Great Barrier Reef Restaurants

Typically, restaurants on Barrier Reef islands are part of each island's main resort, so many resorts' rates include some or all meals. Some larger resorts have a range of restaurants, with formal dining rooms, outdoor barbecues, and seafood buffets; some have premium dining options for which you pay extra. Dress is generally "island casual." Some upscale restaurants—such as those on Hayman Island—require men to wear jackets for dinner and frown on flip-flop sandals. On the mainland you'll find plenty of casual, open-air restaurants, serving mainly Modern Australian–style meals that showcase seafood and regional produce. With a few notable exceptions, Cairns, Palm Cove, and Port Douglas are your best bets for upscale dining.

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  • 1. Cafe One 3

    $

    This cozy, friendly café makes a point of supporting local farmers, with a locavore breakfast menu featuring the best of Whitsunday produce. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, plus high-quality coffee. And beanbags to sit on.

    13 Waterson Way, Airlie Beach, Queensland, 4802, Australia
    0419-783--313

    Known For

    • Use of local produce
    • Vegan options
    • Friendly service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed weekends
  • 2. Ochre Restaurant

    $$ | CBD

    Local seafood and native and seasonal ingredients take top billing at this upscale yet relaxed Cairns institution that specializes in bush dining. Expect to find the likes of kangaroo, crocodile, and even green ants, with fine antipodean wines to match.

    6/1 Marlin Parade, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
    07-4051–0100

    Known For

    • Australian game
    • Gluten-free and vegetarian options
    • Signature dessert—wattle-seed pavlova with Davidson plum sorbet and macadamia biscotti

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential
  • 3. On The Inlet Seafood Restaurant

    $

    At this much-lauded seafood restaurant, modern Australian dishes put the focus on fresh North Queensland produce and seafood, which is delivered direct from local fishing boats. You can choose your own live mud crab from holding tanks, or down the sunset special---a generous bucket of prawns and a choice of Aussie beer or wine.

    18–20 Wharf St, Port Douglas, Queensland, 4877, Australia
    07-4099–5255

    Known For

    • <PRO>dining on the deck</PRO>
    • <PRO>terrific wine and cocktail list</PRO>
    • <PRO>family-friendly atmosphere and kids menu</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 4. Salsa Bar & Grill

    $$

    Rub shoulders with local foodies and enjoy intimate dining after sunset on the large wooden deck of this lively waterside institution that serves tropical Modern Australian fare. The dinner menu offers something for everyone, from kingfish ceviche to herb-crusted wild barramundi, to a seafood laksa that utilizes plenty of the local produce.

    26 Wharf St., Port Douglas, Queensland, 4877, Australia
    07-4099–4922

    Known For

    • Great waterfront location
    • Creative cocktail menu
    • Linguine pepperincino with local red claw crayfish

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed., Reservations essential
  • 5. Whet Cafe, Bar and Restaurant

    $

    Stylish and hip yet comfortable, Whet Cafe, Bar and Restaurant draws visitors and locals with its outdoor deck, perfect for long lunches, sunset cocktails, and romantic dinners. It has Modern Australian food using regional and seasonal ingredients and friendly service, and is a fully self-sustained, off-grid operation.

    Cape Tribulation Rd., Cape Tribulation, Queensland, 4873, Australia
    07-4098–0007

    Known For

    • Jungle dining
    • Local seafood with Mediterranean influences
    • Melt-in-your-mouth steaks and local-caught barramundi
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Cairns Night Markets Food Court

    $ | CBD | Fast Food

    The food court in these lively, night owl–friendly markets offers something for every palate, from Korean BBQ to sweet-and-sour chicken, sushi, Thai, and Italian. You can also max out on desserts, with outlets offering crepes, waffles, churros, gelato, ice cream, and Italian-style coffee. The food court's open daily from 10 am to 11 pm; the night markets, 5 to 11 pm.

    71–75 The Esplanade, between Shield and Spence Sts., Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
    07-4051–7666

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Most food stalls accept credit cards but bring cash in case
  • 7. coca chu

    $$

    Offering hawker-style street food dining, coca chu appeals to all with its relaxed vibe, Catseye Beach views, and a varied dinner menu that showcases regional produce and Southeast Asian flavors. The twice-cooked Sichuan duck with chili, coriander, ginger, and soy black vinegar sauce is a worthy signature dish.

    Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island, Queensland, 4803, Australia
    07-4946–9999

    Known For

    • Casual Asian family-style dining perfect for groups
    • Part of the Kids Stay & Eat Free offering on the island
    • Sichuan duck with aromatics

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 8. Manta Ray

    $

    This could be the island's best all-round dining establishment. It's great for breezy alfresco lunches, sunset drinks on the deck, and relaxed dinners. Dine right by the marina on salads and pasta, enjoy a curry, or try one of the daily specials. There's plenty on Manta Ray's menu to suit all tastes, even the kids.

    Front St., Hamilton Island, Queensland, 4803, Australia
    07-4946–9999-resort restaurant reservations

    Known For

    • Children (up to 12) with adults can eat free
    • Great burgers
    • Well-priced menu to suit the whole family
  • 9. Northerlies Bar and Grill

    $

    Overlooking a tranquil bay just outside of Airlie Beach, Northerlies has become a local favorite. A farm-to-table ethos shapes the menu, so expect fresh-from-the-boat seafood, single-farm origin steaks, and house-smoked meats paired with local produce.

    Pringle Rd., Queensland, 4802, Australia
    1800-682--277

    Known For

    • Aged bone-in rib eye
    • Quiet, waterfront location with alfresco dining
    • Shuttle service to and from Airlie Beach
  • 10. Perrotta's at the Gallery

    $ | CBD

    This outdoor café and wine bar at Cairns Art Gallery serves sumptuous breakfasts as well as lunch and dinner. Lunch fare features a signature duck salad, gourmet sandwiches, and heartier meals, while dinner options include Italian and Modern Australian dishes: antipasto, pasta, and pizza.

    38 Abbott St., Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
    07-4031–5899

    Known For

    • Central location
    • Road menu
    • Smoothies
  • 11. TAKO

    $

    Hamilton Island’s latest concept restaurant, TAKO, takes its influence from a range of Mexican regions to create tasty but approachable dishes. The exciting menu features lots of shareable dishes: the likes of tostadas, tacos, and quesadillas inspired by the various regions of Mexico. TAKO’s decor and ambience are colorful, fun, and lively. There's a kids' menu here that should ensure everyone in the family is kept happy.

    Front St., Hamilton Island, Queensland, 4802, Australia
    07-4946–8032

    Known For

    • Approachable cuisine
    • Lively environment
    • Unlike anything else on Hamilton Island

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Tues., and Wed. No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 12. Vivo

    $

    Enjoy Coral Sea views framed by palms and melaleucas along with Mod Oz dishes at this classy beachside eatery. Diners come for the mix of Southeast Asian and Australian breakfast favorites; the duck salad and battered coral trout at lunch; and seafood with seasonal produce at dinner.

    49 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, Queensland, 4879, Australia
    07-4059–0944

    Known For

    • A popular spot for city-strong coffee, and cocktails
    • Open kitchen
    • Relaxed beachside destination

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