Cairns Restaurants and Dining

(Cairns, Far North Queensland - QLD, Australia)

Traditional Aussie cuisine is a mainstay of the dining scene in Cairns, with most local restaurants and eateries in the city sharing one characteristic - large and very filling meals. Serving huge steaks, seafood platters and barbecues, you are unlikely to go hungry when eating out at local restaurants and grills in Cairns. Those who prefer a more international cuisine will be pleased to also find eateries specialising in Asian and European fare.

As with so much of the city, many of the best dining establishments tend to be noticeably clustered around the Cairns Esplanade, together with a good selection of vibrant bars and cafes. However, do bear in mind that if you are looking to eat out at breakfast time, many eateries choose not to open until at least 11:00 or thereabouts. One exception to this is the ever-popular Lillipad Cafe on Grafton Street, where the 'Full Monty' fried breakfasts will certainly set you up for a day of serious sightseeing.

Where to Eat

Families dining out in Cairns may like to take advantage of the 'early bird' schemes offered at many centrally located restaurants, whereby diners ordering their meal before 18:30 can enjoy discounts of up to 30 percent.

If you are simply looking for a light snack, then American-style fast-food restaurants and pizza houses remain reliable choices with both locals and tourists alike.

As well as the Esplanade, further Cairns restaurants tend to be based around Shields Street, which has become something of a dining hotspot in the city. Other eateries are to be found along Abbott Street, Aplin Street, Grafton Street, Lake Street, Sheridan Street and Wharf Street, the latter of which is home to the acclaimed waterfront Mondo Restaurant at the Hilton Hotel.

If you are simply looking for a drink, then pubs are everywhere in Cairns and often serve simple bar food. Those who are planning to self-cater should bear in mind that supermarkets close at around 17:30 on Saturday and Sunday, staying open until as late as 22:00 on weekdays.