Advertisement

Steakhouse Restaurants in Cairns

If you’re craving a juicy steak in Cairns, you’re in luck. The city might be tropical, but it takes its steaks seriously. From rib-eyes that practically melt in your mouth to perfectly charred sirloins, there are spots scattered around that’ll hit the mark. For instance, if you wander into the Cairns CBD, you’ll find places like Salt House on the waterfront where they pair their steaks with local produce and a killer view of Trinity Inlet.

Don’t overlook the little places tucked behind the main streets either , some of those have secret menus or specials that only regulars know about. My personal favorite? Try the dry-aged cuts at Tha Fish, just off Sheridan St. The service has a friendly, relaxed vibe that makes the meal feel like dining at a mate’s place. Oh, and if you’re visiting in the wet season, ask for a table indoors; the stormy rain outside with warm steak inside is quite the combo.

A quick tip: Many steakhouses here love to match their meat with local Queensland wines, especially the reds from the Granite Belt. It’s a pairing I often recommend when friends come through. So, if you want more than just a steak but a proper Cairns dining moment, keep that in mind.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Book Top Experiences and Tours in Cairns:

If you're booking your trip to Cairns last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences.

View All Experiences

Local steak tips

If you’re staying near Cairns centre and want a steak worth remembering, skip the tourist-heavy spots on the Esplanade for dinner and instead check out neighborhoods like Sheridan Street after 6 pm. Places around there serve up great cuts without the inflated waterfront prices.

Also, consider timing your visit for later in the week , Thursdays and Fridays often have specials or live music which adds a bit of vibe to your meal. And one last thing: if you want to taste something truly Cairns, order your steak with a side of fresh local prawns or a juicy barramundi fillet. It’s like getting the best of land and sea in one meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about steakhouse dining in Cairns? Here’s what locals and visitors often ask.

Prices can vary, but most places offer a range to suit casual dinners through to special occasions. Expect to pay a bit more downtown or waterfront, but smaller joints around Sheridan Street can surprise you with good deals.

You'll mostly find Australian beef here, often Queensland-sourced. A few spots like Salt House highlight local producers, but some chefs bring in dry-aged or specialty cuts from other states too.

Definitely. Weekends, especially around the Esplanade and CBD, get busy with both locals and tourists. A quick call or online booking will save you from wandering around hungry.

It varies , some are pretty casual with a laid-back vibe, while others are more upscale. Most places don’t take themselves too seriously, which matches Cairns’ relaxed feel nicely.

Yes, many Cairns steakhouses are well aware of dietary needs. Just ask the staff , I’ve never had a place not happily adapt a side or suggest alternatives for gluten-free or dairy-free diners.

Not really steak-specific around the airport itself. You'll want to head into the city or the waterfront areas to find those steaks worth talking about.

Explore Restaurants Categories

Pub (25 places) If you’re heading to Cairns and want an authentic local spot to kick back, you can’t skip the pubs. These places are more than just watering holes,they’re where you’ll get a real feel for the laid-back lifestyle here. Sure, you’ll find a few touristy spots around the Esplanade, but venture a little off the beaten… Explore
Coffee Shop (20 places) Explore
Breakfast (16 places) Explore
Asian (15 places) If you’re craving authentic Asian flavors while in Cairns, you’re in luck. The city punches well above its weight here,from the bustling Parramatta Street in Cairns Central to the quieter nooks near Lake Street. I’m talking about places that know their way around a good laksa, not just the run-of-the-mill takeaway. A… Explore
Seafood (12 places) Cairns and seafood go hand in hand, but it’s not just about sitting down to a plate of prawns. The city sits on the doorstep of some of Australia’s richest fishing waters, and you'll find everything from busted crab claws to slippery reef fish on menus all around town. Most locals have their go-tos around the… Explore
Italian (11 places) If you’re craving classic Italian in Cairns, you’ve got more choices than just your usual pizza joints. Some spots nail the basics like perfect thin-crust pizza or creamy carbonara, while others bring in that real-deal homemade feel that transports you straight to Italy. And don’t be surprised to find places that… Explore
Japanese (8) • Thai (8) • Top Rated - Restaurants (6) • American (6) •

Top Things To Do in Cairns

See All →

Top Things To Do in Cairns

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide MelbourneMy Guide TasmaniaMy Guide Lombok and Gilis

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
MorningAfternoonEvening

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel
Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again