Welcome to Palm Cove, Queensland, a tropical paradise nestled along the stunning coastline of Australia. Known for its pristine beaches and lush rainforest backdrop, this idyllic destination is also a haven for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood dishes or exotic international cuisine, Palm Cove offers an array of top-notch dining options that will tantalize your taste buds. From beachfront bistros to elegant fine-dining establishments, join us as we explore the top places to eat in Palm Cove and discover culinary delights that are sure to leave you satisfied and longing for more.
There are plenty of things to do in Palm Cove and surrounding Cairns, Barrier Reef, Atherton Tablelands and Port Douglas. You will need to allow at least a couple of weeks to enjoy the best of the best.
You won’t be short of excellent accommodation from a stunning tropical 3-bedroom villa with a pool to Palm Cove hotels and apartments.
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Best Restaurants in Palm Cove
NuNu Restaurant
The only restaurant in Palm Cove that can call itself beachfront. NuNu is located at the end of Williams Esplanade just before Palm Cove’s iconic palm tree walkway. NuNu is Palm Cove’s award-winning hatted restaurant offering the best of modern Australian cuisine with fresh local produce featured from the Queensland Outback, the tropical rainforest from Far North Queensland and seafood straight from the ocean. They have an impressive vegetarian menu for all to enjoy, too!
Our recent visit to indulge in their exciting brunch options with a glass of bubbles each had us enjoying:
Cassava hash brown, avocado, beet relish, whipped feta and poached eggs
Coconut crumpet, coconut caramel, roast banana, monkey butter and coconut sorbet
Hot smoked reef fish croquette, cured barra, herb labneh and orange salad
Enjoy an array of delicious cocktails, beers or wines from their impressive wine list.
Open for breakfast from 7 am to 10.30 am.
Lunch from 12.00 to 2.45 pm
Dinner from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
Address: 1 Veivers Road Palm Cove
Good to know: Bookings are essential check out their website
For Palm Cove Tripadvisor Reviews for NuNu Restaurant click here
Vivo Palm Cove
Another firm favourite of ours is Vivo Palm Cove for modern International cuisine.
Vivo is located at the front of the Mantra Amphora Palm Cove Resort in a stunning architecturally designed colonial-style bungalow. The best seats to reserve for your meals are alfresco on the verandah. For sunset vibes ensure you book in advance during the busy high season and public holidays.
Palm Cove dining at its best, you won’t be disappointed with the range of dishes on offer from their set menus, to their delicious breakfasts from Thursdays to Sundays and lunch and dinner international offerings. Your challenge will be not to order everything on the menu but to leave some exciting dishes for another day. They have an extensive wine, beer, spirits and cocktail menu.
On our 2nd visit, we booked a table on the verandah (which we recommend to everyone) and dined on one of our favourites the mushroom gnocchi and the crab tagliatelline.
Opening hours: Breakfast Thursday to Sunday from 7 am to 11 am
Lunch: 11.30 am to 3.00 pm
Grazing Menu: 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm
Dinner: 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Reservations are recommended. Click here to book.
Address: 49 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove
For Vivo, Palm Cove Tripadvisor Reviews click here
El Greko Taverna
We have dined at Ek Grekos each time we visited Palm Cove. This time we experienced another great dining experience under the new ownership of Chef James and Front of House Manager Lisa. The menu is exciting and with a great selection of cocktails, wine and beer from the bar makes the whole experience at El Grekos memorable.
The first night we enjoyed pita bread with a Chilli Feta Pot (V, GF) – warm feta with charred capsicum, olives, chilli and olive oil in a clay pot. The Saganaki (V, GF) which is a firm favourite of ours with a traditional grilled cheese, olive oil and lemon. For main Arni Kalamakia (GF) – lamb fillet marinated with roasted vegetables and tzatziki.
Our second visit consisted of the entree size Spanakopita (V, GF) – spinach feta and dill wrapped in filo pastry with salad which is always delicious. Good to know: this dish always sells out first.
Our main was Stithos Spanaki (GF) – chicken breast grilled and topped with spinach, feta and lemon cream sauce with salad.
You do have to book in advance.
Address: Shop 14, 111 Palm Cove Shopping Village, 115 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove
For reviews on Tripadvisor for El Greko click here
Miguels Tapas Restaurant
Miguel’s is the new dining establishment in Williams Esplanade which has exploded on the scene so quickly. The first week every night was booked out and it continued the whole time we were in Palm Cove.
We have travelled extensively through Spain and love their tapas and pintxos. Miguel’s Palm Cove did not disappoint.
What did we choose? Patatas Bravas, Tortilla de Patatas, Whipped Barramundi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Fried Pork Belly with Canarian Green Sauce. All dishes were delicious and would order them again.
Good to know: You have to book in advance and reserve an outdoor table
Address: 41 – 47 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove
La Mesa
A new dining option for us on this visit. La Mesa is located at the front of the Peppers Beach Club, an Accor property.
We both are huge fans of Mexican cuisine and as one of us is a vegetarian Mexican cuisine and the options available are the perfect cuisine. Our starter was the Refried Beans and Corn Chips (sour cream, habanero and smokey tomato salsa (V, GF).
If you are a lover of jalapeno poppers this will blow your socks off (in a great way) with its cream cheese, salsa roja and smoked salt. (V) Delicious!
Make sure you are hungry when you order the Barbacoa of Mexico – 12-hour cooked beef brisket, Yucatan pork, chorizo, char-grilled vegetables, tortillas and salsa.
Good to know: For Friday and Saturday night bookings you do need to book in advance. You can use your Accor dining discount voucher here check what discounts are available on what dishes before you order.
Address: 123 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove
For the latest Tripadvisor reviews on La Mesa Click here
Kushi
Kushi Yakitori Bar and Japanese Restaurant is located at 73 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove.
When booking ask for a table on the Verandah with views over the ocean towards Yorkeys Knob.
They offer happy hour Monday to Saturday 3.30 to 5.00 pm. Vegetarian dishes and vegan dishes are available.
We loved the Vegetable Gyoza and the Chicken Teriyaki.
For the latest reviews on Tripadvisor for Kushi click here
Choc Dee – Thai Restaurant
We love the tropical setting of Choc Dee in Palm Cove. With your favourite Thai dishes on their extensive menu, you will enjoy your experience here. The seafood dishes are as fresh as you can get and you can choose your spice level to enhance! There are many vegetarian options available. Bookings are recommended. The service is excellent.
Address: 123 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 5 pm to 9 pm.
For Tripadvisor reviews on Choc Dee click here
Garage
A personal recommendation had us heading to Garage for brunch. We all decided on the Avocado Bruschetta with spring bay peas, smashed avocado, whipped ricotta, soft herbs, sumac and soft-boiled egg with a delicious pink radish. If you are ordering this dish make sure you don’t eat beforehand, it was delicious and filling.
Address: 139 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove
Opening hours: 6.30 am to 3.00 pm. Dinner from Thursday to Sunday 5 pm to 9 pm.
For the latest Tripadvisor reviews for Garage click here
Best Pub Food in Palm Cove
Rattle n Hum
Our favourite pub in Palm Cove is Rattle n Hum. Every time we visit Palm Cove we head to Rattle n Hum for happy hour between 5 – 7 pm and then enjoy some of their great pub food e.g. fish and chips, hamburgers, fish tacos, and pizza. Check out their specials board as well, their curry is the best!
Live music is on Friday Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Opening hours: 11 am to 10 pm.
Address: 119 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
For the latest Tripadvisor reviews on Rattle n Hum click here
Best Fish & Chips in Palm Cove
Lucky Fish is the place to go for the best fish and chips in Palm Cove and their range of seafood dishes. Pick up a takeaway head across Williams Esplanade and enjoy a picnic on the beach. You can also enjoy dining alfresco at Lucky Fish.
Other dishes that we have enjoyed are:
Fish tacos, grilled barramundi and the Lucky Box ( Battered fish, lime pepper calamari, crumbed prawn cutlets, regular chips)
Opening hours: 11.30 am to 8.00 pm
Address: Unit 18/111-117 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
For the latest Tripadvisor reviews on Lucky Fish click here
Best Italian Pizza Restaurant Palm Cove
Il Forno
Views, pizza, pasta and wine what more could you ask for in Palm Cove? Il Forno is another firm favourite of ours. Located above in Palm Cove Village Unit 7, 111 Williams Esplanade.
My oven-baked gnocchi with Napoli sauce, buffalo mozzarella, and basil was excellent and very tasty. The authentic Italian wood-fired pizza bases are available in gluten-free as well. Make sure you check out their specials board too!
Good to know: you do need to book in advance.
For the latest Tripadvisor reviews for Il Forno click here
Best Ice Cream in Palm Cove
Numi
Hands down it has to be Numi. With unique flavours such as Lemon Meringue Ice Cream, Pandan and Coconut Ice Cream, Gingerbread and Caramel Icecream, Christmas Pudding and Gin Marmalade Ice Cream plus a range of delicious sorbets and icecreams your frequent Numi Ice cream eaters’ card will be filled up in no time,
Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm
Address: Shop 8A/47 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
For the latest Tripadvisor reviews on Numi click here
In conclusion, Palm Cove offers a diverse selection of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood by the beach, exotic Asian fusion cuisine, or a relaxed meal at a local cafe, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. With its stunning waterfront views and laid-back atmosphere, dining in Palm Cove is an experience not to be missed for any food lover visiting Queensland. So next time you find yourself in this charming coastal town, be sure to explore the culinary delights it has to offer and indulge in some truly unforgettable meals.
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