Best Restaurants in Palm Cove
Looking for the best restaurants in Palm Cove? We've gathered 15 standout spots in this corner of Cairns, each ranked by our independent Spot Score so the strongest picks rise to the top. Palm Cove has its own character, and the restaurants here reflect it — from neighbourhood favourites locals keep to themselves to places worth a special trip across town. Use the filters to narrow by price, rating, what's open right now and the features that matter to you, then open the map to plan your visit around what else is nearby. We re-check details regularly, so opening hours and information stay current.
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.
15 spots in Palm Cove
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.
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
$$$$Refined Australian dishes, from breakfast to cocktails, in a lush beachfront setting.
Garage palm cove
Garage palm cove is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 384 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
El Greko Greek Taverna
$$El Greko Greek Taverna is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 1192 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill
$$Ellis Beach Bar & Grill is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 2094 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
Vivo Palm Cove
$$Open-plan restaurant with alfresco seating, for breakfast, cocktails and international dining.
O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill
$$O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 870 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 63/100.
Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant
$$Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 544 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Il Forno Pizzeria
$$Il Forno Pizzeria is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 651 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Surf Club Palm Cove
$$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.
Beach Almond
$$Upscale beachside restaurant & bar specialising in Modern Asian seafood dishes & desserts.
La Mesa
$La Mesa is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.3-star Google rating from 317 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 58/100.
Rattle n Hum Palm Cove
$$Vibrant beachfront bar and eatery for char-grilled steaks and seafood, plus karaoke and live music.
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.
More in Palm Cove
Restaurants in other Cairns suburbs
Restaurants in Palm Cove — FAQs
What are the best restaurants in Palm Cove?+
The restaurants in Palm Cove listed here are ranked by our Spot Score — our independent editorial rating out of 100, combining reputation, popularity, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear first.
How many restaurants are there in Palm Cove?+
We currently feature 15 restaurants in Palm Cove, and we add and re-check venues regularly so the list stays current.
How do I get to Palm Cove in Cairns?+
Palm Cove is one of Cairns's neighbourhoods — open any venue's page for its exact location, nearby public-transport stops and a map. See our Getting Around guide for tickets and fares.
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.