The Best Restaurants In Airlie Beach Australia

This tiny Australian beach town, in the sunshine state of Queensland, is best known as the gateway to bucket-list archipelago, the Whitsunday Islands. However, laidback Airlie Beach conceals a few draws of its own. Punctuate days spent on palm-tree-lined beaches and sailing around lagoons with top-notch food and drink. From beachfront third-wave coffee shops to breezy bistros with marina views, these are some of Airlie Beach’s best.

Scour the best foodie spots in the Whitsundays in a day by hiring a yacht with SamBoat. Alternatively, delve deeper when you hire a boat with Dream Yacht Charter.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

20 Degrees South Bar & Restaurant

The Garden Bar Bistro

This breezy and beautiful indoor-outdoor venue, perched right next to the marina, captures the laidback essence of the tropical Whitsunday Coast. Not only do the friendly mixologists at The Garden Bar Bistro know their stuff (they make a mean cocktail, with seasonal fruit taking centre stage in their creations), but its light, seafood-focused menu is the perfect fit for the balmy climes of Airlie Beach (think oysters by the dozen, ceviche and buckets of fresh prawns).

Bohemian Raw

Dishing up some serious Bali vibes with its straw parasols, palm frond wallpaper and fruit-packed smoothie bowls served in eco-friendly coconut shells, this waterfront cafe is popular with the health-conscious, as well as those craving something light yet filling to eat in the thick of summer. It’s not just the preserve of veggies or vegans either: the cafe’s sashimi salmon and sesame chicken poke bowls win rave reviews too.

Fish D’Vine

Part restaurant, part rum bar, this Airlie Beach multi-tasker is known for its seafood-laden menu and killer mojitos. While away an afternoon on the deck, grazing on the restaurant’s signature two-tier seafood tower and lapping up the cooling, salty sea breeze. Alternatively, polish off a three-course dinner inside, while gorging on the relaxed coastal design of its interior. Bring your credit card: it’s among the more expensive options in town.

Fat Frog Beach Cafe

A true local’s favourite, this pooch-friendly Cannonvale cafe is often packed with punters, here for the smooth yet strong Campos coffee, and generous servings of breakfast, brunch and lunch classics. Go decadent and order the pancakes loaded with banana, candied walnuts, maple syrup and ice cream, or dial up the health factor with the honey and yoghurt panna cotta, accompanied by granola and fresh berries. You can’t beat Fat Frog for views either: the cafe’s gas strut windows take full advantage of its beachside location.

Anchor Bar

Perched just on the edge of the town’s centre, but high enough up a neighbouring hill to command thoroughly spectacular views, Anchor Bar is the perfect spot for sunset and twilight drinks – often accompanied by a live music soundtrack. Gorge on dude food, from fried chicken to cheeseburgers and steak sandwiches, or try a little of everything the kitchen pumps out with the crowd-pleasing “can’t decide” platter.

Paradiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

In the mood for Mediterranean-inspired dishes? Paradiso is your failsafe. Occupying a plum spot on a pedestrianised nook, right on the cusp of the Airlie Beach Foreshore, this restaurant-cum-rooftop bar radiates European vibes, its tables spilling out onto the footpath. Kick off the evening with a plate of tapas or three (jamon croquettes, or marinated olives perhaps) before moving on to the seafood paella for two.

Cool Lala Modern Asian Cuisine

The respectably sized menu at this pan-Asian eatery caters to all tastes: from chilli fiends to coeliacs, vegans to veggies. Those with appetites piqued by a day well spent in the surf, all salty skinned and sun-licked, should opt for Cool Lala’s Feed Me banquet menu, and pick up one of the restaurant’s supersized bubble teas too. Don’t forget to save space for the small but perfectly formed Asian fusion dessert menu too.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Hayley Simpson.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.