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21 Jan

Guide to Eating Out in Port Douglas

Let’s face it – food is a big part of everyday life. Whether you are a ‘food is fuel’ kind of person or someone that specifically plans their holiday around where you are going to eat – Port Douglas has some of the most irresistible spots in Tropical North Queensland to enjoy a bit of culinary indulgence.

From laidback pub feeds to 7 course degustation’s and everything in between, Port Douglas is a haven for foodie’s and holiday goers of all ages and food preferences. The team at Meridian have put our heads together to come up with the ultimate guide to eating out in Port Douglas at any time of the day.

We hope you enjoy our comprehensive guide. Happy eating!


Breakfast

  • Betty’s Bohemian Beach Café –Start your morning right with a nutritious yet satisfying meal in a bohemian wonderland with stunning décor and the friendliest service. Betty’s use’s all local suppliers and serves up high quality fair trade coffee. Try the Acai bowl for a fresh start to your morning!
  • Fresq – Are you a late riser? Fresq offers an all-day-breakfast menu with all your classic favourites and modern options too. We love the fritters served with haloumi. If you’re in need of a Bloody Mary with your breaky these guys have you sorted! Do you need another reason to visit?
  • Little Larder – This award winning café is where locals flock for a seriously delicious breakfast. Larder serves innovative dishes that keep the crowds coming back time and time again. Enjoy some of the very best coffee in town with coffee art so good you won’t want to drink it!
    TIP* As well as their drool worthy breakfasts, Little Larder also serve up a killer sandwich menu for lunch! Make sure you give them a go.
  • Choo Choo’s – Do you prefer views over a golf course & the Daintree ranges OR the Port Douglas Marina & Davidson Inlet? Our suggestion – try both! Choo Choo’s at St Crispin’s Station was such a hit that they opened a 2nd cafe on the Marina, just a short stroll from Meridian. The menu celebrates fresh, tropical flavours with seasonal dishes served with a friendly smile. Whichever you decide, you can guarantee picturesque views, mouth-watering food and lovely service.

Are you an avid coffee drinker? Click here to check out our list of the best coffee spots in Port Douglas.


Morning Tea

  • Whileaway Bookshop & Café – Do you consider yourself a bit of a book worm? Whileaway Bookshop & Café is the ideal spot for a coffee, cake and down time with your head in a book. Read a book while you sip on a coffee or purchase one to read by the pool at Meridian. Treats include cakes, cookies, slices, tarts, brownies, friands & more. Located in the heart of Port Douglas on Macrossan St.
  • The Hungry Hummingbird – Think delicate & decadent treats that will make you drool. Located in Port Village next to Target, the Hungry Hummingbird offer cakes, slices, cupcakes and their famous cake in a jar! Not only do these treats look amazing, but they taste even better. With takeaway options only, you can enjoy at the park, beach or comfort of your Meridian apartment!

Lunch

  • Surf Club – Arguably one of the best locations in Port Douglas, the Surf Club is just a stone’s throw from Four Mile Beach with beautiful views through the palms to the ocean. The menu is not what you would expect from a traditional ‘surf club’, serving up steamed Pork Buns, Tempura Prawn sushi roll, the fully loaded cheese burger, locally caught seafood and a Wagyu Rump that is to die for. Perfect after a swim at the beach! Also open for dinner.
  • Lotus Leaf – If you’re looing for a healthier & lighter lunch option that doesn’t compromise on flavour, then Lotus Leaf is for you. Centrally located in Port Village near Coles & Target, it is the perfect spot to stop mid shop. You can expect fresh Asian-inspired salads including ginger-miso, sesame, satay and more. They also serve healthy smoothie bowls for breakfast!
  • Under Wraps – Under Wraps serves up a a quick, no-fuss lunch with sandwiches, wraps, rolls, salads, juices, smoothies and hot foods that will be sure to hit the spot. Are you a bit picky? No problem! Build your own lunch with the variety of fresh ingredients available. Real food, real fresh & real fast! Open for breakfast and lunch.

Casual Dining

  • Rattle N Hum – A mix between a busy bustling bar and a laidback Aussie pub. Rattle offers an extensive food menu with woodfired pizzas, burgers, schnitzels, salads, steaks, ribs, pastas and more! Don’t miss their great value food specials including a $10 steak with chips and salad. Located in the centre of Macrossan St.
  • Courthouse – The recently renovated Courthouse Hotel, or ‘courty’ as the locals call it, is located on the corner of Macrossan & Wharf St overlooking the picturesque Anzac Park and harbour. The pub grub here is second to none with options for everyone. Choose from an extensive drinks list with local beers, craft beers, boutique wines, spirits and even cocktails! To sweeten the deal, the Courty has live music most nights of the week.
  • Paddy’s – Everybody loves a good Irish Pub! With Guinness on tap and their famous Beef & Guinness pie on the menu, this true Irish pub is a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. Paddy’s offers trivia, live music, sport & Wednesday $1 wing night! Located on the Marina side of Macrossan St.
  • Central Hotel – Being the oldest Pub in Port Douglas, the Central Hotel is full of charm and has been standing since it’s restructure in 1911. This local’s favourite has 3 bars and plenty of space to enjoy a cool beverage and a bistro meal. If you’re a Sports fanatic then kick back and watch it on the largest screen in Far North Queensland. Central is located on Macrossan St and is open until midnight.

Fine Dining

  • Watergate – The private lush location of Watergate will transport you to a tropical tree house restaurant hidden in the depths of the Daintree, when you are actually on the main strip of Port Douglas! Along with the lavish atmosphere, the food is some of the very best that Port Douglas has to offer with an array of awards as evidence. The contemporary Modern Australian cuisine focuses on local produce – the crocodile spring rolls are a must! They also present a delicious & extensive cocktail menu. Open for lunch & dinner 7 days a week.
  • Salsa – Commonly known as ‘the locals favourite’ Salsa Bar & Grill has a high reputation for being the top restaurant in Port Douglas. Set in a traditional Queenslander home, Salsa offers alfresco tropical dining with an impressive menu to match. Their house made French style duck pate is divine and goes well with a wine picked from their carefully curated list. Bookings are a must as they get very busy. Open for lunch & dinner 7 days.
  • Nautilus – If it’s luxurious fine dining you are looking for then Nautilus is the one for you. As well as their A La Carte menu you can choose from a 5 or 7 course chef’s tasting menu. All dishes have been developed to compliment the region and the natural flavours of the Tropics. The restaurant is hidden away on Macrossan St nestled into Island Point Hill with beautiful lush tropical garden surrounds. The service is 5 star and slow dining is encouraged. Nautilus is a truly lavish experience in the heart of Port Douglas.

International

  • Thai: Star of Siam + Siam by the Sea – A locals favourite. Star of Siam & Siam by the Sea dish out all of your Thai favourites and their coconut rice is a must! Choose to dine at Star of Siam located on the main part of Macrossan St, or opt for Siam by the Sea near the Sugar Wharf.
  • Indian: Royal Spice – With a focus on traditional Indian flavours & seafood, Royal Spice offers a vast assortment of dishes that you can tailor to your preferred level of spice. Their extensive menu will keep you coming back for more!
  • Chinese: Jade Inn – This much loved family-owned Chinese restaurant has been in Port Douglas for over 25 years and their popularity amongst locals is a testament to their quality. Not only is their food fantastic, but the service is very friendly. They also do takeaway – everybody loves a good Chinese takeaway after a long day exploring this beautiful region!
  • Mexican: The Mexican – Mexican with a tropical twist! Their delicious ‘Oz-Mex’ menu compliments the local produce perfectly, with dishes incorporating kangaroo, crocodile, coral trout and more. These guys have arvo specials running from 2pm – 4pm, so get in early for a bargain.
  • Japanese: Zipangu – this small family-owned Japanese restaurant serves up authentic Japanese cuisine that will make you feel as if you’re actually in Japan!
    TIP* Book early and make sure you check their opening times as they vary throughout the week.
  • Italian: Sassi – Think sophisticated Italian cuisine served by charismatic staff in prime position at the wharf end of Macrossan St – the perfect spot for an Italian style aperitif at sunset. Choose to sit in the restaurant for a main meal or bar section with a smaller menu. From homemade pasta to perfectly woodfired pizzas and locally caught seafood – Sassi is the place to go for a satisfying Italian feast for lunch or dinner.
  • Spanish Tapas: Sea Bean –Sea Bean focuses on contemporary Spanish tapas share plates and a sumptuous selection of traditional Paella’s. If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t go past the Crème Catalana served in half a coconut – heaven! The perfect spot to watch the sunset behind the mountains as you embrace the Spanish customary way of sharing a meal with loved ones.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to eating out in Port Douglas! What are you waiting for? Book your holiday at Meridian Port Douglas now and come and indulge in paradise.

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