Great Barrier Reef Restaurants

Typically, restaurants on Barrier Reef islands are part of each island's main resort, so many resorts' rates include some or all meals. Some larger resorts have a range of restaurants, with formal dining rooms, outdoor barbecues, and seafood buffets; some have premium dining options for which you pay extra. Dress is generally "island casual." Some upscale restaurants—such as those on Hayman Island—require men to wear jackets for dinner and frown on flip-flop sandals. On the mainland you'll find plenty of casual, open-air restaurants, serving mainly Modern Australian–style meals that showcase seafood and regional produce. With a few notable exceptions, Cairns, Palm Cove, and Port Douglas are your best bets for upscale dining.

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  • 1. Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant

    $ | 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
    07-4047–7955

    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
  • 2. Cafe One 3

    $

    This cozy, friendly café makes a point of supporting local farmers, with a locavore breakfast menu featuring the best of Whitsunday produce. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, plus high-quality coffee. And beanbags to sit on.

    13 Waterson Way, Airlie Beach, Queensland, 4802, Australia
    0419-783--313

    Known For

    • Use of local produce
    • Vegan options
    • Friendly service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed weekends
  • 3. NuNu Restaurant

    $$$

    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
    07-4059–1880

    Known For

    • Butter-poached reef fish
    • Asian fusion cuisine
    • Duck rice

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 4. Bang and Grind

    $ | 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
    07-4051--7770

    Known For

    • Excellent coffee
    • Good brunches
    • Lively atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 5. On The Turps Bar & Restaurant

    $

    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
    07-4098–9321

    Known For

    • Delicious local barramundi
    • Home-style cooking
    • Good range of vegetarian and vegan meals
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Perrotta's at the Gallery

    $ | 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
    07-4031–5899

    Known For

    • Central location
    • Road menu
    • Smoothies
  • 7. Salt House

    $$ | 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
    07-4041–7733

    Known For

    • Excellent wine list
    • Local seafood
    • Stunning waterside location

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 8. Temple of Tastes

    $$

    Knowledgeable staff, an impressive wine and cocktail list, and a torchlit waterfront terrace are among the many reasons to dine at this excellent resort restaurant that is paddock-to-plate dining. You can expect generous servings of fresh Modern Australian food infused with Asian and South Pacific flavors.

    5 Triton St., Palm Cove, Queensland, 4879, Australia
    07-4059–9628

    Known For

    • Thai red duck curry
    • Cheese platters
    • Gluten-free and vegetarian options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 9. Vivo

    $

    Enjoy Coral Sea views framed by palms and melaleucas along with Mod Oz dishes at this classy beachside eatery. Diners come for the mix of Southeast Asian and Australian breakfast favorites; the duck salad and battered coral trout at lunch; and seafood with seasonal produce at dinner.

    49 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, Queensland, 4879, Australia
    07-4059–0944

    Known For

    • A popular spot for city-strong coffee, and cocktails
    • Open kitchen
    • Relaxed beachside destination

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