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
Yama Zaru Izakaya
Yama Zaru Izakaya is a restaurant in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating from 386 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
GiGi Bar Restaurant
GiGi Bar Restaurant is a restaurant in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 140 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Tia's Cafe
$$Tia's Cafe is a restaurant in Cairns North, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 511 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant
$$Casual indoor dining or terrace setting for traditional Balinese curry, rice and spicy grilled fish.
Palooka
$$Palooka is a restaurant in Cairns North, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 528 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Bushfire Flame Grill
$$Quirky, laid-back spot for Brazilian-inspired BBQ skewered beef, pork or lamb with variety of sides.
Hemingway's Brewery Cairns Wharf
$$Sprawling brewhouse offering a diverse beer menu, plus burgers, pizza & fish tacos.
Il Forno Pizzeria
$$Il Forno Pizzeria is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 651 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Villa Romana
$$Breezy, beachfront all-day Italian cafe with buffet breakfast and Mediterranean menu until late.
Ten 06
Ten 06 is a restaurant in Yorkeys Knob, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 407 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
The Pier Bar
$$Pub meals, wood-fired pizza and cocktails in a vast, modern space with a terrace and a relaxed vibe.
Barron River Hotel
$$Barron River Hotel is a restaurant in Holloways Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 551 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
ISLA
ISLA is a restaurant in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 93 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Tuk Tuk Cook in Progress
$$Tuk Tuk Cook in Progress is a restaurant in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 570 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Copper Bar & Grill
Copper Bar & Grill is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 587 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
IronBar
$$Warm, rustic steakhouse focusing on grilled and smoked meats. plus oyster & cocktail hours.
Osprey's Restaurant Port Douglas
$$$Osprey's Restaurant Port Douglas is a restaurant in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 399 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Flame Indian Cuisine
Flame Indian Cuisine is a restaurant in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 88 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Restaurants by suburb
Zoom in on the best restaurants in Cairns's most popular neighbourhoods.
Restaurants guides for Cairns
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 →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.