Best restaurants and cafes Far North Queensland, Cairns, Port Douglas, Kuranda
The Far North has multiple award-winning restaurants — but here’s our pick of the 10 most outstanding in the region. See the list.
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The Far North has multiple award-winning restaurants with plentiful innovative casual eateries as well as fine dining options for tourists and locals alike, with new venues constantly emerging in a dynamic hospitality scene.
Many restaurants make the most of local produce from the Atherton Tablelands and local seafood, offering an authentic tropical dining experience.
Here’s our pick of the 10 most outstanding restaurants in the region.
•CC’s Bar and Grill
•The Treehouse
•Harrisons
•Osprey’s
•Tamarind
•Nu Nu
•Two Blocks Cafe
•NOA
•Petit Cafe, Kuranda
•Il Chiosco
Continue reading for our definitive list of the best 50 restaurants in the region and have your say in our comments section.
IL CHIOSCO, TRINITY BEACH
This absolute gem of a restaurant quietly opened its doors in March down the southern end of Vasey Esplanade at Trinity Beach.
The service is impeccable, the menu is alluring and chef and owner Matteo Guzzo, who operates Il Chiosco with partner Silvano Giorgetti, has a passion for modern Italian cuisine.
He has 15 years’ experience working in restaurants in Italy, Spain and Australia, and Silvano has made the switch from children’s soccer coach to running the front of house operations at Il Chiosco.
“Matteo and I had been working together for three years and decided we would like to set up our own restaurant,” he said.
“We love being part of our community out here in Trinity Beach and are grateful to everyone in the Cairns community that has supported us.”
Mr Giorgetti said Il Chiosco’s signature dish was tortelloni verdi in gorgonzola and verza rossa sauce – tortelloni filled with ricotta and basil and fresh spinach, made daily on the premises.
His favourite pizza is the potato and Italian sausage pizza.
Try the housemade gnocchi and keep an eye out for cocktail specials.
Il Chiosco is open Monday and Tuesday from 4pm to 9pm, and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 9pm – open for breakfast and lunch as well as dinner.
CC’S BAR AND GRILL AT CRYSTRALBROOK BAILEY, CAIRNS CITY
Multiple award-winning CC’s Bar and Grill opened in 2019 and is vying with Nu Nu at Palm Cove as the best restaurant in Far North Queensland.
Syrian billionaire Ghassan Aboud invested more $600m on the trio of glamour Crystalbrook hotels in the CBD and now it’s hard to imagine Cairns City without them.
He wanted CC’s to be Crystalbrook’s flagship, signature steakhouse.
Like the hotels, there are little touches that catch the eye.
Marble for the benchtops were sourced from Chillagoe, the knife blocks were custom made by a local joiner and every night a drinks trolley is rolled out and cocktails made at individual tables.
More than 80 per cent of produce, including steaks, is sourced from within a three-hour drive, primarily from the Atherton Tablelands, in line with Crystalbrook’s eco-sustainability ethos.
The seasonal menu frequently receives five-star reviews on presentation and taste.
Steak is expertly dry-aged in house by executive chef, Brad Ansell, who has worked in reputable kitchens across Australia and has led CC’s to two consecutive Restaurant of the Year awards.
CC’s Bar and Grill won Restaurant of the Year at the 2021 and 2022 National Restaurant and Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence – Far North Queensland and Northern Territory, Restaurant of the Year in a Hotel/Resort at the 2022 National Restaurant and Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence, was the Australian Good Food Guide readers’ choice for a steak restaurant in 2022 and made it into the Delicious top 100 restaurants for 2023.
OSPREY’S AT THALA BEACH NATURE RESERVE
Nestled on a private headland at Thala Beach Nature Reserve between Cairns and Port Douglas is Osprey’s Restaurant.
Graeme Miles has recently taken over as head chef at the Prettejohn family’s resort and launched a menu inspired by the restaurant’s tropical setting.
Mr Miles, who has worked in Europe, London, and Asia, was attracted to working with produce from Thala’s garden.
“After working at a number of local places recently, including Tamarind restaurant and Palooka, an opportunity arose to work at Thala,” he said.
“Working in an environment where the products you need are not at the end of the phone line but down in the on-site kitchen garden offered me a refreshing challenge and learning curve.”
The fruit and vegetables grown on site and native herbs found on bush walks across property feature in the menu.
“We hope to discover more ways to support local and indigenous foods and techniques, Mr Miles said.
Ospreys is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days.
An informal drink and simple taste option is the Sunday Sundowners from 4pm – 7pm featuring bar snacks and cocktail specials.
HARRISONS, AT SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE, PORT DOUGLAS
Owners Spencer and Reina Patrick are passionate about delivering the best possible culinary experience at this multiple-award winning restaurant that has been awarded One Hat on two occasions.
Spencer is a Delicious Australia produce awards judge and prides himself on using suppliers who deliver quality and best sustainable practices.
Opening in 2007, Harrisons, with modern British cuisine, has stood the test of time and booking at least two weeks ahead is usual.
There is outdoor dining taking full advantage of a lagoon-edge vista, and interior dining with a touch of old world glamour in the form of giant chandeliers indoors, and a private dining area for groups of up to 40 guests.
FLYNN’S ITALIAN AT CRYSTALBROOK FLYNN
Flynn’s Italian at Crystalbrook Flynn on Cairns Esplanade offers a sophisticated but playful menu that pays homage to the best of the region’s seasonal produce and speaks to the rich local history of Italian immigrants and the surrounding farmland.
Signature dishes include antipasto burrantina with 24-month aged Tomewin Farm prosciutto, and homemade gnocchi veal ragout.
Flynn’s Italian has a renowned house made limoncello.
It is offering Tavolo Per Due – dinner for two – a four course menu including paired wines, designed to be shared and savoured, from Thursday to Saturday, for $99 per person.
THE TREEHOUSE RESTAURANT AT SILKY OAKS LODGE, MOSSMAN
This exclusive resort attracts cashed-up southerner and celebrities with prices for its luxury treehouse starting at $1270 per night up to $5400 for a night in the Daintree Pavilion.
The good news is that locals can lunch at Silky Oaks.
The resort, which opened beside the Mossman River in 1985, was snapped up by James and Hayley Baillie of Baillie Lodges in 2019, and has undergone a spectacular $20m revamp.
Executive chef Mark Godbeer, who moved from Longitude 131 at Uluru, said he loved how tropical produce translated to light and refreshing menus.
He continues to build relationships with local producers.
There are microgreens from Eats, Shoots and Leaves in the Mowbray Valley, tropical fruits from Daintree Exotics at Whyanbeel, dairy from Mungalli Creek, meat from Port Douglas-based Malones Butchery, fish from Port Produce, Gallo Dairy cheese and chocolate, and Wondaree macadamia nuts.
Guests can opt for two or three courses, with entree highlights including kingfish tataki or duck larb salad while mains might include tempura reef fish or barbecued tiger prawns.
After lunch, indulge in a tropical sorbet or a local Hemingway’s ale to ease in the afternoon.
The Treehouse Restaurant welcomes visitors for lunch between noon and 2.30pm.
Bookings are essential.
COCO’S KITCHEN + BAR AT PULLMAN CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL
Treat yourself to something special just off the grand lobby of the Pullman Cairns International.
Coco’s Kitchen + Bar offers sophisticated cuisine with an emphasis on high quality regional produce.
Chef Simon Capewell and head pastry chef Ashleigh Otto have created two High Tea offerings.
The R.A. Kingsford signature high tea is a staple all year long while the Le Papillon seasonal high tea celebrates changing seasons.
Mr Otto, a multiple award-winning pastry chef, has created a selection of truffles, exclusively available to purchase from the lobby at Coco’s.
Made with some of the world’s finest, purest Belgian and French chocolates, the 12 hand created flavours are an indulgent treat.
TAMARIND RESTAURANT AT THE REEF HOTEL CASINO
Tamarind has won plenty of gongs including a coveted Chef Hat in the Good Food Guide and the world luxury restaurant awards continent winner for fusion cuisine in Oceania and Australia.
The setting, a low-lit dining room with crisp white linen tablecloths, is classic and relaxing.
The menu changes seasonally but the duck curry is a sought after dish.
It calls its food ‘Australian freestyle cuisine’, where styles, ingredients and techniques from other cultures are incorporated.
An entree example is cherry char siu duck fillet with pickled red cabbage, freeze dried mandarin, and enoki mushrooms, while a main might be Paperbark smoked salmon fillet with textures of beetroot, white bean puree, roasted tomatoes and lemon myrtle.
It has a ‘sky garden’ on the rooftop.
Tamarind is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday with dining from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.
PAPER CRANE AT CRYSTALBROOK RILEY
Paper Crane offers a modern Asian fusion experience that makes the most of local fresh produce.
Highlighting Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese inspired dishes, the aromatic flavours create a vibrant alfresco dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea.
The innovative cocktail menu offers the perfect complement to signature dishes including steamed cuttlefish and prawn dumplings and Balinese pork curry with chilli sambal.
The Massaman beef brisket has earned rave reviews.
THA FISH
A favoured hotspot for succulent seafood delights and dreamy desserts, Tha Fish has been operating in Cairns for almost two decades.
Owned and operated by Sheldon and Carolyn Wearne, Tha Fish consistently holds five star reviews across most restaurant review sites, trip advisor and is heavily awarded.
The popular eatery has also been named as a finalist in the Far North Queensland and Northern Territory catering awards, due to take place in August.
Tha Fish specialises with its fish list with your choice of 5 fish with 5 different cooking styles to choose from.
There is also the a la carte menu with a variety of seafood, meat and vegetarian options available.
Prawn Star
For an unforgettable seafood experience enjoying the freshest catch of the day on the water, you can’t go past Prawn Star.
Located on the Cairns Marlin Marina, and just a short walk from the bustling Cairns Esplanade and CBD, the boat-based seafood restaurant offers a fun and relaxed vibe as you enjoy spectacular ocean views with your meal, on one of the fleet’s four trawlers.
Taste the best the Far North has to offer with fresh seafood from the Coral Sea brought strait to your plate, deliciously put together by chef Marco Bernardi.
The restaurant famously managed to survive pandemic restrictions thanks to owner Danny Moore’s genius idea to pack fresh seafood picnic’s for families to enjoy outdoors.
The restaurant continues to thrive as one of the top hotspots for seafood in Cairns.
The Mexican, Port Douglas
Fresh, friendly, vibrant, and high energy, with a hip hop playlist that matches the $6 house infused tequila shots, which rotates flavours weekly, is the experience on offer at The Mexican.
Chef and co-owner Jon Lovett said when he and Sarah opened in 2014, the restaurant was known as Tortilla’s Cucina Mexicana, and had been Mexican in one guise or another for many years, and was known locally as ‘The Mexican’.
“Our concept has been to use a local tropical Queensland ingredients in combination with imported Mexican flavours to create a uniquely modern Australian approach to Mexican food,” Mr Lovett said.
He said local produce regularly used included tomatoes, finger limes, dragon fruit and taro root.
“Our signature dish would have to be our Ceviche del Dia – an ever-changing dish of fresh, local reef fish or seafood paired with fresh seasonal items,” Mr Lovett said.
“We create a new ceviche concept each week – we think the fresh, chilled and cured fish is a dish that suits all seasons up here in the tropics.”
The Mexican opens Monday to Friday and occasionally weekends at 3.30pm for happy hour and last seating is at 8.30pm.
NU NU
This premier Palm Cove restaurant owned by Amy Escott, Jason Rowbottom and head chef Nick Holloway, this award-winning restaurant showcases the best combination of produce the rainforest, reef and outback have to offer.
Nu Nu’s signature dish is a wok-fried Far North Queensland chilli mudcrab, coconut curry hand rolled noodles and all the trimmings.
Nu Nu wedding and events co-ordinator Amy Greenwood described the dish as “a quintessential North Queensland bucket list experience,” featuring hand rolled noodles, laska broth, greens and rice.
The restaurant regularly changes the menu, with dishes such as kimchi butter poached reef fish with squid ink noodles in a corn and seaweed broth, or sugar cane smoked duck with BBQ radicchio, rhubarb and pickles.
DUNDEES ON THE WATERFRONT
In business for 33 years, Dundees on the Waterfront ticks off three key ingredients for success: great food, good location and perfect ambience.
Dundee’s proprietor Gary Low is backed by current business partners Marion and Paul Wright and Tina and James Wort, who are the restaurant’s front of house manager and head chef respectively.
In early 2019 Dundees opened a second venue co-located at the Cairns Aquarium which features a 70,000 litre marine aquarium filled with sharks and fish.
VILLA ROMANA TRATTORIA
For an authentic Italian dining experience with a view of the ocean, look no further than Villa Romana.
Opened by George and Helen Papagelou in 1999, the restaurant on Cairns Esplanade has
great ocean views and famous tiramisu.
Villa Romana’s signature dish, Spaghetti Allo Scoglio, features sauteed crab, scallops, prawns, Moreton Bay bug, mussels, calamari, clams, cherry tomatoes, white wine and garlic.
Open seven days from 6.30am until late, bookings are essential.
GUERRILLA
Offering gourmet Mexican food sourced with local ingredients, Guerilla hits all the right notes for authentic, traditional flavour.
Opened in 2021, Guerrilla steers away from Tex Mex, but still offers classic fan favourites, such as empanadas, tacos and quesadillas, with stylish and authentic Latin flavour and flair.
The signature dish ceviche, put together by head chef Nico Suarez, stars bold Mexican flavours – lime and coconut cured reef fish, chilli, red onion, avocado herb cream, taro chips and guajillo salt.
“Amazing reef fish, the zing of lime, some subtle heat cooled with the creaminess of coconut & a herby avocado cream – it pairs perfectly with our signature spicy Margarita,” Mr O’Rourke said.
Guerrilla is open Wednesday to Friday from 3pm to 11pm or over the weekends from 10am to 11pm.
FETTA’S GREEK TAVERNA
Step into Fetta’s Greek Taverna on Grafton St and you will wonder if you’ve teleported to Greece (or the set of Mamma Mia).
Owner George Karagianis has owned and operated the taverna for 28 years but has been ‘in the game’ for 45 years.
“I’ve run 17 restaurants and two nightclubs through Perth, Sydney and Melbourne,” he said.
What was supposed to be a three month stint in Far North Queensland helping out a friend, turned into an almost three-decade stay.
“People are very friendly and the place is like a little paradise in the Far North,” Mr Karagianis said.
Customers can enjoy watching belly dancing and plate smashing.
“I had a phone call from a man in Darwin who said he wanted to see the Greek dancing and plate smashing so I said ‘why don’t you buy plates and smash them?’” he said.
“He thought that was very funny.”
Fetta’s Greek Taverna opens daily from 5.30pm to 10.30pm. Bookings are essential.
OCHRE RESTAURANT, CAIRNS CITY
Award-winning Ochre Restaurant on the water in the Cairns CBD serves imaginative, often native inspired fare including emu, kangaroo and crocodile as well as a good sampling of reimagined Indigenous ingredients.
Since opening Ochre in 1994, owner, director and chef Craig Squire has been dedicated to creating the ultimate modern Australia food experience – from opening his first restaurant at just 21 years of age, with a loan from his uncle, to an international restaurant consultant.
Popular dishes include Tablelands Beef carpaccio, salt and native pepper leaf crocodile with prawns, and coconut prawns.
CALAVERAS STREET FUSION
Combining a love of Mexican and Korean food, owner Brian Seo and then-business partner Chilean Mexican cuisine lover Ignacio Perez-Canto teamed up to create Calaveras Street Fusion in August 2020.
Infusing Korean flavours into Mexican dishes and vice versa, the pair created tasty blends and fusion favourites.
“Our most popular dish is probably the Korean burrito,” Mr Seo said.
“I wanted to mix two different cuisines in one dish. Spicy Korean beef and Kimchi in
Mexican burrito was the answer and people just love it!”
With colourful street art covering the walls and splashes of colour on every corner, Calaveras is the perfect place for a fun and vibrant fiesta with friends.
IMM THAI CAFE, CAIRNS CITY
For a laid back, casual dining experience with Thai so tasty you’ll be back for more is Imm Thai Cafe.
Located on Abbott Street at the Cairns Night Markets, in the heart of the CBD this hole in the wall restaurant offers traditional fan favourites such as satay skewers, coconut rice, pad thai, massaman beef curry and more.
The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a break in between.
EVO BURGER, CAIRNS CITY
For owner Olivia Young, the secret’s in the sauce for her wildly popular burgers.
Evo Burger which opened in July 2019, has been a hit with locals and tourists who keep coming back for healthy and tasty treats.
“We put a handful of salad for customer health and mix lots of veggies and beef in our patties,” Ms Young said.
“Many customers say our sauce is exotic, because it’s different to a lot of other sauces like tomato or barbecue. It’s not a secret recipe or anything, just not a common sauce.”
Despite the rising cost of ingredients, Ms Young said she kept her prices affordable for her customers who may struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living.
“Even though the prices of ingredients keep going up for us, we don’t want it to affect our customers,” she said.
Evo Burgers is open from 11am to 11pm, seven days a week.
CAFE 63, RAINTREES MANUNDA
With no shortage of delicious dishes on offer, Cafe 63 has something for everyone.
With over 100 items on the menu, customers can choose from a range of breakfast items, all day burgers, pastas and more.
Director of 63 Group Hamish Watson said the cafe, which also sells fresh flowers, had a long list of ‘extras’ which can be added to meals or used to create your own meal. “There are over 100 menu items and we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day which ensures the choices are endless,” Mr Watson said.
Opened by store managers Kate and Tim Lee in March 2023, the pet-friendly restaurant is a great place to catch up with friends for coffee, brunch or dinner.
Despite being a chain restaurant, the husband and wife team make bring a friendly and cosy atmosphere to the store.
Cafe 63 is open seven days a week from 5.30am to 9pm.
KATCH UP BAR & RESTAURANT, CAIRNS CITY
For a relaxed dining experience with delectable dishes and live music every Friday night, Katch Up Bar & Restaurant is the perfect place to chill out with mates before or after hitting the town.
With head chef Juthamas Supanya at the helm, Katch Up, experience culinary bliss with signature dish Khao Nuea Ob.
The dish stars succulent slow-cooked beef, infused with a captivating blend of aromatic five spices and served alongside a bed of steamed jasmine rice, creating a truly unforgettable flavour sensation.
Katch Up Bar & Restaurant is owned by Daniel Crosby Alexander.
SPLASH SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, CAIRNS CITY
This year Splash Seafood Restaurant on the Cairns Esplanade celebrated 21 years in business.
From humble beginnings as a small fish cafe, Splash Seafood Restaurant on the Cairns Esplanade has witnessed resort complexes grow up around the CBD venue after opening its doors for the first time in 2002.
Owned by Malcolm and Megan McKay, Splash supports the Australian commercial fishing industry by specialising in wild caught seafood.
Top menu items include honey chilli barramundi, butter lemon king threadfin and ponzu spiced calamari.
LA PIZZA TRATTORIA
Located on the corner of Aplin St and the Cairns Esplanade, guests can relax and take in the ocean views at La Pizza Trattoria’s al fresco dining area, while enjoying freshly made pizza and mouth watering pasta.
Awaken your senses, relax with family or friends and enjoy the fresh flavours of Italian fusion.
With a wide range of tasty Italian delights to choose from including delicious breakfast items, pizzas available from 8am, and an extensive pasta menu La Pizza Trattoria will satisfy all your Italian cravings without having to leave the city.
Open daily from 6am til late, bookings are essential.
BELLOCALE
Bellocale is owned and operated by husband and wife Kevin and Summer.
With Kevin born and raised in Cairns, he packed his bags at the age of 17 to pursue his cooking career in the food capital of Australia, Sydney.
He started out his apprenticeship working for one of Australia’s biggest seafood restaurant chains and became chef for one of their flagship restaurants at Bondi Beach.
The pair took over Bellocale in 2017.
L’UNICO
L’Unico is a family run Italian restaurant perched perfectly on the waterfront on the Trinity Beach Esplanade offering spectacular views of the Coral Sea.
L’Unico offers hand-stretched pizzas through to succulent fresh seafood and pasta made with fresh local produce to be enjoyed with ice-cold craft beer, fine wine and cocktail creations.
L’Unico is owned and run by Matt and Annie Turner.
EAZY TIGER, TRINITY BEACH
Eazytiger Trinity Beach, opened in early June 2023.
“We are a husband and wife team, Tik, chef and Kat, front of house,” owner Katrina Siribanphithak said.
“We offer Asian Tapas, which are small share plates, wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed setting, just walking distance to the beach.
“You can expect to find fresh flavoursome house made duck cigars, crying tiger beef salad, Korean popcorn chicken, and steamed dumplings, all with their fragrant sauces,” she said.
“There are many gluten free options to select from, as well as vegetarian options.”
C’EST BON
C’est Bon at 20 Lake St is the city’s only dedicated French restaurant.
The restaurant prides itself on being delightfully, authentically, classically French, yet always affordable and fitting in with smart casual tropical dining.
Its menu has classic dishes including escargot, beef tartare, and duck liver pate for entree and delectable desserts such as souffle and creme brulee to finish.
Custom cakes are also available made by the restaurant’s expert pastry chefs.
Head chef Martin Kearney has a career spanning more than 15 years in hospitality and is passionate about food and offering guests an unforgettable fine dining experience where culture and food blend seamlessly.
“With all the trappings of our training in traditional French cuisine, we also acknowledge the splendour and abundance of fresh local produce, blending the two to bring you a true taste of France – North Queensland style,” he said.
YAMA ZARU IZAKAYA
A unique Izayaka style restaurant situated in the Shields St and Sheridan St dining precinct, Yama Zaru showcases a menu of Japanese style tapas dishes, together with the best range of Japanese Sake, and has private Karaoke rooms.
Owned and created by Adam Craven-Sands, a self confessed ‘Japan-o-holic,’ the restaurant brings a slice of Japan to Cairns with traditional artworks, cherry blossom features and an authentic thatched ceiling.
In the centre of the restaurant is a magnificent timber sushi bar, with delicious creations made by head chef Masami “Sammy” Kawano.
Besides suchi, guests can choose from a variety of traditional tapas options such as tofu, chicken karaage, edamame, pork gyoza and more.
BEACH ALMOND
Beach Almond is a multi-award winning restaurant on the Palm Cove waterfront.
The restaurant offers a fresh modern Asian seafood menu with an array of South-East Asian delicacies from chargrilled seafood, Singaporean chilli crab, black pepper butter prawns and curries.
NEPTUNES
Sitting directly on the beachfront of the Peppers Beach Club Resort on the Palm Cove Esplanade diners can enjoy the Coral Sea vista and cooling sea breeze while they taste some deliciously fresh seafood.
Their extensive menu samples pristine locally caught fresh seafood, a wide range of locally sourced fresh meats and poultry, a delicious pasta selection, scrumptious home made pizza, crisp salads and a tasty kids menu.
Neptunes provides a cosy, yet sophisticated, simple setting where you can dine with a large group, enjoy the company of your family, share a simple romantic dinner for two or just hang out by yourself.
TEMPLE OF TASTES
Located at Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort, Temple of Tastes combines Asian, European and Australian flavours in an innovative menu.
Chef Anthony Smith’s menu is filled with organic, seasonal produce from the Atherton Tablelands and is motivated by a ‘produce to plate’ ideology.
Temple of Tastes dinner highlights include carpaccio of yellowtail kingfish served with pickled shallot and ginger dressing, and Far North Queensland crispy skin Barramundi with mango lime and coriander salsa and a sticky tamarind sauce.
There’s an eight course degustation menu with wine pairings featuring beef brisket bao buns, seared sesame crusted tuna, and deconstructed mango cheesecake served with coconut sorbet.
CODE
Modern European and Middle Eastern flavour combine at Code in beautiful Holloways Beach.
With a focus on share plates, this self described ‘intimate and sexy’ menu brings together fantastic flavours in mouth-watering morsels.
Some favourites include the armesan potatoes with garlic mousse and ancho chilli oil.
To start the evening fresh, you can’t go wrong with Coffin Bay oyster with macerated lemon and oregano.
GUYALA CAFE
Guyala is one of the newest offerings from Cairns cafe big gun Oliver James who also operates Caffiend, Newell Street Cafe, and Tattooed Sailor Coffee Roasters.
Opened in 2020, Guyala is at 2 Smith St.
The venue has a beautiful bright and airy aesthetic, and leafy outlook across the Esplanade, perfect for a Sunday brunch or breakfast catching up with friends.
Menu items include; mango, macadamia and fingerlime on the avocado toast, lemon-myrtle hollandaise sauce on eggs Benedict, and peppered kangaroo pastrami for the classic Rooben (Rueben) sandwich.
And not to be forgotten the coffee is still the focus with beans roasted in house by Guyala’s sister business – Tattooed Sailor Coffee Roasters.
LA FONDA LATINA, KURANDA
Bringing together the traditional and exotic flavours of Central and South America, La Fonda Latina will take you on a culinary journey, introducing flavours from all over the continent.
From Panama-inspired omelettes to Colombian arepas and Brazilian acai bowls, take your tastebuds on a journey.
Live entertainment by Latin musicians and performers, also adds to the fun of the restaurant, tucked away in the rainforest near the Kuranda Markets.
Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
JIMMYS BURGER & CO
For sumptuous burger goodness, look no further than Jimmys Burger & Co on Grafton St.
The popular burger joint voted Cairns best burger joint by Cairns Post readers in 2020, offers delicious beef patties with soft buns and the addictive Jimmys special sauce.
With a range of patties to choose from, ranging from classic beef, chicken, fish and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone at Jimmys.
When the burgers are demolished, the fries are all gone but the party’s still going, try the thickshakes or boozy cocktails and let the good times roll.
Hopscotch
Hopscotch serves a range of Italian staples including pizza, pasta and grilled steak for diehard meatlovers.
Owner and head chef Parmod ‘Parmy’ Kumar said the restaurant’s bestseller was the gnocchi.
“The lamb gnocchi is very popular. The lamb is braised for 12 hours in red wine and we make our own gnocchi so it’s soft like a marshmallow. Then we add olives and fresh tomatoes,” Mr Kumar said.
Mr Kumar has more than 30 years experience as a chef.
His breakfasts at Hopscotch have been very popular.
“We have some new items on the menu like chicken waffle and bagels. Our eggs Benedict is really good, as well as the full wok hash with is cooked with apple cider and fresh apples,” he said.
SALSA BAR & GRILL
A Port Douglas staple for 28 years, Salsa Bar & Grill, is a must for anyone travelling through the area.
Relax in the open air Queenslander restaurant with vibrant, tropical drinks.
Passionate floor staff with extensive knowledge of the menu are on hand to recommend the best meal to satisfy your hunger.
Head Chef Goran Zonai has been creating magic in the kitchen with his team for more than 19 years.
Some Salsa favourites that keep people coming back include Thai Chicken Spring Rolls, Linguini Pepperincino and the chocolate Cointreau souffle.
PICCOLO CUCINA
Offering traditional Italian dishes in the heart of Cairns, Piccolo Cucina specialises in handmade pasta and hand stretched pizza.
Made with local ingredients, the restaurant boasts a range of traditional dishes including fresh bruschetta, mouth watering lasagne as well as red and white sauce based pizzas.
Located next to the Pullman International Hotel and across from the Reef Hotel Casino, the restaurant fits perfectly into the luxurious vibe.
HARUKA JAPANESE CUISINE
Bringing a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine to Cairns, Haruka specialises in fresh seafood dishes with traditional, authentic flavours.
Haruka is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a fresh and vibrant meal after visiting the Cairns Botanic Gardens.
The perfectly cooked fried salmon, sashimi and prawns will keep you coming back for more.
BUSHFIRE FLAME GRILL RESTAURANT
This quirky laid back restaurant brings the best Brazilian flavours to you, literally.
Order the succulent Brazilian-inspired barbecue skewered beef, pork or lamb, with a variety of side, and carvers will bring the meat straight to your plate.
Located on the Cairns Esplanade, the award-winning restaurant brings the theatre of the kitchen strait to the table.
Carvers circle the restaurant with the seasoned and marinated meat, slow roasted on a triple decker open flame churasco grill.
Follow up the delicious meal with a serving of churros, cinnamon sugar pineapple and ice cream.
PETIT CAFE, KURANDA
Founded in 2009 by Aurelien Breguet and wife Kia Martin, this sensational creperie operated from a nook in the original markets before moving a year ago to new premises on Rob Veivers Drive, and the restaurant is always buzzing.
It is open for crepes Wednesday to Sunday from 8am to 3pm and Napoletana style wood fired pizza each Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 8pm.
Runaway bestsellers include the honey truffle chicken crepe and the crepe suzette.
Asked for the secret to the perfect crepe, Mr Breguet said buckwheat flour was used.
“We use 100 per cent organic buckwheat flour to create crepes known as galettes, traditionally made in Brittany, France,” he said.
“Only the freshest of ingredients are selected from our local suppliers, every single crepe is cooked with love and good vibes by our team of dedicated chefs.
“We also offer a large selection of decadent sweet desert crepes to indulge in.”
SALSA BAR AND GRILL, PORT DOUGLAS
Signature dishes at this Wharf St restaurant include linguine pepperincino with Tableland red claw as well as Daintree Estates chocolate Cointreau souffle.
Owners of this award-winning restaurant Rhys Bawden and Bill Conway work with chef Goran Zonai, who has been in the role more than 20 years.
It is open Thursday-Monday for lunch and dinner.
SPROUT JUICE AND COFFEE BAR, KURANDA
Maple-smoked bacon from Cleaalls Butchers at Mareeba is a highlight of a classic eggs Benedict breakfast or a classic BLT at this local institution owned by Dei Gould.
Sprout is open Saturday to Wednesday from 7.30am to 2.30pm.
Nana’s relish Vegetarian Burgers, house made with fresh salad in hand made pita bread and sweet and sour beetroot relish, and slow cooked spicy tomato and sweet potato lentil daal with house made pita salad and hummus walnut and zucchini bread is a popular choice.
NOA
Fresh, bold and exciting flavours is the aim of owner Samuel Byrd, who spearheads the talented team at NOA.
He opened Ozmosis in 2014 followed by NOA in 2015, Hopscotch in 2018, Guerrilla in 2021 and Palooka in 2022.
The restaurant has a small plate share concept with highlights including scallops with green harissa yoghurt, salmon ceviche with toasted sesame and river mint and smoked chicken wings with soy, sweet fish sauce and pickled chilli.
It is open seven days from 6am to 10.30pm, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
WRASSE AND ROE, PORT DOUGLAS
Open seven days from 2pm, Wrasse and Roe is in the Coconut Grove building on Macrossan St.
The combination of premium seafood, a relaxed dining experience and exceptional, knowledgeable staff earned Wrasse & Roe a Chef’s Hat in the 2023 Australian Good Food Guide, following a Reader’s Choice Award in 2022.
The name is about memories and beginnings, according to owner Andy Gray.
“The Wrasse is a nod to times with family and friends exploring the Great Barrier Reef, connecting with a magnificent Maori Wrasse swimming around the boat,” he said.
“And roe, fish eggs, signifying new experiences, new friends, new traditions, and perhaps continually trying a new dish.”
PISTACCHI
Childhood friends Paolo and Francesco and chef Domenico run this appealing venue with a secret indoor garden, offering family recipes of traditional Italian fare.
It has an eye-catching cocktail list and an Italian tapas menu.
Pistacchi has more than 100 brands of gin and more than 150 Italian wines.
Meals are presented beautifully and service is friendly.
SEABEAN TAPAS BAR AND RESTAURANT
Open seven days a week from 5pm from June to October, and Thursday to Monday at other times, Seabean offers Spanish and Mediterranean influenced tapas and paella cuisine.
The seafood paella is a flavour bomb with tiger prawns, local sustainably farmed barramundi and Cloudy Bay clams.
Popular choices include seafood croquettes, mushroom pate, garlic and chilli prawns, mushrooms in a creamy blue cheese sauce, beef cheek empanadas and chorizo and halloumi with sangria poached pear.
The signature dessert is Crema Catalana, served in a coconut shell.
Owner and wine connoisseur Henry Johnston and wife Lesley have an enviable wine and cocktail list.
Seabean has a quirky Spanish style with dolls and matadors, and 1960s style Spanish art.
EPICUREAN, PORT DOUGLAS
Chef Rohan Erard and wife Marlene run Epicurean, which is open from Tuesday to Saturday from noon until 4.40pm.
The menu is a carefully curated selection of Epicurean share boards showcasing beautiful produce, delectable cheeses, handcrafted charcuterie, and freshly baked sourdough.
More than 80 wines showcasing 14 Australian wineries are on offer.
HIDDEN@YORKEYS RESTAURANT AND BAR
Puppies are welcome at this gorgeous venue hidden amid greenery owned by Kim and Matt Kelso.
It is open from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 2.30pm for breakfast and lunch and on Sunday from 8am to 6pm with live music and tapas from 3pm.
Head chef is Shannon Dunn and popular dishes are eggs Benedict, beef cheek burger and red eye wings tapas.
The super pet friendly restaurant is at the southern end of Yorkey’s Knob, on the corner of Sims Esplanade and Kempton St.
SNOOGIES HEALTH BAR
Tucked into an otherwise unremarkable arcade on Grafton St, Snoogies Health Bar, owned and run by partners Aaron Bradshaw and Nuri Brown, is the place to go to boost your fruit and vegetable intake with genuinely delicious and inventive salads, freshly made soup and what is probably the best green juices in the southern hemisphere.
Examples at the vegetarian venue include eggplant, cauliflower and potato curry, a red lentil pasta and vegan frittata, cauliflower, rosemary soup, and buckwheat, corn and eggplant salad, a raw cacao and raspberry cake with pecans, and a kelp noodle salad with sesame dressing.
All food is suitable for those with coeliac disease as well as vegans.
In store pick up is available and Snoogies does some catering.
Eat food made with love and feel good.
Silk Caffe
This is perfect for earlybirds, open at 5am from Monday to Friday – but be quick later in the day as it closes at 1.30pm.
On the corner of Spence St and Sheridan St, the name of this excellent cafe could be a nod to the barristers and legal eagles who frequent Silks.
It has an acai range, fresh fruit salad, smoothies, Bircher muesli, gourmet yoghurt and a range of interesting options such as chia breakfast parfaits.
More robust options include quiches, an Angus sausage, egg, cheese and relish muffin, a bacon, egg, cheese and spinach breakfast wrap – pre-prepared and ready to toast for those on the go.
The housemade apple Anzac slice is scrumptious and one of several sweet treats such as gluten free orange and almond cake and hedgehog slice.
Service is fast and friendly.
Two Blocks Café
This outstanding Holloways Beach cafe has inventive all day dining with dishes like duck satay with a spring onion waffle, confit duck and satay sauce, folded eggs, fresh herbs, pickles and crispy bits or smashed pork sausage, folded eggs, tomato kasundi and clothbound English cheddar on a toasted muffin.
Try handmade sourdough crumpets, tuna sauce, egg, asparagus, fried capers and green verde.
Another meal representative of Two Blocks is Wagyu beef katsu, persimmon ketchup, poached eggs, bonito flakes and yuzu hollandaise.
A typical smoothie might be banana, raspberries, peanut butter, almond milk, honey and more coconut flakes than you can handle.
But the absolute star of the show is a dish called lamington hot cakes – two generously-sized chocolate hot cakes with toasted coconut and raspberry coulis, fresh berries and vanilla ice cream.
Two Blocks is open from 7am to 2pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on weekends.
Originally published as Best restaurants and cafes Far North Queensland, Cairns, Port Douglas, Kuranda
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