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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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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
Known For
- Use of local produce
- Vegan options
- Friendly service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends
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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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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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Ah, 27 degrees. It's pretty much the perfect temperature, isn't it? (When we're talking Celsius.) And it's also pretty much the perfect café when you're in Palm Cove and need a coffee and a decent breakfast. 27 Degrees is a classic, with friendly service, city-quality coffee, and a menu of health-conscious Aussie brunch favorites such as acai bowls, granola, smoothies, and more.
1 French St., Palm Cove, Queensland, 4879, Australia
Known For
- Brunch favorites
- High-quality coffee
- Health-conscious snacks
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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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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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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Sparrow is all about good coffee. There's very little else on sale here except Port Douglas's best flat white or espresso, with an excellent range of alternative milks for those who can't do dairy. Couple that with friendly service and you have the perfect morning pit-stop.
39 Macrossan St., Port Douglas, Queensland, 4877, Australia
Known For
- Excellent coffee
- Speedy service
- Laid-back charm
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Hamilton Island’s latest concept restaurant, TAKO, takes its influence from a range of Mexican regions to create tasty but approachable dishes. The exciting menu features lots of shareable dishes: the likes of tostadas, tacos, and quesadillas inspired by the various regions of Mexico. TAKO’s decor and ambience are colorful, fun, and lively. There's a kids' menu here that should ensure everyone in the family is kept happy.
Front St., Hamilton Island, Queensland, 4802, Australia
Known For
- Approachable cuisine
- Lively environment
- Unlike anything else on Hamilton Island
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Tues., and Wed. No lunch, Reservations essential
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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
Known For
- A popular spot for city-strong coffee, and cocktails
- Open kitchen
- Relaxed beachside destination
