Coastal Cuisine Chronicles: The Best Restaurants in Port Douglas

Booked your tropical getaway, planned your adventures and packed your bag? Now all you need to do is make a list of the best restaurants in Port Douglas to taste your way around the tropics. Nestled along the stunning coastline of Queensland, Port Douglas beckons travellers with its unique blend of natural beauty and its varied opportunities for adventure. But this coastal haven is also a paradise for discerning foodies who are craving a taste of something new!

The lush, ancient rainforest of the Daintree meets the Coral Sea here in this tropical oasis and the menus of the local restaurants showcase the diversity of the landscape, from coastal-inspired seafood to elevated bistros that ensure your luxury escape tastes as good as it feels.

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or an intrepid traveller seeking new culinary experiences, Port Douglas promises an exciting and evolving dining scene that will indulge all the senses. Keep reading to find our favourite restaurants in Port Douglas.

Watergate

Searching for a romantic restaurant to visit while travelling through Port Douglas? Make a reservation at Watergate! Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Watergate is a welcoming and unpretentious restaurant serving modern Australian fare. Enjoy fresh, local fish and produce thanks to the Tableland’s abundant produce and herbs.

Sitchu Tip: Bookings are essential, and there’s both indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy when visiting this classy Port Douglas restaurant.  We recommend heading in a little early to enjoy a drink at the bar or cocktail lounge before you dine!

Shop 5/31 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas

Choo Choos

Celebrating the fresh, tropical flavours of the region from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas, is Choo Choos. With some of the best dining views in the city, this restaurant should, without a doubt, be on your Port Douglas restaurant bucket list! With a hearty breakfast menu featuring all your favourites, Choo Choos is the perfect place to stop by for coffee and a feed before taking a stroll down the wharf and exploring.

46 Wharf Street, Port Douglas

Bam Pow

Asian-inspired street food that just happens to be plant-based? Yes, please! Bam Pow is a new vegan eatery that is bringing fresh, tasty bites and sips to your table at this Port Douglas restaurant. Even the carnivores among your travel party will love the more-ish and filling morsels on the menu here. Opt for classic starters like spring rolls and san choi bow, before moving onto hearty meals of banh mi and Katsu chick’n. No tropical destination restaurant would be replete without crafty cocktails, and you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer at Bam Pow.

79 Davidson Street, Port Douglas

Seabean Spanish Bar & Tapas

Walk off the beach and into one of the best tapas restaurants in Port Douglas! Seabean Spanish Bar & Tapas is one of the top spots in the town for incredible food, icy cold Estrella and sangria that won’t soon be forgotten. Taking out the Best Specialty Restaurant North Queensland Award twice in row, you’re in safe hands at this top notch tapas bar that dishes up small, snack sized dishes of authentic Spanish fare. Seabean is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring or swimming and is an absolute must-do on your next visit to Port Douglas.

3/28 Wharf Street, Port Douglas

Harrisons Restaurant

Searching for the perfect place to dine? How about Port Douglas’ most nationally awarded restaurant? Owned and operated by a husband and wife team, Harrisons is named for their firstborn son. Originally opened in 2007, Harrisons relocated to the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and remains in this luxurious resort today. With thirty years of experience and few Michelin Stars to boot, owner Chef Spencer ensures your culinary escapades at one of the most popular restaurants in Port Douglas are nothing less than top notch! Harrisons have multiple awards on their shelf and it shows through in their impeccable hospitality and modern British cuisine.

Level 1 Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas

Melaleuca

Surrounded by sparkling fairy lights and greenery, Melaleuca is a stunning spot to check off your list of restaurants to visit when you’re next in Port Douglas. Head Chef and co-owner Adam Ion has been a Port Douglas local since moving to Australia in 2010 and has worked in award-winning prominent restaurants, before opening his very own place on Wharf Street in Port Douglas. Promising a relaxed environment and flavours that are second to none, Melaleuca is one of our top-rated must-try restaurants in Port Douglas.

22 Wharf Street, Port Douglas

Flames Of The Forest

If you’re looking to experience something unique on your tropical getaway, we recommend visiting Flames of the Forest on your next North Queensland vacay to Port Douglas! Tucked away in fairy tale-like natural beauty, this restaurant is Australia’s only rainforest dining experience. An incredible dining destination for a special anniversary or date night, this intimate setting is an utterly unique experience. Dine on a tropical menu of fresh local produce while you’re surrounded by candlelight and the sound of the rainforest around you.

2 Hope Street, Port Douglas

Hemingway’s Brewery

Hemingway’s is a hugely popular waterfront brewery, bar and restaurant that calls the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina home and you’d be remiss to leave it off of your list of restaurants to visit in Port Douglas! If you’ve visited Heimgway’s in Cairns, you already know it’s one of the best restaurants in the area! Port Douglas was the first of their family of Brewpubs and offers a perfect, relaxed energy where you can enjoy hand-crafted beers and fresh local produce. Share a pizza, a basket of fries or tuck into a hearty burger on your next visit to Hemingways.

44 Wharf Street, Port Douglas

La Cucina

Centrally located in the heart of Port Douglas by the water, is a classic Italian restaurant dishing up timeless comfort food with a modern twist. Inspired by his upbringing in Puglia, Vincenzo di Cugno has perfectly blended the lush and abundant local produce with traditional Italian culture, food and flair to create an unforgettable dining experience. Well known for its warm and welcoming customer experience, consistently high-quality food and service, Italian hospitality is alive and well at this iconic restaurant in Port Douglas. Dine on locally caught seafood and handmade pasta at La Cucina for a night to remember.

4 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas

Loved our guide to the best restaurants in Port Douglas? Make sure you check out our Tropical North Queensland travel guides! We’ve discovered the best things to do in the Daintree and the must-do items for your itinerary for your next trip to Cairns.