20 Best Cafes and Restaurants on Magnetic Island

Wondering where to eat on Magnetic Island? Welcome to my local guide to the best cafes and restaurants on Magnetic Island.

It’s been too long between Magnetic Island posts, considering it’s my home! So far, I’ve covered the best Magnetic Island walks, my favourite things to do, and a travel guide that includes all the nitty-gritty details. Today, I’m focusing on food and drinks (my favourite topic other than travel 😂). Keep reading to discover the best cafes and restaurants on Magnetic Island from a local’s perspective.

The beer of choice up north

I’ll discuss drink options at each location below. But note that the main beer you’ll find on tap at Magnetic Island pubs and bars is Great Northern Super Crisp Beer. Yes, you’ll typically find more Great Northern than XXXX these days! It’s 100% the beer of choice in North Queensland. As the name suggests, it’s a light-tasting, crisp, refreshing lager that pairs perfectly with our hot, sunny weather.

Best Magnetic Island cafes

1. Tiny Palm Coffee

Where you’ll find me on Magnetic Island! Tiny Palm Coffee is a coffee cart on Sooning Street in Nelly Bay. Surrounded by outdoor seating and lush plants at Jungle Club, it’s made for Instagram. We focus on specialty coffee and snacks like homemade banana bread, acai bowls, and chia pudding cups. Insider tip – grab a coffee and enjoy it in the onsite pool. Bliss.

2. Cafe Del Mar

Cafe Del Mar is the latest addition to Nelly Bay’s cafe scene. It’s located in the former Scallywags Cafe and focuses on coffee, breakfast, and paninis for lunch. I visited during their opening week and had the delicious prosciutto panini. I’ll definitely be returning to enjoy some pancakes for breakfast. It’s a great spot, a quick walk from the ferry terminal, and always buzzing.

3. Lava Lava

If you want oceanfront views, Lava Lava is in the perfect location overlooking Picnic Bay. You can sit outside in the sun or shade or pull up a chair at the open window inside. Lava Lava has a great selection of breakfast and lunch options. My go-to is the bacon and egg roll (I’m addicted to the tomato relish), but the specialty is bagels. You can’t go wrong!

4. Tropical Tide

Another waterfront location is Tropical Tide. The team parks their cart on the Nelly Bay foreshore so that you can enjoy your coffee or breakfast on the beach’s sandy shores. There are also tables in the shade. I’ve only been once, but I did enjoy a delicious bacon and egg roll during that visit.

5. Fruit N Scoops

Fruits N Scoops is conveniently found near the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal. If you’re a sweet breakfast person, this is the place for you! Think waffles, pancakes, crepes, and acai bowls. I’ve tried different waffle and crepe options and highly recommend them.

6. Arcadia Bakehouse

Another favourite of mine is Arcadia Bakehouse. A stone’s throw from Geoffrey Bay in Arcadia, the bakehouse specialises in pies, sausage rolls, and homemade treats. I may have tried a few different pastries from Arcadia Bakehouse, and they’re always 10/10. My current favourites are the chocolate almond croissant and the brownie. Pair your treat with one of the best coffees on the island, and you have the perfect Magnetic Island morning tea.

Best Magnetic Island restaurants

7. Island Burger

When it comes to my favourite Magnetic Island restaurants, Island Burger takes the top spot. It’s a little bit of a hidden gem as it’s located at Nomads, the backpacker resort. But anyone can visit to grab a burger and enjoy the waterfront views. I’ve never had a bad burger here.

While they have monthly specials, which I love to try, my go-to in between is the Mother Clucker. Please also do yourself a favour and get a side of fries. You’ll thank me later! Do you know what pairs perfectly with a burger? A schooner of Great Northern Super Crisp from the tap.

8. Mamma Roma

My second favourite Magnetic Island restaurant right now is Mamma Roma. Located in Picnic Bay, this Italian restaurant specialises in authentic wood-fired pizzas and pasta. I’m team pizza and can never say no to the Tricolore. You can also BYO at Mamma Roma. Bring your own Great Northern beer, or grab a six-pack from Maggie Island Brewery next door.

9. Barefoot Art Food Wine

Seeing as Horseshoe Bay is my bay, I’d better include a Horseshoe Bay restaurant! There are several on the foreshore, but Barefoot Art Food Wine is my top pick. As the name suggests, its walls are decorated with work from local artists that you can purchase. Marvel at the art while enjoying modern Australian dishes and a glass of wine.

10. Restaurant Elsie

The friendly staff at Restaurant Elsie are the BEST! But they also serve up a finer dining experience on Magnetic Island, with elevated dishes paired with a curated wine list. Keep an eye out for specials and the bake sale (every second Saturday). Tal is a pastry chef, so expect elite treats. The peanut butter cookies are my top pick, and you’ll never get me to change my mind!

11. Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar

Boardwalk is located at Pepper’s Blue on Blue Resort, next door to the ferry terminal. It also offers a finer dining experience on the island, with picturesque water views. The menu is an eclectic mix of cuisines – from Australian to Indonesian and Indian. Non-guests can also visit and enjoy the buffet breakfast if that’s your meal of choice.

12. SOS—Stuffed on Seafood

There are plenty of places to get fish and chips on Magnetic Island. But here’s a secret: SOS—Stuffed on Seafood often has specials. Located next door to Fruits N Scoops, keep your eyes peeled. I got this fish and chips for $10 on a Wednesday. I’m also partial to their loaded fries for something different.

13. Thai Again

Tucked up on a residential street in Nelly Bay, Thai Again is one of the most popular Magnetic Island restaurants. Reservations are highly recommended as they’re frequently booked out. The specialty here is authentic and delectable Thai food at reasonable prices. You can also BYO.

14. Magnetic Island Beach Bums

If you’re craving tacos for dinner, I highly suggest making a beeline for Magnetic Island Beach Bums. A newer kid on the block, their Indonesian-inspired tacos are unique and delicious! They’re open for breakfast, lunch (when I enjoyed this burger), and dinner.

15. Magnetic Island Pubs

If you’re feeling like a classic pub meal, here are the three main Magnetic Island pubs:

• Picnic Bay Hotel

Picnic Bay Hotel is where I most frequent, as my dad does regular gigs here. The view of Picnic Bay Jetty and Townsville with a side of live music is hard to beat. Enjoy the view with a Great Northern beer and meals like burgers and pub classics (I’m looking at you, fish and chips and chicken parmigiana).

• Arcadia Village Hotel

Arcadia Village Hotel has great meal specials and weekly events (I’m a trivia girlie myself), which are advertised out front. But they also serve delicious pizza alongside burgers and traditional pub fare.

• Marlin Bar Tavern

Marlin Bar Tavern is the Horseshoe Bay option. You can sit directly overlooking the street and the beach. The food menu mixes pub classics, pizzas, burgers, and salads.

Other Magnetic Island dining options

I don’t think these classify as Magnetic Island restaurants and cafes, but I’d be remiss not to mention them:

• Ric’s Woodfire Pizza

Ric’s Woodfire Pizza has a mobile wood-fired pizza oven. Visit his Instagram to see where he is while you’re visiting for authentic Italian wood-fired pizza.

• Ceylon Curry Corner

Ceylon Curry Corner is open on Friday and Saturday nights in Nelly Bay. The old helipad is just down the road from Island Burger. Stop by for an affordable and authentic range of Sri Lankan curries. My top picks are the yellow chicken and creamy pumpkin curries. There is seating on site, but I recommend taking your curry and walking a few steps to the beach!

• Maggie Island Brewery

Maggie Island Brewery is unique! Right now, there are Latin-inspired tapas on site. But you can also order from Mamma Roma and have your meal delivered to the brewery. I love how supportive this community is 🥹.

These are my personal favourite cafes and restaurants on Magnetic Island.

I know other options are available (yes, for a small island, there are plenty of Magnetic Island restaurants to choose from), but these are my go-tos. I hope you have a great time visiting Magnetic Island!

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 🫶🏻.

Thanks to Coles for partnering with me on this post.