In The Kitchen › Local Restaurants
With so many fishing options, target species, fishing environments, water quality, diversity of fish captures and availability of fresh live seafood, its no wonder that the Cairns region boasts some of the best seafood eating opportunities available in Australia.
Whether your desire is to just grab a hand full of succulent juicy prawns, peel off the skin and dunk then into a spicy seafood sauce, or delicately cut the snow white flake fillet from one of the worlds best eating fish, the scrumptious coral trout - it can all be done right here in Cairns.
From the dining experience of award winning silver service overlooking the moon lit waters of Trinity Inlet, to sampling the unique flavor of "bush tucker", or the sheer decadence of the smorgasbord experience where you can literally eat till you drop - here's the restaurant guide for all fisherpersons.
Waterfront - Cairns City
Breezes Restaurant
Hilton Cairns, Wharf Street, Ph: 4052 6786
Seafood Buffet open 7 days
Mondo Café Bar & Grill
Hilton Cairns, Wharf Street, Ph: 4052 6780
Casual al fresco waterfront bar & grill
Pier Dining
Pier Dining - 250 metres of covered boardwalk looks over the fabulous Cairns Marlin Marina to breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and natural rugged mountains in the near distance. If it’s a romantic evening setting you seek to set the scene for that memorable holiday experience then Pier marina dining is a must to be included on your agenda.
This truly picturesque world-class setting boasts 6 restaurants with strong local reputations offering a variety of fresh regional produce, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. If its international dishes you savour and service which makes you feel like a VIP then we encourage you to browse the menus on display in front of each restaurant.
Those with kids can trust our Leisure Island family focused amusement centre to occupy the kids for hours on end with loads of fun and prizes in a friendly and safe environment.
- Donnini’s Ciao Italia (Authentic Italian): An absolute must when visiting Cairns, Donnini’s Ciao Italia is institutionalised as Cairns’ finest, most authentic Italian restaurant and pizzeria. Our reputable service provides a distinctive atmosphere, whilst our menu and specials ensure a variety of homemade plus handmade traditional and modern cuisines. Welcome to Italy in the tropics for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Ph: 4051 1133.
- 2Fish (Contemporary Australian Seafood): Winner of the Best Seafood Restaurant 2005 FNQ, award for excellence ~ A seafood restaurant with a difference offering dynamic menu selections that represent an innovative and creative approach to modern seafood cuisine. The menu presents balanced and refined dishes that reflect the clean, fresh and distinctive flavours of the tropics. Our Chef’s have combined the freshness of our local catch with exotic flavours from around the world to produce both interesting and affordable dishes. Ph: 4041 5350.
- Pesci’s on the Water (Mediterranean Influences): Cairns original seafood restaurant overlooking the famous Marlin Marina. Our contemporary menu offers an extensive choice of seafood, pork, chicken and beef dishes with exquisite herbs and spices. We get back to basics so the meals are tasty but not overpowering. Try our seafood curry signature dish with a ready set shake cocktail. Remember our early bird special - 20% off between 5 and 7 pm. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days with a bar that’s great for those pre dinner drinks. Ph: 4041 1133.
- Tides BLD & Bar (Asian Fusion): A trendy new waterfront dining experience awaits you at Tides BLD + Bar. Located on the Lobby level of the Shangri-La Hotel and directly opposite the Reef Fleet Terminal, the 260 seater restaurant offers indoor and expansive outdoor dining areas overlooking the spectacular Marlin Marina. The cuisine is tropical Australasian with a focus on fresh produce. Ph: 4052 7670.
- Mature Yogo (French Cuisine with Japanese Influences): A place in which to enjoy a dining experience in an elegant restaurant with beautifully presented food. The food presentation, the flavours and textures are an almost sensual experience. The dishes are intricate but not complex, using classic French techniques to achieve great clarity of flavour in both ala carte or set menu. If you love food, this is the destination for you. Ph: 4051 0522.
- Boardwalk Café (Casual Café Style): A family-friendly restaurant with casual dining, open for breakfast lunch and dinner. Fully licensed with a selection of excellent wines and beers, the Boardwalk Café offers quality food at affordable prices. Our menu changes regularly with weekly specials for all tastes. A well established favourite of locals and visitors alike to eat, drink and chill out with the prime outdoor atmosphere of the marina dining experience. Ph: 4031 5496.
Esplanade - Cairns City
Cairns City
Bangkok Room
62 Spence Street , Ph: 4051 3135
Thai Seafood Buffet
Café China
Rydges Plaza Complex, Cnr Spence & Grafton Streets Ph: 4041 2828
Live seafood, airconditioned or verandah dining
Charlies On The Esplanade
223-227 The Esplanade, Ph: 4051 5011
Seafood & hot smorgasbord cocktail bar
Damari'sRestaurant
171 Lake Street, Ph: 4031 2155
Italian seafood
Dundee's Restaurant
29 Spence Street , Ph: 4051 0399
Australiana and Sashimi seafood
Fishlips Bar & Bistro
228 Sheridan Street, Ph: 4041 1700
Fully licensed indoor or outdoor dining
Atriums
Holiday Inn, Cnr Esplanade & Florence, Ph: 4050 6047
A La Carte seafood specialty
Julian's Restaurant
157 Sheridan Street, Ph: 4051 3555
A La Carte seafood, cocktail bar
Kamome Japanese Restaurant
45 Grafton Street, Ph: 4051 4318
Licensed, affordable Japanese cuisine
Mangrove Jacks
Cnr Spence &Grafton Streets, Ph: 4041 1022
Fully licensed, large variety of seafood
Red Ochre Grill
43 Shields Street , Ph: 4051 0100
Creative Modern Australian Cuisine using the flavours of Native foods, such as quandong, muntries, lemon aspen etc as well as kangaroo, emu, crocodile and the best local seafood.
Reef & Beef Inn Restaurant
259 Sheridan Street, Ph: 4031 7266
Taste of China
36 Abbott Street, Ph: 4031 3668
Specializing in Live Seafood.
Verdi's Italian Restaurant
66 Shields Street , Ph: 4052 1010
Indoor and sidewalk dining, fresh seafood and pasta
Waterfront Restaurant
Cnr The Esplanade & Spence St, Ph: 4051 7888
Cairns Northen Beaches
Blue Moon Grill
Half Moon Bay Yacht Club, Yorkeys Knob
Stunning views and great food
Coolums On The Beach
62 Hibiscus Lane, Holloways Beach, Ph: 4055 9200
Dine under the stars or indoor with beautiful beach and sea views
Clippers Restaurant
73 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, Ph: 4059 0013
Seafood & Steak, Indoors or Verandah with ocean views
Pisces Restaurant
Paradise Village, Williams Esp, Palm Cove, Ph: 4055 3200
Live Seafood
The Paperbark Restaurant
Novotel, Coral Coast Drive, Palm Cove, Ph: 4059 1234
Mouth watering seafood, sizzling steak
Port Douglas
Portofinos Fish & Star Bar
31 Macrossan Street, Ph: 4099 5458
Modern Mediterrasian, Courtyard dining, Fully licensed
Daintree
Daintree Tea House & Restaurant
Daintree Road, Ph: 4098 6161
Seafood, barramundi BYO
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