Beyond the Great Barrier Reef’s breathtaking coral gardens, Cairns boasts a culinary landscape as diverse and vibrant as its surrounding rainforests. This tropical paradise isn’t just a gateway to natural wonders; it’s also a haven for food lovers seeking unique and delicious experiences. Cairns offers a diverse and exciting culinary experience, highlighting the best food options for visitors. From fresh seafood caught that morning to innovative Australian cuisine infused with local ingredients, Cairns offers a culinary adventure for every palate. This guide unveils the best food experiences the city has to offer, ensuring your trip is as memorable for your taste buds as it is for your eyes.
A Taste of the Ocean: Seafood in Cairns
Given its prime coastal location, seafood naturally plays a starring role in Cairns’ culinary scene. The proximity to the Coral Sea ensures a constant supply of fresh catches, making Cairns a paradise for seafood aficionados. Forget frozen imports; here, you’ll feast on seafood that was swimming in the ocean just hours before landing on your plate.
Ochre Restaurant
Nestled on the waterfront, Ochre Restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with stunning views. Their menu focuses on showcasing Australian native ingredients alongside the freshest seafood. The highlight dish, without a doubt, is the grilled barramundi with lemon myrtle butter. The barramundi is perfectly cooked, its flaky flesh complemented by the aromatic lemon myrtle. Ochre is recommended for its commitment to local produce and its elegant ambiance.
Prawn Star
For a more casual, yet equally delicious experience, head to Prawn Star. This floating seafood restaurant, housed on a converted trawler, serves up platters of fresh prawns, bugs, oysters, and other delicacies. The atmosphere is lively and relaxed, perfect for enjoying a sunset dinner with friends. The mixed seafood platter is a must-try, offering a generous sampling of the best the ocean has to offer. Prawn Star is recommended for its unique setting and its focus on showcasing the quality of local seafood.
Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront
With spectacular views overlooking Trinity Inlet, Dundee’s offers a quintessential Cairns dining experience. While their menu includes a range of options, seafood is definitely a highlight. The signature seafood grill is a feast for the senses, featuring a medley of prawns, scallops, fish, and calamari. The generous portions and the vibrant flavors make Dundee’s a popular choice. Dundee’s is recommended for its stunning location and its diverse seafood offerings.
When exploring the seafood scene in Cairns, be sure to try some of the local specialties. Barramundi, a native Australian fish, is a must-try, often served grilled, pan-fried, or baked. Mud crabs, known for their succulent meat, are another local favorite, often cooked with chili or garlic butter. And of course, don’t miss out on the prawns, which are available in a variety of sizes and preparations.
To ensure you’re getting the freshest seafood, look for a few key indicators. The fish should have clear, bright eyes and firm, elastic flesh. The gills should be bright red, and there shouldn’t be any fishy odor. Don’t be afraid to ask your server where the seafood comes from – reputable restaurants will be happy to share this information.
Australian Cuisine with a Tropical Twist
Cairns offers a unique blend of Australian cuisine infused with the flavors of the tropics. Chefs in Cairns are embracing local, seasonal ingredients, creating dishes that are both innovative and delicious. This fusion creates a culinary experience that is distinctly Cairnsian, reflecting the region’s unique environment and culture.
Nu Nu Restaurant
Located in Palm Cove, just a short drive from Cairns, Nu Nu Restaurant is a true gem. The restaurant boasts stunning ocean views and a menu that celebrates the best of North Queensland produce. Chef Nick Holloway’s innovative dishes showcase the flavors of the region, with a focus on sustainability and local sourcing. The seared scallops with mango salsa are a standout dish, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the mango with the savory scallops. Nu Nu is recommended for its commitment to local ingredients and its breathtaking oceanfront setting.
Tamarind Restaurant
Situated within the Reef Hotel Casino, Tamarind Restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with an emphasis on modern Australian cuisine. The menu features a range of dishes, from seafood to steaks, all prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The twice-cooked pork belly with Davidson plum glaze is a particular highlight, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to using native Australian ingredients. Tamarind is recommended for its elegant ambiance and its refined take on Australian cuisine.
The key to this unique cuisine lies in the use of local ingredients. Native herbs and spices, such as lemon myrtle, pepperberry, and wattle seed, add unique flavors to dishes. Tropical fruits, such as mango, papaya, and pineapple, are incorporated into both savory and sweet creations. Bush tucker, traditional Australian native foods, also play a role, adding a touch of authenticity and intrigue to the culinary landscape.
A World on a Plate: International Flavors in Cairns
Cairns is a multicultural hub, and this is reflected in its diverse food scene. From authentic Asian cuisine to hearty Italian fare, Cairns offers a global culinary journey. This melting pot of cultures has resulted in a vibrant and exciting dining landscape, where you can find almost any cuisine you crave.
Asian Cuisine (Thai): Gan Asian Dining
This vibrant restaurant offers a diverse menu of delicious Asian dishes, with a particular emphasis on Thai flavors. From fragrant curries to zesty noodle dishes, Gan Asian Dining provides an authentic taste of Thailand. The Pad Thai is a crowd-pleaser, made with fresh ingredients and a perfectly balanced sauce.
Italian Cuisine: Piccolo Cucina
This cozy Italian restaurant transports you to the heart of Italy with its authentic dishes and warm atmosphere. The pasta is homemade, and the sauces are rich and flavorful. The gnocchi with pesto is a standout dish, light and fluffy and bursting with the flavors of basil and pine nuts. Piccolo Cucina is a great choice for those seeking genuine italian food.
These international restaurants are popular in Cairns because they offer a taste of home for the city’s diverse population. They also appeal to tourists seeking a break from Australian cuisine and a chance to experience the flavors of the world.
Eating Well on a Budget: Affordable Options in Cairns
You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy delicious food in Cairns. The city offers a range of budget-friendly eateries that cater to travelers looking for affordable meals. From casual cafes to bustling food trucks, there are plenty of options for eating well without spending a fortune.
Cafes: Blackbird Espresso
This popular cafe serves up delicious coffee and a range of breakfast and lunch options at reasonable prices. The sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients, and the salads are both healthy and satisfying. Blackbird Espresso is a great choice for a quick and affordable meal. Price Range: $
Food Trucks/Markets: Rusty’s Markets
This bustling market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a variety of cuisines from around the world. You can find everything from Vietnamese pho to Mexican tacos, all at affordable prices. Rusty’s Markets is a great place to sample a variety of different dishes and experience the local food culture. Price Range: $
Pubs with Affordable Meals: The Woolshed
This lively pub offers a range of affordable pub meals, including burgers, pizzas, and steaks. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with friends. The Woolshed is a popular choice for backpackers and budget travelers. Price Range: $$
To save money while eating out in Cairns, consider visiting during lunchtime, when many restaurants offer discounted menus. Look for restaurants that offer BYOB (bring your own beverage) options to save on alcohol costs. And don’t be afraid to explore the local markets and food trucks, where you can find delicious and affordable meals.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth: Desserts in Cairns
No culinary journey is complete without a taste of something sweet, and Cairns offers a delightful array of dessert options. From creamy gelato to decadent cakes, there’s something to satisfy every sweet craving.
Ice Cream Parlors: Gelocchio
This popular gelato shop serves up a variety of handcrafted gelato flavors, made with fresh, local ingredients. The mango gelato is a particular highlight, capturing the tropical flavors of Cairns in a creamy, refreshing treat. Gelocchio is a must-visit for ice cream lovers.
Patisseries/Bakeries: Choukette
This charming patisserie offers a tempting selection of French pastries, from croissants to macarons. The éclairs are a particular highlight, filled with creamy custard and topped with rich chocolate glaze. Choukette is a perfect spot for a sweet treat and a cup of coffee.
Cafes with Delicious Cakes: Perrotta’s at the Gallery
This elegant cafe offers a range of delicious cakes, from classic chocolate cake to decadent cheesecakes. The ambiance is sophisticated and relaxed, making it a perfect place to indulge in a sweet treat. Perrotta’s at the Gallery is recommended for cake lovers
Be sure to try the mango cheesecake, a local specialty that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the tropical sweetness of mango.
Cairns: A Culinary Paradise Awaits
The culinary scene in Cairns is as diverse and captivating as the Great Barrier Reef. From succulent seafood to innovative Australian cuisine and a global array of international flavors, Cairns offers a culinary adventure for every taste and budget. It’s a destination where fresh, local ingredients take center stage, and where chefs create dishes that are both delicious and memorable.
Whether you’re a seafood aficionado, a fan of modern Australian cuisine, or simply looking for a delicious and affordable meal, Cairns has something to offer. So, pack your bags and your appetite, and embark on a flavorful journey through the best food Cairns has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!
