Must-see restaurants in Cairns & Far North Queensland

  • Marinades

    Cairns

    This has long been one of Cairns’ most popular Indian restaurants, and for good reason. Its comprehensive menu of aromatic dishes includes Goan prawn…

  • Grant Street Kitchen

    Port Douglas

    Delicious egg-and-bacon rolls, ham-and-cheese croissants or fruit salads are breakfast treats at this awesome little artisanal bakery. For lunch try the…

  • Big Barramundi Garden

    The Daintree

    You can't miss the giant barramundi next to this open-sided cafe. It serves exotic burgers (barra, crocodile and kangaroo), pies and smoothies or fruit…

  • Zipangu

    Port Douglas

    There's often a queue for takeaway at this simple little Japanese sushi and teriyaki joint. Rolled sushi comes in serves of eight pieces, sashimi plates…

  • Deli Adrift

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Styling itself as a breakfast and brunch joint, the friendly service and relaxed, casual vibe make this a great little spot for coffee, breakfast or…

  • Maharajas Palm Cove

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Maharaja's covers the Indian cuisine in Palm Cove, with authentic North Indian rogan josh, spicy southern fish vindaloo, tandoor-cooked nan and a mean…

  • Khan's Curries

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    If you're not in the mood for cooking but don't feel like sitting in a restaurant, grab a curry from this immensely popular takeaway joint. Vegetarian as…

  • El Grecko

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Souvlaki, spanakopita and moussaka are among the staples at this lively taverna, along with Greek beer and ouzo. Good meze platters; belly dancing and…

  • Gallery 5

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    A solid breakfast choice, Gallery 5 has a bright feel with its scarlet decor, artworks on the walls and tables on the footpath. Lunch offers a tempting…

  • Bramston Beach Cafe & Store

    Cairns

    This cool cafe is the social heart of Bramston Beach. Come down for a home-cooked meal (fish and chips, burgers and the like) or a coffee and a meet the…

  • Chilly's Pizza & Trattoria

    Port Douglas

    This sociable garden restaurant and bar specialises in wood-fired pizza – the seafood pizza is something to behold – and classic pasta dishes. Toppings…

  • CJ's Bar & Cafe

    The Daintree

    This simple, licensed cafe has a deck overlooking Thornton Beach and regular $10 lunch specials such as homemade pie or fish and chips. Otherwise enjoy…

  • Sand Bar

    Cape Tribulation

    The wood-fired pizzas, espresso coffee and general good vibes at this licensed deck cafe at Cape Tribulation Camping are some of the best in the area.

  • Jacky Jacky Herbs & Spices

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Authentic and aromatic Thai curries, soups, pad Thai and spring rolls are on offer at this simple family-run restaurant across from the waterfront. BYO…

  • Zephyr

    Cairns

    Fitzroy Island's fine dining restaurant features expertly craft Modern Australian cuisine such as FNQ lamb shanks and baked Tasmanian salmon. Advance…

  • Trinity Beach Tavern

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Local watering hole with top ocean views and an extensive, upmarket pub-grub menu including burgers, barbecued ribs and Malaysian laksa. Kids meals are …

  • Shakes Gelati Bar

    Port Douglas

    Cool off with Port Douglas' best ice cream and gelati with all the classics represented and some tropical twists: sea-salted caramel, coconut and lime…

  • Kuranda Veranda

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Hidden away in the foliage at the Kuranda Rainforest Park, this superb restaurant serves up massive portions of steaks, stir-fries and salads.

  • Mojo's

    The Daintree

    Mojo's is a delightful surprise with elegant fare including crocodile san choy bow, pork belly spring rolls and smoked barra pie. There's an Italian…

  • German Tucker

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Fill up on classic würste or try the tasty emu and crocodile sausages at this amusing place, where they blast oompah music and splash out steins of top…

  • Malanda Pub

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    This impressive corner pub is reputed to be the largest timber pub in the country. Good pub meals, including pizzas in the evening. Motel rooms (single…

  • Tokyo Dumpling

    Cairns

    This spotless little takeaway delivers ludicrously moreish homemade dumplings and exceptional rice and noodle dishes, sushi and sashimi. Lunch specials…

  • Salsa Bar & Grill

    Port Douglas

    Salsa is a stayer on Port's fickle scene. The menu ranges from Creole jambalaya (rice with prawns, squid, crocodile and smoked chicken) to drunken chicken…

  • Cafe Fresq

    Port Douglas

    Fresq is always busy at breakfast with tables spilling out onto the footpath. Good coffee, gourmet breakfasts, pancakes and lunch items such as soft-shell…

  • Little Ricardo's

    Cairns

    This romantic old-school neighbourhood Italian joint serves up pizzas, pastas and home-style dishes including calamari and veal every which way. Takeaway…

  • Malanda Dairy Centre Cafe

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Malanda's best breakfast and lunch cafe features generous meals from burgers and omelettes to steaks and open grilled sandwiches, along with good coffee…

  • Gill'd & Gutt'd

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Fish and chips the way it should be – fresh and smack on the waterside wharf. Choose from Spanish mackerel, barramundi and coral trout. Also sells fresh…

  • Kool Spot Cafe

    Cairns

    Kool Spot is a retro little cafe with a plant-filled corner outdoor dining area and the best $7 breakfast special around, as well as lunch and dinner…

  • Jacaranda Coffee Lounge

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    The best of Herberton's few cafes and the only one open in the evening. Hearty meals, great coffee and country-style service make the Jacaranda a worthy…

  • Captain's Table

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    The main attraction here is local seafood and fish and chips (eat in or takeaway) and Cooktown's best pizzas (it was formerly the Italian Restaurant).

  • Corea Corea

    Cairns

    Disregard the empty-mall atmosphere at Orchid Plaza and head upstairs to dig into authentic sizzling, spicy Korean fare at this very popular hangout.

  • A Taste of Italy

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Enjoy excellent pizzas and pasta dishes at an outside table, or join the hungry hordes that dial-in for delivery every night (minimum order $20).

  • Cafe Ziva

    Port Douglas

    Locals rate open-fronted Euro-chic Ziva for good coffee and breakfasts such as eggs Benedict. Lunch is mostly burgers and toasted sandwiches.

  • Breakfast with the Birds

    Port Douglas

    At Wildlife Habitat, includes a tropical buffet breakfast and a guided bird interactive experience.

  • Mad Hatterz Cafe

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Good coffee, all-day breakfast, great homemade pies and Alice in Wonderland quirkiness make Mad Hatterz a very Yungaburra-type cafe.

  • Yungaburra Pitstop

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Though it's a takeaway kitchen within a petrol station, this place does some of the best and biggest burgers in the region.

  • Caffiend

    Cairns

    This cool, cosy cafe has superb barista coffee, all-day breakfast, gourmet lunches, art and the occasional live gig.

  • Mocka's Pies

    Port Douglas

    Local institution serving classic Aussie pies with exotic fillings such as crocodile laksa and bush kangaroo.

  • Floravilla Ice Cream Factory

    The Daintree

    Try one of the 26-plus tropical, biodynamic ice-cream flavours at Floravilla's lovely little shop and cafe.

  • Cooktown RSL

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Steaks, pizzas and generous servings distinguish the RSL kitchen. Pokies and occasional live entertainment.