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 12 coolest and best restaurants in Cairns.
Tip #1: Le Petit Chef
Le Petit Chef is an exciting 3D culinary art show you can’t miss out on! The little chef from France makes his appearance in the DoubleTree Hilton Cairns. Born in April 2015 in Marseille, he and his chef friends from Spain, Italy and Japan invite you to an unforgettable dinner theater show.
Note: The show in Cairns is taking a summer break until June!
Visit the extraordinary 3D dining experience Le Petit Chef at DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns!
Three different menus, a Classic, Vegetarian and Kids menu, are available. They support the various performances and recordings with an outstanding culinary journey.
Dietary options:
Vegan and Kids menu available.
Speciality:
3D dinner theater show with Le Petit Chef and his friends, including an International culinary menu
Price:
Le Petit Chef & Friends Premium AUD 175,00 per person
Le Petit Chef & Friends Classic AUD 149,00 per person
Le Petit Chef & Friends Vegan AUD 129,00 per person
Le Petit Chef & Friends Kids AUD 89,00 per person
Hours:
Reservation is necessary, you can book online
Location:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
121-123 Esplanade
Cairns City QLD 4870
Australia
Contact:
Phone: +61 7 4050 6070
Email: doubletreecairns.reservations@hilton.com
Webpage: https://lepetitchef.com/Cairns
Tip #2: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and Gluten-free options available. The restaurant offers a separate Gluten-free menu.
Speciality:
Australian cuisine with local speciality meats, herbs and seafood.
Price:
Lunch:
2 course meal is $44 per person,
a Lunch Share Platter (minimum two guests), three dishes from small or medium section combined on a platter to share, includes fries and glass of wine/beer $40 per person;
Dinner:
3 course meal $85 per person;
6 course degustation meal $115 per person (with wine $185)
Hours:
Mon – Sat: 11.30 am – 9.30 pm
Sun: Closed
Locations:
Harbour Lights Boardwalk
1 Marlin Parade
Cairns City QLD 4870
Australia
Contact:
Tip #3: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free options available.
Speciality:
Asian fusion restaurant in one of Cairns’ most awarded restaurants.
Price:
Tamarind Menu, 2-course meal $89 per person, 3-course meal $99 per person;
Hours:
Reservation necessary!
Mon: Closed
Tue – Sat: 5 pm (for drinks on the deck)
Sun: Closed
Dining: 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm (Last order: 9.15 pm)
Location:
The Reef Hotel Casino, Tamarind Restaurant
35-41 Wharf St
Cairns City QLD 4870
Australia
Contact:
Phone: +61 7 4030 8897
Email: reefrewards@reefcasino.com.au
Webpage: https://www.reefcasino.com.au/dine-2/tamarind-restaurant/
Tip #4: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free options available.
Speciality :
A modern and hip Mexican eatery with a modern twist and a great Tequila menu.
Price:
Small plates are pricing in between $20 and $31;
Tacos (2pc) are ranging in between $18 and $21;
Quesadilla $26;
Barbaco (Roast chicken and Oxtail) for $49/$55;
Desserts $16;
The signature ‘Leave it to us’ banquet menu, minimum 2 people, $75 per person
Hours:
Mon – Tue: Closed
Wed – Sun: 3 pm – late
Location:
120 Collins Ave
Edge Hill QLD 4870
Australia
Contact:
Tip #5: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free options available.
Speciality:
A beloved Ramen and Gyoza restaurant with inexpensive eats.
Price:
Ramen bowls are ranging from $12.95 up to $18.95; 5 pieces Gyoza (pork dumplings) go for $6.95, 10 pieces for $11.95;
Hours:
Mon – Tue: 11.30 am – 2 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm
Wed: Closed
Thu – Sun: 11.30 am – 2 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm
Location:
7/12-20 Spence St
Cairns City QLD 4870
Australia
Contact:
Phone: +61 7 4031 2522
Webpage: https://www.instagram.com/cool_ganba?igshid=elxdxuxikfhj
Tip #6: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free options available.
Speciality:
Market-style eatery with gastro pub classic, but local ingredients.
Price:
Cash-free environment.
Breakfast menu prices ranging from $11 to $24;
Smoothies and Milkshakes $10;
Food menu little snacks are ranging from $11 to $27,
Pizza $22/$24,
Burgers $24/$25/$26,
Classic mains in between $26 and $35;
The Chicken Shop prices are starting from $11 up to $21
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 12 pm – late
Sat – Sun: 8 am – late
Chicken Shop: Daily: 12 pm – 8 pm
Location:
Ground Floor, 85, Esplanade,
Cairns City QLD 4870
Australia
Contact:
Phone: +61 7 4253 5000
E-Mail: boardwalksocial@crystalbrookcollection.com
Webpage: https://crystalbrookcollection.com/flynn/boardwalk-social
Tip #7: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free options, as well as a Kid’s menu, available
Speciality:
Asian Fusion with a playful spin on Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Korean flavors.
Price:
Tasting menu is $59 per person, with two starters and a main with three small sides.
Upgrade to deluxe for $79, including another small main and an ice cream selection.
À la carte available, starters ranging from $6 to $28,
Wok meals are in between $26 and $36;
Mains are pricing in between $25 and $37;
Desserts are $16/$18
Hours:
Breakfast:
Daily: 6.30 am – 10.30 am
Bar service:
Daily: 10 am – late
Dinner:
Mon: Closed
Tue – Sat: 5.00 pm
Sun: Closed
Location:
Crystalbrook Riley
Ground Floor, 131-141
Esplanade
Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Contact:
Phone: +61 7 4252 7777
Email: papercrane@crystalbrookcollection.com
Webpage: https://www.crystalbrookcollection.com/riley/paper-crane
Tip #8: 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!
Dietary options:
Gluten-free and Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
Iconic waterfront venue with a stylish eatery, with modern Australian cuisine and panoramic views.
Price:
Lunch prices are ranging from $11 to $47;
Hot and Cold Seafood Deluxe Board with a variety of the menu goes for $175;
Mains are between $36 and $85;
Desserts pricing between $5 and $34
Hours:
Lunch:
Mon – Sun: 12 pm – 3 pm
Dinner:
Fri – Sat: 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Sun – Thu: 5.30 pm – 9 pm
Reservation is highly recommended
Location:
Marina Point
6/2 Pier Point Road
Cairns, QLD 4870
Australia
Contact:
Tip #9: 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.
Dietary options:
Gluten-free, Vegetarian and Vegan options available. The restaurant offers a Kids menu.
Speciality:
A casual, locally owned burger restaurant with local meats and a breakfast menu.
Price:
Breakfast prices are in between $15.50 and $25;
Fries are $5/$7;
Loaded fries are $13;
Burgers are ranging in between $20 to $28;
Kids menu items are $7/$12
Hours:
Daily: 7.30 am – 8 pm
Location:
15 Aplin Street
Cairns City, QLD 4879
Australia
Contact:
Phone: +61 7 4041 4492
Email: info@cairnsburgercafe.com.au
Webpage: https://www.cairnsburgercafe.com.au
Tip #10: 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.
Dietary options:
An all Vegan restaurant.
Speciality:
100% vegan bagel restaurant serves all kinds of Bagel sandwiches, but also homemade pastries. Famous for their Peckels Bakkas.
Price:
The basic bagel menu prices are ranging from $6 to $11;
the sandwich menu prices are starting at $14.50 and go up to $16;
Hours:
Mon – Wed: Closed
Thur – Sun: 7.30 am – 12.30 pm
Location:
49 – 51 Spence Street, Shop G
Cairns City QLD 4870
Australia
Contact:
Phone: +61 451 322 435
E-Mail: alesha@burymestanding.com.au
Webpage: https://www.burymestanding.com.au/
Tip #11: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian deli with many Raw Foods and Vegan options.
Speciality:
Juice and health food bar with living foods, cold pressed juices and smoothies made from local produce.
Price:
Hot food prices are for small meals $14, for large meals $17;
Soups are $6.50/$7.50;
Wraps are $8,
Sushi Nori Rolls are $4.50 each or $8 for two;
Sweet treats are ranging in between $2 and $9;
Small juices or smoothies are $8, large juices and smoothies $9
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 9 am – 2 pm
Location:
Main Arcade
82 Grafton Street
Cairns City, QLD 4870
Australia
Contact:
Phone: +61 409 340 024
Tip #12: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and Gluten-free options available.
Speciality:
An authentic, chic French dining experience.
Price:
Seasonal Lunch Menu (available Tue – Fri), 2 course meal $55 per person,
3 course meal $ 60 per person (includes a complimentary glass of wine);
Tasting Menu 5 course meal $129 per person,
6 course meal $149 per person
Hours:
Mon: 6 pm – 9 pm
Tue – Fri: 12 pm – 2 pm and 6 pm – 9 pm
Sat – Sun: 6 pm – 9 pm
Location:
20 Lake Street
Cairns City QLD 4870
Australia
Contact:
Phone: +61 7 4051 4488
Email: restaurant@cestboncairns.com.au
Webpage: https://www.cestboncairns.com.au/
Tip #13: 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.
Dietary options:
Kids menu available.
Speciality:
Seafood restaurant
Price:
Seafood plate $80 per person,
Small plates from $10.9 to $34.9
Larger plates from $41.9 to $52.9
Hours:
Mon – Tue: closed
Wen – Sun: from 11:30 am
Location:
Pier Shopping Centre
G7b Pier Point Rd, Cairns City QLD 4870
Australia
Contact:
Tip #14: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options and kids menu available.
Speciality:
Delicious Steak and Ribs n Boerewors
Price:
Steak from$38 to $58
Ribs n Boerewors from $36 to $68
Burger $28
Hours:
Lunch
Fri – Sun: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Dinner
Mon – Thu: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fri – Sat: 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Sun: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location:
Shop 4, 77-81 Esplanade
Cairns City, 4870, QLD
Australia
Contact:
Phone: +61 7 40410732
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!
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.
