Good Places to Eat in Cairns for Date Night

Cairns shine after dark. The Esplanade cools, the waterfront lights come on, and dinner becomes the plan. If you are organising a romantic night out, the sweet spot is a table that stays calm enough to talk and good enough to linger.

This guide shares ten good places to eat in Cairns for couples chasing a memorable meal, with marina views, softly lit rooms, and menus built around fresh local produce.

Romantic Restaurants in Cairns

A great date night comes down to the details: a quieter table, attentive service, and food worth slowing down for. The venues below are trusted picks, including several among the best restaurants on the Cairns Esplanade and around the marina precinct.

Waterfront Views & Candlelight

These waterfront restaurants in Cairns suit long conversations and unhurried mains. Each is close to Coral Towers.

Dundees on the Waterfront

Distance from Coral Towers: About a 5-minute drive
Why it's romantic: Waterfront views, candlelit dining, and local wine options
Cuisine: Modern Australian with seafood and steak highlights

Dundees sits along the harbour boardwalk, so the view is part of the night. Couples can watch boats return while settling into seafood, grilled fish, or a well-cooked steak. 

For a local touch, the Australian Sampler Plate is a popular choice. Staff are used to seating couples and will often guide you to a quieter section.

Salt House

Distance from Coral Towers: About a 4-minute drive
Why it's romantic: Open-air seating, live acoustic music, views of the marina
Cuisine: Seafood, wood-fired grill, and cocktails

Salt House suits couples who like a lively room with a marina backdrop. The open-air deck keeps the evening relaxed, with a warm glow as the sun drops. The kitchen is known for its wood-fired grill and seafood, plus plenty of shareable starters. Start with a cocktail, then take your time with a main from the grill.

Piato Mediterranean Restaurant

Distance from Coral Towers: About a 5-minute drive
Why it's romantic: Alfresco dining, sea breezes, and European wines
Cuisine: Greek and Mediterranean-style seafood, pasta, and meat dishes

Piato sits in The Pier marina precinct, a short stroll from the Esplanade. The setting suits couples who like a breezy table, a good bottle, and food made for sharing. Expect seafood pasta, slow-cooked lamb, and halloumi, backed by a European-leaning wine list. It is relaxed, welcoming, and easy to enjoy.

Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse

Distance from Coral Towers: About a 5-minute drive
Why it's romantic: Dim lighting, a large wine list, and a marina backdrop
Cuisine: Premium steak, ribs, and grilled seafood

Waterbar & Grill is a strong pick for steak lovers. The room is softly lit, with a classic steakhouse atmosphere that suits a special night. Choose a cut cooked to your preference, or share a platter, then match it with a red from the wine list. There is also grilled seafood on the menu if you want to keep it coastal.

Elegant Dining for Two

If you are after fine dining Cairns style, these venues bring careful plating, calm rooms, and a slower pace.

Tamarind Restaurant

Distance from Coral Towers: About a 6-minute drive
Why it's romantic: Elegant setting, personalised service, and intimate tables
Cuisine: Contemporary dining with Asian inspired flavours

Tamarind is a favourite for anniversaries and milestone dinners. The dining room is softly lit and quietly refined, with tables spaced to keep conversation private. The menu draws on Asian inspired flavours and quality Australian produce, with dishes that suit a longer meal. Service is polished and discreet.

Ochre Restaurant

Distance from Coral Towers: About a 6-minute drive
Why it's romantic: Unique flavours, waterfront setting, and tasting menus
Cuisine: Native Australian and contemporary fusion.

Ochre is known for showcasing native ingredients in a fine dining setting. Couples can try flavours like lemon myrtle, wattle seed, and Davidson plum paired with seafood and meats. 

The tasting menu is a popular option when you want to share the experience and sample more of the kitchen’s range. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly.

KOI Bar & Restaurant

Distance from Coral Towers: About a 5-minute drive
Why it's romantic: Indoor and outdoor seating, great cocktails, and vibrant decor
Cuisine: Japanese and Asian fusion

KOI on the Esplanade suits couples who want a lively backdrop without losing the romance. Begin with a cocktail on the deck, then move into dinner with seafood-focused dishes and shareable plates. An earlier booking works well if you want to catch the light on the water.

Little Sister Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

Distance from Coral Towers: About a 7-minute drive
Why it's romantic: Bold design, creative menu, and cosy seating
Cuisine: Contemporary share plates with Asian inspired influences

Little Sister is a smaller venue with plenty of personality. The space is tucked away and intimate, with plush seating and a cocktail list that sets the tone early. 

The menu centres on share plates, so you can order a few dishes and keep the pace relaxed. It is a good option when you want something different to the usual steak and seafood circuit.

European Flavours with Heart

These Cairns restaurants bring European comfort to the tropics, with candlelight, classic dishes, and an easy pace.

C'est Bon French Restaurant

Distance from Coral Towers: About a 7-minute drive
Why it's romantic: French ambience, soft lighting, attentive service
Cuisine: French classics including duck, escargot, and rich desserts

C'est Bon is a strong choice for couples who love traditional French dining. The room is softly lit and bistro styled, which suits a quieter night out. Start with escargots, then move to duck confit or steak frites, followed by dessert and coffee. It is a reliable favourite for romantic dinners.

Vitalia's Italian Restaurant

Distance from Coral Towers: About a 6-minute drive
Why it's romantic: Classic Italian service, romantic atmosphere, and hearty dishes
Cuisine: Traditional Italian, including pasta, risotto, and tiramisu

Vitalia’s suits couples who want comfort food and a relaxed dining room. The menu sticks to Italian favourites: pasta, risotto, seafood options, and classic desserts. Pair dinner with a glass of wine, then share tiramisu to finish. It is a warm place to end a date night.

A Night to Remember

Cairns makes romance easy when the venue matches the mood. A waterfront table, comfortable lighting, and staff who keep things moving smoothly can lift the whole night. Booking ahead is worth it, especially on weekends and during busy travel periods.

Stay Close to the Romance

Coral Towers Holiday Apartments sits on the Cairns Esplanade, and many of the restaurants in this guide are only minutes away by car. After dinner, it is easy to take an evening stroll along the waterfront, then head back to your self-contained apartment and unwind.

Image: Dining at Ochre Restaurant