The 15 best restaurants and places to eat in Cairns

Last Update: February 27th, 2026

In Cairns, Australia, there is so much to see! It is located close to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It’s also a fantastic place to go out and eat. We have listed the coolest and best restaurants in Cairns.

Tip #1: Ochre

Located along the Harbour Lights Boardwalk, Ochreis renowned for its award-winning Australian cuisine. Owner Craig Squire relocated to the Boardwalk location in 2016, featuring a covered terrace and breathtaking views of the harbor, mountains, and beyond.

The fresh and healthy dishes are cooked with local and seasonal ingredients. The highlights include dry-aged Tablelands beef, premium seafood, and a Wattleseed Pavlova.

Tip #2: Tamarind

Tamarindis celebrated as Cairns’ most awarded restaurant. It is located in the heart of downtown Cairns within the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. This fine-dining Asian fusion restaurant, holder of a Chef Hat Award, showcases the best of local and seasonal ingredients.

A daily degustation menu is available and can be paired with premium Australian wines, local beers, and craft spirits. The restaurant even produces its own honey on the rooftop.

Tip #3: Guerilla

Nestled in the Edge Hill neighborhood of Cairns, Guerillais a modern Mexican eatery founded by Sam Byrd and Davy O’Rourke. It satisfies the cravings of locals and tourists alike with its exceptional tequila and Mexican food. Small plates, tacos, empanadas, and salads are all on the menu.

Traditional Mexican desserts like churros, caramel flan, or chocolate mousse are perfect for the sweet tooth. The ‘Leave it to us’ signature menu is a great option to fully experience the restaurant’s range.

Tip #4: Ganbaranba

Nothing hits the spot like a steaming bowl of ramen, even on a hot summer’s day. The ultimate comfort food has arrived in Cairns at Ganbaranba. This bustling, casual ramen and gyoza restaurant in the inner city is easy on the wallet but truly delicious.

Based on fish, pork, or chicken broth — or their house special, a mix of chicken and seafood — the ramen bowls are loaded with noodles, meat, and veggies. A separate vegetarian menu is available.

Tip #5: Boardwalk Social

Great gastro-pub classics with a focus on local ingredients are served in the foodie hotspot Boardwalk Social. This market-style eatery on the Cairns Esplanade is not just about food and drinks but also about entertainment.

Daily live music, performances, and DJs complement the culinary experience. With 36 beers on tap and over 40 gins available, choosing a drink can be a delightful challenge.

Tip #6: Paper Crane

Paper Crane offers Asian fusion cuisine on the Cairns Esplanade. In fact, the restaurant puts a playful spin on Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Korean flavors.

Located inside Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, the restaurant is modern and hip. Highlights include a DJ each Friday and a daily full buffet breakfast on the deck for $38 per person.

Tasting menus are available, as well as a superb selection of signature cocktails, local and imported beer and cider, and Australian and international gins.

Tip #7: Salt House

Salt Houseis an iconic waterfront venue and a designer’s dream. This stylish eatery, which offers panoramic views, serves modern Australian cuisine using fresh, local, and seasonal produce cooked on a custom-built Argentinian wood-fired grill.

Local seafood takes center stage on the menu. A newly added pizzeria serves Italian pizza and tapas baked in a brick pizza oven. It is one of Cairns‘ best restaurants for dinner!

Tip #8: Cairns Burger Cafe

It’s not always about fine dining; sometimes you just need to satisfy a burger craving. That is when Cairns Burger Cafe hits the spot! This locally owned restaurant sources meat from local farms and serves stacked, juicy burgers.

Everything is available gluten-free, and vegan options are also part of the menu. Traditional breakfasts — including a „Brekky Burger“ with sausage, bacon, hash brown, and egg — are a perfect choice to start the day.

Tip #9: Bury Me Standing

This family-owned business is outstanding not just for its unique name but also for its exceptional bagels. Bury Me Standing is primarily a bagel place, offering sweet and savory stuffed bagels, bagel sandwiches, and sweet treats.

Homemade cinnamon rolls, brioche, and „Peckels Bakkas“ (a Polish fried bread dough) are customer favorites. The business is a great supporter of Sea Shepherd Australia, uses local produce, and employs compostable packaging.

Tip #10: Snoogies

Snoogiesis a colorful juice and health food bar with small deli-counter seating in the heart of Cairns. The deli is proud to offer „Living Foods“ — a variety of raw and whole foods. Cold-pressed juices and smoothies are made from local produce.

In addition to raw meals like wraps, sushi, and raw cheesecakes, the deli offers cooked vegetarian meals such as nachos, curries, and frittatas.

Tip #11: C’est Bon

A little patch of France in the heart of Cairns. Authentic French cuisine meets an exquisite dining experience — this is C’est Bon. Owners Debbie and Nicolas Devic make sure that the steak au bleu is cooked to perfection and the crème brûlée has a perfectly crispy top.

Using local produce for traditional French cuisine is a must at C’est Bon, and it pairs beautifully with a selection of fine Australian wines. A seasonal lunch menu and a tasting menu are available.

Tip #12: Tha Fish

At Tha Fish, everything revolves around the ocean’s bounty. The Seafood Plate leaves nothing to be desired: from chili and lime sand crab to Atlantic salmon and Thai fish cakes. Fish lovers‘ hearts beat faster here.

Tha Fish has been in Cairns since 2004. Only the highest quality ingredients are used, sourced from local producers. Owners Sheldon and Carolyn Wearne do their best every day to make you feel right at home.

Tip #13: Copper Bar & Grill

Do you have a craving for a succulent steak? Then head to Copper Bar & Gril</em><em>l, where you can enjoy modern contemporary food. Right in the heart of Cairns City, you can choose from steak, ribs, boerewors, burgers, salads, or pasta.

Copper, one of the best restaurants in Cairns, offers a wide range of dishes. You can even order half a Jamaican jerk chicken served with steamed rice, pineapple salsa, and slaw. You can even choose between a mild or spicy version.

Tip #14: Dundees on the Waterfront

Here you can dine with a breathtaking view: as the restaurant name suggests, Dundee’s on the Waterfront is located right on the city’s edge.

You will be treated to classic Australian cuisine with a special focus on Tropical North Queensland flavors. This means you can expect barbecue specialties, seafood, and local meats such as kangaroo and crocodile.

Those with a sweet tooth should save room for dessert, which is also highly recommended here. Whether for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this food spot in Cairns should definitely be on your list.

Tip #15: Little Sister

“Peace, love, and good times” is the motto of Little Sister, our next recommendation for the best restaurants in Cairns. Enjoy exquisite Asian delicacies at this food spot.

The dishes are all prepared with love and are a treat for both the taste buds and the eyes. Consistent with the restaurant’s philosophy, we recommend ordering several dishes to share.

Vegetarians and vegans will be delighted by the wide range of options available, as there are many meat-free dishes to choose from. The cocktails here are also highly recommended, so what are you waiting for? Secure your spot at Little Sister.

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!