AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Tropical North Queensland Restaurants

North Queensland has one of the most pleasant tropical climates on the planet, making it the ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Moreover, with a multi-faceted range of unique restaurant dining experiences on offer, Tropical North Queensland is the ideal destination for those looking to sample local flavours while also enjoying exquisite cuisine with a tropical twist. To assist you with your tropical wanderings, we have discovered some fantastic restaurants in the Far North that the locals recommend.

Popular Cuisines : Modern Australian  Cafe  Thai  International  Italian  Pub Food  Asian  Indian  

Ollie's Italian

Ollie's Italian

Italian   $$$$$   Opens at 5:00 PM

Cairns

12 Chef Hat Award
Lunch set menu$58 per personTurn your midday break into an Italian escape with Ollie’s Lunch Promotion. Available daily from 11:30am, enjoy a refined three-course set menu for $58 per person, showcasing seasonal Italian flavo...
Modern farm-to-table Thai cuisine is what you’ll find on the plate at Jungle Fowl on Wharf Street in Port Douglas. This locally loved dining destination exudes a fun and funky vibe with stylised wa...
A sophisticated tropical dining experience awaits at Zinc, on the corner of Macrossan and Davidson Streets in Port Douglas. This well-loved restaurant presents an elegant venue for a romantic dinne...
The New Sunday TraditionGather Your FriendsAvailable every Sunday 12 pm-4 pm $79 per person, enjoy shared antipasto entree, a choice of mains & one-hour bottomless Aperol Spritz, Prosecco, house wine & tap beer. What's not to love! Bookings...
"Readers' Choice 2019 - Fusion"
Tamarind

Tamarind

Modern Australian   $$$$$   Opens Tue 5:30 PM

Cairns

14 Chef Hat Award
Experience Tamarind—where fine dining meets artistry.New MenuOur menu celebrates ‘Australian Freestyle’ cuisine, blending global influences with the finest seasonal local produce. Passionate chefs craft each dish with innovation, delivering a culinary experi...
Harrisons Restaurant

Harrisons Restaurant

British   $$$$$   Open Now

Port Douglas

14 Chef Hat Award
Social Hour 3.30 pm-5.30 pm Daily Join us at Harrisons for the ultimate afternoon escape during our 'Social Hour,' held daily from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Sip on beers and wines for just $8 or treat yourself to expertly crafted cocktai...
NOA

NOA

Modern Australian   $$$$$   Open Now

Edge Hill

Sri Lanka Curry ClubFriday 20 March - 5:30pmJoin us at NOA to experience the bold, vibrant flavours of Sri Lanka in a specially curated three-course feast. Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its depth and complexity, fragrant spices layered ...
Ela Mediterranean

Ela Mediterranean

European   $$$$$   Opens at 5:00 PM

Cairns

Midweek Set MenuMonday- ThursdayTurn any weeknight into a dining occasion with this midweek dinner promotion, available Monday to Thursday from 5:00pm. Enjoy a generous three-course menu for $59 per person, with the freedom to ch...
Palooka

Palooka

European   $$$$$   Opens Tue 6:00 AM

Stratford

Gatherings made unforgettable at PalookaTailored EventsHost your next celebration with us at Palooka! From intimate private dining to large group functions, our team will tailor menus and drinks to make your event memorable. Perfect for birthdays, enga...
International Women's DayAvailable on 08/03/2026Join us as we celebrate the incredible women in our lives with a special menu created just for the occasion <3
ISLA

ISLA

Fusion   $$$$$   Opens Tue 4:00 PM

Port Douglas

From Rainforest to Reef at ISLARainforest to ReefThis August, ‘Rainforest to Reef’ celebrates Far North Queensland’s finest ingredients with a soulful homage to our little island of Mauritius!
Piato Mediterranean Cuisine

Piato Mediterranean Cuisine

Mediterranean   $$$$$   Opens at 5:30 PM

Cairns

PIATO BANQUET$65pp (Min 2)Experience Piato Mediterranean Cuisine’s Piato Banquet, a $65pp Mediterranean table experience made for sharing. Enjoy chef’s mezze selection, grilled octopus, sizzling prawns, seared scallops, con...
Taco Wednesday $7 Tacos all dayMid-week just got a whole lot tastier! Join us every Wednesday for $7 Tacos all night long. Taco Wednesday at Guerrilla Mid-week just got a whole lot tastier! Join us every Wednesday for $7 Tac...
"Seafood Platter"
The Backyard by Shangri-La

The Backyard by Shangri-La

Modern Australian   $$$$$   Opens at 5:00 PM

Cairns

Early Bird Seafood TowerFrom 5 pm-6 pm DailyIt’s time to indulge in a seafood sensation paired with a complimentary cocktail, overlooking spectacular marina views. Think freshly shucked oysters, Moreton Bay bugs, plump prawns and more of the...
Feed Me!6 people +Gather your crew and let the chefs take care of the rest with the Feed Me menu, designed for groups who love to share and explore. Enjoy a generous spread of sticky fingers, BBQ favourites, signatu...
"Readers' Choice 2020 - Italian"
La Fettuccina

La Fettuccina

Italian   $$$$$   Opens Tue 5:00 PM

Cairns

Established in 1989, La Fettuccina is a long-standing favourite on Cairns’ dining scene, with almost equally long-standing staff. Patrons have been returning time and again to this iconic restauran...
Wawawa Izakaya

Wawawa Izakaya

Japanese   $$$$$   Open Now

Cairns

Our new Lunch Special sets are now available!New Lunch Special sets!Lunch specials now available! Don't miss out on our tasty lunch sets at great value.
The Nest

The Nest

Cafe   $$$$$   Opens Tue 5:30 AM

Cairns

Your new Breakfast & Lunch SpotCoffee, Bagels & MoreJoin us at The Nest on McManus Street in Whitfield, Cairns a cosy, community favourite café serving excellent coffee, fresh breakfast and lunch options, toasted sandwiches, bagels, wraps and sweet ...
Bonvoy Hour & Nightcap5pm-6pm & 8.30pm-10pmAs the sun dips, the energy rises. Join us at Daintree Bar for Bonvoy Hour from 5pm to 6pm and Bonvoy Nightcap from 8.30pm to 10pm, daily. Mocktails from $12, cocktails from $18, beers $8, and wine...
The Vine Room

The Vine Room

Mediterranean   $$$$$   Open Now

Cairns

Aperitivo Hour4pm - 6pm dailyEnjoy exclusive specials on our house wines, tap beers, and sparkling selections.