Last updated on December 17th, 2023 at 09:28 am
Cairns is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine. From fresh seafood to exotic dishes, Cairns has it all. In this article, we will highlight the 10 best restaurants in Cairns, Australia.
1. Salt House
Salt House is an award-winning restaurant that offers stunning views of the Cairns harbour. This restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and serves other dishes such as steak, pasta, and vegetarian options. The restaurant’s ambience is stylish, making it the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
2. Ochre Restaurant
Ochre Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Cairns and for a good reason. This restaurant serves contemporary Australian cuisine, emphasising native Australian ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, so you can always expect something new and exciting. Some of the must-try dishes at Ochre include the kangaroo fillet and the crocodile spring rolls.
3. Waterbar and Grill Steakhouse
If you’re looking for a steakhouse in Cairns, look no further than Waterbar and Grill. This restaurant serves some of the best steaks in the city, including wagyu beef and grass-fed Angus. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of seafood dishes and an extensive wine list.
4. Tamarind Restaurant
Tamarind Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant that specializes in Asian cuisine. The menu features dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and China. The restaurant has won numerous awards for its food and service and its elegant and sophisticated ambience.
5. C’est Bon
C’est Bon is a French restaurant that offers classic French cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant uses local ingredients and offers an extensive wine list featuring both Australian and French wines. The restaurant’s ambience is warm and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
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6. Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant
Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant that serves authentic Balinese cuisine. The menu features dishes such as nasi goreng, satay, and beef rendang. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.
7. Cafe China Seafood Restaurant
Cafe China Seafood Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant that specializes in seafood. The restaurant offers a wide selection of seafood dishes, including lobster, crab, and fish. The restaurant is also known for its dim sum, which is served daily.
8. Salthouse Deli
Deli is a cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and a selection of desserts. The cafe also has a deli section where you can buy gourmet cheeses, meats, and other treats to take home.
9. The Raw Prawn Seafood Restaurant
The Raw Prawn Seafood Restaurant is a casual seafood restaurant that serves fresh seafood dishes. The menu includes grilled barramundi, seafood platters, and fish and chips. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options.
10. Mondo on the Waterfront
Mondo on the Waterfront is a casual restaurant that offers stunning views of the Cairns harbour. The restaurant serves fresh seafood and other dishes such as pizza and pasta. The restaurant’s ambience is relaxed and laid-back, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
To put it simply, Cairns entices food enthusiasts with a gastronomic environment that is both varied and delectable. The city’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses, offering everything from the award-winning elegance of Salt House, where fresh seafood mingles with sophisticated ambience, to the indigenous flavours of Ochre Restaurant, which showcases Australian cuisine with a seasonal twist. Tamarind Restaurant raises eating to a fine art with its excellent Asian delicacies, while Waterbar and Grill Steakhouse entices with top-notch steaks and a seafood selection.
French delight C’est Bon blends traditional cooking with regional ingredients and a cosy setting. An authentic taste of Bali may be found at Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant, while Chinese seafood specialities at Cafe China Seafood Restaurant entice the senses. Fresh seafood is served with a casual appeal at The Raw Prawn Seafood Restaurant, while Salthouse Deli’s diversified cuisine caters to a wide range of tastes. Last but not least, Mondo on the Waterfront offers a relaxed yet enjoyable eating experience while taking in the stunning views of Cairns Harbour. The global flavours that weave together Cairns’ culinary tapestry promise a gastronomic experience that is as varied as it is delicious.
