Restaurants in Cairns, Australia
Catering to a constant stream of multicultural travellers, food lovers will be delighted at the range of international cuisine and places to eat in Cairns, with travellers being spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants.
Every year Cairns attracts visitors from around the world so its restaurant scene has something for everyone of any nationality and budget. These are some of the most popular Cairns restaurants.
australian cuisine
Ochre Restaurant is one of the top places to eat in Cairns. Serving up exquisite five-star dishes, the chef is inspired by Australian bush ingredients and local produce including a wide selection of seafood.
We have often opted for the tasting platter when eating here so we can sample more than one dish because the food really is amazing.
Dundees on the waterfront is another favourite local’s restaurant with a wide range of Australian cuisine. Many people rave that Dundees serve the best steak in Cairns and their seafood and pasta dishes are pretty good too. The other drawcard is the view, as the restaurant overlooks the marina and the boardwalk (see top photo).
greek cuisine
Fettas Greek Taverna on Grafton Street is probably the most well-known Greek Restaurant in Cairns and it’s hypnotic bellydancers provide an added attraction on weekends.
It has a great atmosphere with tables spilling out on to the street, delicious authentic Greek food and traditional décor that make you feel like you’re on a Greek island even though it’s on the other side of the world!
mexican cuisine
Montezumas is a vibrant Mexican restaurant right in the heart of town.
Painted in bold reds, yellows and greens and full of Mexican artefacts, this family-friendly restaurant has a great atmosphere and is real value for money.
All the meals are decent size serves and it’s incredibly affordable. We love eating here, the hardest part is choosing what we want to order.
japanese cuisine
There is a burgeoning Japanese community in Cairns so fantastic little sushi bars are popping up everywhere.
For something a little more formal, Kan Pai is probably our favourite Japanese restaurant right in the heart of Cairns. It has cute little private eating booths and a courtyard area, as well as karaoke rooms for those who want to belt out a song or two.
Food-wise there is a huge selection of dishes to choose from which is great for groups who want to share a selection of dishes. The prices are pretty reasonable too so both tourists and locals love this place.
italian cuisine
Villa Romano is a long established favourite right on the Esplanade. It is always busy and has a lively atmosphere although there isn’t a huge selection of kid’s meals to choose from if you go as a family.
It’s very easy to find and has a true Italian-inspired menu so pizza and pasta-lovers will love the food here.
brazilian cuisine
Bush Fire Grill is a fantastic restaurant catering for meat-lovers. Known as the ‘Churrasco Experience’, waiters bring around various cuts of meat on skewers throughout the evening.
The desserts are pretty good too with our favourite being the churros, basically deep-fried Spanish-style donuts served with a warm Ecuadorian chilli chocolate and chilli ochre.
It is a memorable experience dining here and you will definitely need to bring your appetite.
balinese cuisine
The Bay Leaf has been a favourite place to eat in Cairns for many years. The food is always delicious with great seafood dishes as well as curries and satays.
Located just behind the hospital, it’s a bit of a walk from the centre but worth the effort and very affordable. They are often fully booked so call and book a table before you go.
asian cuisine
Taste of Tamarind is by far one of the best restaurants in Cairns and has won many awards over the years. While it is a little expensive, the food is incredible, a combination of contemporary and Asian fusion dishes. Located within the Reef Hotel Casino, this upmarket restaurant is well worth visiting.
