If there is any city in Australia where you can find the best seafood, it has to be Cairns. The vibrant coastal city is located in the tropical north of Queensland and is known to be the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. However, the city is best known for its fresh and delicious seafood.

From succulent prawns and juicy oysters to mouthwatering barramundi and tender mud crabs, the variety of seafood that Cairns has to offer is truly impressive. The restaurants in Cairns not only represent the region’s seafood but also blend flavors and cooking techniques from various cultures to offer a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

In this blog, we’ll reveal the 7 best seafood restaurants in Cairns that you must visit to enjoy the ultimate Australian seafood experience. Our list of seafood restaurants includes everything from casual beachside eateries to upscale fine-dining restaurants, catering to different tastes and preferences.

So, let’s start exploring:

Top 7 Best Seafood Restaurants in Cairns

1- Dundees on the Waterfront

Dundees on the Waterfront is a true culinary gem in the heart of Cairns that you must visit if you are craving for some exquisite seafood.

The restaurant has an extensive menu that includes the best of modern Australian cuisine. However, what the place is most famous for is indeed its seafood. You should definitely try Dundee’s seafood tower, Penang seafood curry, and Dundee’s Barrier Reef.

Beyond seafood, Dundees on the Waterfront also offers a diverse range of dishes. From beef grilled steaks, pastas, and salads to satays made of kangaroo and crocodile meat, the menu is a true celebration of the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Dining at Dundees on the Waterfront is an experience that should be on everyone’s list, alongside visiting thezand exploring the surrounding rainforests.

Google Rating: 4.5

2- Splash Seafood Restaurant

Our next pick for the best seafood restaurant in Cairns is the Splash Seafood Restaurant which offers a tantalizing fusion of fresh seafood and non-seafood. As one of the finest seafood places in Cairns, this restaurant guarantees an unforgettable culinary experience.

The moment you step inside, the vibrant ambiance and friendly staff set the stage for a memorable dining adventure. Known for its commitment to using the freshest ingredients from the bountiful Coral Sea, Splash Seafood Restaurant’s menu is a true celebration of coastal flavors.

Their rich and creamy chowder is a must-try but you should also order their delightfully spiced Thai-inspired barramundi and perfectly cooked scallop and prawn risotto. If you are looking for something light and refreshing then we recommend you to try their fish tacos and succulent prawns.

Google Rating: 4.4

3- Tha Fish

Searching for a seafood restaurant in Cairns with a covered outdoor area and marina views? We suggest you to definitely pay a visit to Tha Fish. Established in 2004 by the passionate duo, Sheldon and Carolyn Wearne, Tha Fish is a local gem that offers an unparalleled dining experience and is a beloved destination for seafood lovers.

With a commitment to providing the highest quality seafood, sourced from local suppliers, Tha Fish celebrates the natural flavors of the ocean’s bounty. The ambiance is relaxed yet attentive, inviting diners to enjoy every moment. The restaurant’s prime location offers breathtaking views of the mountains and glistening waters, creating a serene backdrop for an unforgettable meal.

Tha Fish’s offers an extensive seafood menu, however, the restaurant is best known for its five different fish varieties, each prepared in five distinct cooking styles to cater to every palate. Beyond the fish menu, there is also an à la carte menu that includes seafood delights, from succulent coral trout and barramundi to flavorful prawn red curry and delicious black lip mussels.

The restaurant’s menu also includes meat and vegetarian options to ensure that everyone finds his comfort food.

Google Rating: 4.7

4- Prawn Star

Imagine dining at a place that is actually a refurbished fishing trawler and where you can get freshly picked seafood directly from the azure waters surrounding Cairns. This is the delightful experience that Prawn Star offers its visitors.

Founded by Danny Moore, this unique seafood restaurant is comprised of a fleet of four vessels that double as floating culinary havens. The menu is a celebration of local seafood bounty, featuring sashimi-grade salmon, succulent oysters, robust crayfish, and an incredible variety of prawns and seafood platters.

Whether you’re a local or an international visitor, Prawn Star is sure to captivate your taste buds with its unparalleled freshness and maritime ambiance.

Google Rating: 4.4

5- The Backyard

The Backyard by Shangri-La offers a serene waterside dining experience in Cairns that is truly one-of-a-kind. The restaurant will mesmerize you with its breathtaking views across the Marlin Marina along with the majestic mountains on the far side of Trinity Inlet.

For starters, the grilled octopus and the scallops are must-tries. Moreover, the seafood platter is a true showstopper. Complementing the exceptional food and atmosphere is a stellar variety of cocktails, each one expertly crafted to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you prefer a classic or something more adventurous, the skilled mixologist at The Backyard will surely impress you.

But the culinary excellence at The Backyard is just one part of the equation. The ambiance is equally remarkable, with tables set along the waterside deck, offering guests a front-row seat to the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds them. As the gentle breeze caresses your face and the sound of lapping water soothes your soul, you’ll find yourself transported to a world of pure tranquility.

Last but not least, the service at The Backyard is truly exceptional. The attentive and knowledgeable staff go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary, anticipating your every need and making you feel like royalty.

Google Rating: 4.1

6- Bellocale

If you are a fan of Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood, Bellocale is an absolute must-visit dining destination in Cairns. This stylish modern Italian restaurant has quickly made a name for itself by putting seafood front and center on the menu.

Their menu kicks off in style with freshly shucked oysters and pappardelle bugs. Moreover, there is seafood ravioli on the menu that is worth trying, especially its sauce is something to die for. Another special item on the menu is Risotto Alla Pescatora which is a seafood risotto with Moreton bay bug, gulf tiger prawns, calamari, local market fish, mussels, and clams.

After a classic Italian seafood meal at Bellocale, you should definitely end on a high note by having the sinfully rich Tiramisu or “Death by Chocolate” dessert.

With its enticing menu, stylish interior, and warm service, Bellocale brings an authentic taste of modern Italian seafood to the tropical north. It’s an absolute must for foodies visiting or living in Cairns.

Google Rating: 4.7

7- Nu Nu Restaurant

Located in Palm Cove, Nu Nu Restaurant is a place that epitomizes beachfront luxury dining. From the moment you step into this amazing place, you will be greeted by the soothing sounds of waves lapping against the shore and breathtaking ocean vistas that stretch as far as your eyes can see.

At Nu Nu, the experience is as much about the ambiance as it is about the food. Complementing the stunning setting is a menu that offers the best of Australian cuisine. One of the must-try dishes is the wok-fried chili mud crab which will leave you craving for more. Moreover, you will get complimentary cassava chips, and you’ve got a winning combination that will tantalize your taste buds.

If you are looking for something incredibly fresh then we recommend you to try Nu Nu’s sensational oysters. You should also taste their kimchi butter poached reef fish and BBQ scallops and we bet you won’t regret ordering them.  

Google Rating: 4.5

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