Every Palm Cove restaurant you need to know about

Jemma Fletcher Jemma Fletcher
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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

pizza at Il Forno Pizzeria, Palm Cove
Il Forno Pizzeria nails authentic Italian pizzas.

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

a sandwich loaded with shrimps at Tiger Prawn Tony’s
Tiger Prawn Tony’s is a comfort food hub serving loaded seafood sandwiches.

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

a spread of food at Choc Dee Thai Restaurant, Palm Cove
Choc Dee serves mouth-watering soups that pair well with Jasmine Rice.

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

pouring wine into a glass at The Reef House Restaurant
Indulge in the ultimate seafood platter paired with wine at The Reef House Restaurant. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

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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 Spanish seafood dish at Miguel's Palm Cove
Head to Miguel’s for a true taste of Spanish cuisine.

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

freshly shucked oysters at El Grekos Taverna, Palm Cove
Freshly shucked oysters straight from ocean to plate at 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

al fresco dining at O’Donnells Palm Cove
Dine al fresco at 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

lunch by the pool at Temple of Tastes Restaurant
Savour Southeast Asian flavours in a tropical garden setting. (Image: 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

scallops at Vivo Palm Cove
Tender scallops at Vivo Palm Cove. (Image: Mitch Fong)

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

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12. IGNIS Palm Cove

sample food at IGNIS Palm Cove
Dine on contemporary flavours at 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

a couple dining at Nu Nu Restaurant, Palm Cove
Dine under palm trees at Nu Nu Restaurant. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

pork belly at La Mesa, Palm Cove
Order savoury pork belly at 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

fried fish at Beach Almond, Palm Cove
Delight in Southeast Asian delicacies at 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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Jemma Fletcher
Based in sun-kissed Brisbane, Jemma Fletcher is an accomplished writer, editor and content manager. Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Queensland, as well as over a decade of tourism marketing experience, Jemma now specialises in freelance travel writing and has a soft spot for the beauty of Queensland. Her expertise has been honed through her previous roles as Chief Editor of Queensland.com and WeekendNotes.com and she is the passionate creator of High Cup of Tea, an online directory celebrating Australia's finest high tea experiences. After growing up in the UK (hence her love for tea and scones) and a delightful chapter in Sydney, Jemma loves to explore quaint towns with a rich history. Also high on her weekend list is tasting the local cafe scene, enjoying charming farm stays with her young family and deciding where her next travel adventure will be (half of the fun is in the planning!)
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.