Lexi Webster
Cairns, Australia, is known for its proximity to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The city also boasts a diverse food scene, ranging from local markets and casual cafes to award-winning restaurants. For cheap eats, travellers can explore Rusty's Markets, which offers a variety of exotic fruits, delicatessens, and fresh breads. Those seeking a more upscale dining experience can visit restaurants like Ochre, known for its Australian cuisine and waterfront views, or Tamarind, a fine-dining Asian fusion restaurant. For Japanese cuisine, Wawawa Izakaya and Ganbaranba are popular choices, while Yaya's Hellenic Kitchen offers Greek food with a view of the esplanade.
Cairns, Australia: Food and Drink
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Seafood | Seafood factories used to line the Esplanade, but these have been replaced by other restaurants. Seafood is still a big player on Cairns' menus. |
| International Cuisine | Japanese, Greek, Balinese, Italian, Mexican, Caribbean, Asian Fusion |
| Local Produce | Local and seasonal ingredients are used in many restaurants, including Salt House, Ochre, and Tamarind. |
| Waterfront Dining | Salt House, Ochre, and Paper Crane are all located on Cairns' waterfront. |
| Cheap Eats | Rusty's Markets, The Roti Shack, The Jack Hotel, Waffle On |
| Fine Dining | Tamarind, Ochre, Salt House |
| Views | Yaya's Hellenic Kitchen, Salt House, Ochre |
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Local markets and cafes
Cairns is a food lover's paradise, with its abundance of local markets, cafes, and restaurants offering a variety of fresh produce and dining options.
Local Markets
Rusty's Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the local food culture of Cairns. With its vibrant mix of colours, scents, and flavours, Rusty's Market offers a unique opportunity to explore and taste the tropical north. You can find everything from exotic fruits to homegrown chocolate, craft beers, and, of course, the famous local coffee. The market also has stalls selling delicious snacks and meals, perfect for a quick bite on the go.
In addition to Rusty's Market, Cairns also boasts other fantastic local markets, such as those in Gordonvale, Palm Cove, Holloways Beach, and Tanks Arts Centre. These markets showcase the region's diverse and multicultural food scene, with options ranging from Italian cafes to Balinese diners.
Cafes
Cairns is home to over 180 cafes, each with its unique atmosphere and offerings. Here are some notable cafes to consider:
- Apex Milk Bar: This casual eatery, open since 1960, prides itself on using local produce. They offer a variety of burgers, including beef, chicken, pork, fish, and vegetarian options, along with milkshakes and hotdogs.
- Cairns Burger Cafe: A locally owned restaurant that sources meat from local farms. They serve juicy burgers with various options, including gluten-free and vegan choices.
- Ganbaranba Noodle Colosseum: Consistently rated as one of the top restaurants in Cairns, this bustling inner-city spot offers delicious ramen and gyoza at affordable prices.
- Vines: A charming café nestled in the beautiful grounds of Limberlost Garden Centre on Old Smithfield Road.
- Tattooed Sailor, White Whale, Ransom, Sipping Duck, and Coffee Works: These local coffee roasters are highly regarded for their coffee, with beans sourced from the nearby Atherton Tablelands.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite at a local market or a relaxing coffee break at a charming café, Cairns has something for everyone.
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Japanese food
Cairns, Australia, is a haven for food lovers, offering a plethora of dining options, including Japanese cuisine. Here is a guide to Japanese food in Cairns:
Wawawa Izakaya
Located on Lake Street, Wawawa Izakaya is a popular choice for Japanese food in Cairns. With consistently fresh and delicious dishes, it is no wonder that this restaurant was a regular Saturday night spot for a self-proclaimed Japanese food lover. The menu includes a variety of ramen options, with one patron claiming that it is "the best ramen restaurant in all of Australia". The restaurant also offers sushi, gyoza, and other traditional Japanese dishes.
Ganbaranba
For ramen lovers, Ganbaranba is the place to be. While the broth may not be the absolute best, the ramen is still well-regarded, with one diner comparing it to the ramen they ate while living in Roppongi.
Other Notable Japanese Restaurants
Cairns has a diverse Japanese food scene, with several other notable restaurants. These include sushi train restaurants, which offer a wide variety of fresh Japanese dishes at reasonable prices. The friendly staff and beautiful presentation of the sushi enhance the dining experience. Other traditional Japanese dishes, such as udon, tempura, and various types of noodles, can also be found in Cairns.
In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, Cairns also offers Japanese dining experiences with high-quality cuisine, attentive service, and a casual yet authentic atmosphere.
So, whether you're craving ramen, sushi, or any other Japanese delicacy, Cairns has something to offer. The Japanese food scene in Cairns is sure to excite and satisfy your appetite!
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Greek food
If you're looking for Greek food in Cairns, there are a few options to consider. Yaya's Hellenic Kitchen & Bar is a popular choice, known for its excellent service, delicious food, and great views of the esplanade. The menu offers a range of Greek dishes, including slow-cooked proteins, and it's open for dinner seven days a week. Another Greek restaurant in Cairns is Ela Drink + Meze, which offers a blend of authentic Greek flavours and modern interpretations. They specialise in meze plates and banquets, perfect for sharing and social dining.
For a more casual option, you might try Ares Grill, which serves Greek dishes like grilled marinated chicken on an open pitta with chips and tzatziki. The decor will transport you to the Greek islands, and bookings are recommended during busy periods. If you're in the mood for a heartier meal, the Zeus Grill features grilled marinated lamb with a Greek salad.
Whether you're looking for a fine dining experience or a quick bite, these Greek restaurants in Cairns are sure to satisfy your cravings for Mediterranean cuisine.
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Waterfront dining
Cairns, Australia, is known for its diverse dining options, including waterfront restaurants that offer stunning views and delicious cuisine. Here are some notable waterfront dining destinations in Cairns:
Dundee's Restaurant on the Waterfront
Dundee's is a renowned waterfront restaurant in Cairns, often featuring on tourists' 'must-do' lists. It boasts a modern Australian menu, showcasing tender Australian-bred beef grilled to perfection, fresh local seafood, pastas, salads, and homemade desserts. The restaurant is located directly on the Cairns Marina, offering diners breathtaking views of the Trinity Inlet and the surrounding mountainside. With one of the largest seating capacities in Cairns, Dundee's can accommodate up to 250 guests in their outdoor undercover al fresco dining area.
Ollie's Italian
Ollie's Italian is a waterfront restaurant that celebrates fresh ingredients and the flavours of Italy. They specialise in hand-stretched Neapolitan-style pizzas and fresh, handmade pasta, including their signature ravioli. The restaurant is located within the Waterfront dining precinct and provides diners with stunning views to complement their culinary experience. Ollie's is known for its welcoming atmosphere and unique cocktails, making it a popular choice for those seeking a warm and inviting dining experience.
Blu Marlin Bistro
Blu Marlin Bistro is situated within the Reef Fleet Terminal, offering diners a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. It is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the local surroundings of the jetty and busy boardwalk while savouring one of their renowned coffees or indulging in a selection of cold beers, wines, or cocktails. Blu Marlin Bistro provides a convenient grab-and-go option or a more relaxed dining experience with delicious dishes infused with regional flavours and the personal touch of their talented chefs.
Boatshed
Boatshed is a premium waterfront dining destination in Cairns, offering uninterrupted views of the Trinity Inlet. It provides an extensive menu of share plates, main meals, cocktails, and other thirst-quenching options. Whether it's a special occasion, business function, or casual gathering, Boatshed invites guests to kick back, indulge, and enjoy the waterfront views and culinary delights.
Yaya's Hellenic Kitchen & Bar
Yaya's Hellenic Kitchen & Bar is a popular choice for waterfront dining in Cairns, offering authentic Greek cuisine with a view. Their menu features classic dishes such as souvlaki, grilled marinated chicken or lamb on an open pitta, and a refreshing Greek salad. With outdoor dining overlooking the Esplanade, Yaya's combines delicious food with a pleasant dining atmosphere, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
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Cheap eats
Cairns, Australia, is known for its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, but its food scene is equally impressive and ever-evolving. From night markets and food stalls to Asian eateries and pubs, there's no shortage of cheap eats in this tropical city.
One notable spot is Rusty's Markets, a Cairns foodie icon. Operating every Friday to Sunday, Rusty's Markets feature over 180 stalls offering a diverse range of culinary delights. Here, you can find everything from fresh seafood to exotic fruits and steamy samosas. Within Rusty's Markets, The Grateful Coconut stands out for its fresh fruit salad served in a coconut bowl. For vegetarian options, Gyorgyi's Delights offers vegetarian frittatas and arancini loaded with sauerkraut.
For those craving Japanese cuisine, Ganbaranba is the place to be. This popular ramen joint serves up delicious Japanese-style noodles, gyoza, and refreshing cold noodle dishes, with a line often snaking out the door. The ingredients are locally sourced and fresh, and the prices are affordable, with main courses starting at $13.
If you're in the mood for some Mediterranean flavours, head to The Jack Hotel, located near Rusty's. They offer affordable pub grub, including weekly lunch and dinner deals on steaks, schnitzels, pizza, and pasta. You can enjoy your meal in their comfortable air-conditioned interior or the outdoor beer garden while watching sports on the big screens.
Cairns also boasts a variety of budget-friendly cafes and restaurants serving diverse cuisines. Falafellicious, a Middle Eastern eatery, offers delicious vegan, vegetarian, and meat options with freshly baked pita and crispy falafels. The Roti Shack, a locally owned Caribbean spot, serves mouth-watering curry wraps with roti bread made from scratch. For a proper brunch on a budget, Waffle On offers a range of sweet and savoury waffle options, organic coffee, and fresh juices.
Whether you're a budget backpacker or a local looking for a well-priced meal, Cairns has an abundance of cheap eats to satisfy your cravings and keep your wallet happy.
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Frequently asked questions
Rusty's Markets is a great option for budget-friendly meals, with over 180 stalls selling a wide variety of foods. The Roti Shack, a locally-owned, family-run business, is another affordable option for Caribbean street food. Other cheap eats include The Jack Hotel for pub grub, and Waffle On for sweet and savoury waffles.
Yaya's Hellenic Kitchen and Bar is a popular choice for Greek food, with outdoor dining and a view of the esplanade. Ares Grill is another Greek restaurant that serves dishes like grilled marinated chicken on an open pitta with tzatziki.
Salt House is an iconic waterfront venue with panoramic views and modern Australian cuisine. Ochre, located along the Harbour Lights Boardwalk, offers beautiful views of the harbour, mountains, and beyond, along with award-winning Australian cuisine.
For Japanese food, Wawawa Izakaya on Lake St is a popular choice. Ganbaranba is recommended for ramen. Tamarind, located within the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, is an Asian fusion restaurant with a daily degustation menu. Paper Crane offers Asian fusion food with a playful spin on Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Korean flavours.
