Cairns is a hub for foodies. If you’re visiting Far North Queensland, make sure you check out some of these spots for a bite!
Cairns has a comfortable spot on Australia’s culinary map! Due to its proximity to Asia, it has a tropical climate, so it’s home to a vibrant food scene that is thriving with exotic fruits.
Whether you’re a casual diner or you’re looking for a 5* gourmet experience, Cairns has a bustling food scene to suit all kinds of foodie.
Kick off your culinary journey at Rusty’s Fruit Market
Stock up on your exotic fruit delights at Rusty’s Fruit Market. The mangoes are delicious!
Held every Friday and Saturday, Rusty’s is a rite of passage in Cairns. Think dragon fruit, rambutan, durian, custard apples and fresh herbs as well as handmade pastries. Banana bread, mango-infused wines. All of the local fruit and veg suppliers come together to sell the freshest fruit from around Far North Queensland.
In terms of coffee, the local café Caffeind is the favourite – otherwise it’s the black sparrow café in the arcade. The Blackbird Laneway café is also another popular spot for a coffee, and it’s hidden down a laneway, which is a great little spot for a coffee and a catch-up.
Seafood dining in Cairns
A trip to Cairns wouldn’t be complete without tasting its seafood! Check out Prawn Star or Osprey’s Restaurant at the Thala Beach Reserve. As it’s a city perched right on the edge of the Coral Sea, it makes sense that Cairns is home to great seafood restaurants.
For a casual spot that serves some serious seafood flavour, check out Prawn Star – it’s no frills but retains great quality. For something in the same area in the marina that’s a little finer dining with sustainable fish, check out Ospreys.
For Asian Fusion, check out Tamarind, a fine dining restaurant located within the Pullman Reef Hotel. They’re famous for their award-winning Asian fusion cuisine…which serves up native Australian ingredients with an Asian twist – their caramel tamarind Sichuan salt is a crowd pleaser!
Vegetarian paradise at Lillipad
For vegetarians and vegans, check out the Lillipad café. A laid back cafe right in the middle of town, this well-established eatery supplies wholefoods recipes which are designed to nourish your mind and body.
