If you appreciate good food like me and are looking for an awesome selection of restaurants in Port Douglas, then I’ve compiled a list of all my favourites.

For a small place, we’re really lucky to have so many great places to dine. Port Douglas houses over 50 eateries, from fancier fine dining, to fast food and a fair deal in between.

As a local and a foodie, I’ve eaten at every joint here at least once. I’m bringing you my top 8 dinner restaurants, plus a handful of tasty cafes and more casual haunts. These are all my go-to’s which I think you’ll love too.

What are restaurants in Port Douglas like?

Port Douglas’ food scene really boomed since it became a much-loved tourist town a couple of decades ago. I’ve had long-time locals tell me stories from the 90s when there were only a couple of places to eat out. It’s come a long way since then!

Now it has many award-winning restaurants (there are a few hatted ones in the mix) and a lot of variety.

What I enjoy most about eating out here are the gorgeous array of seafood that’s sourced fresh from the reef, the al-fresco dining and cool relaxed vibe. There may not be many positioned on the beach but most have a lovely setting, especially those on Wharf St (aka ‘eat street’) and by the Marina.

You can also just grab a takeaway and head to Four Mile, Zinc makes a pretty mean fish and chips if you need it.

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Best Restaurants in Port Douglas

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Most restaurants in Port Douglas are positioned on the main road (Macrossan St) and Wharf Street around the corner. However, a few goodies are a little tucked away, so you may easily miss them if you’re just visiting.

Especially during school holidays, try to reserve tables in advance as some popular restaurants in this list may book out days or even weeks ahead. If you can’t get anything online, try giving them a ring, or you may be lucky on the night if you stop by.

We often cycle into town, but if you need a ride then there are a few shuttle buses around. I usually use 131 008, who will pick you up from anywhere in Port for $6, or $12 return, and they’re pretty quick. You can occasionally get an Uber too, but it’s not always reliable.

For all other days when you’re vegging in and want to cook your own feast, then there are a few great places around to source beautiful local produce. Check out the Sunday markets in Port Douglas for fruit and veggies or drive to Scomazzon’s farm shop in Mossman (pictured).

To buy fresh seafood from the reef, my new favourite supplier has just opened up at Total Food Network (called Port Produce, opposite the Coles car park), and you can’t beat Malones Butchers for everything else.

Now without further ado, in no particular order here are my favourite restaurants in Port Douglas. Bon Appétit! ✣

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1. Pasta e Vino

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Before we left Port Douglas a few years ago, this awesome Italian family had just opened a restaurant called Osteria Padella but it closed before we returned. After a short hiatus, they started a new pasta bar in 2020 called Pasta e Vino which is my go-to for simple and authentic Italian food in Port.

Expect fresh pasta, moreish sauces and simple, delicious cooking that’s really well priced for the quality. My favourites are Mauro’s signature Pappardelle ragu with braised lamb and porcini and the Linguine alla Luciana with braised baby octopus. They also have a fish special every evening and $21 daytime specials, usually consisting of a pasta dish and a glass of wine.

◇ For more details or to see their menu, head to their Facebook page. Bookings can be made via their website contact form, but I’d recommend just giving them a ring.

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2. The Mexican

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With a change of hands back in 2015, I was pleasantly surprised to return to Port Douglas in 2019 and find a revived Mexican restaurant. Though it’s been a feature on the high street for decades, I don’t believe it’s ever been this good.

The Mex is a casual yet upbeat eatery that serves great quality food and margaritas, and I think they offer the best value-for-money food in Port Douglas. They’ve recently become more of a taco specialty restaurant which features half of their menu (they’re all delicious), but we also love their ceviche with fresh reef fish and the prawn tostadas. They have a good variety of really tasty vegetarian offerings too which are often changing, a bit of a rarity in Port. Great job guys!

◇ For more details or to see their menu, head to their Facebook page or website. (Note: Closed Sun & Mon.)

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3. Salsa Bar & Grill

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Some places really stand the test of time, and Salsa is one of them. They’ve been a well-loved restaurant in this town for over 22 years and are still very much the local’s favourite, including mine.

Their menu showcases a selection of modern Aussie and international dishes with a Salsa stamp on it. The food here is always beautifully prepared and consistent, with excellent service and an upbeat atmosphere to match. They also have tropical cocktail specials, which you should seriously consider.

Salsa’s seasonal menu is solid, but I’m usually won over by their daily specials, especially the reef fish which is always cooked to perfection. Salsa has won a series of awards over the years and attracted many famous faces- take a look at their wall of fame plates in the bar!

Do book ahead during busy periods and say hi to Bill in the kitchen when you stop by.

◇ For more details or to see their menu, head to their Facebook page or website. Advance bookings are highly recommended.

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4. Seabean

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Staying on Wharf Street, just a bounce across the road is Seabean, another local’s favourite serving Spanish-style tapas and paella with an Australian twist. I love coming here for shared plates of goodies with the Sailor, 4-5 will feed you well.

Usually we go for a bit of Jamon Serrano & Queso Manchego to start, followed by the crocodile croquettes (seriously good), their barramundi tacos and lamb albondigas. Their paella is pretty good, too, though I’d prefer them with a bit more flavour and a soccarrada bottom.

Seabean’s experienced bartenders also make some banging cocktails, and service comes with a smile. Be sure to book well ahead as they’re popular.

◇ For more details or to book, head to their Facebook page or website.

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5. Zinc

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Established in 2005 and changed hands in 2018, Zinc is another long-standing restaurant in Port that has stood the test of time. Recently winning the Savour Australia ‘Winners of Best Contemporary Restaurant- Informal’ for North Queensland, it’s a testament to their smashing food, service and overall dining experience.

Their style is fine contemporary Australian, and prices are a little on the higher side but worth it. For dinner, my favourites are the Tasman Salmon Sashimi and Mushroom Gyoza to start (they’re little flavour bombs) and the Daintree Barra fillet with Asian pairings and Lamb Gnocchi main. They also make a really delicious steak, and during the day they serve the meanest fish and chips in town.

The restaurant area is a generous, airy space that’s split into sections, creating cosy nooks (I like sitting inside in the booths). It feels more upmarket but without being stiff or pretentious, and the vibe is relaxed. They also have a separate bar area for pre/post-dinner drinks or a light bite with cocktails.

◇ For more details or to book, head to their Facebook page or website.

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6. Melaleuca

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Melaleuca is The newest addition to the Wharf Street gang and quickly made waves on the North Queensland dining scene. In just four months of opening, it won “Best New Restaurant” at the Queensland Savour Australia Awards and has been mopping up awards every year since.

Offering Modern Australian cuisine and elegant dining, Melaleuca’s food is contemporary and heroes local ingredients. Co-owner Namhee hails from Korea and her head chef hubby Adam from bonny Scotland, so there’s a generous selection of ocean proteins featured throughout the menu and an appreciation for Asian flavours- my match made in heaven.

My regular go-to’s are the Chicken Liver Parfait to start, followed by the Morton Bay Bugs in Thai Coconut Curry Broth and a fork in the Sailor’s 12-Hour Cooked Beef Cheek.

To top it off, their restaurant is gorgeous, set inside an open plan Queenslander that’s built around the trees and very tastefully furnished. Definitely book well ahead!

◇ For more details or to see their menu, head to their Facebook page or website.

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7. Oak Kitchen and Garden & Jungle Fowl

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For something a little different and some of the best Southeast Asian food for regional miles, Oak Kitchen and Garden offer a Chef’s Table experience from Thursday to Saturday lunch. They have a four-acre organic working garden and are fully passionate about fresh, local seasonal produce and SE Asian grub. They’ve been booked out recently so I’ve yet to get over, but I’ve been a regular take-out customer on their Wednesday Curry Nights, which were banging (although sadly finished now).

The kitchen is run by Rachael Boon, who looks after the garden, and her husband Benjamin Wallace, who spent most of his career at hatted Thai restaurants in Melbourne.

They grow everything from mangos to kaffir lime trees, Thai eggplants and an array of Southeast Asian herbs, veggies and fruit. The setting is intimate and al-fresco in the lush Oak Beach area just outside of Port Douglas. They also offer private or group Thai cooking classes for those keen to up-skill and have some fun.

To bring some of their kitchen magic into town, Oak K&G has recently branched out into Port Douglas and opened a Southeast Asian restaurant called Jungle Fowl, which is highly rated.

◇ Oak Kitchen & Garden ~ for more details or to see their menu, head to their website or read their reviews.

◇ Jungle Fowl ~ view their website for current menu offerings and to book.

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The New Local’s Favourites

8. Kai

God I wish these guys opened sooner! Kai is one of only two restaurants on the south side of Four Mile Beach and they knock up really tasty fresh dishes. The food is well-priced, generous and unpretentious, and the vibe is nice and relaxed.

My current menu faves are their grilled half chicken (enough to feed two with some chips on the side) and the tasty fish of the day with beans and capers. The Sailor tried their steak special recently too, which was succulent. Kai cooks a lot of their food on the grill which gives it a gorgeous flavour and they usually have a couple of daily specials. Order your food at the bar, then there’s table service the rest of the way from their friendly staff.

Kai are also open for brekkie between Wed and Sun (7:30-12pm).

◇ For more details or to see their menu, head to their Facebook page.

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Honourable Mention…

Iron Bar

From casual dining and cane toad racing, the newly revamped Iron Bar has come a long way. They recently appointed a new Head Chef who has transformed the restaurant into the only dedicated steak restaurant in Port Douglas and the food is executed really well. Definitely worth a visit if you’re after a good chargrilled meat and chips- see their website here.

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Best Casual Restaurants in Port Douglas

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Hemingway’s

Hemingway’s has the best set-up on the end of the Marina where sunsets are aplenty and the vibes are always super chilled. As well as seriously good craft beers, they also have a solid casual menu that’s perfect for downing with a schooner. Expect pizzas, fish ‘n’ chips, burgers and lighter bites. See their website here.

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Chilly’s Pizza

I think Chilly’s easily makes the best pizza in Port Douglas and their new look with murals and bar area is awesome. Their casual dining area under the palms is al-fresco and really inviting, it always feels like we’re on holiday when we stop by. Expect good vibes, great woodfired pizza (and more) in a relaxed setting. See their website.

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Hi-Tide

I’ve had a few lunches at Hi Tide and the food has always been tasty and fresh. It’s also one of the few places that you can dine at just opposite the beach which is always nice. They’re open for brekkie, lunch and dinner, check their website here.

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N17

We bypassed this place for almost two years as we’ve reduced our meat intake recently and it looked like a Sports Bar set-up from the outside, but I was very pleasantly surprised! Their burgers and chips are wicked and they have a lot of veggy options too. All meat is 100% Local Black Angus from the Atherton Tablelands, including gluten free buns and local craft-beer. The inside is also a nice space to dine and relax. See their website.

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Best Restaurants For Brunch in Port Douglas

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St Crispins

St Crispins has one of the most scenic restaurants in Port Douglas and it’s a little hidden gem. It overlooks the Daintree ranges, Mirage Golf Course and lagoon where there’s even a resident croc named Crispy. Because it’s a little tucked away, not many visitors find out about it.

In addition to their dreamy setting, St Crispins has awesome food and coffee to match… I usually go for their Eggs A La Benny or one of their brekkie specials. See their menu here.

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Cafe Fresq

Fresq totally lives up to its name with all the amazing fresh, local produce it uses. They can literally name-drop every ingredient’s source within a 25-mile radius, and it pays off because the food is delicious. Locally sourced and well executed, you can’t go wrong. Click for their FB.

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Grant Street Kitchen

This is a beautiful bakery where everything is made fresh daily in-house. We’re normally here to grab a gorgeous pastry, bread or fresh roll to go, but they also make a mean pie and have a few daily brunch specials with a few seats for you to savour it. See their web.

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There you have it, my ultimate list of eats in Port. We’re pretty spoilt locals! On my recent road trip down coastal Queensland, I travelled to virtually every town and city, and I’d say there are more awesome restaurants in Port Douglas per capita than anywhere north of Noosa.

There are a few newbies that opened recently and some long-timers that didn’t quite make the list. While the setting may be chic and inviting, in my opinion, the food is too pretentious and missed the mark, with the price tag to match.

For more food guide juice nearby, check out a list of my favourite eats in Cairns.

Otherwise, stay in Port Douglas and see all my favourite things to do here.