Queensland is Australia's second-largest state, stretching from the subtropical southeast to the tropical north, encompassing the Great Barrier Reef, ancient rainforests, and over 7,000 kilometres of coastline. Known as the Sunshine State, it offers world-class diving, golden beaches, vibrant cities, and extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Aria Restaurant Brisbane
Brisbane's most celebrated fine dining venue on Eagle Street Pier, offering stunning Brisbane River views. Chef Matt Moran's restaurant presents refined Modern Australian cuisine using premium Queensland ingredients.
1 Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane QLD 4000
Esquire Brisbane
One of Brisbane's most acclaimed fine dining restaurants, offering a creative degustation menu that pushes boundaries with innovative techniques and exceptional Queensland produce.
145 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Ochre Restaurant Cairns
Cairns' most iconic restaurant, specialising in native Australian ingredients including crocodile, kangaroo, emu, and local tropical seafood, presented in beautifully crafted contemporary dishes.
43 Shields Street, Cairns QLD 4870
Hellenika Brisbane
Simon Gloftis' acclaimed Greek restaurant at The Calile Hotel on James Street, celebrated for exceptional seafood, wood-fired proteins, and an exceptional wine list focused on Greek varietals.
48 James Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Stokehouse Brisbane
An elegant waterfront restaurant on the banks of the Brisbane River at South Bank, offering refined Modern Australian cuisine with spectacular river views and a sophisticated bar scene.
Sidon Street, South Bank QLD 4101
Rick Shores Gold Coast
Burleigh Heads' most celebrated restaurant overlooking the surf break, combining South East Asian flavours with exceptional Queensland seafood. Consistently rated among Australia's best restaurants.
43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Wasabi Restaurant & Bar Noosa
Noosa's premier Japanese restaurant on the Noosa River, celebrated for exceptional sashimi, sushi, and contemporary Japanese dishes using the finest local Queensland seafood.
2 Quamby Place, Noosa Sound QLD 4567
Flames of the Forest
An extraordinary dining experience set deep in the Daintree rainforest, where guests are transported by torchlight to dine on gourmet Australian cuisine surrounded by the sights and sounds of the ancient rainforest.
Mossman Gorge Road, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Modern Australian
Aria Restaurant Brisbane
Stokehouse Brisbane
Flames of the Forest
Gauge Brisbane
Boardwalk Brasserie Cairns
Harrisons Restaurant Port Douglas
Nonda's Restaurant Noosa
Blackbird Bar & Grill Brisbane
The Grill by Echo Townsville
Social Eating House Brisbane
Rascal Bar and Kitchen Noosa
The Sandbar Broadbeach
Spicers Hidden Vale Restaurant
Cafe
Jam Corner Brisbane
Little Jack Horner Sydney Street
Mount Coot-tha Lookout Kuta Cafe
Seafood
The Fish House Burleigh Heads
Prawn Star Cairns
Coco's Beachside Restaurant Palm Cove
Contemporary
Esquire Brisbane
Urbane Brisbane
Fusion
Rick Shores Gold Coast
Sum Yung Guys Burleigh Heads
Italian
ZaZa Italian Bar & Grill Gold Coast
Orientale Noosa
Modern Pub
Paddington Tavern
The Pineapple Hotel Brisbane
Thai
Longrain Brisbane
Hanuman Indian and Thai Cuisine Cairns
American
Hog's Breath Cafe Surfers Paradise
Australian Native
Ochre Restaurant Cairns
Fish And Chips
Chermside Night Owls Fish & Chips
French
Montrachet Brisbane
Greek
Hellenika Brisbane
Healthy
Tahitian Noni Juice Bar Airlie Beach
International
Cafe Frescos Airlie Beach
Japanese
Wasabi Restaurant & Bar Noosa
Mexican
Bubba's Real Mexican Gold Coast
Middle Eastern
Mecca Bah Fortitude Valley
Pub Food
Hemingway's Brewery Cairns
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |