17 best port douglas restaurants for the ultimate dining experience

16 Best Port Douglas Restaurants for the Ultimate Dining Experience

Sandy feet, sun-kissed skin and a little seafood, the Port Douglas restaurant scene encapsulates everything that makes Australia great. Those willing to make the venture that little bit north will find the stunning coastal town of Port Douglas. Headlined by striking coastal views, the seaside hotspot is known for serving up beautiful, insta-worthy scenes and not just on the outside. From fine dining to humble bistros, here are the best Port Douglas restaurants to get you started.

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zinc port douglas interior

1. Zinc Port Douglas

Elegance and sophistication are encapsulated at Zinc, the quintessential tropical dining experience. The perfect setting for a romantic dinner on your holiday, Zinc is just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Four Mile Beach. Zinc’s menu presents fine, contemporary Australian cuisine with traditional European flair, utilising the abundance of fresh local seafood, meats & tropical fruit & vegetables.

Address: Portico 3, 53-61 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 6260
Hours: Monday – Sunday 2 pm – 11 pm

Zinc

people drinking at melaleuca restaurant

2. Melaleuca

Ocean views and delicious food- what more could you ask for? Melaleuca is one of the best Port Douglas restaurants if you prefer to dine while basking in the sea breeze. Their menu is also inspired by the sea- with plenty of fish, prawns and ceviche that is bound to have you coming back for more.

Address: 22 Wharf St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 5167
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12 am – 12 pm

Melaleuca

watergate port douglas interior

3. Watergate Port Douglas

Located in the heart of Port Douglas, Watergate offers a beautiful dining experience and an innovative menu to match. With indoor and outdoor dining options, and fresh, seasonal produce, dining here offers the true Port Douglas experience. We recommend trying the Kangeroo loin with mushroom risotto, seasonal veg, creamy garlic puree and beetroot relish.

Address: Shop 5/31 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 5544
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm

Watergate

salsa bar and grill exterior view

4. Salsa Bar and Grill

A seamless fusion of international cuisine located on Port Douglas’ main street, Salsa Bar and Grill has something for everyone. The menu is refreshing and features plenty of seafood. It’s the perfect spot for a long lunch, accompanied by a delicious cocktail from their extensive cocktail menu.

Address: 26 Wharf St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 4922
Hours: Thursday – Monday 12 pm – 11 pm

Salsa Bar and Grill

tapas bar restaurant meal

5. Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant

Reasonable prices and Spanish-inspired Tapas is what this Port Douglas restaurant is known for. You can always expect to have a good time at Seabean, serving as a meeting spot for locals and travellers alike to come together over delicious food and quality drinks. Mix it up and order some seafood croqueta and classic grilled pan de casa.

Address: 3/28 Wharf St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 5558
Hours: Monday 5 pm – 9 pm, Thursday – Saturday 5 pm – 9 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm

Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant

n17 burger co interior

6. N17 Burger Co

N17 Burger Co is one of the best Port Douglas restaurants for burgers and the only dedicated burger restaurant in the coastal town. The burger specialists and late-night diner offer handmade burgers using local ingredients. It also doubles as a sports bar if you want to catch the game over a tasty meal.

Address: 22 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4223 4704
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11 am – 8 pm, Thursday – Saturday 11 am – 11 pm, Sunday 10 am – 8 pm

N17 Burger Co

smiling chef at the wrasse roe seafood restaurant

7. Wrasse & Roe Seafood Restaurant

Seafood connoisseurs rejoice, Wrasse & Roe Seafood Restaurant is one of the best Port Douglas restaurants for all things from the sea. Located at the beach end of cosmopolitan Macrossan St, Wrasse & Roe comes alive with the sea air combined with the kaleidoscope of fragrance wafting from the open kitchen. For dinner, try their baked Moreton Bay bugs with fragrant coconut laksa, Asian greens, fried shallots, and steamed rice.

Address: Coconut Grove Complex 11, 56-64 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 5219
Hours: Monday – Saturday 2 pm – 10 pm

Wrasse & Roe Seafood Restaurant

sassi la cucina bar street view

8. Sassi La Cucina + Bar

Perhaps the best Italian Port Douglas restaurant to grace the sleepy town, Sassi La Cucina + Bar is as authentic as it gets. They love to take a seafood spin on Italian classics and have several delicious dessert options as well. Pair your meal with a wine from their extensive wine list, or opt for the chocolate chilli martini- you are in holiday mode, after all!

Address: 4 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 6744
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm

Sassi La Cucina + Bar

star of siam port douglas interior

9. Star of Siam Port Douglas

You could easily be mistaken into thinking you’re dining on a remote Thai island when you visit the Star of Siam. The Port Douglas restaurant is a local favourite for a delicious combination of Thai food and seafood. The menu has all your Thai classics as well as an entire section dedicated to seafood. Think seafood casseroles and baked barramundi- delicious!

Address: 12 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 6912
Hours: Thursday – Tuesday 5 pm -10 pm

Star of Siam Port Douglas

exterior view of the port douglas surf club bar bistro

10. Port Douglas Surf Club Bar & Bistro

There’s nothing better than an ice-cold beer just moments away from the beach. Sandy feet welcome, this bistro sits right on Port Douglas beach and is an ode to the landmark coastal town surf club that Australia is known for. Fondly dubbed ‘the surfy’, grab a drink, a burger and some chops and simply enjoy the al fresco dining experience.

Address: Mowbray St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 4335
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 3 pm/ 5 pm – 8 pm

Port Douglas Surf Club Bar & Bistro

tin shed terrace view

11. Tin Shed

The Tin Shed is a family-run restaurant that captures the spirit of the Port Douglas community, culture and history. Located in a heritage-listed destination on the waterfront, Tin Shed has a no-thrills menu and encourages guests to appreciate their surroundings, accompanied by a meal inspired by local seafood options.

Address: 7 Ashford Ave, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 5553
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 10 pm, Sunday 8 am – 10 pm

Tin Shed

lure restaurant bar terrace view

12. Lure Restaurant & Bar

Perched on the Boardwalk at the Reef Marina is Lure, a modern Australian dining experience perfect for you and the whole family. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is something for everyone to enjoy at any time of the day. We recommend the infamous prawn sandwich, or even try something from the tapas menu!

Address: Shop 16/44 Wharf St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 5201
Hours: Monday – Sunday 7 am – 3 pm

Lure Restaurant & Bar

the court house hotel street view

13. The Court House Hotel

This old heritage Queenslander is the perfect setting for an iconic Port Douglas pub. Fondly known as ‘the Courty’, this pub has been providing the goods for over a century. The now gastro-pub has seamlessly transitioned to the next century, serving up mixed drinks, craft beers and adding in a sports bar. If you find yourself in Port Douglas, a visit here is a must!

Address: 18-20 Wharf St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 5181
Hours: Monday – Sunday 9 am – 12 am

The Court House Hotel

ironbar port douglas interior

14. IronBar Port Douglas

The epitome of Northern Queensland dining, the IronBar is everything you’d imagine from a Port Douglas restaurant. The bar is panelled in rainforest timbers and corrugated iron, and you’ll even stumble across cane toad racing if you come on the right day. There’s also live music and plenty of good food on offer, like kangaroo and other juicy cuts of meat.

Address: 5 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 4776
Hours: Monday – Sunday 10 am – 12 am

IronBar Port Douglas

harrisons by spencer patrick interior

15. Harrisons by Spencer Patrick

Are you in the mood for fine dining? Harrisons is one of the classier Port Douglas restaurants and will not let you down. Swap your thongs for some shoes and lap up what will be an unforgettable dining experience. The nationally awarded restaurant is run by acclaimed chef and owner Spencer Patrick, who harnesses the best quality Australian produce to produce an innovative Modern British menu. Try the diamond shell clams for the full experience.

Address: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 0802
Hours: Monday – Sunday 4 pm – 9 pm

Harrisons by Spencer Patrick

flames of the forest exterior view

16. Flames of the Forest

Hidden in the leafy oasis of one of the world’s oldest rainforests, Flames of the Forest is a dining experience like no other. Flames is an event space, hosting everything from functions, weddings to conferences. No matter what it is you come for, expect to be mesmerised by something magical and unique.

Address: 29 Barrier St, Port Douglas
Phone: (07) 4099 3966
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 7:30 am – 10:30 pm

Flames of the Forest

General FAQs

What is the best Seafood Restaurant in Port Douglas?

Wrasse & Roe Seafood Restaurant is the best place for seafood in Port Douglas.

Where is the best Thai in Port Douglas?

Star of Siam is the best Thai in Port Douglas.

Who serves the best modern Australian in Port Douglas?

Lure Restaurant & Bar serves the best modern Australian in Port Douglas.

CONTRIBUTOR

Aimee O'Keefe

Aimee O’Keefe is a Sydney-based freelance writer with a background in content marketing, lifestyle, architecture and travel coverage. She completed a Bachelor's degree in Media and Communications at the University of Sydney and has worked with Universal Magazines, various leading digital marketing agencies and The Local Project.