Rufus

Rufus is a restaurant, wine bar and cocktail venue at 43 Spence Street in Cairns City. Its dining style centres on food cooked over fire, seasonal produce and local ingredients where possible. The menu is intended to change with the seasons, giving the kitchen room to keep its offering varied while maintaining a focus on satisfying, produce-led dishes.

The drinks list pairs the food with classic cocktails and a curated selection of wines. Rufus suits a range of occasions, from a snack and a drink to a longer lunch or dinner built around shared food, wine and cocktails. The setting is intimate, with the venue designed for relaxed dining rather than a casual takeaway stop or large-scale entertainment.

Rufus also provides several options for private and group events. The Burgundy Room is a private dining space set behind velvet curtains, with air-conditioned comfort and room for seated or standing gatherings. A semi-private area known as Mid Level sits above the main dining room and is intended for larger groups. Event formats can include set menus, a customised dining experience, cocktails and canapés, or a combination of seated food and drinks.

For larger celebrations, the whole venue can be booked exclusively. Rufus supports different event styles, from intimate gatherings to full-venue functions, with menus and arrangements shaped around the occasion. This makes the restaurant suitable for diners seeking a focused food and drinks experience, as well as groups planning a private meal or event in Cairns.

The restaurant's character comes from the combination of fire-led cooking, seasonal produce, classic drinks and wine-focused dining. Its menu format allows for both lighter visits and more considered meals, while the private rooms give group bookings a distinct setting away from the main dining area.