12 Restaurants to Try in Port Douglas
Port Douglas has a strong dining scene with options ranging from casual spots to fine dining establishments. Whether you're after seafood, modern Australian fare, or something with live music, here are the best restaurants worth visiting in this tropical Queensland town.
- 1Restaurants Port Douglas
1. Salsa Bar and Grill
Top-ranked option in Port Douglas for those after Latin-inspired cuisine and a lively bar atmosphere.
Open late (after 10pm)Open MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.8(2,625)· Google$$$$70Spot ScoreGreat 
2Restaurants Port Douglas2. Melaleuca
A solid mid-range choice offering contemporary dining in the heart of Port Douglas.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.7(973)· Google$$$$66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Restaurants Port Douglas3. Bam Pow
Worth visiting if you're after bold, punchy flavours and a casual dining vibe.
Open SundaysView venue4.8(561)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Restaurants Port Douglas4. Nautilus Restaurant
A consistent performer with reliable service and a well-established reputation among locals.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.6(1,456)· Google$$$$66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Restaurants Port Douglas5. Epicurean Port Douglas
Choose this spot if you want a more upscale dining experience without the formality of fine dining.
Open MondaysView venue5.0(160)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Restaurants Port Douglas6. Wrasse & Roe
The name suggests seafood focus—a practical pick if fresh fish is what you're after.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(936)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Restaurants Port Douglas7. The Tin Shed - Douglas Community & Sports Club Inc.
Combine dinner with live music at this venue, which doubles as both a restaurant and entertainment space.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(2,521)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Restaurants Port Douglas8. Zinc Restaurant Port Douglas
Go here if you're after fine dining; it's marked as a more formal dining destination.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.4(1,211)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Restaurants Port Douglas9. Watergate Port Douglas
A waterfront location makes this a natural choice for dinner with a view.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.4(1,155)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Restaurants Port Douglas10. Jungle Fowl
The name hints at a relaxed, tropical approach to dining—good for casual meals.
Open SundaysView venue4.5(457)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Restaurants Port Douglas11. ISLA
A smaller, quieter dining option for those seeking a more intimate restaurant experience.
View venue4.9(93)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Restaurants Port Douglas12. Osprey's Restaurant Port Douglas
Another solid restaurant option for a straightforward meal without fuss.
Opens early (before 7am)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(399)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salsa Bar and Grill | 70/100 | 4.8(2,625) | $$ | Port Douglas | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Melaleuca | 66/100 | 4.7(973) | $$ | Port Douglas | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Bam Pow | 66/100 | 4.8(561) | — | Port Douglas | Open Sundays |
| Nautilus Restaurant | 66/100 | 4.6(1,456) | $$$$ | Port Douglas | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Epicurean Port Douglas | 64/100 | 5.0(160) | — | Port Douglas | Open Mondays |
| Wrasse & Roe | 64/100 | 4.5(936) | — | Port Douglas | Open 7 days |
| The Tin Shed - Douglas Community & Sports Club Inc. | 63/100 | 4.3(2,521) | $$ | Port Douglas | Open 7 days |
| Zinc Restaurant Port Douglas | 63/100 | 4.4(1,211) | $$ | Port Douglas | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Watergate Port Douglas | 63/100 | 4.4(1,155) | $$ | Port Douglas | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Jungle Fowl | 62/100 | 4.5(457) | — | Port Douglas | Open Sundays |
| ISLA | 61/100 | 4.9(93) | — | Port Douglas | — |
| Osprey's Restaurant Port Douglas | 61/100 | 4.5(399) | $$$ | Port Douglas | Opens early (before 7am) |
Frequently asked questions
What type of cuisine should I expect in Port Douglas?+
Based on venue names alone, you'll find Latin (Salsa), seafood (Wrasse & Roe), casual Australian (Jungle Fowl, ISLA), and contemporary/modern dining. Specific menu details vary by restaurant.
Which restaurant is best for a special occasion?+
Zinc Restaurant Port Douglas is marked as fine dining and would suit formal occasions. Watergate and Epicurean Port Douglas are also upscale options worth considering.
Can I get live entertainment with my meal?+
Yes—The Tin Shed combines dining with live music. Check ahead for performance schedules.
Are these restaurants suitable for casual dining?+
Most venues range from casual to mid-range. Jungle Fowl, Bam Pow, and ISLA appear more relaxed. Zinc Restaurant Port Douglas is the exception, being fine dining.
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.