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
Bistro Corretto
Bistro Corretto is a restaurant in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 81 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 60/100.
Yorkeys Knob Boating Club
A family-friendly restaurant in a seafront boating club, serving steaks and seafood.
Thai Kai Cafe
Thai Kai Cafe is a restaurant in Kuranda, Cairns. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating from 197 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 60/100.
Spicy bite smithfield
Spicy bite smithfield is a restaurant in Smithfield, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 365 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 60/100.
Frogs Kuranda
Frogs Kuranda is a restaurant in Kuranda, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 378 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 60/100.
Surf Club Palm Cove
$$Surf Club Palm Cove is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.2-star Google rating from 916 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 60/100.
Rattle n Hum Cairns
$$Steaks, burgers and pizza in an easygoing, wood-lined pub with long tables and big-screen sports.
Rattle n Hum Port Douglas
$$Rattle n Hum Port Douglas is a restaurant in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.1-star Google rating from 1915 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 60/100.
The Cotton Club
$$The Cotton Club is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 454 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 60/100.
Sushi Train Smithfield
$$Diverse sushi & sashimi on a conveyor belt, plus hot Japanese mains, at a straightforward chain.
Everyday Lover
$$Everyday Lover is a restaurant in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 267 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 60/100.
Samgasat Thai Cuisine
Samgasat Thai Cuisine is a restaurant in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 390 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 60/100.
Trinity Beach Sports Club
Trinity Beach Sports Club is a cafe in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.3-star Google rating from 497 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 59/100.
Strait on the Beach
$$Strait on the Beach is a restaurant in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.2-star Google rating from 827 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 59/100.
Italicious
Italicious is a restaurant in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating from 148 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 59/100.
Pantry 15
$$Vibrant cafe for breakfast & lunch offering a gluten-free menu in simple, well-lit surrounds.
Hi Tide by the beach
$$Hi Tide by the beach is a restaurant in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.2-star Google rating from 617 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 59/100.
Hemingway's Brewery FNQ
$$Hemingway's Brewery FNQ is a restaurant in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.1-star Google rating from 1040 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 59/100.
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.