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This Modern Australian eatery fits the bill: location (riverfront), service (impeccable), ambience (relaxed), food (exciting and flavorful), and wine (top-flight). The menu is a carefully curated collection of local meat, seafood, and vegetable creations, with something to suit every palate, including a comprehensive "plant-based" section to the menu.
86 Ogden St., Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
Known For
- Perfect pick for date night
- Expansive waterfront deck
- Excellent, largely Australian wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sat.–Thurs.
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$ | CBD |
Dining in this spacious, central restaurant, you can enjoy some of the most delicious, innovative cuisine in North Queensland. Choose from an expansive menu that combines traditional Balinese spices and recipes with native Australian ingredients, such as the crocodile satay and mouthwatering be celeng base manis (pork in sweet soy sauce). Don't eat lunch if you're planning to order the rijstaffel at dinner—it's huge.
227 Lake St., Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
Known For
- Traditional rijsttafel feast for two
- Award-winning wine list and long, tropically themed cocktail menu
- Local favorite
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sat.–Mon., Reservations essential
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$$$ | CBD |
In a city that loves a steak, this is probably the best of them. CC's Bar & Grill sources most of its beef from farms owned by its parent company, Crystalbrook, whose cattle station is about three hours from Cairns. Those cuts—as well as others sourced from around Australia—are either wet- or dry-aged, and grilled to perfection. The atmosphere here is upmarket and classy, and the wine list wouldn't look out of place in a Sydney or Melbourne fine-diner.
163 Abbot St., Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
Known For
- Excellent steaks
- Great wine list
- Fine-dining atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Wed., Reservations essential
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A classic "Queenslander" with a lovely outdoor cocktails area shaded by century-old mango trees and fine dining inside, Harrisons impresses with deftly executed dishes that showcase fresh seafood and small-batch ingredients, sourced locally. There's a six-course tasting menu at A$95 per person, A$145 with matched wines, and on the wine list, you'll find plenty of good mid-priced antipodean drops and a smattering of French ones.
22 Wharf St., Port Douglas, Queensland, 4877, Australia
Known For
- Has won multiple awards for its dining experience
- North Queensland crayfish with truffled hollandaise
- Modern Australian menu with a British twist
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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Sexy suede lounges, intimate banquettes, and unbroken views of the Coral Sea make lingering easy at this Palm Cove eatery with the region's best and freshest produce. Select from small plates or larger share portions, which include the likes of kimchi butter-poached reef fish, sugarcane-smoked duck, and Sichuan eggplant.
1 Veivers Rd., Palm Cove, Queensland, 4879, Australia
Known For
- Butter-poached reef fish
- Asian fusion cuisine
- Duck rice
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | CBD |
Local seafood and native and seasonal ingredients take top billing at this upscale yet relaxed Cairns institution that specializes in bush dining. Expect to find the likes of kangaroo, crocodile, and even green ants, with fine antipodean wines to match.
6/1 Marlin Parade, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
Known For
- Australian game
- Gluten-free and vegetarian options
- Signature dessert—wattle-seed pavlova with Davidson plum sorbet and macadamia biscotti
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential
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At this much-lauded seafood restaurant, modern Australian dishes put the focus on fresh North Queensland produce and seafood, which is delivered direct from local fishing boats. You can choose your own live mud crab from holding tanks, or down the sunset special---a generous bucket of prawns and a choice of Aussie beer or wine.
18–20 Wharf St, Port Douglas, Queensland, 4877, Australia
Known For
- <PRO>dining on the deck</PRO>
- <PRO>terrific wine and cocktail list</PRO>
- <PRO>family-friendly atmosphere and kids menu</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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Rub shoulders with local foodies and enjoy intimate dining after sunset on the large wooden deck of this lively waterside institution that serves tropical Modern Australian fare. The dinner menu offers something for everyone, from kingfish ceviche to herb-crusted wild barramundi, to a seafood laksa that utilizes plenty of the local produce.
26 Wharf St., Port Douglas, Queensland, 4877, Australia
Known For
- Great waterfront location
- Creative cocktail menu
- Linguine pepperincino with local red claw crayfish
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed., Reservations essential
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Stylish and hip yet comfortable, Whet Cafe, Bar and Restaurant draws visitors and locals with its outdoor deck, perfect for long lunches, sunset cocktails, and romantic dinners. It has Modern Australian food using regional and seasonal ingredients and friendly service, and is a fully self-sustained, off-grid operation.
Cape Tribulation Rd., Cape Tribulation, Queensland, 4873, Australia
Known For
- Jungle dining
- Local seafood with Mediterranean influences
- Melt-in-your-mouth steaks and local-caught barramundi
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$ | CBD |
Get immersed in north Queensland coffee culture at Bang and Grind, a lively café in the CBD. The venue is known for its house-blended coffee, which goes perfectly with classic Australian breakfast fare such as avocado toast, eggs Benedict, and pancakes.
8/14 Spence St., Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
Known For
- Excellent coffee
- Good brunches
- Lively atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$ | CBD | Fast Food
The food court in these lively, night owl–friendly markets offers something for every palate, from Korean BBQ to sweet-and-sour chicken, sushi, Thai, and Italian. You can also max out on desserts, with outlets offering crepes, waffles, churros, gelato, ice cream, and Italian-style coffee. The food court's open daily from 10 am to 11 pm; the night markets, 5 to 11 pm.
71–75 The Esplanade, between Shield and Spence Sts., Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Most food stalls accept credit cards but bring cash in case
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The menu here showcases seafood in all its forms—from beer-battered fish-and-chips to seafood chowder and wild-caught barramundi (the chef will even cook your catch). The bar is stocked with 500-plus rums and has a mean cocktail list.
12 Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach, Queensland, 4802, Australia
Known For
- Signature seafood indulgence, loaded with mud crab, and reef fish
- Mojitos
- Beachy flavor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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This fine-dining restaurant sources terrific organic and tropical produce for its Modern Australian menus, which change seasonally, but always feature fresh seafood and premium Australian meats in artful, beautifully balanced dishes, with fine antipodean wines to complement them. For special occasions, there's a luxurious, chandelier-lighted private dining room. Reservations aren't essential, but it's a smart idea to book ahead.
1 Palmer St., South Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
Known For
- One of the fancier restaurants in town
- Affordable, pared-back lunch menu
- Great wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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Offering refined dining in relaxed environs, Chef Masa puts a deft, modern-Japanese spin on classic French dishes at this restaurant that occupies a prime pier-front position. The food is as inspiring as the marina, inlet, and mountain views, and the waitstaff can help you select the perfect match from a well-chosen Antipodean wine list.
Shop G9 Pierpoint Rd., Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
Known For
- <PRO>set-price lunch specials are a good value</PRO>
- <PRO>fresh seafood platter</PRO>
- <PRO>award-winning</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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This could be the island's best all-round dining establishment. It's great for breezy alfresco lunches, sunset drinks on the deck, and relaxed dinners. Dine right by the marina on salads and pasta, enjoy a curry, or try one of the daily specials. There's plenty on Manta Ray's menu to suit all tastes, even the kids.
Front St., Hamilton Island, Queensland, 4803, Australia
07-4946–9999-resort restaurant reservations
Known For
- Children (up to 12) with adults can eat free
- Great burgers
- Well-priced menu to suit the whole family
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$ | |
Overlooking a tranquil bay just outside of Airlie Beach, Northerlies has become a local favorite. A farm-to-table ethos shapes the menu, so expect fresh-from-the-boat seafood, single-farm origin steaks, and house-smoked meats paired with local produce.
Pringle Rd., Queensland, 4802, Australia
Known For
- Aged bone-in rib eye
- Quiet, waterfront location with alfresco dining
- Shuttle service to and from Airlie Beach
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At this open-air restaurant in the Daintree rain forest, wallabies, bandicoots, and musky rat kangaroos might join you at the table as you tuck into a Mod Oz meal that highlights local, seasonal ingredients including fresh seafood, and wines from the well-stocked bar. On The Turps also does "tropical continental" breakfasts and varied, good-value lunches, as well as leisurely morning and afternoon Devonshire teas. Arrive early for a dip in the creek, a rain forest stroll, or a spa treatment.
Turpentine Rd., Cape Tribulation, Queensland, 4873, Australia
Known For
- Delicious local barramundi
- Home-style cooking
- Good range of vegetarian and vegan meals
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$ | CBD |
This outdoor café and wine bar at Cairns Art Gallery serves sumptuous breakfasts as well as lunch and dinner. Lunch fare features a signature duck salad, gourmet sandwiches, and heartier meals, while dinner options include Italian and Modern Australian dishes: antipasto, pasta, and pizza.
38 Abbott St., Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
Known For
- Central location
- Road menu
- Smoothies
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There's nothing fancy about Popeye's—but then, that's the point. This fish-and-chips joint is set up as a casual, reasonably priced alternative to some of the more upmarket dining options on Hamilton Island, with all of the favorites: battered or grilled fish, family-friendly "fisherman's baskets," potato scallops and more. Enjoy them while looking out over the marina.
Front St., Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia
Known For
- Fresh seafood
- Reasonable prices
- Marina outlook
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$$ | CBD |
Blessed with mountain and ocean views and located in prime position at the Cairns Marina, Salt House serves Modern Australian fare in casual chic environs. A carefully considered menu includes plenty of local seafood, as well as a mouthwatering selection of local cuts of meat cooked on the custom Argentinian grill.
6/2 Pierpoint Rd., Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
Known For
- Excellent wine list
- Local seafood
- Stunning waterside location
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential