Cairns is more than just a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This tropical city has grown into a food lover’s paradise. The dining scene here offers everything from fresh seafood to Asian flavours and Italian classics. When you visit Cairns, you will find restaurants that serve local ingredients with amazing views.
Why Cairns Is a Great Food Destination?
Cairns is a wonderful place for food lovers because it mixes fresh seafood, cultural flavours, and relaxing dining spaces. Many restaurants serve fish caught the same day. Local markets also supply fruits, vegetables, and herbs that add natural taste to meals.
Travellers enjoy walking around the marina where many popular restaurants sit along the water. You can try Australian meals, Asian food, Italian pasta, and even spicy flavours influenced by Thai Restaurants in Australia.
The friendly environment makes dining fun and calm. With so many choices, you can eat something new every day, from fancy dishes to quick snacks. The food scene here continues to grow, bringing new chefs and ideas to the city.
Top 10 Restaurants in Cairns
Salt House
Salt House sits right on the marina with incredible water views. This stylish restaurant uses an Argentinian wood-fired grill to cook fresh local ingredients. The modern Australian menu changes with the seasons.
Try their signature seafood dishes or premium steaks. The outdoor seating area is perfect for tropical evenings. Salt House combines great food with a relaxed atmosphere that captures the Cairns spirit.
Wawawa
Wawawa is a small Japanese izakaya that locals love. This family-run restaurant serves fresh sushi and authentic Japanese dishes. The Aburi Salmon Nigiri and Wagyu Beef Noodle are customer favourites. You can watch the chefs cook in the open kitchen.
The portions are generous and the flavours are amazing. Wawawa proves that simple, well-cooked food always wins. Reservations are recommended for this popular spot. You can also visit their website wawawa.com.au.
Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse
Waterbar & Grill is the place for meat lovers in Cairns. This waterfront steakhouse serves premium cuts cooked to perfection. The chefs use flame-grilling techniques to bring out the best flavours.
Their ribs and signature steaks are must-tries. The restaurant also offers an impressive wine list. The modern setting and marina views make it ideal for special occasions. Visit their website www.waterbarandgrill.com.au.
Prawn Star Cairns
Prawn Star is unlike any other restaurant in Cairns. It is a floating seafood restaurant on a real fishing trawler. Located at Marlin Marina, it serves the freshest catch straight from the boat.
Order the Jumbo Platter to try prawns, bugs, oysters, and more. The casual setting and fresh seafood make this a unique experience. Kids love throwing scraps to the fish below.
Pist4cchi
Pist4cchi brings authentic Italian cuisine to Cairns. The restaurant is run by two Italian friends who make everything by hand. Their handmade pasta and traditional recipes transport you straight to Italy.
Try the oxtail ragu or authentic carbonara for a real taste of home cooking. The cocktail bar offers over 70 gins and creative drinks. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
Gambaramba
Gambaramba serves some of the best ramen in Cairns. This casual restaurant makes fresh noodles daily using just flour and water. The tonkotsu broth is rich and flavorful.
Try the Ikemen Tonkotsu for a garlicky kick or the Sunrise for some spice. The gyozas are also excellent. Even on hot days, this comfort food hits the spot perfectly.
The Backyard Cairns
The Backyard sits at the Shangri-La hotel with stunning marina views. This restaurant focuses on sustainability and local produce. Everything is sourced within 150 kilometers of Cairns.
The menu blends Australian ingredients with Southeast Asian flavors. Try the barramundi or Skull Island prawns. The catch-and-cook service is perfect for fishing enthusiasts who want their fresh catch prepared. Visit their website www.thebackyardcairns.com.au.
Ochre Restaurant
Ochre Restaurant celebrates Australian native ingredients and local produce. The menu features unique dishes like crocodile with native pepper leaf and prawns with lemon aspen sambal.
This restaurant showcases the flavours of Far North Queensland. The waterfront location on the Esplanade adds to the experience. Ochre has won multiple awards for its innovative Australian cuisine. It is one of the Best Restaurants in Cairns.
Read Also: Best Thai Restaurants in Australia
Ollie’s Italian
Ollie’s Italian is a Chef Hat award winner on the waterfront. This restaurant makes authentic Italian food with a modern touch. The handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas are exceptional.
They dry-age their steaks in-house for amazing flavour. The marina views from the outdoor seating are beautiful. The menu uses fresh Far North Queensland seafood and premium Australian beef.
Bayleaf
Bayleaf offers authentic Balinese cuisine in a tropical setting. Head Chef I Made Upadana trained at Bumbu Bali Restaurant in Bali. The satay is cooked on a mini-grill at your table.
Try the duck curry or chicken curry for rich, fragrant flavours. The Balinese Rijsttafel banquet is a feast of traditional dishes. This multi-award-winning restaurant brings Southeast Asian flavours to Cairns. You can also visit their website www.bayvillage.com.au.
Tips for Choosing the Right Restaurant in Cairns
- Make reservations in advance: Popular restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends
- Consider the view: Waterfront restaurants offer beautiful sunset dining experiences
- Check for fresh seafood specials: Daily catches often feature the best local fish
- Try something new: Cairns has diverse cuisines from Japanese to Balinese
- Ask locals for recommendations: They know the hidden gems away from tourist areas
- Book early for special occasions: Give restaurants notice for birthdays or celebrations
- Check opening hours: Some restaurants close on certain days
- Dress code is usually casual: Even upscale places keep a relaxed tropical vibe
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some award-winning restaurants in Cairns?
Tamarind Restaurant holds a prestigious Chef Hat award for its Asian fusion cuisine. Ollie’s Italian also earned a Chef Hat in 2025. Ochre Restaurant and Bayleaf have won multiple awards for their unique menus celebrating local produce.
What is the #1 restaurant in the world?
Disfrutar in Barcelona, Spain was named the World’s Best Restaurant in 2024. The restaurant is run by three chefs who create imaginative dishes with technical mastery. It climbed from second place to take the top spot.
What food is Cairns famous for?
Cairns is famous for fresh seafood like barramundi, prawns, and coral trout. The city also showcases native Australian ingredients including crocodile and kangaroo. Tropical fruits from the Atherton Tablelands feature in many local dishes as well.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance in Cairns?
Yes, booking ahead is highly recommended for popular best restaurants in Cairns. Many top dining spots fill up quickly, especially during tourist season. Making a reservation ensures you get a table at your preferred time and location.
What is the average cost of dining in Cairns?
Dining costs vary widely in Cairns depending on the restaurant type. Casual spots range from fifteen to thirty dollars per person. Mid-range restaurants cost forty to eighty dollars per meal. Fine dining establishments can exceed one hundred dollars per person with wine.
Final Words
Cairns has become one of Australia’s top food destinations. The combination of fresh local ingredients, talented chefs, and beautiful settings creates unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you want fresh seafood, authentic Asian food, or modern Australian cuisine, you will find it here.
The restaurants listed above represent the best of what Cairns offers. Each one brings something special to the table. From floating seafood boats to Chef Hat winners, there is something for every taste and budget.
Next time you visit Cairns, make sure to explore beyond the reef and rainforest. The food scene here deserves just as much attention. Book your tables early and come hungry. These restaurants will show you why Cairns is truly a great food destination. For more information, visit Australia City Guide.
