Post and photos by Foodvixen, March 15th 2022
Cairns and the surrounding areas have a plethora of yummy dining options to choose from. With this guide at your beck and call you certainly won’t be going hungry.
Guerrilla (Modern Mexican) – In the blue chip suburb of Edge Hill, this place is hugely popular so make sure you book. The Spicy Margarita goes down a treat!
Miss Chief – If you’re looking for a romantic dinner with your significant other or drinks and share plates with friends then this place is the go to. One of my favourite places in Cairns, Miss Chief totally nails the food, service, cocktails and atmosphere. There’s plenty of vegan options if that’s your thing otherwise order the 14 hour slow cooked chilli caramel pork belly.
Muddy’s On The Esplanade – Located at Muddy’s Playground, whether you have kids or not the food is great. The best days to visit are Tuesday for their $10 tacos or Friday for their $10 Fish and Chips from 5pm. There’s tables or you can take it away and eat it on the grass.
Phetyai Thai – This is our go to restaurant for an easy Friday night family dinner. The food is so cheap but oh so good. I recommend the Crispy Pork with Rice.
Prawn Star (Seafood) – Located down on the Marlin Marina, right in front of the Pier. This place is a bit of a rip off but where else do you get to eat fresh seafood on a trawler?
Tha Fish (Seafood) – Hands down the best seafood restaurant in Cairns, which is coincidentally right across from the Prawn Star.
Waterbar and Grill (Steak) – Cairns’ most popular restaurant that’s been serving excellent steaks for over 10 years. Make sure you book.
Tamarind (Asian fusion) – At the Casino, expensive but worth it for that special occasion. If you do go then the degustation is a must as is the Whole Crispy Baby Barramundi and the Penang Duck Curry.
Wawawa Izakaya (Japanese) – Fab Japanese food in the city. Wash it all down with an Asahi or two!
The Boat Shed – On the waterfront overlooking the Marina. The best time to go is between 3pm and 6pm every day for their Happy Hour food and drink specials.
Cock n Bull (pub) – Family friendly British pub with enormous meals. The Death by Chocolate dessert is a bit of a crowd pleaser.
Corea Corea (Korean food) – you guessed it – This cheap and cheerful spot is located upstairs in the food court at Orchid Plaza and serves the best Korean food in Cairns and it’s BYO. Just don’t burn your mouth.
Bagus Cafe (Indonesian) – Fabulous, no frills Indonesian food on the Esplanade. These guys have been named ‘Best Restaurant in Cairns on Trip Advisor’ for a few years now.
Ganbaranba (Japanese) – serves the best Ramen and Gyoza in town. So good there is often a lineup!
Arigato Mate (Japanese and Korean) – Cute little restaurant with huge bento boxes, noodles and the like. Great value and family friendly. Open for lunch and dinner.
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Addresses and websites for the chosen restaurants:
Guerrilla Cairns – Mexican restaurant 120 Collins Ave, Edge Hill http://guerrillacairns.com.au/
Miss Chief - Bar & Eatery Level 1/39-49 Lake St, Cairns City https://www.misschief.bar/
Muddy’s Café (beside the playground) 174 Esplanade, Cairns City https://www.muddyscafe.com/
Phetyai Thai - Thai restaurant 45 Spence St, Cairns City
Prawn Star – Seafood restaurant Pier Point Road, Marlin Marina E31 Berth https://www.prawnstarcairns.com/
Tha Fish – Seafood restaurant Pier Shopping Centre http://thafish.com.au/
Waterbar and Grill - Steakhouse 1 Pier Point Road, Cairns City https://waterbarandgrill.com.au/
Tamarind – Asian fusion 35/41 Wharf Street, Cairns City https://www.reefcasino.com.au/dine/tamarind-restaurant
Wawawa Izakaya – Japanese restaurant 92 Lake Street, Cairns City https://wawawa.com.au/
The Boat Shed – restaurant/bar, Cairns Harbour Lights, 8/1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City http://www.boatshedcairns.com.au/
Cock n Bull – restaurant/pub 6 Grove Street, Cairns North
Corea Corea – Korean restaurant Level 1, Orchid Plaza, 58 Lake St, Cairns City https://coreacoreacairns.wordpress.com/
Bagus Café – Indonesian restaurant 149 Esplanade, Cairns City https://baguscafe.com.au/index.html
Ganbaranba – Japanese restaurant 7/12-20 Spence St, Cairns City
Arigato Mate – Japanese and Korean restaurant 3/50 Shields St, Cairns City https://www.facebook.com/arigato.mate.1
