A Local’s Guide to the Best Places to Eat in Port Douglas

If you’re wondering where to eat in Port Douglas, this is our local guide to the cafés, bars and restaurants we continually find ourselves recommending.

We are fortunate enough to call this little slice of paradise home, but if you're only visiting for a long weekend or a week, it can be hard to know where to spend your precious holiday calories.

So we've done the hard work for you.

We moved to Port Douglas in 2014 as fresh-faced twenty-somethings with a love of adventure and a passion for hospitality.

Back then we both worked at the Sheraton, an institution of a hotel in Tropical North Queensland. It didn't take long to realise that while Port Douglas might be small, it punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink.

In a past life, Dave worked running pubs and bars and spent many years as a sommelier. Apart from giving us an expensive taste in wine, it also left us with very high standards when it comes to good food, great service and well-run venues.

Over the years we've eaten our way through pretty much every café, bar and restaurant in town. While there are plenty of great options, there are a handful we always find ourselves returning to.

So here's our version of the perfect foodie day in Port Douglas.

Sunrise Coffee at Four Mile Beach

Start early and grab a takeaway coffee from Sparrow, a tiny hole-in-the-wall café that consistently delivers excellent coffee.

Take it down to Four Mile Beach and watch the sun rise over the Coral Sea. It's one of the simple pleasures that never gets old, no matter how many times you've done it.

The best breakfast in Port Douglas

Round up your holiday crew and head to Fresq for breakfast.

The juices are delicious, the portions generous and its location at the top of Grant Street makes it one of the best people-watching spots in town.

A small insider tip: we prefer sitting closer to the kitchen side. The paved section slopes slightly and, as someone who regularly trips over absolutely nothing, I can confirm it's the safer option.

Second Coffee (Because You're on Holiday)

A short stroll down Grant Street brings you to Origin Espresso.

Owner Neo is one of the most passionate people you'll ever meet when it comes to coffee. Add friendly staff, toys for little ones and exceptional coffee, and it's easy to lose an hour here.

If matcha is your thing, this is your place.

Marina Wandering

Continue wandering down towards Crystalbrook Marina.

At this point, it's time to assess the situation.

Ice cream from Choo Choos?

A local craft beer from Hemingway's?

Both are perfectly acceptable holiday decisions.

Either way, you'll have a front-row seat to the marina, the boats and whatever level of luxury the visiting superyachts happen to be displaying that day.

Lunch at the Tin Shed

Our next stop is the Tin Shed.

A true local institution, it's technically a leagues club but feels more like a waterfront restaurant with some of the best views in town.

Looking out across Dicksons Inlet towards the Daintree ranges, it's the kind of place where one drink can easily turn into an entire afternoon.

The seafood is excellent, the portions are generous and the prices are refreshingly reasonable.

Walk it off, then relax

Depending on how much you've indulged, you can either wander back into town or tackle Flagstaff Hill. The stairs are not insignificant, but the sweeping views over Four Mile Beach are worth every step.

An afternoon swim and a nap are non-negotiable at this point. You've earned it!

Pre-Dinner Drinks on Macrossan St

As afternoon rolls into evening, it's time for a thirst quencher.

For a casual beer, Paddy's Irish Pub remains a favourite. Every good town needs an Irish pub and Paddy's delivers with cold beer, pool tables and regular live music.

If you're feeling a little fancier, head to Cosmos. Great cocktails, stylish interiors and darts make for a fun start to the evening.

Dinner on Wharf Street

Many of our favourite dinner spots live along Wharf Street, but if we had to choose one, it would be Salsa.

For many visitors and locals alike, Salsa feels like an old friend. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service is polished and the food is consistently excellent.

We've worked our way through most of the menu over the years and have not yet been disappointed. And importantly, the wine list more than satisfies Dave's somewhat dangerous wine obsession.

One Last Treat

Even when we're convinced we couldn't possibly eat another thing, we somehow find room for dessert. Our favourite is grabbing a takeaway Crème Brûlée Coconut from Seabean across the road.

Trust us on this one. You won't regret it.

If you're planning a trip to Port Douglas, we hope this helps you discover a few new favourites of your own.

Steph x