12 Best Restaurants in Cairns City
Cairns City has a solid range of dining options across casual burgers, waterfront steakhouses, and European-inspired cuisine. Whether you're after a quick bite or a special night out, here are the local spots worth visiting.
- 1Restaurants Cairns City
1. Hello Harry (The Burger Joint) Cairns
Straightforward burgers if you want something unfussy and satisfying without overthinking it.
View venue4.7(1,662)· Google$$$$68Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Restaurants Cairns City2. Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse
A dedicated steakhouse option for when you're in the mood for beef and a proper sit-down meal in Cairns City.
View venue4.6(2,419)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Restaurants Cairns City3. Dundees on the Waterfront
Waterfront location makes this a natural choice for dinner with a view over the Cairns esplanade.
View venue4.6(5,071)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Restaurants Cairns City4. KOI Bar & Restaurant
A bar-restaurant hybrid if you want dining alongside drinks and a social atmosphere.
View venue4.8(492)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Restaurants Cairns City5. Bellocale Italian Seafood Restaurant
Italian seafood focus offers a change of pace if you're after pasta and fresh fish in Cairns City.
View venue4.7(774)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Restaurants Cairns City6. Ochre Restaurant and Catering
A restaurant with catering capabilities, worth noting if you're organising an event or group meal.
View venue4.5(1,794)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Restaurants Cairns City7. C'est Bon
French-style dining for those after European cuisine without leaving Cairns City.
View venue4.6(983)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Restaurants Cairns City8. Vitalia's Italian Restaurant
Another Italian option in the city if you want traditional European comfort food.
View venue4.5(1,823)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Restaurants Cairns City9. Pistacchi
Italian restaurant offering variety among the dining choices in Cairns City centre.
View venue4.7(662)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Restaurants Cairns City10. Piccolo Cucina
Smaller Italian spot if you prefer a more intimate dining setting.
View venue4.5(1,231)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Restaurants Cairns City11. FINN FINN
A distinct name among the options—worth checking if you're exploring what else is available in the area.
View venue4.8(245)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Restaurants Cairns City12. Piato Mediterranean Restaurant
Mediterranean menu offers broader European flavours beyond single-cuisine focus.
View venue4.5(1,058)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hello Harry (The Burger Joint) Cairns | 68/100 | 4.7(1,662) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
| Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse | 67/100 | 4.6(2,419) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
| Dundees on the Waterfront | 67/100 | 4.6(5,071) | $$$ | Cairns City | — |
| KOI Bar & Restaurant | 66/100 | 4.8(492) | — | Cairns City | — |
| Bellocale Italian Seafood Restaurant | 66/100 | 4.7(774) | — | Cairns City | — |
| Ochre Restaurant and Catering | 65/100 | 4.5(1,794) | $$$ | Cairns City | — |
| C'est Bon | 65/100 | 4.6(983) | $$$ | Cairns City | — |
| Vitalia's Italian Restaurant | 65/100 | 4.5(1,823) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
| Pistacchi | 65/100 | 4.7(662) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
| Piccolo Cucina | 64/100 | 4.5(1,231) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
| FINN FINN | 64/100 | 4.8(245) | — | Cairns City | — |
| Piato Mediterranean Restaurant | 64/100 | 4.5(1,058) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
Frequently asked questions
Where should I go if I want a waterfront meal in Cairns City?+
Dundees on the Waterfront has a waterfront location. Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse may also offer waterfront appeal, though location details aren't confirmed in available information.
Are there Italian restaurants in Cairns City?+
Yes, several: Bellocale Italian Seafood Restaurant, Vitalia's Italian Restaurant, Pistacchi, Piccolo Cucina, and Piato Mediterranean Restaurant (Mediterranean rather than strictly Italian).
What if I just want a burger?+
Hello Harry (The Burger Joint) Cairns is the dedicated burger option among these venues.
Can I find a steakhouse in Cairns City?+
Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse is positioned as a steakhouse option in the city.
Do any of these venues offer catering?+
Ochre Restaurant and Catering specifically lists catering as a service, useful if you're planning an event.
Keep exploring
Cairns guides
roundupCairns Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
Cairns may be best known as the gateway to the reef and rainforest, but once the sun drops the city centre comes alive with a compact, walkable cluster of bars, breweries and live
Read guide →roundupFree Things to Do in Cairns
From the Esplanade Lagoon and Botanic Gardens to Palm Cove and rainforest escapes, these are Cairns’ best free outings — plus what costs extra.
Read guide →roundupCairns With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
From the free Esplanade Lagoon to the Daintree, here are Cairns family activities worth planning around, with practical ideas for wet and sunny days.
Read guide →The best of Cairns, in your inbox
New openings, hidden gems and weekend ideas. One thoughtful email a week. No spam.