When in Rome, eat as the Romans do. This is the spot for authentic, traditional Balinese cuisine, with a heavy emphasis on curry, rice, and spicy grilled fish. Prepare yourself for large and colourful portions, and peppermint tea with dessert.

One of Queensland’s most highly regarded restaurants, Nu Nu’s at Palm Cove serves modern Australian cuisine influenced by fresh local produce in a dreamy beachside setting.

Located on the waterfront, this contemporary fine dining restaurant serves inventive dishes that include a wide range of native Australian bush foods, such as acacia seeds, crocodile, wallaby and emu. Check out the lunch specials.

Going with the 'Aussie Animal' theme is Dundees, a 20-year local success story. Located on the edge of the marina, this waterfront restaurant has an international menu along with Aussie favourites such as seafood, crocodile, emu and kangaroo.

Offering creative and delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and a delightful indoors/outdoors setting, Noa is a local favourite. Diners will find themselves only a short pre-/post-dinner walk from the Botanic Gardens.

Thanks to their good food and swift service, Perrotta's is a favourite breakfast, lunch and dinner hangout in front of Cairns Regional Gallery. It also has alfresco dining on a raised deck, perfect for people watching.

Considered one of the best burger joints in Cairns, food at the Apex Milk Bar is freshly made in front of customers. The burgers come piled high and specials often include perks like a free milkshake with your order. This roadside diner also serves up diner classics like fried chicken, sandwiches, and onion rings.

It may have a small, unassuming exterior but this local hotspot serves up traditional and tasty Indonesian food at affordable prices. After ordering at the window, you can grab a seat outside, where your food will be brought out by the friendly and chatty waiting staff.

With a simple menu featuring mostly ramen Japanese noodle dishes, Ganbaranba serves up consistently good food at great prices. Be prepared to wait for a table during busy times, though. The fresh homemade gyoza are probably the best in Cairns.