johnathome

Our trip to Australia starts next month in Cairns. Plan on staying in Palm Cove. Would love any recommendations on dining for a family in the Palm Cove and Cairns area. Will have a rental car so can get around. Since we have our 4 year old, somewhere child friendly (he is very well behaved, most of the time). Thanks,

johnathome

No suggestions? Guess everyone is watching the olympics : )

mscarls

I an going to Cairns soon and have done a lot of restaurant research in books and on the web. I always look for menus on the web to get a more accurate idea of price and selection.
There are a number of good-sounding places, so I'm focusing on those along the Esplanade, so there will be a view.
I've narrowed the choices to Barnacle Bill's, Kanis, and Mondo's (in the Hilton).
I don't know if they are child friendly.

pat_woolford

johanthome, there's a huge variety from fish and chips to gourmet. For what its worth the top restaurant award in Cairns area has once again gone to Tamarind at the Sofitel Reef Casino hotel, the restaurant is not in the Casino.

For exceptionally good Balinese food there's Bayleaf behind Cairns hospital, Cafe China with an excellent yum cha (dim sum), and I particularly like Salted Vue, on first floor of Mantra on the Esplanade. What style of food do you like?

johnathome

We are from NY so we are pretty open to different types of food but my son prefers Asian and Italian.

Not really worried about cost, just would like to see if others have any personal favorites out there.

pat_woolford

johnathome, restaurants I mentioned above are all in Cairns city, the only one with a view is Salted Vue if you book a front facing table.

For personal favourites I like Nu-nu's at Palm Cove (Thai influence), and Sebel Reef House, both face the beach across a narrow esplanade, L'Unico,(Italian and very kid friendly with lovely beach view) at Trinity Beach and further up the road, Atlantis.

Whilst the food isn't much to write home about, Yorkeys Knob Yacht Club at Half Moon Bay extends out over water and is very popular with families on weekends. Its a lovely setting beside the marina, looking out to sea and up the coast.

mscarls, for up-close water views in Cairns city, Mondo's is good, there's also a strip of nice eateries on the boardwalk at Marlin Marina, directly behind the Shangri-La hotel. Dundees is nearby on boardwalk of Harbour Lights building, good food with an Australian bush tucker touch. Both Barnacle Bill's and Kani's are on busy Esplanade across road from waterfront, the others are right on harbour's edge.

JohnFitz

Nu Nu in PCf or breakast to dinner .Fab food

Orlando_Vic

In Cairns, try the Ochre Restaurant <http://www.ochrerestaurant.com.au/index.html>, formerly the Red Ochre Grill.

nanabee

It might be a little out of your way - so it might not be good location wise.

But we enjoyed the food at Siam Orchid restaurant on Kamerunga Road.

I 'm sorry I don't have the street number. They just opened and the food is authentic and tasty.

robbieb

2 Fish is good, although I have only ever been to their Port douglas Location.

IMHO,having visited and stayed a number of times (including this month), Port Douglas would be a much better bet than Cairns or Palm Cove. Better beaches, restaurants, quieter etc etc.....

nanabee

I agree with robieb - Port Douglas IMHO is much nicer because it is little more upscale and smaller and easier to enjoy shopping, walking around, and the beach is close and clean.
My sister stayed in Palm Cove and she wished they had stayed in PD instead.

nanabee

We stayed at the Hibiscus Inn on Owen and Mowbray Streets one block off the main street. It was lovely and had a small kitchette. I recommend it.

nanabee

If you do stay in Cairns I recommend the Lilibank B & B.
We stayed there 2 nights and loved it. In fact we enjoyed it FAR more than the $440 + night eco lodge we stayed at in Mossman. It was much cozier, friendlier owners, better food, etc.

nanabee

Opps, the Hibiscus Inn is in Port Douglas.