Restaurants in Cairns

Restaurants in Cairns are part of the whole experience here, not just a place to eat. You’ll find plenty of places serving local Queensland seafood right off the boat, especially if you head down to the northern beaches or the marina around sunset. And if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate that some of the best meals are casual,think laid-back fish and chips spots with hand-cut chips or a tropical curry at a little hole-in-the-wall in the city.

Don’t overlook the less touristy neighborhoods like Edge Hill or Manoora where locals grab breakfast and brunch. A hidden tip: hitting up Rusty’s Market early on a Saturday morning sets you up with fresh, local produce and some of the best coffee in town. Fine dining exists here too, with restaurants like Ochre in the city offering native Australian ingredients in creative ways, perfect if you want a proper dinner out. Just avoid the peak dry season tourist rush if you can. And if you want a dining view, book early at places on the Esplanade – the sunset behind the reef boats is something else. Cairns’ food spots aren’t just about eating, they’re little moments that tell you more about this place. You’ll find your own favorite quicker than you think.