10 Best Restaurants in Cairns: from Kangaroo Satay to Authentic Indian Dishes

Traveloka Team
25 Jun 2024 - 4 min read

Nestled in North Queensland, Cairns is renowned for the stunning Great Barrier Reef. Apart from its beautiful landscape, this region also offers a wide range of culinary delights. So, let’s discover the best restaurants in Cairns that promise memorable dining experiences.

The Best Restaurants in Cairns

Cairns is a tropical paradise that boasts a lot of dining options. From locally sourced seafood to exotic Asian flavours, here is the list of the best restaurants in Cairns, Australia. Also, you can find information about the restaurant addresses, open hours, best-seller menu, and price range.

Flight From Singapore To Cairns

Wed, 7 May 2025

AirAsia Indonesia

Singapore (SIN) to Cairns (CNS)

Start from 3.993.704 VND

Wed, 7 May 2025

Jetstar

Singapore (SIN) to Cairns (CNS)

Start from 4.936.442 VND

Thu, 8 May 2025

Jetstar

Singapore (SIN) to Cairns (CNS)

Start from 6.816.828 VND

1. Ochre Restaurant – Aussie Fine Dining Restaurant

Ochre stands out as a premier dining destination in Cairns. This restaurant offers traditional Australian cuisine that highlights local ingredients.

Here, you can taste the unique dishes such as Kangaroo Satays with Macadamia sauce. Located on the waterfront, Ochre is considered the best restaurant in Cairns with a view. The cosy ambience makes Ochree perfect for a special night out.

Address: Harbour Lights Boardwalk, 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns
Open Hour: 11:30 AM – 09:30 PM (Closed on Sunday)
Recommended Menu: Grilled Kangaroo Sirloin
Price: AUD 12 – AUD 78

2. La Fettuccina – A Taste of Italy

La Fettuccina is the oldest Italian restaurant in Cairns. It serves classic pasta and seafood dishes using local ingredients and offers a range of wines.

Start your culinary adventure by ordering Insalata Rustica salad. Then, enjoy Spaghetti Alla Carbonara with crispy bacon. La Fettucine is an excellent place for casual family dinners with its warm atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine.

Address: 41 Shields St, Cairns City
Open Hour: 05:00 PM – 09:30 PM (closed on Sunday and Monday)
Recommended Menu: Grilled lamb cutlet, Spaghetti Al Ragu Bolognese
Price: AUD 10 – AUD 30

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3. Wawawa Izakaya – Fresh Flavour of Japanese Cuisine

When you have no clue about where to eat in Cairns with your friends, come to Wawawa Izakaya. This restaurant serves traditional Japanese dishes like sashimi, gyoza, sushi rolls, and tempura.

The best-seller menu in Wawawa Izakaya is Tassie Salmon Poke Bowl, which consists of seasoned salmon, kimchi, pickle, edamame, and flying fish roe. This menu is perfectly paired with a glass of sake or Sapporo beer.

Address: 92 Lake St, Cairns City
Open Hour: 12.:00 PM – 02:00 PM, 05:30 PM – 08:30 PM (Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
Recommended Menu: Wagyu Beef Tataki, Combo Sashimi
Price: AUD 6 – AUD 27

4. Bayleaf – An Exotic Flavour of Bali

This restaurant delivers you to the tropical ambience of Bali with its aromatic and authentic dishes. It uses fresh herbs and spices to create rich and complex flavours.

The most recommended dish in Bayleaf is the Balinese Set Lunch, which consists of steamed rice, vegetable salad, pork, chicken curry, and satay. Then, you can order Bebek Betutu (marinated duck in spice mixture) for dinner. Please note that a reservation is recommended at this restaurant.

Address: Corner Lake & Gatton Streets, Cairns
Open Hour: 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM, 06:00 AM – 0900 PM
Recommended Menu: Fried Rice, Bebek Betutu
Price: AUD 17 – AUD 65

5. Spicy Bite – Authentic Indian Dishes

Spicy Bite offers an extensive menu of Indian cuisine. The dishes are renowned for their aromatic spices and bold flavours.

Spicy Bites invites you to savour tasty butter chicken, biryani rice, seafood curry, beef Kashmiri, and many more. Are you a vegan? Don’t worry, Spice Bite also offers numerous vegetarian dishes such as Paneer Butter Masala and Mushroom Do Pyaza.

Address: Shop 6/53 Esplanade, Cairns City
Open Hour: 12:30 PM – 02:30 PM, 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Recommended Menu: Seafood curry, Lamb Chop Masala
Price: AUD 6 – AUD 26

6. Piato Cairns – Mediterranean Restaurant

This restaurant offers an open-air area overlooking the sea. Besides, the architecture and ambience of Piato will remind you of the beauty of Greece.

This restaurant offers various Mediterranean cuisine, such as Greek Salad, moussaka, and seafood. Additionally, Piato Cairns serves a flavourful grilled menu like Hickory BBQ Ribs and Turkish Spiced Pork Ribs.

Address: 1 Pierpoint Road Shop G4A, The Pier Marina, Cairns City
Open Hour: 11:00 AM – 02:30 PM, 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Recommended Menu: Beef Souvlaki, Baklava
Price: AUD 10 – AUD 48

7. Splash Seafood Restaurant – A Haven for Seafood Lovers

Looking for seafood restaurants in Cairns? Splash Restaurant is a perfect choice. Nestled on the Cairns Esplanade, this restaurant offers great ocean views and sea breezes.

What makes Splash unique? This restaurant only serves local and wild-caught seafood. The favourite menu at Splash is Seafood Linguini, which consists of prawns, scallops, tomato, and onion with wine and butter sauce.

Address: 03 Esplanade, Cairns City
Open Hour: 11:30 AM – 09:00 PM
Recommended menu: Honey Chilli Barramundi, Ponzu Spiced Calamari
Price: AUD 14 – AUD 59

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8. Snoogies Health Bar – Vegan Restaurant

Snoogies Health Bar is not only for vegetarians. This restaurant is a great destination for those who prioritise a healthy lifestyle through eating habits.

Snoogies offers numerous vegan and gluten-free menus. The latter include fresh salads, nachos, sushi rolls, curry, and smoothie bowls.

Address: Main Arcade, 82 Grafton St, Cairns City
Open Hour: 09:00 AM – 02:00 PM (Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Recommended Menu: salad wraps, veggie sushi nori roll
Price: AUD 6,5 – AUD 17

9. Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse – A Perfect Dinner Destination

For a classic steakhouse experience, Waterbar & Grill is the place to be. This waterfront restaurant not only offers delicious steak but also a beautiful view.

It serves premium ingredients cooked to perfection. The special menu at Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse is Reef & Beef. It is a tenderloin steak topped with grilled Tiger Prawn. In addition to beef, this restaurant also offers a variety of seafood.

Address: 1 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City
Open Hour: 12:00 PM – 02:30 PM, 05:30 PM – 09:00 PM
Recommended Menu: Tenderloin Steak with Creamy Porcini Mushroom Sauce
Price: AUD 26 – AUD 86

10. Tamarind – Fine Dining Restaurant

Located in The Reef Hotel Casino, Tamarind is considered the best fine dining restaurant in Cairns. This award-winning restaurant serves a delicious menu of Australian cuisine made from local produce.

Prepare yourself to savour the delectable entrée, such as Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallop. Then, enjoy the main dishes like Crisp Skin Atlantic Salmon and Lamp Backstrap. Last, end your dinner with a delightful dessert, Wild Berry and Macadamia Mille Feuille.

Address: 6-8 Abbott St, Cairns City
Open Hour: 05:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed on Sunday and Monday)
Recommended Menu: Angus Beef Tartare, Hay Smoked Chicken
Price: starts from AUD 89 for two course

After reviewing the guide about the best restaurants in Cairns, you can now decide what to eat when visiting this city. Whether you want to experience Australian fine dining or Asian cuisine, Cairns has numerous restaurants that cater to your preferences. So, order your ticket from Singapore to Cairns with Traveloka, grab your passport, and explore Cairns culinary now!

In This Article

• The Best Restaurants in Cairns
• 1. Ochre Restaurant – Aussie Fine Dining Restaurant
• 2. La Fettuccina – A Taste of Italy
• 3. Wawawa Izakaya – Fresh Flavour of Japanese Cuisine
• 4. Bayleaf – An Exotic Flavour of Bali
• 5. Spicy Bite – Authentic Indian Dishes
• 6. Piato Cairns – Mediterranean Restaurant
• 7. Splash Seafood Restaurant – A Haven for Seafood Lovers
• 8. Snoogies Health Bar – Vegan Restaurant
• 9. Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse – A Perfect Dinner Destination
• 10. Tamarind – Fine Dining Restaurant

Flights Featured in This Article

Wed, 7 May 2025
AirAsia Indonesia
Singapore (SIN) to Cairns (CNS)
Start from 3.993.704 VND
Book Now
Wed, 7 May 2025
Jetstar
Singapore (SIN) to Cairns (CNS)
Start from 4.936.442 VND
Book Now
Thu, 8 May 2025
Jetstar
Singapore (SIN) to Cairns (CNS)
Start from 6.816.828 VND
Book Now
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