The 20 Best Australian Restaurants in Cairns

Located by the marina, Reef Fleet Terminal offers a casual café experience with hearty sandwiches, burgers, and classic breakfast plates. Guests highlight well-prepared eggs, quality sourdough, and carefully made coffee. Attentive, helpful staff and views over the water create a relaxed stop before or after exploring the waterfront.

Enjoy a unique dining experience with stunning aquarium views and exceptional service, perfect for any occasion.

The Beach Hut Cafe & Juice Bar is a casual, family-run spot in Palm Cove known for its fresh, homemade food and healthy options. Guests highlight generously filled wraps, vibrant acai bowls, and well-made coffee. Most dishes are prepared from scratch, resulting in satisfying flavors and a relaxed, unhurried pace. The welcoming setting makes it a pleasant place to linger over breakfast or a light meal.

Nu Nu Restaurant offers modern coastal cuisine with an emphasis on freshness, clean flavors, and elegant presentation. Dishes such as raw yellowfin tuna, octopus, and slow-roasted beef short rib highlight the kitchen’s skill. A leafy, waterside setting and relaxed atmosphere pair with attentive, knowledgeable service for a polished yet unpretentious dining experience.

Rocco by Crystalbrook offers contemporary dining built around mezze-style small plates, shareable dishes, and satisfying mains. Guests praise the well-presented food, creative cocktails, and the ability to accommodate dietary needs. A buzzing yet intimate atmosphere is enhanced by panoramic ocean and sunset views, with attentive, professional service completing the experience.

Barista Sista serves carefully prepared espresso-based coffee from a stall within Rusty’s Markets, known for its consistently strong brews. Guests appreciate the baristas’ attention to individual preferences, including various milk options. The open-air market setting creates a lively backdrop, with limited seating at the stall and nearby tables for a casual pause between stalls.

Mountain View Hotel offers classic pub-style fare, with dishes like crisply fried fish, beer-battered fries, and fresh salads noted for their flavor. An undercover deck overlooks the river, providing pleasant views in all weather, while the updated dining hall features comfortable decor and air conditioning. Attentive, approachable staff contribute to a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Palmer River Roadhouse offers hearty roadhouse fare, with generous burgers and a popular steak sandwich noted for their satisfying flavor. Service is attentive and genuinely hospitable, with staff frequently going out of their way to assist travelers. Clean amenities, casual games like pool and table tennis, and the option to stay overnight create a relaxed and convenient stop in the region.

Baked On Red Hill is a welcoming bakery and café known for its fresh, well-presented goods and attentive service. It offers a broad selection of both traditional and gluten-free pastries, pies, and breads, including items like rustic rye and filled croissants. Generous fillings and crisp, flaky pastry highlight the kitchen’s focus on texture and flavor.

Vivo Palm Cove offers modern Australian and international dishes, from seafood and pasta to grills, prepared with careful presentation and balanced flavors. Guests appreciate the verandah seating, well-made cocktails and wine list, and attentive, professional service suited to relaxed lunches and group celebrations.

Located within Crystalbrook Riley, Greenfields offers a stylish hotel dining experience with consistently well-prepared dishes. Guests highlight the restaurant’s reliable quality and smooth day-to-day service. Friendly, accommodating staff contribute to an easygoing atmosphere that suits both leisurely meals and longer stays.

The Lillipad Cafe serves generous cafe-style dishes with many vegetarian and vegan options. Guests highlight the substantial breakfast plates, especially the brekkie burrito, along with fresh juices and tempting cakes. Portions are notably large, and the welcoming team creates an easygoing setting for dining indoors, outdoors, or taking food to go.

Coral Hedge Brasserie offers modern brasserie-style dishes in a comfortable hotel setting, serving both generous breakfasts and hearty dinners. Guests highlight well-prepared options such as steak, ribs, chicken and fresh breakfast bowls, along with kid-friendly meals. Service is described as attentive and efficient, with staff accommodating families and special requests. The atmosphere feels casual yet polished, suitable for both hotel guests and local diners.

Slap and Pickle Low and Slow Smokehouse specializes in slow-smoked barbecue, with tender brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausages served in generous platters for sharing. Guests highlight the flavorful tacos, loaded fries, and brisket mac and cheese, along with house cocktails and local craft beers. The relaxed setting and attentive, personable team create an inviting spot for enjoying hearty, smoke-rich dishes.