Top 5 Places to Eat in Cairns

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
Cairns Port in Northern Queensland city Cairns
Donaldytong, Wikimedia Commons

Cairns offers a vibrant and evolving culinary landscape, driven by fresh produce from the Atherton Tablelands and the bounty of the Coral Sea, providing a delightful array of dining experiences.

1. Ganbaranba

Cuisine: Japanese Ramen

Stepping into Ganbaranba, the energetic atmosphere and aroma of rich broth immediately greet you. It is a compact diner, often with a queue outside, but the wait is well worth it for their traditional ramen. One can choose from a variety of ramen soups, like the hearty slow-cooked pork ramen, and complement it with excellent gyoza. Unlimited house-made iced tea is a welcome addition, making it a great value for a satisfying meal.

Price: AUD $11 - $20 per person

Getting There: Located on Spence Street, it is within easy walking distance from most central Cairns accommodations.

2. Corea Corea

Cuisine: Korean

For those seeking authentic and well-priced Korean cuisine, Corea Corea is a highly regarded spot. Situated in Orchid Plaza, the restaurant offers a range of flavorful dishes, from spicy pork to stir-fried seafood. It is an excellent choice for a casual and satisfying meal that caters to both those familiar with Korean food and newcomers.

Price: AUD $12 - $25 per person

Getting There: Found upstairs in Orchid Plaza on Lake Street, it is centrally located and easily accessible by foot.

3. Dundee's Waterfront Dining

Cuisine: Modern Australian, Seafood & Native Bush Tucker

Overlooking the Cairns Marina, Dundee's offers a quintessential Australian dining experience with stunning waterfront views. Here, you can indulge in fresh local seafood, including wild barramundi and garlic yabbies, or explore Australian bush tucker with dishes like kangaroo and crocodile. The menu also features premium Australian steaks, making it suitable for diverse tastes, whether for a family dinner or a romantic evening.

Price: AUD $30 - $70+ per person

Getting There: Located at Cairns Marina, it is a pleasant walk along the waterfront from the main Esplanade area.

4. Salt House

Cuisine: Modern Australian, Seafood & Grill

Salt House stands out as a stylish waterfront venue offering impressive views of the Marina Point and Trinity Inlet. The kitchen centers around a custom-built Argentinian wood-fired grill, serving up perfectly cooked meats and a strong focus on local seafood. It is an ideal spot for enjoying signature cocktails and an extensive wine list, with day beds available for sunset drinks, making it popular with couples and those seeking a lively, sophisticated ambiance.

Price: AUD $35 - $80+ per person

Getting There: Situated at Marina Point, it is easily reachable by walking from most hotels along the Esplanade.

5. Ochre Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Australian, Native Australian

Ochre Restaurant provides a unique and adventurous culinary journey, renowned for showcasing the best of Australia's native produce. Located near the waterfront, the menu features inventive dishes like Salt and Native Pepper Leaf Crocodile and Prawns, or Kangaroo Satays. A six-course tasting menu is available, offering a comprehensive exploration of Indigenous Australian flavors in a contemporary setting, appealing to food enthusiasts.

Price: AUD $60 - $120+ per person

Getting There: Positioned in the hub of Cairns near the waterfront, it is within comfortable walking distance from the city center.

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