13 of the best restaurants in Cairns

Annabelle Schweineberg

As Assist. Marketing & Communications Manager Annabelle knows the concept of Le Petit Chef like no other. If you have any questions, she is the right person to contact.

In Cairns, Australia, there is a lot to see! It is close to two UNESCO world heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It’s also a great place to go out and eat. We list the 13 coolest and best restaurants in Cairns.

Tip #1: Ochre

Located along the Harbour Lights Boardwalk, Ochre is responsible for award winning Australian cuisine. Owner Craig Squire relocated 2016 to the Boardwalk location, with a covered terrace and the most beautiful view of the harbor, mountains and beyond.

The fresh and healthy dishes are cooked with local and seasonal ingredients. The meals include dry-aged Tablelands beef, seafood, and Wattleseed Pavlova.

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Le Petit Chef

Continue reading to find out how Le Petit Chef will turn your next evening into an extraordinary experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Tip #2: Tamarind

Tamarind is celebrated as Cairns’ most awarded restaurant. It is located in the heart of downtown Cairns, within the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. The fine dining Asian fusion restaurant, with chef Hat Award, showcases the best of local and seasonal ingredients.

A daily degustation menu is available and can be paired with the best Australian wines and local beers and crafts. The restaurant produces its own honey on the rooftop.

Tip #3: Guerilla

Nestled in the Edge Hill neighborhood of Cairns, the modern Mexican eatery, Guerilla, by Sam Byrd and Davy O’Rourke, covers locals’ and tourists‘ cravings for tequila and Mexican food alike. Small plates, tacos, empanadas, and salads are on the menu.

Traditional Mexican desserts like Churros, Caramel Flan or Chocolate Mousse are for the sweet tooth. The ‘Leave it to us’ signature menu is a great option to try out the restaurant.

Tip #4: Ganbaranba

Nothing hits the spot like a good, steaming bowl of Ramen, even on a hot summer’s day. The ultimate comfort food has arrived in Cairns at Ganbaranba. The bustling, casual Ramen & Gyoza restaurant in the inner city, is easy on the wallet but delicious.

Based on fish, pork, or chicken broth, or their house special, a mix of chicken and seafood base, the ramen bowls are loaded with noodles, meat and veggies. A separate Veggie menu is available.

Tip #5: Boardwalk Social

Great gastro pub classics with the focus on local ingredients, are served in the foodie hotspot Boardwalk Social. The market-style eatery on the Cairns Esplanade, is not just about food and drinks, but also about entertainment.

Daily live music, performances and Dj’s complement the culinary experience. 36 beers on tap and over 40 gins are available, making the drinking choices a hard decision.

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Le Petit Chef

Continue reading to find out how Le Petit Chef will turn your next evening into an extraordinary experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Tip #6: Paper Crane

Paper Crane offers Asian Fusion Food on the Cairns Esplanade. In fact, the restaurant puts a playful spin on Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Korean flavors. Located inside Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, the restaurant is modern and hip. Highlights are a DJ each Friday and a daily full buffet breakfast on deck, for $38 per person.

Tasting menus are available, as well as a good selection of signature cocktails, local and imported beer and cider and Australian and International Gin.

Tip #7: Salt House

Salt House is an iconic waterfront venue and a designer’s dream. The stylish eatery with the most panoramic views, serves a modern Australian cuisine. Fresh, local and seasonal produce, cooked on a custom-built Argentinian wood fired grill.

Local seafood is a big player on the restaurant’s menu. A newly added pizzeria, serves Italian pizza and tapas baked in the brick pizza oven. One of Cairn’s best restaurants for dinner!

Tip #8: Cairns Burger Cafe

It’s not always about the most stylish eatery, sometimes burger cravings take place. Then, Cairns Burger Cafe hits the spot just right! The locally owned restaurant sources meat from local farms and serves stacked and juicy burgers.

Everything is available gluten-free, vegan options are part of the menu as well. Traditional breakfasts, but also a Brekky Burger, with sausage, bacon, hashbrown and egg, are a perfect choice to start the day.

Tip #9: Bury Me Standing

The family owned business is not just outstanding for the name, but also for their bagels. Bury Me Standing is mostly a bagel place, with sweet and savory stuffed bagels, Bagel sandwiches and sweet treats.

Homemade cinnamon rolls, brioche and the Peckels Bakkas, a Polish fried bread dough, are customers favorite. The business is a great supporter of Sea Shepherd Australia, uses local produce and compostable packaging.

Tip #10: Snoogies

Snoogies is a colorful juice and health food bar with a small deli counter seating, in the heart of Cairns.The deli is proud to offer ‘Living Foods’ – lots of raw and whole foods. Cold pressed juices and smoothies are made from local produce.

Besides raw meals, like wraps, sushi and raw cheesecakes, the deli offers cooked Vegetarian meals. Nachos, Curries and Frittatas are on the menu.

Tip #11: C’est Bon

A little patch of France in the heart of Cairns. Authentic French cuisine, enjoyed in an exquisite dining experience – this is C’est Bon. Owners Debbie and Nicolas Devic make sure that the steak au bleu is cooked to perfection and the Crème Brûlée has a crispy top.

Local produce for the traditional French cuisine is a must at C’est Bon and pairs great with the best of Australians wine choices. A seasonal lunch menu and a tasting menu are available.

Tip #12: Tha Fish

At Tha Fish, everything revolves around the sea creatures. The Seafood Plate leaves nothing to be desired: from chilli and lime sand crab to Atlantic salmon and Thai fish cakes. Fish lovers‘ hearts beat faster here.

Tha Fish has been in Cairns since 2004. Only the highest quality ingredients are used in the seafood restaurant, and these are sourced from local producers. The owners Sheldon and Carolyn Wearne do their best every day to make you feel at home in their restaurant.

Tip #13: Copper Bar & Grill

Do you really fancy a nice steak again? Then head to Copper Bar & Grill. Here you can get modern contemporary food. Right in the heart of Cairns City, you can choose from steak, ribs and boerewors, burgers, salads or pasta.

Copper, one of the best restaurants in Cairns, offers a wide range of dishes. Here you can even get half a Jamaican Jerk Chicken, served with steamed rice, pineapple salsa and slaw. You can even choose between mild or spicy.

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!