Must-see restaurants in Queensland

  • Cove

    The Whitsundays

    A bustling, popular Chinese and Southeast Asian restaurant with unbroken views of the Coral Sea from its timber deck. Chef's specials, such as seafood…

  • Tibetan Kitchen

    Brisbane

    Tasty Tibetan fare beneath paper lanterns and a massive pair of Tibetan Buddhist horns suspended from the ceiling. Try the Bakra ko Tihun (goat curry on…

  • Petit Cafe

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Duck out the back of the Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets for a mouth-watering range of crêpes with savoury or sweet fillings. Winning combinations…

  • Bobby's

    Cairns

    Authentic Vietnamese and Chinese food are the go at Bobby's, beloved by locals and visitors who make the effort to find it. It's reputed to do the best…

  • Bumbles

    Surfers Paradise

    This gorgeous converted house (actually, at one stage, a brothel) is the place for cooked breakfasts and non-run-of-the-mill lunches, such as miso salmon…

  • Cook's Landing Kiosk

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    This simple over-water cafe is great for fresh seafood off the boat, as well as sandwiches and rolls – combine the two with a prawn and avocado roll or…

  • Baritalia

    Surfers Paradise

    A thoroughly Italian place with a fab outdoor terrace, friendly staff, and tasty pastas and pizzas, including gluten-free choices and a good range of…

  • Skybury Cafe

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    The soaring view from the deck at Skybury is worth the trip but the single-origin fresh-roasted coffee and light lunches aren't bad either. Check out the…

  • Fratelli on Trinity

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Don't let the easy-breezy beach-shack vibe fool you into thinking the food here is anything less than top class. Pastas are superb, and dishes such as…

  • Treehouse Restaurant & Bar

    The Daintree

    For a real splurge, head out to this stunning riverside restaurant at exclusive Silky Oaks Lodge. The innovative menu features char-grilled kangaroo loin…

  • Harry's Restaurant

    Outback Queensland

    Locally regarded as among the best dining in town, Harry's is a convivial restaurant serving superb steaks and classics such as chicken parma and pan…

  • Jam

    Townsville

    This neat midrange restaurant, on happening Palmer St, understands its casual northern Queensland clientele. Jam serves a wide menu with celebratory…

  • Double Zero

    Gold Coast

    A stylish Italian restaurant cranking out homemade pasta and authentic thin-crust pizza with warm and efficient service. Pair the delicious tartufo pizza …

  • Winton Hotel

    Outback Queensland

    Enjoying something of a revival, this lovely refurbished pub has street-side and garden seating. The menu covers all Aussie bases, but does them well and…

  • Little Greek Taverna

    Brisbane

    Up-tempo, eternally busy and in a prime West End location, the LGT is a solid spot for Hellenic feasting and people watching. Launch into a prawn and…

  • Waterbar & Grill

    Cairns

    Cairns' award-winning waterfront steakhouse doesn't fail to deliver on its promise of succulent, juicy steaks, tender burgers and delectable starters …

  • Treehouse

    Airlie Beach

    This breezy cafe combines efficient service with ample breakfast choices (pancakes, smashed avo, Tuscan baked eggs…), international lunch mains (chicken…

  • Roti Shack

    Cairns

    Caribbean-Indian street-food-style roti (flatbread) curry wraps are on the menu at this cheap and tasty joint. Choose from chicken or beef curries or the…

  • Bayaroma Cafe

    Hervey Bay

    Famous for its coffee, all-day breakfasts and people-watching position across from the beach in Torquay, Bayaroma has a jam-packed menu that truly has…

  • Nu Nu

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Trendy Nu Nu uses fresh local produce to create Mod Oz masterpieces including wok-fried mud crab and smoked Wagyu rump cap. It's destination dining – come…

  • Candy

    Cairns

    This quirky, licensed cafe has some seriously swoon-worthy treats on the menu. Breakfast (salmon crumpet, forest mushrooms) is served till noon, then…

  • Grant's Cakes & Pies

    Outback Queensland

    All manner of pastries and pies in the finest Aussie tradition, as well as yummy cakes, make this a fine place to pull over. The curry pie with peas and…

  • Ripe Harvest Cafe

    Townsville & Mission Beach

    Fresh tastes and friendly service go nicely with the all-day breakfasts and premade lunches. It's all about healthy eating with plenty of vegetarian and…

  • Tides Bistro

    Cape Tribulation

    With its almost-beachfront location, backpacker specials, pool-side bar and laid-back vibe, Tides, at Cape Trib Beach House, attracts nonguests, including…

  • Frog & Toad Bistro

    Outback Queensland

    In Buffs Club, the Frog & Toad serves up generous portions of pasta, pizza, steak and schnitzel in true Aussie style. Kids' menu available and a weekend…

  • Burger Bar

    Noosa

    This informal, quirky venue whips up quality, made-from-scratch burgers, including a couple of flesh-free options. The lamb burgers (especially the 'Top…

  • Ellis Beach Bar 'n' Grill

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Just try to drive past this rightfully popular place and not stop for a beer and a burger. It's a destination in its own right with regular specials and…

  • Turtle Rock Cafe

    Cape Tribulation

    Occupying prime position in the village centre, Turtle Rock has a big canopy-covered deck and a simple but satisfying menu of breakfast fare, burgers,…

  • Ant Hill Hotel

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    At Mareeba's friendliest pub, this is the place to come for locally sourced beef steaks. It also does pizzas ($16 to $22) and other mains including…

  • North Gregory Hotel

    Outback Queensland

    There's excellent variety to be found on the menu here, from pub classics (burgers, pizza, parma and steaks) to some interesting choices such as the…

  • Early Birds Cafe

    Townsville & Mission Beach

    One of few places open first thing in the morning, Early Birds wins return customers with its honest, cheap, cafe-style breakfasts and bigger-than-average…

  • Meekak

    Fraser Island & the Fraser Coast

    This big, bustling Korean restaurant gives you the choice of barbecuing your own Wagyu, tongue, chicken and other meats at your table, ordering à la carte…

  • Barrier Reef Motel Restaurant

    Townsville & Mission Beach

    The most reliable feed in Innisfail has meals are large enough to share and draws on local seafood and juicy steaks, surrounded by chips, salad and fresh…

  • Salt Mill

    Gold Coast

    çTiny hole-in-the-wall Salt Mill, across the road from the beach, keeps surfers and sunbathers refreshed with well-made coffee, delicious smoothies and…

  • Capannina

    Port Douglas

    Serving what is easily the best ice cream and gelato in Port Douglas, Italian-run Capannina is notable also for the patience of its owners, who wait…

  • Wild Local Prawns

    Townsville & Mission Beach

    Ingham's fish-and-chippy doubles as a fishmonger – it doesn't get any fresher than this. The fresh prawn sandwich is almost as good as the grilled bug or…

  • Mick's Cafe

    Gulf Savannah

    The extensive menu here doesn't contain too many surprises, but the Barra Burger is difficult to resist, the breakfast choices are nice and varied, and…

  • Pagoda

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    When Tablelanders want to celebrate, they head to Pagoda, locally famous for large portions of Westernised Chinese, low prices and a lively atmosphere. It…

  • L'Unico Trattoria

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Opening onto a wrap-around, beachfront deck, upscale L'Unico Trattoria serves stylish pasta and wood-fired pizza with local twists such as seafood chowder…

  • Warung Bamboo Indonesia

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Make a quick trip to Java or Bali at this authentic little Indonesian eatery serving up inexpensive satay skewers, bakso (meatballs), mie goreng (friend…