The Vine Room

If you’re getting Euro Summer withdrawals, look no further than The Vine Room, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Cairns. Located in the Hilton, the new dining destination is designed for slow, sunny afternoons and relaxed evening dinners, with a menu inspired by the best of Southern Europe. Recently renovated, the alfresco seating can host up to 140 diners at a time, not even including a lucky extra 90 under the roof.  

The menu is sustainably sourced from local waters, and since you’re spoiled for choice—we’d recommend the signature lemon-rosemary risotto with prawn crudo. Finished with a drizzle of wild Daintree honey, this Italian-inspired dish speaks for itself. If you prefer something meatier, we’ve got our eyes on the Grilled Lamb Kofta—complete with herb tzatziki, warm pita and smoky Romanesco. For dessert (yes, we’re having dessert too), the pistachio cream tiramisu topped with cocoa dust sounds like the perfect ending.

Of course, it would be rude not to peruse the cocktail list. The fact that these aren’t straight from the Amalfi Coast or Balearic Islands? You could have fooled us. The Toulouse is a perfectly purple vision with French influence, a gin and tonic made with Crème de Violette, lavender and lemon Syracuse. Or go for one of their signatures, like the Mykonos, a divine combination of pisco, lime, mango gazoz, chilli, dill and passionfruit foam for a burst of flavour. 

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, there’s live entertainment on Friday and Saturday afternoons, the perfect backdrop for a laid-back late lunch with friends. See you there.