20 Of The Best Restaurants In Cairns In 2025
Cairns is known for three things: the tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and diverse dining scene. Here at Urban List, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to explore the latter and uncover the best restaurants Cairns has on offer (it's a tough gig, but someone's gotta do it).
Whether you’re a true local in the mood for a nosh or travelling through with a craving for five-star service, you gotta eat—so why not make the most of it and treat your tastebuds at the best restaurants in Cairns.
Know what you're after? Skip ahead:
Best Casual(ish) Restaurants
The Vine Room
121-123 The Esplanade, Cairns
Image credit: The Vine Room | Paul Broben
The latest addition to Cairns' waterfront dining scene, The Vine Room is your direct route to the Mediterranean (sans the jet lag). Inspired by the European coastline, the breezy, indoor-outdoor venue pairs sparkling sea and poolside views with a standout seafood-centric menu. Expect the best of local produce from the Atherton Tablelands to the Great Barrier Reef in dishes such as prawn risotto and scallops swimming in saffron cream. Whatever you do, save room for dessert—the pistachio tiramisu and baklava cheesecake will have you dreaming of Santorini sunsets. Hands down, one of our favourite Cairns restaurants.
Ozmosis
1/116 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill
Image credit: Ozmosis | Instagram
This breezy cafe–trattoria–bar does it all—and does it well. By day, Ozmosis keeps locals fuelled with top-notch coffee, all-day brekkie and brunches made for long catch-ups (mimosa in hand, of course). Come evening, the vibe shifts to Italian trattoria, with handmade pasta, woodfired flavours and a cocktail list that more than delivers. Whether you’re grabbing a post-Pilates flat white in the coffee nook or rounding up the crew for sunset drinks, Ozmosis is always a good idea.
Miss Chief
39-49 Lake Street, Cairns City
Image credit: Miss Chief | Instagram
Pull up a hanging chair on the lush garden balcony at Miss Chief and soak up those tropical vibes—sea breeze, greenery and all. Prefer something moodier? Head inside to the lantern-lit bar for a more intimate feel. Wherever you land, this Asian-inspired fave has locals hooked with its extensive bao bun lineup and ever-changing cocktail list that keeps things fresh.
Bellocale
62C Shields Street, Cairns CBD
Image credit: Bellocale | Instagram
There’s nothing better than locally caught fresh seafood. Well… nothing except for locally caught fresh seafood that is then tenderly and expertly prepared in a series of traditional Italian dishes. That’s exactly what you’ll find in the family-owned Cairns favourite, Bellocale Italian and Seafood. We’re talking ravioli filled with blue swimmer crab and pappardelle bugs, plus a selection of non-seafood Italian favourites cooked to perfection.
Ganbaranba
7/12-20 Spence Street, Cairns CBD
Image credit: Ganbaranba | Instagram
Fancy a ramen? Ganbaranba has been serving up Japanese-style noodles for over a decade, making them the bonafide Cairns experts in all things ramen. On top of the usual deliciousness of various classic ramen toppings atop perfectly cooked noodles in pork broth, you’ll also find a dedicated veggie menu championing their mouth-watering tofu puffs. Run, don’t walk.
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Palooka
7 Kamerunga Road, Stratford
Image credit: Palooka | Instagram
Craving a showstopping crème brulee on a Saturday arvo? Book an afternoon sesh at Palooka. Serving up modern Euro dining at its finest, Palooka is the prime location for a pre-sunset day drink with delicious bites to match. Their tapas-style Afternoon menu is packed with all the flavours you could desire to accompany your tap beer or spritzer, from duck pate, white anchovy fougasse and oysters, to mac ‘n’ cheese and bread and butter pudding.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants
Ela Mediterranean
8/1 Marlin Parade, Cairns CBD
Image credit: Ela Cairns | Instagram
Ela blends Mediterranean mezze with a tropical paradise aesthetic, complementing its waterfront location perfectly. The earthy, European colours span the 23-metre venue, with timber-battened archways and lush greenery in abundance. French-born head chef Vincent Perraud has a knack for creative and modern interpretations of traditional flavours, dishing up plates of baked eggplant, dolmades and goat-milk saganaki, as well as confit lamb shoulder and parrilla-grilled chicken souvlaki. Sip on one of their classic cocktails and feel the breeze—combatting the balmy Cairns climate couldn’t taste any better.
Tamarind
6-8 Abbott Street, Cairns CBD
Image credit: Tamarind | Instagram
Hungry for a flawless culinary experience? Tamarind Restaurant is waiting for you with their coveted Chef Hat Award in hand. Serving up impeccable dishes that they like to call ‘Australian Freestyle’, their edible creations aren’t hemmed in by culture or cuisine—only flavour. Absolutely everything on their elevated three-course menu is divine, but for the love of carbs please do yourself the favour of ordering a side of their duck fat potatoes.
Flynn’s Italian
Crystalbrook Flynn, Level 1/85 Esplanade, Cairns CBD
Image credit: Flynn’s Italian | Instagram
There’s no question about it: Flynn’s Italian by Crystalbrook is easily one of the best restaurants in Cairns. Promising a unique fusion of the region's best local produce with Italian flavours, this communal dining experience is sure to be a hit with all ages. Open for both breakfast and dinner, be sure to book a table so you can indulge in Flynn’s quintessential Italian spread—and be sure to order the tiramisu for dessert.
Salt House
Marina Point, 6/2 Pier Point Road, Cairns CBD
Image credit: Salt House | Instagram
Let’s talk waterfront. If you’re dipping into Cairns to catch the shimmering horizon at sunset while you graze on quality seafood or succulent steak, Salt House is your best bet. You simply can’t beat their dry-aged tomahawk steak cooked over coals and served with a view. The interiors aren’t too shabby either, boasting a custom-built Argentinian wood-fired grill in the heart of the restaurant.
Nu Nu Restaurant
1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove
Image credit: Nunu | Instagram
Truly one for the chilled traveller is Nu Nu Restaurant. The epitome of beachfront dining, Nu Nu boasts unbelievable views of the Coral Sea. If the weather's clear, you can even book a table on the beach itself and feast on unique, award-winning Australian dishes surrounded by swaying palm trees while you dig your bare feet into the sand.
CC's Bar & Grill
Crystalbrook Bailey, 163 Abbott Street, Cairns CBD
Image credit: CC's Bar & Grill | Instagram
Did you know that Crystalbrook farms all of their own beef at their own cattle station, three hours inland from Cairns? Neither did we. But when we found out, we were even more excited to dine at CC's Bar & Grill by Crystalbrook—and it did not disappoint. This place has seriously bougie steak house vibes, complete with its very own dry-ageing room displaying all of their delicious Crystalbrook Signature Beef. Any steak you order is going to be *chef's kiss* but when it comes to sides, make sure to order up on creamy truffle mash and onion rings. Sensational.
Waterbar & Grill
1 Pier Point Road, Cairns City
Image credit: Waterbar & Grill | Instagram
Waterbar & Grill makes the bold claim of being Cairns’ ultimate steakhouse and we can’t disagree. Whether you’re dropping by for a casual lunch by the waterfront or hunting down the best cut of meat in town, Waterbar won’t disappoint. Before you slice into their vast selection of premium-grade steaks, order an entree of their brie and biltong bruschetta and thank us later.
Best Restaurants For Groups
Little Sister
101 Esplanade, Cairns City
Image credit: Little Sister | Instagram
Promising peace, love and good times, this vibrant Asian street food spot delivers on all fronts—whether you’re settling in for a long lunch or grabbing a quick bite between cocktails. The menu’s built for sharing (and sipping), with standouts like koji-marinated T-bone steak, reef fish ceviche, soba noodle salads and chilli salt fries. Come the weekend, things get even better with half price oysters every Sunday and a bottomless lunch from Friday to Sunday. Our tip? Do both.
Calypso Club
131/141 Esplanade, Cairns CBD
Image credit: Calypso Club | Instagram
Calypso Club has recently landed at Crystalbrook Riley, and is the epitome of tropical dining. Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, the bright and airy venue will definitely put you in a holiday mood thanks to a bright pops of colour, a stunning terrazzo stone bar and best of all, daybeds outside where you can lounge in view of the waterfront, cocktail in hand. Specialising in rum, the refined cocktail list also features plenty of seasonal, tropical fruit, while the food menu lists everything from bug rolls and fish burgers to prosecco-compressed watermelon and fresh ceviche. Whether you’re staying at a Crystalbrook Collection property or not, you’ll want to put this lively spot on your hit list.
NOA
1 Pyne Street, Edge Hill
Image credit: NOA | Instagram
Indecisive eaters rejoice, NOA has created your dream tapas spread and is serving it up in Cairns daily. While they do have a selection of delicious mains, the best way to order here is to opt for a selection of small dishes, from breaded tiger prawns and green harissa scallops to warm focaccia and smoked chicken wings. It’s all designed to share of course—or not.
Guerilla
120 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill
Image credit: Guerilla | Instagram
Think traditional Mexican dining with a modern spin and you have Guerrilla. Expect all your faves, from tacos to enchiladas, taken to the next level with Guerrilla’s signature flair. The real star of this Cairns restaurant has to be its impressive cocktail collection. From the dried citrus-topped Hibiscus Margarita to the much-loved Spicy Davidson featuring plum gin, tequila, habanero, rhubarb and agave, you’ll need a designated driver for this one. Once you’re sufficiently fed and watered, fill that last morsel of room in your stomach with their unbelievable churros served with chilli chocolate sauce.
Rocco
Level 12, Tower, 131/141 Esplanade, Cairns CBD
Image credit: Rocco | Instagram
Offering 270-degree panoramic views of Cairns and the Coral Sea, Rocco by Crystalbrook is the city’s highest rooftop bar and restaurant. Sitting atop Crystalbrook Riley, it’s perfectly positioned for travellers staying at the luxury 5-star hotel. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is packed with plenty of sophisticated cocktails, not to mention a stellar Champagne menu best enjoyed in the gentle glow of sunset.
Ochre Restaurant
Harbour Lights Boardwalk, 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns CBD
Image credit: Ochre Restaurant & Catering | Instagram
Known as the most highly awarded restaurant and catering company in Cairns, The dishes served up at Ochre are things of pure beauty. While definitely worth a feature on your IG grid, they also pack tonnes of flavour, making daring culinary choices with sustainably sourced and grown Australian regional produce.
Dundee’s Restaurant
1 Marlin Parade, Cairns CBD
Image credit: Dundee's | Instagram
For a seafood tower that will keep you satisfied into next week, head to Dundee’s Waterfront Dining. Their goal is to celebrate modern Australian cuisine with an experimental and downright delicious menu featuring everything from tender Aussie beef to kangaroo, crocodile, and emu served up in gourmet dishes. Dundee’s also has a location in the Cairn’s Aquarium where you're surrounded by walls of marine life as you dine.
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Main image credit: Ela Mediterranean | Supplied