Restaurants Worth Going To for the View in Cairns
Cairns and its surrounds offer plenty of dining spots where the scenery is as much part of the experience as the food. Whether you're after waterfront outlook or tropical atmosphere, here are some restaurants in the region that combine good dining with compelling views.
- 1Restaurants Port Douglas
1. Salsa Bar and Grill
Located in Port Douglas, this venue offers a change of scenery from Cairns proper while delivering the waterfront dining experience the Far North Queensland coast is known for.
Good for groupsvegetarianscenic viewopen late+2 moreView venue4.8(2,625)· Google$$$$70Spot ScoreGreat 
2Restaurants Cairns City2. Hello Harry (The Burger Joint) Cairns
For a more casual approach to waterfront dining in Cairns City, this burger-focused venue provides a laid-back option with views.
scenic viewopen mondayopen sundayopen seven daysView venue4.7(1,662)· Google$$$$68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Restaurants Cairns City3. Dundees on the Waterfront
Positioned right on Cairns City waterfront, this spot puts you directly onto the water, ideal if you want to combine a meal with the activity and outlook of the esplanade.
scenic viewopen mondayopen sundayopen seven daysView venue4.6(5,071)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Restaurants Cairns City4. Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse
Another Cairns City waterfront venue, this steakhouse trades on its proximity to the water and the views that come with it.
scenic viewopen mondayopen sundayopen seven daysView venue4.6(2,419)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Restaurants Cairns North5. Flynn's Italian by Crystalbrook
In Cairns North, this Italian restaurant offers a different vantage point on the region while maintaining the tropical North Queensland setting.
scenic viewView venue4.7(994)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Restaurants Trinity Beach6. Il Chiosco
Based in Trinity Beach, this restaurant puts you closer to the coast north of Cairns, offering a quieter beachside dining environment.
scenic viewearly openingopen mondayopen sunday+1 moreView venue4.7(852)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Restaurants Cairns City7. KOI Bar & Restaurant
Situated in Cairns City, this venue offers dining in a central location where waterfront views are part of the appeal.
scenic viewopen lateopen mondayView venue4.8(492)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Restaurants Cairns City8. Vitalia's Italian Restaurant
Located in Cairns City, this Italian option gives you another choice for waterfront-adjacent dining in the heart of town.
scenic viewopen mondayopen sundayopen seven daysView venue4.5(1,823)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Restaurants Cairns City9. Ochre Restaurant and Catering
Operating in Cairns City, this venue is positioned to offer both dining and the central waterfront setting the city is known for.
scenic viewopen lateopen mondayView venue4.5(1,794)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Restaurants Cairns City10. Piato Mediterranean Restaurant
Based in Cairns City, this Mediterranean restaurant rounds out the central dining precinct with its own view-focused offering.
scenic viewopen mondayopen sundayopen seven daysView venue4.5(1,058)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Restaurants Cairns North11. Little Sister Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Situated in Cairns North, this venue combines dining and cocktails in a location slightly removed from the main city centre.
scenic viewopen mondayopen sundayopen seven daysView venue4.5(968)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Restaurants Trinity Beach12. The Bluewater
Also in Trinity Beach, this combined restaurant and bar spot takes advantage of the beach location for a more relaxed seaside atmosphere.
scenic viewopen lateopen mondayopen sunday+1 moreView venue4.4(1,630)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salsa Bar and Grill | 70/100 | 4.8(2,625) | $$ | Port Douglas | Good for groups |
| Hello Harry (The Burger Joint) Cairns | 68/100 | 4.7(1,662) | $$ | Cairns City | scenic view |
| Dundees on the Waterfront | 67/100 | 4.6(5,071) | $$$ | Cairns City | scenic view |
| Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse | 67/100 | 4.6(2,419) | $$ | Cairns City | scenic view |
| Flynn's Italian by Crystalbrook | 66/100 | 4.7(994) | — | Cairns North | scenic view |
| Il Chiosco | 66/100 | 4.7(852) | — | Trinity Beach | scenic view |
| KOI Bar & Restaurant | 66/100 | 4.8(492) | — | Cairns City | scenic view |
| Vitalia's Italian Restaurant | 65/100 | 4.5(1,823) | $$ | Cairns City | scenic view |
| Ochre Restaurant and Catering | 65/100 | 4.5(1,794) | $$$ | Cairns City | scenic view |
| Piato Mediterranean Restaurant | 64/100 | 4.5(1,058) | $$ | Cairns City | scenic view |
| Little Sister Restaurant & Cocktail Bar | 64/100 | 4.5(968) | $$ | Cairns North | scenic view |
| The Bluewater | 64/100 | 4.4(1,630) | $$ | Trinity Beach | scenic view |
Frequently asked questions
Which of these restaurants are actually on the waterfront?+
Dundees on the Waterfront and Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse are explicitly named as waterfront venues in Cairns City. Others are positioned near the water or in beach suburbs, but the sources provided don't confirm every venue's exact waterfront positioning.
Are any of these restaurants in quieter beach areas?+
Il Chiosco and The Bluewater are both in Trinity Beach, which offers a more relaxed beach setting north of the main Cairns precinct. Salsa Bar and Grill is in Port Douglas, further north again.
Do I need to book ahead at these venues?+
We don't have booking information for these venues. It's best to contact the restaurant directly, especially for dinner service or if you're dining in a group.
What type of cuisine should I expect?+
The venues span Italian, Mediterranean, steakhouse, burger, and modern Australian styles. Some focus on specific cuisines while others are more general dining venues.
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.