Top 5 restaurants to try seafood in Cairns

February 26, 2015 - 3 min read

You can’t visit Cairns without trying some fresh caught seafood. Here are 5 places you have to try – the locals are loving them!

1) Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront
Dundee’s restaurant on the waterfront not only has amazing seafood but it has a one of a kind view that will make this outing with friends memorable. If you are looking for a place to go which will raise the bar for seafood dining, the Dundee’s is the place to be. The influences of the ocean are right at you door as you look out onto the waterfront and taste the culinary dishes inspired by the ocean. Their lunch specials from Monday to Friday are great with Garlic Muscle Linguine and, if you’re up for it, Octopus salad. Also, check out their seafood platters when you next visit!
Where: Shop 3, 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns Harbour Lights, Cairns QLD 4870

2) Splash Seafood Restaurant
The locals love Splash Restaurant because the passion for seafood and culinary cuisine is evident in every dish that arrives at your table. The owners Malcolm and Megan are dedicated to offering the highest standards of fresh seafood dishes for locals and tourists alike. Whether you have a group booking or are looking for a casual area to have lunch, Splash Restaurant is definitely a special treat. Overlooking the Cairns Esplanade and Trinity Inlet, you can enjoy this stunning view from your table. They also accommodate kids so feel free to bring them along for a great meal out in Cairns.
​Where: 103 Esplanade, Cairns QLD 4870

3) The Raw Prawn Seafood Restaurant
The atmosphere at the Raw Prawn is intimate yet casual and is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine with your seafood. They also feature an all day menu so if you decide to graze then you are more than welcome to stay and select from fresh seafood straight from the trawler to you or char grilled to infuse the flavours into your meals. The Raw Prawn also gives a whole new meaning to being able to pick your meals off the menu with their live tank. Yes, you heard me correctly. Choose your mud crab or crayfish and how you want it cooked with garlic butter.
Where: 101 Esplanade, Cairns QLD 4870

4) Barnacle Bill’s Seafood Inn
Located on the Cairns Esplanade you can watch the sun setting on a warm afternoon with loved ones. They also have a 20% discount for diners who dine between 5pm and 6pm and vacate by 7.30pm (however, you must order before 6pm). One dish to try is the Chef’s Seafood Pie which is like nothing you have ever tasted before and is exclusive to Barnacle Bills. Get your neck napkins ready as you dig into their Kilpatrick oysters which are baked with bacon and topped of with Worcestershire sauce.
​Where: 103 Esplanade, Cairns QLD 4870

5) The Salt House

Salt House is a sensational restaurant that features a $28 lunch special with three different meals chosen from nine different selections. If you’re not sure what to purchase then having this set menu with your partner can make that dining meal all the more special. Their dinner menu also features a variety of oysters, if you’re looking for great starters with accompanying drinks, and the crispy fried oysters in galangal caramel is a dish which is unique to Salt House. The main courses have all the regular delights which include crab, prawns and Moreton Bay bugs.
Where: 6/2 Pierpoint Rd, Cairns QLD 4870

Or for a complete list of all the top seafood restaurants.

The Best Seafood Restaurants in Cairns