fish, from coral trout to red emperor and wild barramundi, are prepared in a variety of innovative ways, or go for the decadent seafood platter for two ($130).
reviewed
-
Kuranda Veranda Restaurant and Bar
This restaurant has impeccable service and an unobstructed rainforest view. It's all enhanced by the Thai linen, jazzy tunes and the fact that the food – ranging from gusty jungle curries to delicious dips – is tasty. After Sunday's yum cha brunch ($15 per person) there's live music.
reviewed
-
H
Tiny's Juice Bar
It may be tiny but it packs a mighty punch. Delicious rolls and wraps give you an instant vitamin infusion, and Tiny's spicy peanut sauce, with fresh ginger, works excellently with a warm tofu pattie. Drinks are equally fresh and zesty - try the energy booster or boysenberry smoothie.
reviewed
-
I
Perrotta's at the Gallery
This chic spot adjoining the Cairns Regional Gallery tempts you onto its covered deck's wrought-iron furniture for tasty breakfasts, superb coffees, and an inventive Med-inspired menu at lunch and dinner.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Sassi @ Balé
Named after its chef, Toni Sassi, this is a high-quality Italian restaurant where the pasta is made on the premises and the spinach is cooked to order. To top this, your food is served in an exceptional dining environment (by the pool under palm trees highlighted by lights).
reviewed
-
J
Dundees
An unpretentious waterfront restaurant serving seafood chowder, smoked crocodile salad and steak cooked ‘blue’ (sealed both sides, room temperature in the middle). There’s a delish seafood ‘hot rock’ option, which goes down well as you sizzle and enjoy the boat views.
reviewed
-
K
Bowls Club
Sign yourself in at the door, and join the club for the night. Apart from the enormous surf’n’turf tucker, you’re able to visit the salad bar as often as you like and natter with the Cooktown regulars. Outdoor diners get a spectacular view of bowling in action.
reviewed
-
L
Cherry Blossom
This 1st-floor restaurant is reminiscent of an Iron Chef cook-off, with two chefs working at opposite ends of the restaurant floor. Book ahead for sushi, teppanyaki and plenty of theatre.
reviewed
-
Lake Barrine Rainforest Tea House
Eat up award-winning scones at Lake Barrine Rainforest Cruise & Tea House and check out the captured stinging tree, growing safely in a perspex box, or spot water dragons and tortoises on the 40-minute cruise.
reviewed
-
M
Heritage
Ten-dollar meals that taste good? Yep, possible. The Heritage is part nightclub, part restaurant, but after your steak, wraps or Bud-battered barramundi and chips (that’s Budweiser) on the fancy verandah, you might just be up for a boogie.
reviewed
-
Whet
This is a flash restaurant with dishes including pan-fried local tiger prawns matched with wine suggestions. There is also tapas if you happen to hit this place in the afternoon, and movies screen in the upstairs cinema.
reviewed
-
N
Fusion Organics
In the wicker-chair-strewn corner courtyard of an historic 1921 red-brick former ambulance station, Indian chefs spice up Fusion's organic, allergy-free fare like quiches, frittatas, corn fritters and filled breads. Healthy brekkie options include buckwheat waffles and pick-me-up 'detox' juices.
reviewed
-
O
Lillipad
With massive plates carrying big feasts (pancakes, fry-ups and a huge selection of vegetarian options), there’s good value to be had here, and don’t miss an apple-and-mint juice ($5) to get you through the day.
reviewed
-
P
Beethoven Café
Mango cheesecake anyone? Delish small cafe serving fantastic sweets, as well as healthier sandwiches such as savoury combos including Buendnerfleisch (air-dried beef, Swiss cheese and gherkin).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Q
Gaura Nitais
The Hare Krishnas know how to make a good vegetarian curry and the buffet of goodness is no exception. It's decked out with Hindu art and mosaic tables, or grab some takeaway and head to Cairns Harbour.
reviewed
-
R
Mango Jam Cafe
Large licensed family restaurant serves all your casual favourites, such as roast chicken and crumbed calamari. The speciality is gourmet wood-fired pizza, which can be delivered to your accommodation.
reviewed
-
S
Gill'd & Gutt'd
Fish and chips the way it should be – fresh and right on the waterside wharf.
reviewed
-
T
Deli on Grant
Unleash the gourmand in you with a range of boutique produce, baguettes and pre-cooked homemade meals to take away. If you give the deli three hours’ notice it’ll do you a picnic hamper.
reviewed
-
U
Bistro 3
Serves delicious meals (think water chestnut and pea risotto and oven-roasted duck) in an exclusive starched-white-napkin atmosphere. Try the lunch menu’s poached red claw yabbies.
reviewed
