Best Restaurants in Cairns (2026)
Looking for the best restaurants in Cairns? We've rounded up 134 of the city's standout spots — from neighbourhood favourites to buzzy new openings. Every venue is ranked by our Spot Score, which weighs reputation, popularity and freshness, so you can book with confidence. Filter by suburb, price or what's open now to find your next go-to.
Cairns's dining scene spans cuisines from across the world alongside modern Australian cooking that leans on local produce and seafood. Whether you're after a special-occasion table or a relaxed neighbourhood dinner, the list below is ranked so the consistently excellent rises to the top.
134 spots
Salsa Bar and Grill
$$International dishes using local produce in an airy blue and white space with outdoor seats.
Code Cairns
Code Cairns is a restaurant in Holloways Beach, Cairns. It holds a 5.0-star Google rating from 509 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 68/100.
Hello Harry (The Burger Joint) Cairns
$$Hello Harry (The Burger Joint) Cairns is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 1662 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 68/100.
IGNIS Palm Cove
IGNIS Palm Cove is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 5.0-star Google rating from 285 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 67/100.
Nu Nu Restaurant
$$$$Refined Australian dishes, from breakfast to cocktails, in a lush beachfront setting.
Dundees on the Waterfront
$$$Steak, seafood and Australian sampler plates with crocodile and kangaroo, served by the waterfront.
Miguel's
Miguel's is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 885 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 67/100.
Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse
$$Spacious venue with smart modern decor using wood and stone, plus outdoor seating on a timber deck.
NOA Restaurant Cairns
$$NOA Restaurant Cairns is a restaurant in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating from 1761 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 67/100.
Melaleuca
$$Melaleuca is a restaurant in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 973 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 66/100.
Bellocale Italian Seafood Restaurant
Buzzing, modern venue opening out onto the street, for traditional pasta, seafood and mains.
Flynn's Italian by Crystalbrook
Flynn's Italian by Crystalbrook is a restaurant in Cairns North, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 994 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 66/100.
KOI Bar & Restaurant
KOI Bar & Restaurant is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 492 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 66/100.
The Petit Cafe
$$The Petit Cafe is a restaurant in Kuranda, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 915 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 66/100.
Nautilus Restaurant
$$$$Upmarket Modern Australian food, with à la carte and tasting menus, in a tropical outdoor space.
Il Chiosco
Il Chiosco is a restaurant in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 852 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 66/100.
Bam Pow
Bam Pow is a restaurant in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 561 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 66/100.
Pistacchi
$$Pistacchi is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 662 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 65/100.
Restaurants by suburb
Zoom in on the best restaurants in Cairns's most popular neighbourhoods.
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Read guide →Restaurants in Cairns — FAQs
What are the best restaurants in Cairns?+
Our top-rated restaurants in Cairns are ranked by our Spot Score, which combines Google ratings, review volume, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear at the top of this page.
How is the Cairns restaurants ranking decided?+
We blend independent signals — Google star ratings and review counts, popularity, the quality of available information and freshness — into a single Spot Score out of 100. It's an editorial score, not a paid placement.
Can I filter restaurants by suburb or price?+
Yes. Use the filters to narrow by suburb, minimum rating, price level, whether a place is open now, and features like dog-friendly or outdoor seating.
How many restaurants are listed in Cairns?+
We currently feature 134 restaurants across Cairns and surrounding suburbs, and we add and re-check venues regularly.
Do I need to book a restaurant in Cairns?+
For popular and higher-end restaurants, booking ahead is wise — especially Friday and Saturday nights. Many casual spots take walk-ins. Check the venue's own page or website for the latest, as we don't take bookings on your behalf.