AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Tropical North Queensland Restaurants

North Queensland has one of the most pleasant tropical climates on the planet, making it the ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Moreover, with a multi-faceted range of unique restaurant dining experiences on offer, Tropical North Queensland is the ideal destination for those looking to sample local flavours while also enjoying exquisite cuisine with a tropical twist. To assist you with your tropical wanderings, we have discovered some fantastic restaurants in the Far North that the locals recommend.

Popular Cuisines : Modern Australian  Cafe  International  Italian  Thai  Pub Food  Asian  Indian  

Take in ocean views as balmy breezes rustle overhead leaves at Melaleuca Port Douglas on Wharf Street. Boasting a fabulous alfresco courtyard with three giant mango trees forming a canopy above din...
Wawawa Izakaya

Wawawa Izakaya

Japanese   $$$$$   Open Now

Cairns

For the vibrant fresh flavours of Japanese cuisine, discerning Cairns diners head to Wawawa Izakaya on Lake Street. From the colourful wall murals of a Japanese woman and Mount Fuji to bright neon ...
"Readers' Choice 2019 - Fusion"
Tamarind

Tamarind

Modern Australian   $$$$$   Opens at 5:30 PM

Cairns

14 Chef Hat Award
Valentine's Day Dinner14th February 2025Celebrate Valentine's Day at Tamarind. Priced at $99 per person, includes entree tasting plate, a choice of main course, and dessert tasting plate. OYSTER ON ARRIVAL SHARED ENTRÉE TAS...
Zinc Port Douglas

Zinc Port Douglas

Modern Australian   $$$$$   Opens at 2:00 PM

Port Douglas

12 Chef Hat Award Restaurant & Catering Association
A sophisticated tropical dining experience awaits at Zinc, on the corner of Macrossan and Davidson Streets in Port Douglas. This well-loved restaurant presents an elegant venue for a romantic dinne...
Lagoon House Restaurant x Lúc L?c Takeover Dinner with Shaw + Smith1 February 2025Brisbane's hottest new restaurant comes to Lagoon House Restaurant for one night only! With the kitchen helmed by Ghanem Group executive chef Jake Nicolson, it's sure to be an unforgettable evening...
Nautilus Restaurant

Nautilus Restaurant

Modern Australian   $$$$$   Opens at 5:30 PM

Port Douglas

12 Chef Hat Award Restaurant & Catering Association
Cocooned within a lush garden setting, Nautilus on Murphy Street in Port Douglas successfully melds the relaxed ambiance of the tropics with elegant dining. Explore a Modern Australian menu inspire...
One of Cairns’ most iconic waterfront venues with impressive views spanning the waterfront and Marina Point, Salt House on Pier Point Road is the ideal location to enjoy and embrace Tropical NQ. Ta...
Overlooking the beautiful waters of Port Douglas, Salsa Bar & Grill is the go-to venue for locals and tourists alike. Situated on popular Wharf Street precinct, Salsa’s white timber furnishings, la...
Jungle Fowl

Jungle Fowl

Asian   $$$$$   Opens at 5:00 PM

Port Douglas

13 Chef Hat Award
Sunday Chef's Table Lunch with Chef Ben WallaceWe are excited to be launching our Sunday Long Lunch by Chef Benjamin Wallace. Each week we will have a limited-seat Chef’s Table Lunch Experience running 12pm-3pm. Experience our very own chefs co...
Harrisons Restaurant

Harrisons Restaurant

British   $$$$$   Opens at 4:00 PM

Port Douglas

13 Chef Hat Award
Social Hour 4pm-6pm DailyJoin us for the ultimate social experience during Harrisons' 'Social Hour' from 4pm to 6pm daily. Enjoy beers and wines for just $8, or indulge in carefully curated cocktails for only $12.50. It's ...
Osprey’s Restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere with stunning views of Coral Sea islands, reefs and mountain ranges from the exclusive Thala Beach Nature Reserve in Port Douglas. Perched on a pri...
Taste Of The Tropics Grand High TeaFridays from 2pm to 4pmThe longstanding grand tradition of high tea comes alive in Far North Queensland with an afternoon of tête-à-tête amidst a delectable selection of sandwiches and sweet treats served with cold bubbl...
Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant
Fresh CalamariA Must Try!Our fresh calamari, with Spanish style furikake, aioli, and lemon! A great snack to have with a refreshing glass of Estrella! Book now — link below! (Or try your luck and walk in, for a seat up at ...
"Seafood Platter"
Casual waterside dining, a chilled Cairns vibe and extraordinary views are what await at The Backyard by Shangri-La on Pierpoint Road. Nestled in The Pier Shopping Centre, this stylish destination ...
Ollie's Italian

Ollie's Italian

Italian   $$$$$   Open Now

Cairns

12 Chef Hat Award
Discover Modern Italian dining at Ollie’s on the exclusive waterfront dining precinct of Marlin Parade in Cairns. This North Queensland restaurant boasts a team of European trained Chefs whose pas...
La Cucina + Bar

La Cucina + Bar

Italian   $$$$$   Open Now

Port Douglas

For fresh seafood prepared with an Italian twist, visit La Cucina + Bar on Macrossan Street in Port Douglas. Admire a clear, starlit sky surrounded by lush ferns in a spacious alfresco area or enjo...
FINN FINN

FINN FINN

Thai   $$$$$   Opens at 5:00 PM

Cairns North

Authentic Thai flavours are on the plate at FINN FINN restaurant on Lake Street in Cairns. Dine amongst twinkling fairy lights and vibrantly coloured material panels indoors while the walls are ado...
Rocco

Rocco

Middle Eastern   $$$$$   Opens at 4:00 PM

Cairns

Soak up panoramic views of the Coral Sea and dine on a feast of Middle Eastern delights from the highest rooftop bar in Cairns at Rocco on the Esplanade. Picture yourself sipping a herb-infused Ins...
CC’s Bar and Grill

CC’s Bar and Grill

Steak   $$$$$   Opens at 4:00 PM

Cairns

Savour CC's3-course Set Menu $110CC's Bar and Grill is an award-winning contemporary steakhouse located at Crystalbrook Bailey. Its menu celebrates the best of local produce and pays homage to the ruggedness of the great Australia...
Flynn's Italian

Flynn's Italian

Italian   $$$$$   Opens at 4:00 PM

Cairns

Christmas Parties at Flynn's ItalianSaluti! It's the most wonderful time of the year and we look forward to offering you quintessential Italian hospitality to celebrate the festive season. Join us at Flynn's Italian for a bustling pre-Ch...