KOI Bar & Restaurant

Name: KOI Bar & Restaurant
Address: 53-57 Esplanade, Cairns, Tropical North Queensland, 4870, AU
Telephone: (07) 4056 9195
Price range: $$$$

$$$$$

Hours

Japanese

53-57 Esplanade, Cairns QLD

Best Known For

Teppanyaki dishes such as seasoned Wagyu rump with special yakiniku sauce, pickles and chilli salt.

About KOI Bar & Restaurant

Discover Cairns’ premier destination for bold Japanese and Asian-fusion cuisine at KOI Bar & Restaurant on the Esplanade. Blending the best of traditional Japanese dishes with innovative Asian flavours, this restaurant oozes industrial-chic charm with polished concrete, wood panelling and intimate tables for a romantic rendezvous. From expertly prepared Wagyu to creative fusion plates and fresh sashimi, the menu promises an unforgettable dining experience; think starters like sautéed scallops, miso emulsion, chives and tobiko, or twice-cooked orange char siu-glazed duck pancakes, salad and pickles. For the main, delve into chicken yakitori skewers, sesame seeds and chives, or miso-glazed salmon, slaw, edamame, micro greens and sweet soy. Those who can’t choose can take the omakase option.

A few words from KOI Bar & Restaurant

KOI celebrates its first birthday with unique flavours & purpose!

When KOI opened its doors just twelve months ago, it set out to bring something fresh and distinctive to Cairns' dining scene. In the year since, the restaurant has quickly become a destination for modern Asian flavours, memorable cocktails, and a warm sense of occasion. Now, as KOI turns one, the team is marking the milestone with a week of special offerings designed to celebrate both flavour and community.

From 15 to 20 September, guests will be able to enjoy two limited-time creations. The first is a dish built around Glacier 51 Toothfish, one of the most sought-after ingredients in fine dining. With its clean flavour and delicate texture, the fish is often described as "white gold," and KOI's take pairs it with Sancho pepper caramel, julienne greens, and pickles. It is an elegant plate designed to showcase the quality of the produce while adding the restaurant's own contemporary flair.

The second highlight is a bespoke birthday cocktail crafted for the occasion, a light and floral mix designed with celebration in mind. But this drink comes with more than just flavour — for every cocktail sold during birthday week, KOI will donate $10 to YAPS, a local charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs and cats.

"We wanted our first birthday to be about more than just us," says the KOI team. "This community has supported us from day one, and this is our way of giving something back. YAPS does incredible work, and we're proud to support them as part of our celebrations."

In its first year, KOI has already hosted countless dinners, celebrations, and special moments for locals and visitors alike. The birthday week is both a chance to thank guests for their support and a way to raise a glass to the many moments still to come.

KOI's birthday specials will be available from 15 to 20 September, inviting diners to mark the milestone with refined flavours and a good cause at heart.