The 15 best places for steak in Cairns

Being Asian, I felt that Tamarind Restaurant doesn't have a significant standout feature. We opted for the three-course meal priced at $99. Overall, everything was satisfactory, but I found the prices to be a bit high relative to the quality. The sophistication of the dishes did not quite reach the standard of fine dining. I was more pleased with the appetizer than the main course. For the appetizer, the scallops were fried in butter and topped with nori, while the raw beef tower featured grilled rice balls and mayonnaise. The main course consisted of a whole grilled barramundi, which might surprise Australians, but this cooking method is common in my hometown. The duck confit curry, unfortunately, had too much coconut milk and was overly sweet, lacking depth of flavor. As for dessert, the Berry Garden's meringue had an egg-like smell, while the peanut whiskey cake was nice. However, I believe the bottom layer should be made of puff pastry or something more delicate, rather than a thick slice of bread. I understand that balancing portion size and exquisite presentation can be challenging. I believe you’ll continue to improve.

Tamarind Restaurant will appeal to serious foodies as it is has innovative food you will not find in most regional Australian cities. We had asparagus textures and scallops for a starter and Penang duck curry and three kinds of pork for mains. It was all good, as were the sides, but the best of all was the duck curry. Highly recommended. The service staff were good too though perhaps slightly overworked.

Had a bit of a mixed experience at Tamarind, which left me torn between giving 3 or 4 stars. Ultimately, I’m giving it 3 based on my own meal, though the overall experience at the table suggests it could easily be a 4. To start, I ordered the cured kingfish, which was unfortunately the biggest letdown of the evening. The texture was unexpectedly dry and crumbly, quite different from what you’d expect from a cured fish, which usually has a smooth, firm bite. It actually began falling apart when pressed lightly with a knife. A shame, because the flavours and sauce were well-balanced and promising. That said, the staff were very understanding when I brought this up and quickly swapped it out for another entrée. Have to say the service is great! The scallops, on the other hand, were a highlight — fresh, perfectly cooked, and beautifully presented. For my main, I had the eye fillet. It was cooked to a lovely medium rare and was incredibly tender — a quality piece of meat. Unfortunately, it arrived lukewarm at best, which did take away from the overall enjoyment. My own entrée and main pairing didn’t quite hit the mark, but the other diners at my table had a more consistent experience. The barramundi and duck mains were both exceptional and came out piping hot. Had my experience been similar, this would have easily been a 4-star review. All in all, service was warm and professional, and the atmosphere was lovely. With just a few tweaks in consistency and attention to temperature, Tamarind could deliver a truly excellent experience across the board.

Tamarind delivered exactly what every special occasion calls for, a truly beautiful romantic dinner that transported us back to the golden age of hospitality. This is five-star service the way it used to be, when attention to detail and genuine care were the hallmarks of exceptional dining. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of thoughtful, attentive service that felt both professional and warmly personal. The staff anticipated our needs without being intrusive, delivering quick yet unhurried service that made the entire evening flow seamlessly. The culinary experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish showcased the kitchen’s commitment to excellence, with flavours that were both sophisticated and satisfying. The quality and presentation exceeded our already high expectations. A special mention must go to Melih, the French sommelier, who was an absolute delight throughout the evening. His encyclopedic knowledge of wines, combined with his genuine passion for pairing the perfect selection with our meal, enhanced the entire dining experience. His recommendations were spot-on, and his enthusiasm was infectious, we are very grateful and appreciated that he truly is a world of knowledge wrapped in charming hospitality. Tamarind isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a reminder of what exceptional dining can be when every element comes together perfectly. For anyone seeking that rare combination of romance, impeccable service, outstanding food, and genuine hospitality in Cairns, this is your destination. We’ll absolutely be returning for future celebrations.

Excellent restaurant whether it is the food, the service and the charm of the place. Thanks to Meli our waiter who in addition to being professional and attentive. The dishes are refined and full of flavor. I advise you to take the starter/main course/dessert menu that remains at an honorable prod. It is a perfect place to enjoy a moment with friends or family. I recommend 100%!

Food was awful tbh service fine the mind boggles how this could be considered best in cairns I assume they’ve lost whatever chefs they once had. To be fair to the waiter he asked me how the food was and I told him the truth. All of the courses were really bad all pre-prepared straight out of the fridge or whatever it did take off the price of the steak which was 50% fat.

Absolutely fantastic experience at Tamarind Restaurant. We had the steak and barramundi, with scallops to start—every dish was perfectly cooked, and the sauces complemented each one beautifully. Service was excellent throughout, and the value was outstanding, especially with Accor Plus membership. Highly recommended!

We came for dinner and Kelly our server was fantastic! She was very nice and knowledgeable about every dish, and attentive making sure we always had drinks and checking in about the dishes. The restaurant had an impressive menu comprised of native ingredients which we were excited to try and the menu and our server had lots of great information about each dish. We chose 3 course menu option which allowed us to try a bit of everything. The desserts were excellent and our favorite part of the meal! If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try some unique items like kangaroo, crocodile, and various native plants in a more upscale format I recommend.

Ochres restaurant was a stunning experience. The service was exceptional, the food exceptional and the ambience top notch. Sitting in a window seat looking out over the Cairns bay and beyond to Mountains has to be one of the most stunning views to eat in front of. I chose the gnocchi with mushrooms which was out of this world. My son chose the sweet potatoe fritters with the Ochre salad. A side of cauliflower and beans were delish. All tastes were fantastic. It was so good we went back the next day for lunch. Totally recommend this restaurant.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An unforgettable anniversary dinner – 5 stars all the way! We dined at Ochre Restaurant on Thursday evening, 23rd October 2026, to celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. We chose the Degustation Menu with wine pairing, and every course was a delicate, delectable showcase of the best local produce Far North Queensland has to offer. Choosing a favourite dish is no easy task—it’s a close call between the scallop, the quail (with its incredible blend of spice and finger lime), the tender beef, and the zesty lemon myrtle tart. After much reflection, I’d have to say the scallop stood out just that little bit more—paired with the Tamburlaine Chardonnay, it was a taste of heaven. Each wine pairing throughout the evening was spot on, enhancing the flavours beautifully. We booked well in advance to secure one of the sought-after boardwalk tables, and were rewarded with a spectacular evening. The view over the Cairns Marina Inlet and across to the stunning mountain range was simply breathtaking, and the warm weather made it feel all the more magical. The service was exceptional—friendly, attentive, and highly knowledgeable about both the food and wine. The staff also made thoughtful suggestions around pacing the courses, allowing us to truly relax and enjoy every moment of the evening. Ochre has been a favourite of ours for many years—from family visiting from interstate to hosting our staff Christmas parties—and it never disappoints. But this night, celebrating a special milestone, might just have been the most memorable yet. Ambience, food, wine, service—everything was flawless. A heartfelt thank you to the team at Ochre.

Since we weren't together for our birthdays, we wanted to eat at a more luxurious restaurant to celebrate together. Ochre is the perfect restaurant for this! We went for the six-course dinner including wine and enjoyed every dish with its matching wines. For dessert, we both received a little extra to celebrate our birthdays. Definitely a must-visit if you're in Cairns!

We recently celebrated our wedding anniversary while visiting the far North Queensland area and decided to do so at Ochre. The food was amazing. We shared Wattle see damper, Tempura gulf bugs and lamb shank, which melted in your mouth and were delicious, followed with Wattle seed pavlova which was also not your normal Pav and was beautiful! Enjoyed lovely wines and excellent service. A very lovely atmosphere looking out at the wharf in the evening. Highly recommend !! If we are lucky enough to come back over here from WA we would definitely eat here again! Very happy with our choice on this visit!

Style Over Substance at a Seafood Spot That Should Shine At a restaurant that bills itself as a seafood destination, I expected freshness and finesse. Unfortunately, the execution fell short. The oyster I began with lacked the brightness and clean flavor one hopes for; instead of setting the tone for the meal, it raised doubts. The main course, fish and chips, was competently fried yet uninspired, the sort of dish you could find at any corner pub, not something that justifies a dedicated seafood kitchen. The service was attentive and the waterfront location undeniably charming, but a restaurant’s reputation rests on the plate. On that front, the experience felt middling, and for the price, disappointing. With more attention to consistency and flavor, this kitchen could live up to its promise. For now, however, it remains a two-star experience.

Dining at Ochre was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm, attentive service that set the tone for an unforgettable lunch. We ordered the gnocchi, pork belly, scallops, and duck—each dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. The scallops were perfectly seared, the pork belly was rich and tender with a delightful crisp, and the duck was cooked to perfection. The gnocchi was a standout—pillowy and delicious, it may be the best I’ve had anywhere. Every bite was a celebration of taste, balance, and thoughtful preparation. The atmosphere at Ochre is equally impressive. Set right on the waterfront, the views are simply gorgeous—an ideal backdrop for a relaxing, refined dining experience. The playlist was well-curated and created a mellow, inviting ambiance that complemented the setting perfectly. We were also thoroughly impressed by the wine list, which showcases some fantastic Australian selections. We chose a Barbera from King Valley, and it was exceptional—fruity, smooth, and a perfect pairing for our meal. Ochre delivered on every level—food, service, atmosphere, and wine. It's easily one of the most memorable and flavourful dining experiences I’ve had, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return.

Oh my goodness. What an incredible night of food and wine! Magic location, lucky enough to be right on the boardwalk, wine was so good and the food…. OMG! Had a platter entree which was delicious and our mains were unreal. Eye fillet was cooked to perfection and the pasta was Bellissimo! I was so full but had to sneak in a banana fritter with ice cream for desert to finish the night. Yum! The service from the girls was amazing and we even got a friendly visit from the owners Tina and James. Felt right at home and will certainly be back for more!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Food was amazing and you can’t find a better view!! We ordered the bug tail spaghettini, a side of garlic shrimp and hop rock marinated kangaroo on a hot volcanic rock. Banana fritters and caramel pecan cheesecake for dessert. We sat outside and watched the boats come and go. Highly recommend!

Great food and lovely atmosphere here at Dundee’s. I had my birthday dinner there on Monday and We sat outside right by the water which I totally recommend. The food was great, so delicious - to start. I had bake lobster tails and my partner had barramundi supreme. Everyone were sooo friendly. Our waitress- Peroline - was so lovely and attentive too, highly recommended. She organised a lovely little crew to sing happy birthday for me with a lovely cheese platters. Felt so special If you want a place to eat or celebrate any events by the marina, definitely come to Dundee’s

I can easily say the food was absolutely phenomenal!! Everything was cooked to perfection completely delicious. Huge thanks to the whole team for making my birthday dinner such a special and unique moment. 100000000% recommended! If you’re in Cairns and want to have a great time with super friendly and attentive staff, good vibes, and amazing food this is the perfect place!

We were lucky to get a table at Dundees on the Waterfront as it was fully booked, but the lovely lady at the front managed to squeeze us in at a small table for two — and we were so grateful she did! We ordered the seafood platter, which was fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented. To finish, we shared a pavlova that was light, sweet, and the perfect end to a great meal. The restaurant was very busy, so I’d definitely recommend booking ahead — but it’s well worth it for the food, service and atmosphere. Can't wait to come back to Cairns and visit again with a lovely view table this time!

We visited Dundees in Cairns for our anniversary. This is our second time holidaying in Cairns and both times the food has been phenomenal. We had the duck spring rolls, crocodile skewers and the seafood platter for 2 . Desert was banana fritter . What can I say , if I could fly to cairns every month I would eat here . I will be definitely ordering as my last meal ever & I would die a satisfied woman . For our anniversary they put out all the stops a lovely gift and message on our desert , they even offered us blankets when we arrive after be drenched in the rain on the walk to dinner .

Giving it 4 stars only because our table of 9 all felt the food was a little salty. But service was amazing and the staff do go out of their way to accommodate everyone even though it was a really busy Sunday evening. Drinks come out really quickly and the food does take a while but it was a full restaurant and everyone was working at max capacity. Would still recommend this place if you happen to be in the area.

Nice seafront view. Well-spaced seatings. Seafood are fresh and food is well-seasoned. Nice variety of options in the menu. Service can be better. I ordered coffee after my meal and the staff seems to have forgotten so I had to remind them. Coffee was not good, better get somewhere else.

The food was delicious; you can tell they use top-quality ingredients. The ceviche was amazing and the wagyu skewers were really good. However, the sashimi and the beef tataki seemed a bit overcooked to me. The king prawns were flavourless and ultra hot. My overall opinion is that they put a lot of effort into making everything so ostentatious, when I strongly believe sometimes less is more. Not to mention the high prices considering the tiny portions. Service was really good, it just seemed a bit strange they don't leave the wine bottle and water bottle at the table.

Salt House was the perfect ending to our holiday in Cairns and an amazing spot to celebrate my partner’s birthday. The atmosphere is just beautiful — relaxed yet refined, with the perfect vibe for a special evening. Our server, Marcus, was exceptional — friendly, attentive, and made us feel truly looked after. The food was incredible from start to finish. We started with the ceviche and beef skewers — both bursting with flavour — and then shared the 1.0 kg steak cooked perfectly to medium (exactly how we like it!). Every bite was spot on. Unfortunately, we had to leave earlier than planned and missed out on dessert, which we were really sad about — but that just gives us a reason to come back! Overall, Salt House exceeded our expectations. The pricing felt fair for a fine dining restaurant of this quality. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Cairns — especially for a special occasion.

We had a wonderful experience at Salt House Cairns. The place is absolutely beautiful, with stunning spaces and an amazing atmosphere. The service was excellent — the staff were so kind and attentive. They were our partners in making my partner’s birthday celebration truly special. We loved the food — every dish was delicious — and the recommendations from our server were spot on. It was such a beautiful and memorable dinner. Highly recommended!

We spent an afternoon lounging here, and then had dinner. There is loads of space and we found a comfortable spot to drink cocktails, read a book, talk, look at people. We really enjoyed the big seafood platter. In the past we've found these can have too much fried food, but this was a good mixture of warm and cold and different cooking methods. Good wines as well. Staff all friendly.

We met up with friends who are locals here. We got a very nice sunset view when we arrived. It seem pretty busy but we had a reservation so we got seated right away. This place is big! I like the vibes. It’s modern, fun and on the water. We were sure what to order so we ordered seven appetizers for four of us to share. It was the right amount of food. We had Reef Fish Ceviche, Fried Calamari, Mooloolaba Tuna, Beef Tataki, wood-fired sardines, Queensland scallops and prawns. I liked everything except sardines. There’s tingling numbing after taste. We asked the chef about it but they couldn’t pinpoint what ingredient would give you that numbing taste. The waiter was friendly and attentive. Overall, my first visit was pleasant.

We came for dinner and had an excellent time! Our server was lovely and the cocktails were very good. We enjoyed the tuna as an appetizer, and for mains the whole fish was good. The portions are quite large (which our server thankfully let us know before we ordered) so I recommend sharing! The overall atmosphere was nice, it is definitely on the fancier side and you do have a nice view of the harbor. In the evening they play music which can be loud but overall we had a great time!

Best dining experience in Cairns - went twice and wow! Food is faultless, service 5 starts specially when you have the Brazilian connection Gabriela as our waitress! Keep up the fantastic work! And thanks chef for the complimentary sauces - much appreciated Can’t wait to be back

We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary at Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse in Cairns and it was absolutely perfect from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, the team greeted us with warm congratulations and genuine excitement, which instantly made the evening feel very special. We were seated at a beautiful table overlooking the glistening water and boats, setting the scene for a truly romantic night. Several of the staff knew it was our anniversary and their attention and friendliness made us feel so welcomed and appreciated. The food was exceptional — I ordered the espetada, which was cooked to perfection and incredibly tender, while my husband said his Rib eye steak was one of the best he’s ever had, especially with the chilli sauce, which was outstanding. We even got to take home some complimentary sauces! The dessert presentation, complete with sparkles and a “Happy Anniversary” sign, was such a thoughtful and memorable touch. We left feeling very loved-up and grateful — it was the perfect way to end our special day. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a beautiful meal with outstanding service and atmosphere!

Food was great. Steak was cooked to perfection. Snapper was nice with crispy skin. The place was busy but food was delivered within reasonable time. If your celebrating a birthday, be prepared for staff to circle you singing Happy Birthday with Sparklers in a cake. Would highly recommend a visit.

What a great meal. The service was first class. The explanation of the steaks was so informative, tasted a few wines to select the right one. I had the sirloin steak cooked medium. The cream porcini mushroom sauce was so tasty. I would recommend this restaurant.

Absolutely loved this place. We got it as a recommendation from some local friends and they didnt steer us wrong! Food was exceptional and the view was beautiful. Would come here again next time I’m in town. The wagyu steak was the best steak I’ve ever eaten hands down!

Amazing service, amazing food! Attentive staff yet did not interrupt, good job! Steak was cooked to perfection, sauces amazing. The African hot sauce, wow delish! The dessert was perfect, not too sweet, just right. All portions were generous.

Came here to celebrate my birthday while I was in Cairns on vacation and got the sirloin - delicious!! And to top it off, garlic mash and garlic tiger prawn topper… amazing! Highly recommend checking this place out for a good steak dinner!

We had an amazing experience at Nunu! Suzi took care of us and she was absolutely lovely — her personal recommendations were spot on, and we loved every dish we tried. We ordered the duck rice, the Signature Beef, and two pieces of lamb with a glazed sauce. Everything was exquisite, with such a unique and tropical flavor. We also loved the cassava chips with their homemade lime salt, which they serve complimentary at every table. We truly recommend this place 100%!

My wife and decided to visit NuNus restaurant. We were not disappointed. The food was exquisite and the staff was very friendly with good service. We thoroughly enjoyed the food and our experience there. There are some beautiful sea views from the restaurant as well. I noticed that the restaurant makes its own bread for sale there and also sells relish and other types of jams. We will definitely be back.

I dined here three times during my stay in Palm Cove. The restaurant has the best location of all the dining options. Huge outdoor space with panoramic views of the ocean that are lit in the evening with festoon lights, providing an intimate setting. Also has a large indoor space. All the waitstaff I encountered were welcoming and attentive, many are travellers of the world so it was lovely having a chat with them. The food is divine, great options for breakfast/ brunch and the dinner experience is very special. A must visit during your stay.

The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was outstanding. Our waiter was fabulous—friendly, attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Everything felt well thought out, from the pacing to the presentation. The atmosphere was stunning and added so much to the overall dining experience. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a memorable meal!

I am in a wheelchair and being able to wheel right at front is amazing. The food is divine amd so delicious. Breakfast is perfect. Location outstanding. The staff are beautiful people and show such a professional and friendly attitude. I definitely will be going each day while I am here for the next two days.

What a vibe. Banana hanging from the ceiling, beachfront patio, super friendly staff. The setting raised expectations sky-high, and the food did not disappoint. Amazing combinations of familiar Western flavors with exotic twists. Special shoutout to the ricotta tortelloni: it’s a rare day when an Italian actually enjoys pasta abroad (especially outside an Italian restaurant). Chapeau!

The food at Nu Nu was outstanding. During my stay I had a delicious lunch on the Terrance, and decided to book The Tasting Menu with wine pairing for dinner Saturday night. I was not disappointed. Every dish was a culinary delight. I have not experienced such an abundance of flavour, ever. The delicate use of various herbs enhanced each dish & the edible greens like the betel leaf were a knock out. Australian & French wines complimented the meal. I highly recommend the tasting menu & wine pairing, it is simply delicious & value for money.

Used to be my favorite Korea food spot in Cairns. But I not sure you change chef or owner between this year or last year end. Portion getting less and less, bulgogi beef, spicy chicken, octopus, getting less and lesser. By the way was too sweet on all of them. Giving a last chance today, but too disappointed.

Return customers. We always get the same dishes and they do not disappoint. Just a note of warning. All the dishes are served piping hot, literally! So be careful because you just want to jump into the delicious food straight away

I ordered Japchae with rice 🌱 (vegetarian option), and it was so good! Hot and fresh. The only thing is that it was a bit too sweet for me, so I’d give it 4 stars. Everything else was great, and the customer service was really good too

Always great, our favourite place to eat when in Cairns. Kimchi beef soup and Seafood pancake are both delicious

I ordered a ‘spicy octopus pot’. The food was excellent. But it was a little different one. I expected a ‘real octopus’. But it was a baby octopus Nevertheless​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​, the food was great and kind of staffs

Very tasty and big portions, if you like spicy can definitely ask to put more, it will be hot! We had spicy pork and chicken to try, pork is better than chicken for me, because pork has more strong flavor to give it another delicious taste. Chicken is also very good, but the meat don’t have much flavor itself, especially the sauce is very healthy strong flavor. Both having lot of veggie in there, very nice. Second time we went to the store, we had seafood pot, was also very good, the shrimp is big, it isn’t spicy, more like sweeter gentle taste. The sticky tofu soup is not recommended, not spicy and the soup isn’t having lot favor, can feel it just put water to cook it. But the price is really good, I had the Ali my chicken take away and I ate 3 time at home (of course cook my own noodles in or rice) Highly recommend the spicy pork take away! ! I asked for extra spicy, it was hot! I love it, if you also love very spicy, can try!!

Quick and tasty Korean meal. We shared the bibimbap, cold noodles, beef broth, bbq beef with rice and beef japchae. The meal size was generous and we were all very full after (4 adults and 4 children). Free barley tea as well!

Enjoyed dinner here for our anniversary weekend and it was the perfect place. The atmosphere is slightly loud because it’s busy but not too loud that you can’t hear or have a conversation. It’s low lighting, timber and leather vibe, very cozy and perfect for romantic nights out. They have their gorgeous wine cellar and dry aged meat cabinet on display as well next to the open kitchen, well worth a look! We had Leo as our waiter for the night and he was absolutely incredible. Very attentive, bright and bubbly personality and was happy to make recommendations or assist with the menu. Nothing was ever too much trouble. He very much helped make our night so a huge thank you to him! We enjoyed the Savour 3 course menu which left us completely full at the end but all exquisite food. Prepared, cooked and served at the high set standard you’d expect from this restaurant. The price reflects the quality and serve without being over the top as well. Overall we had a great and memorable night and will certainly be back again.

I had an amazing dining experience at CC’s bar and Grill and I have to give a special shoutout to Alejandra for her exceptional service! She made the evening unforgettable. I ordered the 300g Scotch Fillet, and it was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Honestly, it was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. The entire atmosphere was top-notch, and Alejandra went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for incredible food and great service!

The subdued atmosphere is very relaxing and inviting. We had excellent service from Zoe. We both selected the 200 gram NY loin strip simply because it was the smallest serving and 200 gram is more than enough for each of us. We could have shared a larger piece of meat. We added a share plate of the beetroot and walnut salad, delicious. Then the ice cream was superb. Lots of very interesting meals to choose from. All in all very pleasant meal and a great way to spend our last night in Cairns. Had it been open Sunday or Monday, we would have dined there twice.

This place is overrated for what you get. We expected nicer food after all what we heard about it. I like my meat tender and I wanted tenderloin but they did not have ( was the first disappointment ) then I was told that the other cut option offered was close in tenderness but the meat was chewy and a bit red for what I asked it to be ( my personal preference). The service was slow considering that was a Thursday . The restaurant is nice and clean, but If you are looking for an amazing meat dish this is not the place sorry to say . The bugs where delicious but a bit small amount to share. Definitely there is a better place near the pier with a similar name that has MUCH better meat . We are not coming back .

We had dinner at CC's Bar & Grill Steakhouse not once, but twice while we were in Cairns for a few days. This was one of the best steaks I have ever had and the wine and port were excellent. We took our friends to this place from dinner when they flew in for holiday. Alejandra was our waitress the first time we dined at the restaurant and she was so outstanding that we specifically asked for her again when we came back two days later! She helped to provide an incredible dining experience! I highly recommend CC's Bar & Grill Steakhouse if you are staying in Cairns!

If you are looking for a high end place to go for dinner, this is your place. The food was delicious, the drinks a bit overpriced but happily spent for the beauty of the place. We were happily surprised by the large range of wine & champagne. We were only disappointed by the service of the restaurant manager yesterday night (4/10/25) who did have a very cold approach but thankfully Val took over & was such a warm hostess, Thanks again Val✨.

I was staying at the Crystalbrook Bailey, and during breakfast one of the staff members told me, “We have the best steakhouse in Cairns—you should try it.” So I decided to check it out, and they weren’t wrong. The steaks were perfectly cooked and full of flavor, and the prices were quite reasonable for the quality. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the restaurant had a warm, relaxed atmosphere that made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

With being in Cairns for only a few days, my partner and I were recommended this restaurant. We booked and were slightly skeptical after reading some of the recent reviews. However, this restaurant had us hook, line and sinker as everything was gorgeous. We were so pleased with everything from the dishes to the staff. Our drinks were never empty as the attentive staff were on top of making sure they stayed full. The food was incredible and was everything we hoped for after booking a fish restaurant on the edge of the water. Would highly recommend.

Hands down, this will always be our favourite restaurant in Cairns. No competition. We’ve been visiting Tha Fish ever since we moved up here nearly 8yrs ago now, and no matter how many other places we try (and trust me, us foodies get around), we always end up back here for our seafood fix. Even our 6yr old has it locked in as his top pick… partly because he’s on a fist bump and first name basis with the crew, partly because the food is always a hit, and of course because he can unleash his inner artist all over the paper table covers while he waits. So where to start… the lunch specials? A dish and a drink for $25… like seriously? In this economy? But this isn’t just a lunch stop. If you want to impress friends or treat yourself to a proper night out, this is the place to do it. The service never skips a beat. The team are friendly, switched on, and somehow manage to appear right when you need them (without the constant “excuse me” wave). Cocktails are next level… if I can’t decide, I just tell the waiter what kind of flavour mood I’m in and like magic, the perfect drink arrives. The beer, wine and spirit list also has a great range for all… but seriously… cocktails! The food is out of this world. I’ve pretty much eaten my way through the entire menu over the years, I just don’t have the photo evidence to prove it without trawling through my embarrassingly long photo reel right now. The bread special is a must, every single time. Even if you think you don’t want bread, trust me, you want bread! Starters are dangerously hard to choose between, my advice is order different dishes and then share. And as for mains, if I’m ever stuck, the Coral Trout #4 is my default favourite. Simple, classic and always bang on. Oh but wait… too full for dessert? That’s not even an option! Engage your dessert stomach and you won’t be disappointed! Again if you’re stuck… go the campfire! And as if all that’s not enough… they’re also absolute legends with dietary stuff. Over the years, we’ve brought friends and family with everything from coeliac to dairy free needs, and the team have always known exactly what’s what. It’s one of those rare places where you can relax and sit back knowing they’ve got it handled safely. Add in chilled vibes, marina views that look like a Cairns tropical postcard, and easy parking… Honestly… what more could you want? Thanks team for yet another unforgettable night with friends! See you all next time!

The team here made all the difference. Best service I’ve had on day 9 of my Australia trip, friendly, efficient, and very attentive. Highly recommend a visit! I enjoyed the fish platter w extras! Oh and the fries were perfectly crisp! Sadly too full for desert but the menu was inviting.

Enjoyed the lunch special here in the weekend. Excellent value and great quality food. Service was also really good. The fish curry was very tasty and a good sized serve, while the flavoursome s&p calamari with chips and salad was both fresh and generous.

Really enjoyed our meal. We tried some bugs as a starter along with the handmade bread. And for dinner, we each had a different fish and they were cooked perfectly. The pudding selection was nice, as was the wine. My favorite restaurant we went to in Cairns.

After finishing a full day fishing charter, we headed to Tha Fish Restaurant to see if they could cook our catch. The team made a seamless walk-in reservation for later that evening, and as someone working in hospitality, I can honestly say every aspect from food quality to customer service, exceeded my expectations. We enjoyed three beautifully prepared courses, and I have to give credit to both the talented chefs and the attentive FOH team for their knowledge and care. Thank you for turning our day into an even more memorable trip in Cairns! 🥰

Incredible food, great service from the waitresses and a lovely atmosphere. We really loved the octopus starter, the oysters, the barramundi main and the crab/prawn Thai curry. The drinks took longer than expected to come after we arrived, which was a bit frustrating. And the own brand house Sauvignon Blanc was a bit pricey at over $50 a bottle (probably a very big markup). It's an expensive restaurant but worth it for a special occasion.

From the moment you walk in there is a vibe! Met with smiling staff and having our menu experience explained to us was brilliant. We chose the all you can eat where sides were delivered (rice, potatoes, beans and slaw) with a chicken and fish taster, then the delicious selections of meat are carved at your table to add to your plate and mix the sides. Little block on the table with green signalling yes to bring us meat, turn it on its side for a break and red to signal we are ready for dessert. The kangaroo and cinnamon pineapple was so tasty! As was the fish at the very beginning. We had a lovely waiter Onur who I promised I would give a shout out to for his hospitality! You’re da man!!! We also tried the sangria and loved every bit of our 90minutes. Highly recommended experience!!

We had a wonderful dinner, variety of meat, I like the seasoning of chicken and lamb, homemade bbq sauce also impressive. Despite here is a all you can eat restaurant, but tricky thing is they do table service to ensure you got fresh hot meat, but also limited how much you can eat. Actually you have to tell they to come over and over again, I feel embarrassed to ask them they just bring a small portion or cutting meat while asking “is it enough?”, and you have tell them come again for what you want. Also they are too busy to ask them to come over. I am full while I am waiting.

My boyfriend and I had a dinner at Bushfire, we had an amazing time there. The environment was warm and welcoming, above all the staff were exceptional, Caio explained all the menu options and was attentive to us during all the meal. The food also was delicious, all the meats perfectly cooked and the side mixed very well with them. And for dessert we tried sweet churros. We truly recommended stop here and enjoying one dinning.

A must visit when in Cairns, we travelled down from Pt Douglas to experience this restaurant. The cost was worth every cent. The service and staff was incredible. The staff looked like they enjoy their job. The food was delicious. I have never tasted meat so tender and delicious,the lamb omg. Thank you.

My son celebrated his birthday here, so we decided to surprise him as he's working away from home atm. The atmosphere was amazing, staff also sang Happy Birthday for my son, which he really appreciated. We loved the food ideas. The meats were all so tender and tasty, melt in the mouth. It was a thursday, so Sangria was the special for drinks, and we enjoyed that too! Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting to know. Loved it 😍

Edel took such great care of us. Food was fabulous, particularly the beef and lamb skewers. 💯 would go again.

I was here on Saturday & the host was absolutely amazing, immediately welcoming and perfect in his role. Despite not having a reservation we were sat within a few minutes. The food came out so fast and all the wait staff were so friendly with great personalities. Loved the vibes. The food was amazing, would highly recommend.

Friendly and down to earth restaurant. Great value for the money and huge portions! It is probably our best meal in Cairns. Really enjoyed the Kangaroo steak, lamb shank, and Death by Chocolate dessert. Highly recommended.

This is a classic Australian Pub - what an experience. Up here for a tournament and then staying extra for a holiday. My gosh the portions are huge and food tasty! First time I came with a mate I got the lasagne - I could not finish it 😭 THOUGH it was good for lunch the next day. For $26 which is normal pricing anywhere you go nationwide - it was well worth it, considering I got two meals out of it. Came back again when my family came up and we had Kids spaghetti, 1kg wings, schnitzel and parmi. The kids spaghetti was huge for a kid, could almost have it for an adult! All of that costed me about $92 or so and again, we had left overs. Delicious pub feed, massive portions and great atmosphere. Well worth the drop in, I had a great time

We went there on a Wednesday night with 11 other people and it was very busy (highly recommended you book). We are ordered the same time and it didn't seem very long before we all had our meals. They are huge and quite reasonable priced.I found the bench seat, a little hard to get on and off, so if you have a disability, tell them you want a proper chair to sit on. The toilets were clean and there was a disabled one, but there are a few small steps around, so look out for them. There is a pokies room if you want a flutter. There are 3 areas that you can sit, but if you don't mine being a little warm out side on the verandah, it is for you. I found it a bit noisy, but we were still able to talk.

Nice pub with alot of character. Definitely the most interesting pub I visited in Australia. The staff are great but the place is very popular so it can get busy at times. It's certainly worth a visit if you are in Cairns.

Great pub. Top meals and friendly staff. Make sure you book as this place is busy due to its popularity.

I was on the fence whether to try out dinner at Cock and Bull with my wife. Were glad we did. Great meals. Quality and large portions. Staff were great and the atmosphere is family friendly. Enjoyed the Crocodile snitzel, recomend.

Pretty good place, especially if you want to bring a large group.

Came in the afternoon for a early dinner. I had ordered the green goddess smoked salmon salad and the slow cooked beef tacos and a serve of steakhouse chips it was very delicious and the portion sizes for all the orders were more than enough. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the tacos were well made. Also the sauce serving is exactly how everywhere should have their sauce serving sizes. Overall the environment is great and social but also intimate. The one thing I would say that I thought could be a little better is cutlery at the tables cause you get your meals and then have to get up and get cutlery for yourself it disrupts the feel and flow or being out. Others than that great time and great place.

Had Sunday and Monday lunch here. Sunday was very busy, but staff handled the lunch rush with ease. $2 oysters were a hit. Described as 'probably frozen as they had a bit of ice on them', but delicious. Ellis burger one of the best burgers the hubster has had. The popcorn chicken with butter chicken sauce - outstanding. Then we shared the pork belly bites and the smoked chicken sandwich. Belly bites tasty, but a little overcooked and no crunch to rind. The chicken sandwich was another winner.... delicious, soft roll and loads of chicken. Not our first rodeo here and won't be the last.

This place is one of our favourite of all Cairns. No matter if you go for breakfast, lunch or dinner...the food is always amazing. Staff are friendly, live music during the weekend, spectacular view, honest prices, great vibes. Highly recommended 💜

Stopped off on our way back from Port Douglas. Well we were surprised at how busy it was, but very quick to get your food. Amazing views too.

We recently had our Wedding reception in the function room. Cecilia was exemplary in all aspects of coordinating the most beautiful setting, outstanding service and delicious food that all of our guests commented on. She created the most dreamy and magical setting I've ever seen. Cecilia's attention to detail was second to none. The whole process was stress-free and took a lot of pressure off us. We thought the pricing was very reasonable and would 100% recommend to anyone looking for the perfect venue for their reception or special event. Thank you so much Cecilia, you are worth your weight in gold (x10).

The food when we visited was amazing, steak had a beautiful char taste but still medium rare perfection on inside. Prices great, big servings, great service, scenery and drinks 🍸

One of the best places for a casual Sunday breakfast. It’s on the main road, and a little noisy with a lot of old bikers out for their Sunday ride, but I think that adds to the charm, and the view out to the ocean makes up for all of that. PLUS, the food is great. Highly recommend the Smokey Rueben. We will be adding this place to the list when we have out of town visitors.

Thoroughly impressed and delighted with the dining experience at Paper Crane. The food was tasty, fresh and well balanced, the servings generous and all dishes complemented each other. Dont miss the King Prawns - they were the highlight. Juan, Hanni and the rest of the wait staff were very attentive and kind. Keep up the fantastic food and service! Dont forget to sign up for Crowd member discounts 10%.

I recently visited this restaurant with a friend and had such a great time. The atmosphere was lovely and relaxing, making it easy to enjoy our meal. Our server, Hane was incredibly friendly and welcoming. She gave us some great recommendations, and every dish she suggested was absolutely delicious. Her warm and cheerful attitude really added to the experience. It’s the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression — I’d definitely love to come back again.

We ordered two juices while sitting by the pool at Paper Crane by Crystalbrook, and unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. It took more than 15 minutes for our drinks to be brought out, even though we could clearly see them sitting on the counter the whole time. When we finally received them, we realized they didn’t even taste fresh or natural. Not the level of service or quality we expected from a place like this. We also had breakfast at this café, and I must say it was really good. There were plenty of options to choose from, and I would give their breakfast a 5-star rating. However, we also had dinner here, and I found the food overpriced for what we received. While the staff were friendly, I wouldn’t recommend this place for dinner. The portion sizes were very small, and the flavors were just average. The worst salad I’ve ever had in my life was at this restaurant. I added chicken to it, which was deep-fried — totally unsuitable for a salad — and the dressing was terrible. Overall, I’d give this place a 3-star rating. The breakfast was great, but the rest was disappointing.

It’s our first time in Cairns and we are staying at the Crystalbrook Riley Hotel. Our flight from Melbourne got in early and after checking in, the wife and I went to Paper Crane for a coffee even though their breakfast service had finished. Nonetheless a very friendly and courteous staff member explained the breakfast service had finished however offered and provided free of charge some danishes with our coffee which I thought was a great gesture / customer service. Coffee was great and we were so impressed with the morning experience, we booked and had lunch there as well. Highly recommended.

beautiful staff especially Juan who made our night full of laughter. Leo too had amazing service and the atmosphere here made us want to stay for forever. Definitely highly recommend, the food and drinks were delicious and staff exceeded all expectations. Made the end to our holiday a highlight!!! Thank you Juan

I had dinner at Paper Crane the other night and the experience was amazing. I was served by Leo, who provided outstanding service from start to finish. He recommended some dishes that I absolutely loved and made sure everything was perfect throughout the evening. I really appreciated his attention and care. I’ll definitely be coming back for another great dinner soon! Thanks:)

The food and cocktails were absolutely delicious! We had a great time relaxing by the pool during our stay at the Riley. The staff were friendly and accommodating—special shoutout to Leo, who went above and beyond to deliver exceptional service

We had breakfast here and it was delicious! The service was great and the food was fantastic. I had a side of scrambled eggs with cheese and some truffle fries. They were so yummy! My husband got the Local’s Way with a house-made rosti. His favorite was definitely the rosti. I also got some freshly squeezed apple juice. It was so good! Would eat here again!

This restaurant is such a gem for breakfast. The menu has plenty of variety, and we went for the Healthy Breakfast and the pancakes, both were served in generous portions, beautifully presented, and full of fresh flavors. The coffee was excellent, rich and smooth. I also tried the matcha, which was good, though a little heavy on ice. Overall, a wonderful spot to enjoy a relaxed and satisfying start to the day.

Everything was wonderful. The staff were efficient and friendly. The food was delicious and very nicely presented. I highly recommend the brunch, particularly the Smashed Avocado. My friend thoroughly enjoyed her Eggs Bendict.

A great place to meet friends, group booking or solo. Coffee here is delicious. The staff are friendly and attentive. We came for the High Tea and it did not disappoint! Coffee on arrival, bottomless cups of tea. One three tier tower for sweets and another 3 tier tower for savoury. We enjoyed everything. Thank you for accommodating us

What an amazing place! Seated quickly and food arrived within a really good time too. All staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The food was delicious in both quality, taste and presentation. The best smashed avo I have ever had!

Definitely made my day with the beautiful latte art. Coffee tasted great too. Ordered smashed avo and add on scrambled egg. A little bit too much. But a thumbs up for the scramble egg. Love the way how they cooked it 💯 Nice and chill environment 👌🏻 Definitely will come back again! *The 03 ladies (waitresses) were all very smiley and welcoming 👍🏻👍🏻

Oh my god, I loveeeeeeee this place. The interior was what caught my attention at first because the café is super pretty!! But the food and coffee completely blew me away. Not only are they super Instagrammable, they’re super delicious too!! I tried their iced vanilla latte and the smashed avocado (aka avocado toast) with an add on egg. My friend had the K.F.C burger and we shared the lemon meringue pancake. Their iced coffee was absolutely perfect, just the right balance of bitterness, sweetness and creaminess. I’m not even a big fan of avocado, I only ordered it because, well, when in Aussie right? But I ended up really liking it. It comes with a pea fritter and thinly shaved cucumber, super good. I couldn’t really taste the truffle in the sauce but it was still a nice creamy sauce. The toasted sourdough though was probably the star, such good bread. I had a bite of my friend’s K.F.C burger and instantly got food envy. I should’ve ordered that, it was so good. Crispy chicken, sweet, savory, tangy in the best way possible. And the lemon meringue pancake was amazing too. The lemon curd was hands down the best part, perfectly sweet and sour. I’m literally drooling writing this. Hope I get to go back someday. Oh, and the servers were super nice, friendly and helpful too. I highly recommend this café.

For a hotel I’d expect better. Order at the bar, nice staff. Wait staff delivering food were rude and really couldn’t care. The food that I ordered was horrid. Toasted ham and cheese sandwich from the kids menu was whole meal bread and stone cold. … what kid will eat that? (Not mine) And the chicken tenders. We’re dry and really oily. This not a restaurant because anything you want you have to get up and order yourself and then tell them your table number, while up the table gets taken by another person. Oh you can order via a QR code…. If only it worked. There are so many better places just around the corner. Don’t waste your time.

I stayed at the Novotel with my family and ate at Moku and the signature ribs were amazing, by far the best pork ribs I've ever had in Australia. I've had pork ribs at another famous restaurant before and was disappointed because they weren't tender and were very mediocre. I would recommend this place if you're in Cairns, the portions are huge and if you're an Accor Plus member, you can get a really good deal on a delicious meal.👍

Nice relaxed atmosphere with great food and nice cocktails! Prices are reasonable but even better with an Accor Plus card!

We dined here for dinner and the restaurant itself is modern with a lovely view to the pool. I was looking forward to eating here as there are many vegan options but unfortunately, the Buddha bowl I ordered was underwhelming. The rice seemed undercooked and the entire meal was lacking in flavour. My companions had a few Small Plates (corn ribs, pork ribs, and prawns), which they said were good so I wouldn’t rule out trying some other options if I visited Cairns again. The service provided by Alex lifted the rating—he was friendly and helpful.

They have an amazing breakfast! Melanie the cashier it is so so nice! She always smiling and she makes us feel so welcome, Jack as well, I recommend it 100%. The tall bold guy at the bar as well I forgot his name. I have been eating there and enjoying the pool couple of times :)

Certainly an odd date night. The short version, if you are here for drinks and just chilling it's fine. If you want mediocre food and lots of it there's value to be had. If you want reasonable dinner, it's possible. If you want a well lit place away from the elements to have a chat, perfect. I wouldn't recommend it for a date night whether it's your first or 1000th. Food was the worst we came across in a long time. Portions huge, taste, not so much.

I was so excited to try out the vegan 'steak' but was extremely disappointed when this plate was served (white circle is where my partner gave me his sauce, didnt come with the meal), the meal was bland, the texture of the 'steak' was like glue and only been placed on the grill for the appearance , none of it was cooked. The coleslaw looked like it was taken out of a packet and dressed with plain oil. The service at the bar was friendly and welcoming which is more than I can say for the waitress that served us, didn't acknowledge us when we asked if we needed to reserve seats or when she gave us our food. My partners chicken wings aren't even worth providing a photo, it was just sauce on bones. Wouldn't recommend for food / service but good atmosphere for kids. For 2 meals and 2 cocktails we spent $98