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
Burrito Bar Smithfield (Cairns)
$$Burrito Bar Smithfield (Cairns) is a restaurant in Smithfield, Cairns. It holds a 3.5-star Google rating from 413 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 49/100.
Noodle House
$$Noodle House is a restaurant in Smithfield, Cairns. It holds a 4.1-star Google rating from 233 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 49/100.
Menu Thai Cuisine (Edge Hill)
Menu Thai Cuisine (Edge Hill) is a restaurant in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating from 34 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 48/100.
The Reef House Restaurant
The Reef House Restaurant is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 7 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 46/100.
Nude Amigos Cairns
Nude Amigos Cairns is a restaurant in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.2-star Google rating from 6 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 45/100.
Chop Chop Kitchen
Chop Chop Kitchen is a restaurant in Cairns North, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 14 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 45/100.
Oporto Smithfield
Flame-grilled, Portuguese-style chicken, plus made-to-order salads & wraps, in a relaxed chain cafe.
Kuranda Rainforest View Restaurant
$$Kuranda Rainforest View Restaurant is a restaurant in Kuranda, Cairns. It holds a 2.5-star Google rating from 863 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 37/100.
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.