Every Palm Cove restaurant you need to know about

For a taste of the tropics, add these Palm Cove restaurants to your must-eat list.

If you’re looking to enjoy a meal on the waterfront, head to Williams Esplanade in relaxing Palm Cove. This popular dining strip hosts a wide variety of restaurants with a mix of cuisines to choose from, alongside beautiful views overlooking the beach.

From high-end, award-winning restaurants to humble establishments using the very best of Tropical North Queensland’s produce, incredible dining adventures await.

The shortlist

1. Palm Cove Tavern

Embracing the region’s laid-back style in its large outdoor space, Palm Cove Tavern offers both a dining area and a beer garden. Enjoy all of your favourite Aussie classics with a nod to the tropics, such as Pulled Pork Sliders, Classic Parma and Beer Battered Market Fish. Dogs are welcome, and sports lovers will be happy with the big screen.

Cuisine: Australian
Average price: $$- $$$
Atmosphere: Welcoming
Location: 24 Veivers Road, Palm Cove

2. Il Forno Pizzeria

Sometimes all you want is a delicious pizza, and Il Forno Pizzeria knows how to deliver. Dine in at the casual atmosphere here for a taste of long-held family recipes with genuine Italian flavours, along with salads, beer, wine and homemade Tiramisu.

Cuisine: Italian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Bustling
Location: 7/111-117 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

3. Tiger Prawn Toby’s

Serving the freshest catch straight from the Coral Sea, Tiger Prawn Tony’s takes pride in preparing and serving the area’s best seafood with passion. For the ultimate indulgence, go for the Tiger Prawn Tony’s Bonanza filled with bugs, prawns, oysters, sashimi and crayfish.

Cuisine: Australian
Average price: $$ – $$$
Atmosphere: Communal
Location: 95-97 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

4.  Choc Dee

Opposite the main beach on the esplanade is Choc Dee Thai Restaurant, offering the tastes of Thailand. Simply put in their own words, it’s “just good quality food that tastes great at a reasonable price with meals large enough to share. You won’t go home hungry.”

Cuisine: Thai
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Alfresco
Location: 12/123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

5. The Reef House Restaurant

Want to dine under the stars? Surrounded by the candlelight, savour the tastes of North Queensland’s fresh produce at The Reef House Restaurant, where you can choose from the a la carte or degustation menu, or indulge in the ultimate seafood platter. From confit duck and house-made squid ink tagliatelle, the dishes here are as deluxe as you would imagine. All meals are accompanied by an amuse-bouche with the chef’s compliments.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Romantic
Location: 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

6. Rattle n Hum Palm Cove

Enjoy a hot stone oven pizza, burger, hearty steak or salad at the cosy Rattle n Hum Palm Cove. This bustling bar and grill offers big, delicious and great value for money meals, perfect for lunch or dinner. Finish with the Warm Chocolate Walnut Brownie for dessert. $14 kid meals are available.

Cuisine: Australian
Average price: $$$ – $$$$
Atmosphere: Family friendly
Location: 119 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

7. Miguel’s

A new addition to the Palm Cove dining scene, Miguel’s is the go-to place for exceptional tapas. You’re spoilt for choice with the likes of Jamón Serrano (sliced peppers), Champinones al Ajillo (garlic mushrooms) and empanadas – a Spanish gem to add to your culinary must-eat list.

Cuisine: Spanish
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Passionate
Location: 41 – 47 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

8. El Grekos Taverna

How does a night filled with traditional Greek food and the sound of a bouzouki sound? Make sure to stop in at El Grekos Taverna – a place that’ll make you feel like you’re somewhere in Santorini. From a chilli feta pot and Greek village-style bruschetta to mixed grill and Mediterranean salad, it’s authentically simple and delicious.

Cuisine: Greek
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Authentic
Location: 115-117 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

9. O’Donnells Palm Cove

One of life’s greatest pleasures is sipping a cold Guinness on the deck of O’Donnells Palm Cove, watching the bustle of Williams Esplanade. The atmosphere here is traditionally Irish with home-cooked fare to taste alongside an excellent live music line-up. From a cheeky beef pie to bangers and mash, enjoy a wee bit of Irish paradise in Palm Cove.

Cuisine: Irish
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Lively
Location: 5/139 Williams Esplanade

10. Temple of Tastes Restaurant

Nestled among the tropical gardens of Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa is Temple of Tastes Restaurant, where you’re invited to experience the tantalising flavours and textures inspired by Southeast Asia using seasonal produce from North Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands. If you need help deciding, the chicken supreme with honey miso butter or the crispy skin barramundi are standouts.

Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Warm welcome
Location: 5 Triton Street, Palm Cove

11. Vivo Palm Cove

Set in a white colonial building along the esplanade is Vivo Palm Cove, where you can dine alfresco on the deck and watch passersby go by. From Crab Tagliatelle and old-school Fish ‘n’ Chips to an impressive Seafood Mezze, the menu here is diverse enough for everyone to enjoy.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Beachfront dining
Location: 49 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

12. IGNIS Palm Cove

A small, modern Italian diner on the esplanade, IGNIS (meaning passion and fire), offers contemporary flavours and exceptional ingredients. Transport yourself from the idyllic centre of Palm Cove to the heart of Europe through the taste of Vongole (classic Napoli clams), Reef Fish soubise and pistachio gelato Baklava.

Cuisine: Italian
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Intimate
Location: 41 – 47 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

13. Cairns Surf Club Palm Cove

For a spot ‘where the locals eat’, stop in for lunch or dinner at Cairns Surf Club Palm Cove. Relax on the deck overlooking Palm Cove Beach and Double Island while tucking into the hearty bistro menu. From pulled pork loaded fries to fettuccine marinara and kid meal favourites, it’s the perfect family-friendly restaurant.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Local favourite
Location: 135 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

14. Nu Nu Restaurant

It doesn’t get any better than dining at one of the country’s best beachfront establishments – the award-winning Nu Nu. This much-loved Palm Cove restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine with a seasonal menu, focusing on locally procured ingredients from the rainforest, the reef, and outback cattle stations.  Enjoy breakfast or lunch here so you can look out at the spectacular views across the Coral Sea.

Insider’s tip: Order the catch of the day — they only ever have local line-caught fish on the menu in order to celebrate the best catch of the day, so it’s a great way to try something new.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$$ – $$$$$
Atmosphere: Tropical luxury
Location: 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove

15. La Mesa

Located on-site at Peppers Beach Club and Spa, La Mesa offers a shared dining experience inspired by Mexican and Latin American culture. Mix and match small traditional dishes that can be combined (the pork belly and octopus tiradito are especially good), using locally sourced ingredients fresh from the reef and the surrounding tropics.

Cuisine: Mexican
Average price: $$$$ – $$$$$
Atmosphere: Laid-back
Location: 123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

16. Beach Almond

Showcasing an array of Southeast Asian delicacies, Beach Almond is a delightfully fresh modern seafood restaurant. From chilli live mud crabs and tropical lobster to caramelised slow low-cooked sticky pork ribs, it’s worth stopping in to see what all the buzz is about.

Cuisine: Modern Asia seafood
Average price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Relaxed hidden gem
Location: 145 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

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