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
OK Sushi
$$OK Sushi is a restaurant in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 274 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 54/100.
Spicy Bite Edge Hill- Best Indian Restaurant in Cairns
$$Spicy Bite Edge Hill- Best Indian Restaurant in Cairns is a restaurant in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.0-star Google rating from 290 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 54/100.
Sails
Sails is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.3-star Google rating from 92 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 54/100.
Making The Dough
Making The Dough is a restaurant in Smithfield, Cairns. It holds a 4.1-star Google rating from 195 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 54/100.
Hemingway's Brewery Tap House
Hemingway's Brewery Tap House is a restaurant in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.3-star Google rating from 76 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 54/100.
Richards Salt And Pepper Takeaway
Richards Salt And Pepper Takeaway is a restaurant in Holloways Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 58 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 53/100.
The Big Chill Clifton Beach
The Big Chill Clifton Beach is a restaurant in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 26 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 53/100.
The Surfy Port Douglas
$$The Surfy Port Douglas is a restaurant in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.0-star Google rating from 1016 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 52/100.
Guzman y Gomez - Smithfield
Guzman y Gomez - Smithfield is a restaurant in Smithfield, Cairns. It holds a 4.3-star Google rating from 46 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 52/100.
Calabrese Cafe
Calabrese Cafe is a restaurant in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 5.0-star Google rating from 35 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 51/100.
Phở Corner Kuranda
Phở Corner Kuranda is a restaurant in Kuranda, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 97 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 51/100.
Nonna’s Leotta's House
Nonna’s Leotta's House is a restaurant in Cairns North, Cairns. It holds a 3.9-star Google rating from 131 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 51/100.
Pickles Restaurant and Bar
Pickles Restaurant and Bar is a restaurant in Holloways Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 17 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 51/100.
PAN-YA
PAN-YA is a restaurant in Kuranda, Cairns. It holds a 5.0-star Google rating from 33 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 51/100.
THIRSTY FLAMINGO Poolside Bar & Dining
THIRSTY FLAMINGO Poolside Bar & Dining is a restaurant in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.1-star Google rating from 63 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 51/100.
Koko Poolside Bar & Kitchen
Koko Poolside Bar & Kitchen is a restaurant in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.0-star Google rating from 88 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 51/100.
Thai Spicy Dish
Thai Spicy Dish is a restaurant in Holloways Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 34 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 50/100.
Oak & Vine Restaurant
Oak & Vine Restaurant is a restaurant in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.0-star Google rating from 46 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 49/100.
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.