Best Places To Eat In Port Douglas, Australia

1. Lantern Fish

You can’t miss this place – the little fish-and-chip shop is located right on Macrossan Street, which is the central area in Port Douglas. The simplicity of the restaurant decor belies the fascinating range of fusion dishes their chef has dreamed up. Don’t be surprised to find seafood laksa listed together with ceviche tostada! Of course, if you want the classic fish and chips, theirs is excellent. Choose from wild barramundi, Spanish mackerel, or coral trout (don’t worry: despite its namesake, deep-sea ocean creatures are not served here). The restaurant lets you customize your fish and chips, right down to the butter and sauce that go with it, for a lip-smacking meal.

Lantern Fish

Address: 1/22 Macrossan St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia

Opening Hours: 12pm to 9pm

Facebook: Lantern Fish

2. On the Inlet Restaurant

Located right on the water, On the Inlet is a multiple-award-winning restaurant with the lethal combination of a great view and great food. The restaurant boasts an expansive view of the Coral Sea’s translucent blue waters, with the verdant Mossman Gorge and Daintree National Park visible on the horizon. It’s the perfect place to catch the sunset if you’re having dinner in Port Douglas.

The menu here features an impressive range of seafood, from Yellowfin Tuna Tataki to Cajun Blackened Prawns. A must-try is their specialty oysters, cooked with prawn, avocado and mayonnaise – they’re enough to get anyone addicted! If you’re popping in for a quick bite in the afternoon, try their bucket of prawns – at 18 USD for 350g (12.3oz) of fresh, juicy prawns and a chilled glass of wine, it’s a steal.

Don’t forget to catch George in action as well – he’s an enormous fish who visits the restaurant at about 5pm each afternoon for his dinner, which consists of a large hunk of tuna lowered on a frame. His appearance has been the highlight of many a visit to On the Inlet. Seats run out fast from 4.30pm onwards though, so head there early to get a good view!

On the Inlet

Address: 3 Inlet Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia

Opening Hours: 12pm - 12am. Closed on public holidays.

Website: On the Inlet

3. Mocka's Pies

Feeling adventurous? Head on down to Mocka’s Pies, located on Grant Street. You can’t miss the bright orange sign declaring its world-famous status! Here, you’ll get to try the most eclectic of pastries, like the Crocodile Laksa pie (it’s been said to taste like chicken by those who have dared to try some.) They also have kangaroo meat pie, cooked with red wine and cracked pepper.

Mocka’s caters to more conventional tastes as well, offering a variety of steak pies, as well as Asian-inspired ones like Green Curry Chicken. It’s a great option if you’re looking to pack a picnic for the beach!

Mocka's Pies

Address: 9/34 Grant St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia

Opening Hours: 8am - 4pm. Closed on Sundays.

Facebook: Mocka’s Pies

4. The Little Larder

One of the must-visit restaurants for a hearty breakfast, The Little Larder is a nondescript cafe sitting on the main area of Macrossan Street. They serve a range of sandwiches that all sound so delicious that you’ll have a tough time deciding between them: the Sloppy Joe, for instance, features smokey chili beef, charred corn and jalapeño salsa, while the Crab Claw features fresh crab, crispy slaw, avocado and mayonnaise. Or, you know, you can always get more than one. Don’t forget to pair your choice of sandwich with a milkshake – thick and generous, the shake is heavenly, no matter which flavor you choose.

The Little Larder serves healthier options as well, like the Brown Rice Raw Bowl and the Buddha Bowl, both of which feature a carefully chosen range of greens and lean meat. In sunny weather – which is usually the case for Port Douglas – you can sit at one of the al fresco tables and enjoy your meal, while watching the world go by.

The Little Larder

Address: 40 Macrossan St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia

Opening Hours: 7.30am - 3pm

Facebook: The Little Larder

5. Zinc

If sleek decor and a trendy crowd are more your thing, check out Zinc. It’s one of the first few restaurants you encounter when you enter Macrossan Street, and unmistakably attractive with its low, intimate lighting and modern style. The restaurant has perfected the art of blending chic and laidback; while it’s stylish and upscale, the atmosphere is relaxed, and perfect for both dates and family meals. They even let your kids dine free if you’re there before 5.30pm!

Visiting for dinner? Don’t forget to try their Sage & Onion Topped Pork Tenderloin, or if you feel like seafood, their Pan Seared Barramundi. The restaurant also prides itself on its wide range of drinks, featuring 70 different cocktails and an extensive wine list. It’s a great place to stop by and talk to people if you’re a solo traveller.

Zinc

Address: Portico, 3/53-61 Macrossan St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia

Opening Hours: 12pm - 9.30pm

Website: Zinc

6. Origin Espresso

Sometimes we just need a quiet place to sit down, with a coffee in hand, and watch the world go about its day. Origin Espresso offers that sanctuary. Located at the corner of Warren Street and Grant Street, the cafe has al fresco seating, and a laidback vibe with its eclectic mix of old chairs and tables. You can be assured of a quality cuppa here, whether it’s a cold brew made with locally-roasted beans, or a smooth kombucha. Need more convincing? This place is a popular haunt with locals, and several regulars can be spotted enjoying a drink in the afternoons.

Origin Espresso

Address: 3/21-23 Warner St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia

Opening Hours: 7.30am - 3pm

Facebook: Origin Espresso

A complete two-day food itinerary!

With their range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, these restaurants can fit into a two-day itinerary in Port Douglas. Here’s a tip: some companies in Port Douglas, like reef tours and electric bike rentals, offer good discounts on some of the restaurants if you book their services. Don’t forget to visit them when you first arrive in Port Douglas, and ask – you might get great savings on your next few meals!