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If you’re hunting for the best places to eat in Cairns, you’re in the right spot. Cairns is one of my favourite tropical cities in Queensland, and the food scene keeps getting better. From cheap night market snacks to waterfront dinners and next-level bakeries, this guide has you sorted for your next trip north.
Where to stay in Cairns
- Budget: Gilligan’s Hotel & Resort is a backpackers in the heart of Cairns, with a pool, various room options (dorms and private rooms), and even an on-site nightclub!
- Mid-range: On my recent trip, I got a great deal at Cairns Colonial Club Resort, and I would 100% return. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the CBD, but there are three on-site pools alongside a restaurant.
- Luxury: The 5-star Crystalbrook Riley is located on Cairns Esplanade and features a lagoon-style pool (complete with a man-made beach) and Cairns’ highest rooftop bar.
The best places to eat in Cairns
1. Cairns Night Markets
The Cairns Night Markets are a rite of passage for hungry travellers. While you can go for staples like fish and chips, sushi, or a kebab, it’s the Asian buffets I make a beeline for. As you can see above, they overflow the containers with as many dishes as you like. It’s perfect when you want something quick, filling, and budget-friendly.
2. Rusty’s Markets
Rusty’s Markets is a Cairns icon, open every Friday to Sunday. You’ll find tropical fruit, fresh juices, pastries, dumplings, spices, handmade goodies, and all the Cairns locals picking up their fresh produce. Go early and try a little bit of everything.
3. Muddy’s Cafe
For a lunch experience with a killer view, head to Muddy’s Cafe along The Esplanade. The Full Monty burger is the move. It’s juicy, clearly loaded, and arrives fast, which is ideal when you’re starving after a morning in the sun. Sit by the water, people watch, and enjoy a reliably yum feed.
4. Copper Bar and Grill
Copper Bar and Grill on the Esplanade is an excellent pick if you want something a little flashier. Their specialty is Jamaican jerk chicken that comes out smoky and packed with flavour, plus slow-cooked ribs that fall straight off the bone. It’s a lively spot for dinner with good energy, generous portions, and a menu that leans into big, bold flavours.
5. Japan Pan Bakery
I have TikTok to thank for bringing Japan Pan Bakery to my attention. It might be cosy and small, but it delivers some delicious Japanese treats. The choc cornette is soft and filled with creamy chocolate, and the cinnamon-sugar doughnut hits the spot. It’s a little bit out of Cairns city near the DFO.
6. P.J. O’Brien’s
If you’re after cheap eats in Cairns, P.J. O’Brien’s does weekday $10 classic pub meals for lunch and dinner. It’s a solid, smaller option if you’re not up for a giant dinner. I went for the fish and chips, and I would return for the crispy chips alone (look at them 🤤). The Irish pub’s vibe is also very moody inside, but I bet it gets rowdier as the night goes on.
7. Rattle n Hum
If you’re wandering the Esplanade in the late afternoon, Rattle n Hum is always worth a stop for happy hour. The menu is classic pub meals, and the pizzas are especially good for sharing if travelling with kids.
8. Mayhem at Machans
Start your day with a beach walk and then a sweet or savoury treat from Mayhem at Machans, just outside the city. I’m only human, and couldn’t look past the flaky croissant filled with ice cream. It’s the kind of local breakfast spot that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the morning.
9. Non La Kitchen
For a flavour-packed lunch or dinner for under $20, I love the banh mi combo from Non La Kitchen. I went with the pork with crackling, and I would recommend it. The combo includes a dim-sim and a drink. Simple, fresh, and so satisfying.
10. The Pier Bar
Looking toward the Lagoon and Esplanade, The Pier Bar is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal like pizzas, burgers, tacos, and nachos. If you want relaxed dining with a view, check it out!
11. Waffle On
Waffle On is home to my absolute favourite meal in Cairns. As the name suggests, waffles are their specialty. While they’ve got sweet and savoury options, how can you look past the sweet when the dishes look like this? The Cookie Monster is clearly the top pick. Chocolate, crumbled cookies, ice cream, and a huge sandwich of whipped cream. It’s chaotic and glorious.
12. Cupkates
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you must visit Cupkates in the CBD on Friday or Saturday. Edible art is what they do, and they do it well. They serve the most decadent desserts you can imagine, including brownies, blondies, and cookies. Come on an empty stomach (and thank me later).
More popular places to eat in Cairns
Here are the other Cairns restaurants and cafes I had on my list that I’ll be checking off next time I visit:
13. Salt House is one of the most talked-about restaurants in Cairns. Thanks to its waterfront location right on the marina, it’s a great place to sit and watch the sunset over the city. They specialise in modern Australian cuisine, pizzas, and classy cocktails.
14. Dundee’s on the Waterfront is another favourite for waterfront dining in Cairns. The menu leans heavily into the freshest local seafood, Australian beef, and bush tucker. Yes, you can enjoy kangaroo or crocodile satays here! If you don’t have time for dinner, head here for brunch or their lunch specials.
15. Oak and Vine sits on the rooftop of Oaks Cairns Hotel and is known for its stunning Coral Sea views. I had my eye on the breakfast menu, but they also do $25 lunch specials as well as dinner, which you should most definitely enjoy with a cocktail.
16. Caffiend is a long-time local favourite for breakfast and brunch. Great coffee, creative food, and a cosy vibe that makes it easy to linger.
17. If you’re craving Indonesian food, Bagus Cafe is a standout. They have every Indonesian specialty you could want, plus some twists like a gado gado burger.
18. A little outside Cairns but totally worth the trip, Il Chiosco in Trinity Beach does delicious modern Italian food right across from the beach, including Roman-style pizza and handmade pasta.
19. I cannot resist a good burger (please see Muddy’s Cafe), so Cairns Burger Cafe is definitely on the list for next time.
20. Multiple people raved about Yaya’s Hellenic Kitchen and Bar, but I didn’t get there this time. However, if you’re visiting Cairns and craving Greek food (from homemade dips to sharing plates and traditional Greek dishes), this is the place for you. I hear booking in advance is handy, too.
21. When I asked for Cairns restaurant recommendations, a friend suggested iYara Thai Cuisine for authentic Thai meals using traditional recipes. Choose from soups, noodles, rice dishes, appetisers, and curries.
22. If you need a healthier meal to counterbalance those burgers and pizzas, check out Crave Cairns. Not only is its beachy vibe aesthetically pleasing, but its menu includes everything from eggs to acai bowls to burgers and poke bowls. No matter what you’re feeling, you’ll find it on the all-day menu.
23. Yes, I also found these recommendations on TikTok (my FYP clearly knew what I was looking for in Cairns city 😂). Earl’s Eatery has pastries and sandwiches that look dangerously good. Meanwhile, CaKao Plus delivers affordable but hefty sandwiches alongside an extensive drinks menu. Natural cacao and match drinks are their specialty, if that’s your style.
24. If you don’t make it to Cupkates, Bury Me Standing is another Cairns bakery on my list. It’s known for its bagels and baked goods that locals line up for. It also has the cutest, quirky interior that I need to see with my own eyes next time.
25. Goose Specialty Coffee is another friend recommendation, and a must if you want a Cairns cafe serving modern dishes alongside some of the city’s best coffee.
FAQs about the best restaurants in Cairns
My top picks for cheap eats in Cairns are the $10 weekday specials at P.J. O’Brien’s and the Cairns Night Markets. I also recommend checking out these Cairns food specials, as they mention other pubs with affordable deals.
For dinner with waterfront views, head to the marina and dine at either Salt House or Dundee’s Restaurant. Oak and Vine is another standout thanks to its rooftop location overlooking the Esplanade.
Check out Muddy’s Cafe anytime of the day, visit Copper Bar and Grill for good pub grub, or head to Rattle n Hum for happy hour and dinner.
For everything from fresh local produce to breakfast and snacks, you must visit Rusty’s Markets. But if you want a hearty dinner, check out the Cairns Night Markets.
My number one recommendation is Muddy’s Cafe, as it has an adjacent playground. But the Cairns Night Markets are also a good option, as there’s a variety of outlets, so even the pickiest eater will find something to enjoy. Finally, check out Rattle n Hum for relaxed pub-style dining.
Every Palm Cove food guide will tell you that Vivo is the town’s best restaurant. Beachfront dining from breakfast to dinner, it specialises in elevated casual dining.
Look, I’m going to mention the Cairns Night Markets again because clearly it ticks every box! But also check out Non La Kitchen and Bagus Cafe for a casual dinner in Cairns.
That’s a wrap on the best places to eat in Cairns.
I hope this guide helps you plan your own Cairns vacation. If you’re looking for what to do in between epic meals, check out my bumper guide to the best things to do in Cairns.
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
– Book accommodation with Booking.com or Hostelworld. Yes, I am that person who checks both places before booking accommodation to get the best price.
– Organise travel insurance.
– Book adventures via GetYourGuide, my preferred provider. In some instances, I’ve found activities here that were sold out elsewhere.
– Stay connected with an eSIM from Sim Local.
– Check out my travel resources page for more info.
Any and all support is appreciated 🫶🏻.
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