TNQ Writer
You certainly won’t find all of Cairns’ best restaurants and cafes along the esplanade strip – some can be found in the most unexpected of suburban streets. Get off the beaten track, so to speak, with this ultimate eating guide to suburban dining in FNQ.
Stratford and Freshwater
Perched next to Mt Whitfield and on the Cairns to Kuranda railway line, the leafy suburbs of Stratford and Freshwater overlook the mighty Barron River to the north. Join the Kuranda Scenic Railway at the Freshwater Station or pop in for a bite to eat one of the cafés along Kamerunga Road.
Grab a tasty pastry at Le Crouton
Photo source: facebook.com/lecroutoncafe
Le Crouton
Just a hop, skip and a jump from the Freshwater Station is where you’ll find Cairns’ own little slice of Paris – Le Crouton. It may be an unassuming shop from the outside but let me assure you, this petite French bakery serves up an absolutely scrumptious range of freshly baked artisan breads, pastries and cakes 5 days a week. From crunchy ham and cheese baguettes to soft and flaky almond croissants, the pastries at Le Crouton are an utterly enjoyable form of edible art. If heaven was a food, this is what it would taste like!
Barron River Hotel
First built as a lodging house in 1887, The Barron River Hotel is one of Cairns’ longest standing hotels. Rivers Restaurant welcomes young families with its dedicated kids menu and kids room to keep the whipper snappers occupied. The menu is simple pub grub featuring premium quality steak, pub classics like chicken schnitty’s, chunky beef & ale pie and a selection of burgers. Dine on their recently renovated outdoor deck, which offers the perfect view to pair with your brew.
Edge Hill
This blue chip suburb only 4km north west of central Cairns best known for the Botanic Gardens, Arrow walking tracks and the Tanks Art Centre is also home to some of the best suburban eats in Cairns.
Go for Mexican with a twist at Guerrilla
Guerrilla
Break out your sombrero for modern Mexican food with a killer cocktail list at Guerrilla in the heart of Collins Avenue. This restaurant is far from your standard Aussie Mexican food and although you may spy a few of the usual suspects like guacamole on the menu, the food is anything but Tex Mex. Think zesty street tacos with marinated skirt steak and roast tomatillo or delectable smoked corn ribs doused in tequila butter and parmesan. Go a la carte or choose the signature banquet menu before catching a live band at the Tanks Arts Centre. The Spicy Margaritas are a non-negotiable!
Botanica
Smack bang in the middle of Collins Avenue is where you will find this delightful little diner that’s kicking all the goals. Botanica’s host with the most Matty B will ensure that your every whim is catered to and satisfied. Serving top notch coffee with a sophisticated brunch menu is what these guys do best. The chilli scramble with house smoked salmon on toasted brioche is to die for as are their fresh baked daily treats lined up on the countertop. Give your brunch a bit of punch with a mimosa or two seeing as they’re licensed. Go on, treat yourself.
Sip and eat in style at NOA
NOA
This all day eating house combines a stylish relaxed atmosphere with a modern menu and an exceptional drinks list. Make like a local and hit the Red Arrow before tackling one of NOA’s famous breakfast boards or head there mid-afternoon and kick back on the breezy deck with a signature cocktail in hand whilst watching the world go by. Although the Asian fusion menu is ever changing you can be sure each dish is brimming with local produce and bold flavours. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this mainstay on the Cairns foodie scene is always guaranteed to draw a crowd.
Samgasat
This dressed down eatery with authentic Northern Thai cuisine will have you coming back for more time and time again. On the outskirts of Edge Hill Samgasat is a popular local haunt that’s best booked a few days in advance, particularly if you’re hoping for a weekend spot. Start with the Chiang Mai street noodles of grilled pork and then move onto the highly recommended whole fried fish with tamarind, chilli and herbs. You’ll need to order early as this one comes in limited serves each day. This busy restaurant may be small but they more than make up for it with flavours that pack a punch.
Earlville
With the origin of the name coming from the Earl family who lived in the area, Earlville is home to Earlville Shopping Town and some of the city’s most beautiful Queenslander homes.
Hopscotch
Authentic Italian pizza and pasta handmade by nonna herself are just a small selection of the delicacies on the pass at this beloved suburban eatery. Serving up some of the best wood fired pizzas in town, where the pizza dough is hand stretched using only the finest white and wholemeal flour. Go all out and put yourself in a carb coma with a garlic pizza topper hand stretched over your finished bowl of pasta and then baked in the wood fired oven. A dedicated kids menu and happy hour makes Hopscotch the perfect place for a family feast or a catch up with a foodie friend over a glass of red. (Insider tip: choose a balcony seat and order the paddock pizza).
Balaclava Fish
It’s no lie that we Aussies love our fish and chips but often you’ve got Buckley’s Chance of finding a good one. Well count your lucky stars because this OG fish and chip shop, less than 5km out of the city, has earned itself the stellar reputation of serving up the crunchiest and freshest fish and chips in town. And rightly so too, with fresh-as-hell fish, great service, generous serves and top value for money the 5 star reviews for Balaclava Fish just keep on coming. A little bird tells me that the fish burger is a cracker too. Extra chicken salt please.
Machans Beach
Head north past the airport and chuck a right turn at the first roundabout to find this quiet coastal village. A large rock wall was erected along the beach front many years ago to combat severe erosion though the beach front still maintains much of its charm.
O’Sheas
You’ll feel miles from anywhere at this restaurant in the peaceful seaside suburb of Machan’s Beach. Just a short 10km drive from the Cairns CBD O’Sheas has something on the menu to please everyone. When the weather is fine it’s particularly popular in the afternoon thanks to their fully licensed restaurant and views out over the wide expanse of Trinity Inlet.
Mayhem at Machans
This delightful, coastal style café in the quiet beachside suburb of Machan’s Beach is probably not what you pictured when reading the name. Not a lot of mayhem and a whole lot of charm is what you’re more likely to find at Mayhem at Machans. Take a break curb side or on the spacious back patio with their divine crab omelette filled with blue swimmer crab, parmesan cheese and a side of toasted sourdough. Skipping the brekkie fare? The fish tacos with battered flathead, crunchy slaw, corn salsa, chipotle mayo and lime are sure to go down a treat. From the laid back, chilled out vibes to the casual all-day menu – there’s a lot to love about this place.
Holloways Beach
A stone throw’s away from the CBD you’ll find the tranquil beachy burb of Holloways Beach. Don’t let the relaxed atmosphere fool you, Holloway’s has some of the city’s finest diners hands down.
Pick a boujee breakfast option at Two Blocks
Pick a boujee breakfast option at Two Blocks
Views don't get much better than Strait on the Beach
Views don't get much better than Strait on the Beach
Two Blocks
If you’re in the mood for food then Two Blocks Café at Holloways Beach is definitely where it’s at. Forget the ubiquitous bacon and eggs – although you can still order that – oh no the food at Two Blocks is so much more. Brunch is the name of the game and with a menu changing seasonally you can expect dishes like Sticky Date Donuts with miso butterscotch and burnt milk ice cream or a drool worthy karaage fried chicken eggs benedict. Forget the food envy when your date’s meal arrives because every meal at Two Block’s is a total banger. Top the food with slick service and expertly crafted coffee and these guys are the whole package. Run, don’t walk.
Strait on the Beach
Perched at the southern end of Holloways Beach, this idyllically located and licenced café is as shore side as you get. Strait on the Beach offers Bali-esque beach vibes with a touch of Far North Queensland hospitality, serving up breakfast and lunch Tuesday to Sunday. Kick back with a frothy and a selection of dishes from their all day menu whilst lapping up the Coral Sea views out towards Green Island.
Code
Wine and dine yourself with modern European inspired share plates and carefully crafted cocktails at Two Blocks big sister restaurant, Code. A seriously sleek interior design and a creative yet classical menu puts this place a step above the rest. Take a seat at the bar for front row seats of their resident mixologist whipping you up a mezcal inspired refreshment or grab a regular table for some serious eating. Highlights include the butter poached bugs in brioche and the fried bread and butter pudding with miso gelato. These guys are at the top of their game.
Manunda, Westcourt and Bungalow
On the outskirts of the CBD these inner suburbs are where the cool cats of Cairns choose take up residence (aka yours truly). With more good grub than you can poke a stick at, here’s just a few of my faves.
Brother Jenkins
Run by a brother and sister duo and a smooth team of wait staff, this funky converted Queenslander on the outskirts of town is open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. Alleged to have the best eggs benny in Cairns using a secret recipe the hardest decision you’ll have will be whether to top it with salmon or bacon. Not down for that rich, buttery goodness and softly poached eggs? The breakfast salad served with a poached egg and sourdough will most certainly cancel out your week of holiday binge eating. Whatever your jam, a trip to Brother Jenkins is a no brainer.
Mama Coco
I’ve always been a big fan of Mama Coco. Not only is it my ‘local’ but it was the very first place I wrote about when I started blogging back in 2011. With their regularly changing menu Davy and his team are always adding trendy new dishes like smoked salmon breakfast with grain loaf, smashed peas, herb yogurt, pickled onion, beetroot and radish. Mama also offers a yummy assortment of sweet and savoury pastries that are baked daily onsite. Good coffee, even better food and easy parking make Mama Coco a local fave.
Thai Coins
Fill your belly at this local institution, often considered the OG Thai restaurant in Cairns. Whether you’re ordering the classic Thai dishes like tom yum goong, pad thai or massaman beef curry, or you’re down to try the crying tiger with Thai BBQ sliced beef served on a sizzling plate with north eastern chilli style sauce. Taste the “Land of Smiles “with fresh, tasty and flavourful food created by using inherited family techniques. With the sound of woks clanging and the fragrant smell of kaffir lime filling the air, you’ll think you’ve been teleported to Thailand at Thai Coins.
Whitfield
Nestled at the foothills of Mt Whitfield, this lovable, leafy neighbourhood boasts not only the house with the best Christmas Lights in town on Keirle Avenue but also some top quality nosh.
Pick up a pastry at Woodward St Bakery
The Nest
Pop into this much loved neighbourhood cafe to get your morning fix at the Nest. While you’re there grab a seat on the lounge, with the local rag and order some brekkie. The service is friendly, the coffee is hot and the menu is concise ensuring this local gem has everything you’ll need to start your day off on the right foot.
Woodward St Bakery
Just a short stroll down the road from The Nest is where you will find Woodward St Bakery where it’s all about the delicious pastries paired with good coffee. Pick up a warm loaf of fresh sourdough or match a flaky almond croissant with creamy almond latter and your morning just got infinitely better.
Yorkeys Knob
Although slightly suspect for out of towners, Yorkeys gets it’s quirky name from a local fisherman who lived on the rocky hill (or knob as we call it) back in the 1880’s. Aside from its quirky name it’s also famous for the Half Moon Bay Marina and Golf Club that makes it a holiday destination in its own right.
Ten 06 Cafe offers day long eats
Hidden @ Yorkeys
Sashay into your seat amongst the tropical garden setting at the Golden Sands Beachfront Resort. Treat yourself to some house-made banana and macadamia nut loaf with rainforest honey and whipped ricotta or indulge in some homemade rosemary and parmesan gnocchi. Hidden @ Yorkeys has the winning trifecta of being child, pet and wheelchair friendly giving it two big thumbs up.
Ten 06 Cafe
Boasting a breakfast, all day, wood fired pizza and dessert menu, there’s plenty to satisfy even the most discerning diner at Ten 06 Cafe, a beach front café/bar on the knob. Down for something a bit different for brekkie or lunch? Why not choose the durban bunny chow, South African fragrant beef curry in a bread roll with a fried egg. This local fave is popular for sundowners on the weekend with live local music, ice cold tap beer and chilled out vibes. Did I also mention they have a cheeseburger pizza?
