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. CC's Bar & Grill

    $$$ | 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
    07-4253--4010

    Known For

    • Excellent steaks
    • Great wine list
    • Fine-dining atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Wed., Reservations essential
  • 3. Ochre Restaurant

    $$ | 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
    07-4051–0100

    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
  • 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. Cairns Night Markets Food Court

    $ | 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
    07-4051–7666

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Most food stalls accept credit cards but bring cash in case
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  • 6. M Yogo

    $

    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
    07-4051–0522

    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
  • 7. 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
  • 8. 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
  • 9. Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse

    $$ | CBD

    At this busy waterfront eatery, you can gaze at Cairns's bustling marina while chowing down on a locally sourced, chargrilled steak, which come in all cuts and sizes, with thick fries on the side. There's also a nice selection of barbecued lamb ribs, burgers, seafood, and lighter lunch fare, such as pita wraps and salads.

    Pier Point Rd., Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
    07-4031–1199

    Known For

    • Pork ribs
    • Good cocktail menu
    • Prime waterfront location

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.--Thurs., Reservations essential

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