The Best Restaurants In Cairns

The tropical setting of Cairns provides an inspiring backdrop for your gastronomic adventures. Unsurprisingly, restaurateurs have made use of the rich environment, which means you can eat on the water, on the beach or in the rainforest. Here’s our pick of the best restaurants in this far north Queensland region of Australia.

1. Tamarind

Casino Hotel

Tamarind, the only hatted restaurant in Cairns, offers Eastern-inspired dining created with locally sourced produce. Its ambient and sophisticated setting makes it ideal for a special night out. It’s located inside the Reef Hotel Casino, so there’s excitement to be had once your meal is over. But before you head to the flashing lights, make sure to enjoy a glass or two from the Australian wine list. Booking is essential.

2. The Chambers

Cafe, Restaurant, Australian

Based in a converted 1920s bank, the Chambers serves modern Australian food as photo-worthy as the space. The muted interiors include original brickwork, bank shutters and steel beams, and there’s plenty of outdoor space on the deck. The kitchen team take fresh produce and create innovative yet wholesome dishes that you’ll want to show your friends. The brunch menu is highly recommended.

3. Paperbark Restaurant

Resort, Suite Hotel, Spa Hotel

Dine among the melaleuca trees at this farm-to-table restaurant, which serves modern Australian food. The open-fronted eatery sits within a rainforest and offers a tranquil setting. If you’d prefer to be on the beach with your toes in the sand, go to sister eatery Kewarra Beach Shack. Here, you’ll find wood-fired pizzas, cocktails and music. Be sure to book a table – it gets packed.

4. The Backyard

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Australian

Based on the mouth of Chinaman Creek, the Backyard offers an informal dining space overlooking the marina. Depending on your mood, eat fresh seafood in the restaurant or gather with friends in the garden for a barbecue. Bar nibbles are also available, should your quick pint turn into an evening session. If you’re looking for a decent breakfast, the Backyard’s Kiosk serves pastries and coffee.

5. Prawn Star

Restaurant, Seafood

Hop on the quirky vessel better known as Prawn Star. Once a fishing trawler called Lewis Venture, the boat was bought in 2013 and converted into a seafood restaurant. Now moored at Cairns Marlin Marina, the restaurant enjoys calming views across the water and a chance to experience Queensland’s fishing heritage. Opt for one of the stacked seafood platters, best enjoyed with a buddy.

6. La Fettuccina

Restaurant, Italian

The oldest Italian restaurant in Cairns, La Fettuccina, has been serving up delicious Italian food for more than 30 years. When it first opened, it was the only restaurant on the street. Now the area can claim to be Cairns’s foodie enclave. Despite the years, La Fettuccina has stuck to its origins, serving traditional Italian fare done properly. A favourite among locals, this humble and affordable dining experience has fresh pasta daily and an extensive wine list.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.