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. 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
  • 2. 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
  • 3. Whet Cafe, Bar and Restaurant

    $

    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
    07-4098–0007

    Known For

    • Jungle dining
    • Local seafood with Mediterranean influences
    • Melt-in-your-mouth steaks and local-caught barramundi
  • 4. 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
  • 5. Fish D'Vine and Rum Bar

    $$

    The menu here showcases seafood in all its forms—from beer-battered fish-and-chips to seafood chowder and wild-caught barramundi (the chef will even cook your catch). The bar is stocked with 500-plus rums and has a mean cocktail list.

    12 Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach, Queensland, 4802, Australia
    07-4948–0088

    Known For

    • Signature seafood indulgence, loaded with mud crab, and reef fish
    • Mojitos
    • Beachy flavor

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 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. Manta Ray

    $

    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
  • 8. 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
  • 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
  • 10. Watergate Restaurant & Lounge Bar

    $$

    Atmospheric indoor-outdoor dining, attentive service, and a well-stocked bar are nice, but the primary draw at this relaxed restaurant is the food, which highlights the freshest local ingredients. Enjoy reef fish and prawns straight off Port Douglas's fishing boats, and seasonal fruit, vegetables, and herbs from the Atherton Tableland.

    5/31 Macrossan St., Port Douglas, Queensland, 4877, Australia
    07-4099–5544

    Known For

    • Friendly, warm service
    • Kangaroo loin
    • To-die-for dessert menu

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