From the whimsical wonderland of Nautilus to the bustling vibrancy of Seabean Tapas, these are the best restaurants in Port Douglas.
Name a better way to end the perfect fun-filled day spent exploring or relaxing on the beach than satisfying your tastebuds at one of Port Douglas’s top restaurants. We’ll wait.
Guaranteed to fill your stomach (and have you dreaming of going back the next day for more), we’ve put together a list of the best Port Douglas restaurants you simply must eat at if you want the full tropical, culinary experience.
Whether you’re craving a seafood feast or prefer to sample some Mexican food, Port Douglas has a whole heap of great options, both for casual dining and for something a bit fancier.
The Top Restaurants In Port Douglas
1. Nautilus
Offering a truly, elegant dining experience like no other, this iconic Port Douglas restaurant welcomes guests along a hidden pathway surrounded by lush, tropical gardens and seats them amidst an outdoor oasis that feels like it’s straight out of Neverland. Providing a modern Australian cuisine with subtle Asian and European influences, enjoy the fresh and locally sourced produce while gazing up at the stars. With a relaxed atmosphere and dishes that feature Moreton Bay Bug tails and Coral Trout, this dining experience is one you’ll never forget.
2. Melaleuca
Take your tastebuds on a culinary journey at Melaleuca, a modern Australian restaurant that uses fresh, local produce to both satisfy your cravings and fill your stomach. Run by award-winning head chef Adam Ion and his wife Nahmee, this fine dining destination prides itself on creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere with main meals that start at $32 for the gnocchi and go up to $44 for the flame grilled eye fillet. Serving both lunch and dinner, Melaleuca is a top choice among locals looking for a fantastic place to enjoy the best produce Port Douglas has to offer.
3. The Little Larder
While fancy restaurants are good occasionally, sometimes you just need to have a meal in a laidback, casual atmosphere, and The Little Larder is the perfect place to do exactly that. Providing a quaint place to refuel in the mornings before a big day exploring (who doesn’t love a good rhyme!?), this café spot offers the best breakfast going round with options including the ‘Nutcase Smoothie Bowl’ and the ‘Vietnamese Crab Omelette’. Pair your choice with a fresh juice, a classic milkshake, or a freshly brewed latte to make sure you’re starting your day the right way.
4. Osprey’s Restaurant
When it comes to wanting a culinary experience that’s miles above the rest (literally), then Osprey’s Restaurant is the place to go. Located at the Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Osprey’s offers the chance to ‘dine among the treetops’ in a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, this unique restaurant gives you the opportunity to dine on a seasonal menu carefully curated by Head Chef Richard Howard while taking in the breath-taking Great Barrier Reef. With menu items like ‘Popcorn crocodile’ and ‘Duck pappardelle’, your tastebuds will not only be thanking you but also singing your praises to anyone who’ll listen.
5. The Mexican
You might be forgiven for thinking that because you’re in a tropical destination surrounded by sparkling waters full of tasty seafood that other cuisines won’t be available. Thankfully, that’s not the case as The Mexican is a Port Douglas staple when it comes to offering tasty food to both tourists and locals alike. Founded by a husband-and-wife team back in 2015, this casual and funky restaurant offers fresh, tropical ingredients in a variety of dishes that are meant to be shared while drinking a margarita or two.
6. Oak and Vine
If you’re after dinner with a view, then the Oak and Vine, located in the Oak Port Douglas Resort, should be at the top of your list. Perched at the edge of the edge of beautiful pool and right underneath the stars, this restaurant offers a relaxed and casual dining experience that you won’t forget in a hurry. Open for both breakfast and dinner, Oak and Vine provides a menu that’s full of fresh, local ingredients with dishes including classic burgers and wood fired pizzas.
7. The Beach Shack
Beach vibes and fine dining come together to create a truly welcoming atmosphere at this casual beach-side café. Located in the iconic area of Four Mile beach, The Beach Shack prides itself on offering guests fabulous food and a broad selection of fine wine. Designed to be the ultimate place to unwind, this café offers a menu of all your favourites including pizzas (available for both eat-in and takeaway) as well as smaller plates filled with popcorn chicken and saganaki. Yum.
8. Seabean Tapas
Snack on food and sip on wine for as long as you want at Spanish Tapas bar, Seabean Tapas. Don’t be entirely shocked if you feel like you’ve suddenly set foot in Barcelona, as this cosy yet bustling restaurant offers dishes that draw on Mediterranean flavours with paella and tacos being among the most popular. But why stop at food? Indulge in a drop of sherry, a glass of Spanish wine or a jug of sangria in a relaxed setting that encourages good times with your best friends.
HAVE THE CHANCE TO EAT AT THESE RESTAURANTS ON OUR PORT DOUGLAS TOURS
