Best Sea View Restaurants In Airlie Beach
Is there anything more satisfying than a dinner with a view after a long day? Whether you spend your afternoon snorkelling, jet-skiing, skydiving, or exploring the Whitsundays, we can't think of a better way to wind down than watching the sun set over the sea with a delicious meal and a cheeky cocktail. Breathe in a tropical sea-breeze and gaze out at warm orange skies as you enjoy the very best food that Airlie Beach has to offer.
Here are our top picks for the best restaurants with sea views in town.
Anchor Bar
When it comes to the best sea views, Anchor Bar takes the cake. That's because it sits comfortably at the top of a hill, gazing down on Airlie Beach. From the poolside bar and restaurant, customers can gaze down at the bustling little town, the countless catamarans, yachts, and sailboats bobbing on the tranquil Coral Sea, and even our neighbouring islands! Choose from tempting tapas and hearty meals, as well as an impressive line-up of creative cocktails while you soak up the sensational sea views.
Photo source: Anchor Bar
Sandbar
A little closer to the shore, you'll find Sandbar - a Mediterranean-fusion restaurant and cocktail bar with exceptional views of the waterfront. The air-conditioned restaurant, nestled just upstairs from Airlie Esplanade, looks directly out onto the beach for sunset, so you'll get a glorious golden-hour view from wherever you're sitting.
While you're there, tuck into sumptuous delicacies like coral trout tacos, pressed pork belly, Szechuan calamari, or pan-seared halloumi. Choose from classic cocktails or Sandbar specialties to sip on while you watch the sun's rays twinkle on the lapping waves. Talk about paradise!
Image source: Sandbar Restaurant and Bar
The Rocks
The Rocks - Coral Sea Resort's top-class restaurant and bar - is a particularly lavish spot for seaside scenery. Indulge in dreamy cocktails at their swanky poolside bar, stretched out on a sun-lounger, as you watch boats swiftly sail by. If the sun gets too much, take cover under the abundance of palm trees or the shore-side cabana, while you tuck into seafood platters, pork cutlets, flat breads, and oysters. If you're looking for sea views in the lap of luxury, look no further than this spot!
Photo source: Coral Sea Resort
Sorrento
Further down the marina, you'll find Sorrento; a popular spot to watch the golden hour glow hit the waves while you feast on two-for-one pizzas, fresh seafood specials, and fruity cocktails. Watch some of the most popular boats in the Whitsundays whisk sleepy, satisfied tourists back to Coral Sea Marina as the sun begins to set over the horizon. Hit the restaurant at the right time of day and you'll be greeted with sweet acoustic melodies from one of Sorrento's resident musicians. If you're looking for seaside ambience, look no further!
Photo source: Sorrento Restaurant and Bar
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
Speaking of live music, The Pub at Airlie Beach Hotel boasts an impressive line-up of acts each week, easing customers from a sleepy afternoon into a lively night. Whether they're playing reggae, ranchera, or rock & roll, the ensembles that play at The Pub will command your attention while, just beyond them, the enchanting Coral Sea waves roll into shore. Tuck into a hearty meal or sip on an ice-cold beer while soaking up the atmosphere. It doesn't get much better than this!
Northerlies
A little further out from central Airlie, you'll find Northerlies - a secluded restaurant and bar that boasts some of the most beautiful coastal scenes. Take advantage of their courtesy bus and you'll be swept away to the tropical beachside restaurant in no time at all. Eat on the deck under the light of the tiki torches, or bring your dinner and drinks right down to the sand for a five-star supper by the shoreline. Unwind with a few guilt-free cocktails, knowing that the courtesy bus will whisk you back home - or into Airlie Beach - when the sun goes down.
Paradiso
Just below Sandbar, you'll find Paradiso - a beloved restaurant that opens its doors and windows to welcome in the sea air, and guarantees that almost every customer gets to enjoy the alluring coast from their table. Paradiso has a reputation among Airlie locals for incredible food, from tapas and sharing plates to pizzas and pastas. Tuck into any number of mouth-watering dishes while watching the tide roll in. If you're looking for a little slice of paradise, this is it.
Photo source: Paradiso
La Tabella
A little further down the street, you'll find La Tabella; a dreamy Italian spot, and one of the most impressive restaurants in town. Choose from gourmet pizzas, heavenly pasta dishes, and tempting daily specials made with only the freshest ingredients. As is the |Italian way, they also boast an extensive wine list. Offering al fresco dining, La Tabella gives customers gorgeous golden hour views while they wine and dine. This restaurant is an absolute must while you're in town.
Mika
Mika is a hot-spot in Airlie Beach, serving up fresh Mexican food and creative cocktails from lunch until late. Just upstairs from La Tabella, Mika seats most of its customers out on their balcony, treating them to panoramic views of Airlie Esplanade. Graze on tempting burrito bowls, cheesy enchiladas or crispy nachos, and sip on spicy margaritas or creamy piña coladas as you look out at the busy street below, as well as the lapping Coral Sea waves in the distance.
