Whitsundays Restaurant Guide
If you're visiting Airlie Beach and the surrounding Whitsunday Islands, then chances are you have some action-packed adventures booked. In order to make the most of your tours - and regain your energy after a day full of fun at sea - you're going to need to make sure you're eating well.
The good news for you is, despite being a small town, Airlie Beach is full of excellent eateries. Whether you want to dine out on the local seafood or fill up on burgers or steak, we've got you covered.
In fact, it's easy to feel a little spoiled for choice. That's why we've compiled this handy Whitsundays Restaurant Guide to help you narrow down your options. Simply pick the cuisine you're in the mood for and we'll give you our top recommendations!
Seafood
Sandbar
Sandbar, located on Airlie Esplanade, is the newest addition to the Airlie Beach food scene. The Mediterranean-fusion restaurant boasts a range of fresh, locally-sourced seafood, from coral trout to baby octopus. We recommend the mouth-watering coral trout tacos. Other menu highlights include wagyu beef burgers, patatas bravas, and vegetarian risotto. Wash it all down with a hand-crafted cocktail while you take in the beautiful beach views. One of the few restaurants in town that is air conditioned.
Sorrento
Sorrento Restaurant and Bar in Airlie Beach offers amazing seafood and the perfect view of Coral Sea Marina. Book a table for dinner to dine out on some delicious, locally sourced fish while watching the boats come back from their fun-filled day tours. When you're in, be sure to ask about the fish of the day. And if you have some seafood sceptics in your crew, fear not! Sorrento also does excellent pizza. Show up between 3pm and 4pm to take advantage of their 2 for 1 deal.
Whitsunday Seafood Bar
Looking for something a little more casual? Head to Whitsunday Seafood Bar on Airlie Esplanade for a classic fish and chips takeaway. Choose your favourite fish from behind the counter and tell the friendly crew whether you'd like it grilled, battered, or crumbed. Enjoy the sumptuous seafood with a portion of chips or some greek salad as you watch the world go by.
Burgers or Hotdogs
Little Vegas
With breakfast, street eats and burgers Little Vegas is a great place to eat for a casual but delicious dining experience. Their loaded burgers are a surefire crowdpleaser - especially for those who are in need of a good feed after an adventurous day at sea.
Dickie's Dogs
As the name would suggest, Dickie's Dogs specialises in delicious hotdogs - each one inspired by a different nationality. But the main street diner also serves up loaded nachos, loaded fries, and dreamy dessert options.
Canapés / Tapas
Breeze Bar
Breeze Bar, located on the Airlie Esplanade, is best known for its delectable cocktails - particularly their diverse range of espresso martinis. But stop in for a bite to eat and you won't be disappointed. Think calamari, tacos, focaccia, tortellini, and garlic bread. Dine in between Thursday and Sunday and you'll also be treated to some live music!
Paradiso
Paradiso is known for its diverse menu - including a delightful range of tapas -and beach front dining. Located on the Airlie Beach foreshore, it's become a favourite eatery among locals. The Italian-style restaurant offers an impressive selection of small plates, from fresh oysters and bruschetta to arancini and beef tartare. And if you're looking for something a little larger, their range of pastas and pizzas are particularly delicious.
Italian
La Tabella
La Tabella is one of the more upscale eateries in Airlie Beach. Whether you choose to dine alfresco, at a long-table, at the bar, or in the wine cellar, you can expect nothing short of Italian perfection. The specials board is updated daily to make sure only the freshest local ingredients are used at their best. Not only that, but the gnocchi and the desserts are made fresh in-house every day. If you're passionate about your food, this is not one to miss!
La Marina
La Marina a hidden gem within Airlie Beach. Nestled into the corner of the Port of Airlie, the family-owned Italian restaurant offers up signature handmade dishes, ranging from pizza and pasta to risotto and seafood. Be sure to take the daily specials into consideration when you dine here, but our favourite dishes include the roasted pumpkin and truffle mushroom risotto, the pesto chicken pizza, the chilli prawn pasta, and, of course, the tiramisu.
Asian Fusion
Eastwoods
This South East Asian fusion restaurant is arguably the most exciting restaurant in Airlie Beach. It's ever-changing menu offers modern sharing dishes using traditional asian cooking methods, creating something completely new. Some local favourites include the chilli hoi sin pork, the black pepper chicken & cashew stir fry, the spicy taro fritters, and the five spice doughnuts. Whatever you choose to order, expect nothing less than fireworks.
Ramen in May
This Japanese restaurant is a delicious treat for Whitsunday locals and tourists alike, offering flavourful slow-cooked broth which simmers for up to four hoursa before it's brought to your table. One of the biggest perks of ordering ramen here is that your meal comes with free noodle refills, so you're guaranteed to get your money's worth!
Mixed Cuisine
The Pub
The Pub is located in the Airlie Beach Hotel and offers a mixed menu of everything from carbonara and fish and chips to ribs and wings. Most of their mains also include full access to a buffet of side dishes and desserts. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offer 18 beers and ciders on tap. Plus, their live music offerings always tear the house down.
Whitsunday Sailing Club
The Sailing Club is Airlie Beach's primary club-scene where they host weekly twilight sailing and events throughout the year. It offers its guests some of the best seaside views while they enjoy a drink or some good grub. Open from 11am until late, the laid-back, friendly atmosphere will make you feel right at home with the locals of Airlie Beach.
The Deck
Not only does the Deck offer an extensive range of delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, but they often have delectable food deals that are too good to turn down. Situated slap bang in the middle of Airlie Beach, this dreamy alfresco restaurant is busy from 6am for the morning coffee rush until late in the evening for mouthwatering mains and cocktails.
Northerlies
Northerlies Beach Bar is a little further out from Airlie Beach, but it's well worth the journey. Plus, there's no need to worry about driving thanks to the restaurant's courtesy bus that'll take you right from your doorstep to your table and back home again. Enjoy everything from scrumptious seafood, fresh pasta, juicy steak, or pub grub classics as you watch the sun go down over the sea. Dine indoors with an elevated view of the ocean, or sit out at their beer garden or beach hut.
Steakhouse
KC’s Bar and Grill
KC's Bar and Grill is located on the main street in Airlie Beach and is known for it's live music and unbelievable steaks. Feeling adventurous? Why not test your tastebuds with something from their Australian Game menu? Crocodile, kangaroo, emu, wild - they have it all. Of course, their regular beef steak is typically the main crowdpleaser!
Hogs Breath Cafe
Hog's Breath Cafe is a franchise across Australia and offers a little bit of everything centred around the grill. But, did you know that the first ever Hog's Breath opened in Airlie Beach 35 years ago? Come and visit the home of the Aussie food franchise and dine out on 18-hour slow-cooked prime rib, curly fries, and rocky road sundaes. Is anyone else drooling?
