It’s Time To Relax…
Going out and experiencing the local cuisine when on holiday is a core part of any perfect trip away. With an undeniable connection to seafood, live music and abundant sea views, the culinary scene in Airlie Beach and the surrounding suburbs of The Whitsundays is nothing short of world class. Knowing where to look and finding all of what’s on offer can often be a challenge when exploring a new destination so we’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing where to dine this holiday and assembled The Ultimate Guide to Airlie Beach Restaurants showcasing where to go and what to know.
Click any of the restaurant’s images listed below to be taken to their product page showcasing their full menu, full image galleries, and any other information you may need.
Without further adieu and in no particular order, let start exploring!
1. The Garden Bar Bistro
Seaviews • Cocktail Bar • International
If a sun slowly setting casting its warm glow over a fleet of luxury yachts then we might have found the spot for you. Located down on the water at Coral Sea Marina, The Garden Bar & Bistro is a one of a kind Airlie Beach Restaurant. Nice and social but not crowded, it’s a magical little spot that totally immerses you in Australia’s sailing paradise. With fairy lights in abundance and table service second to none, it’s worth heading down and sharing some tapas with your favourite people.
Our favourite dish: Garden Bar Share Platter
Our favourite drink: Mother of Dragons
2. Paradiso Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Cocktails • Euro Cuisine • Sea Views
Paradiso is one of the newer restaurants on the scene in Airlie Beach and boy did they set the tone with their tapas-style & euro cuisine, creative cocktail menu and possibly the best rooftop view in town. A calm and relaxing dining experience downstairs contrasts perfectly with the upbeat, social and live music cocktail bar upstairs. Did we mention the desserts? Wow.
Our favourite dish: Panko Fried Zucchini
Our favourite drink: Fiery Fijian
Our favourite dessert: The Romance
3. The Rocks Restaurant Bar & Pool Club
Resort • Restaurant • Bar • Pool Club
Situated on the oceanfront at the luxurious Coral Sea Resort, The Rocks boasts nothing but class with its french riveria feel pool club atmosphere, lavish cocktails and a panoramic ocean view to die for. Recently renovated and reinvigorated, this chic Airlie Beach restaurant holds regular events and live music by the pool. From young to less young there is something for everyone whether it be a quiet romantic breakfast or a weekend afternoon with friends, floating around the refreshing azure pool listening to tunes.
Our favourite dish: Citrus Cured Kingfish
Our favourite drink: Persian Cloud
Pro tip: Get There For Sunset
4. Anchor Bar
Restaurant • Sea Views • All Day Dining
A staple of the local Whitsunday community, Anchor Bar is home to one of the greatest elevated seaviews in town and a swimming pool and spa to really top it off. The menu is lavish and doesn’t hold back one bit with items including Fish Taco’s, Pork Belly Burgers, Arancini that’ll make you cheer and a can’t decide platter that needs to be seen to be believed (clue: it’s just up there!) If playing pool, and lounging in the sun is your cup of tea then up the hill to the place to be.
Our favourite dish: Can’t Decide Platter
Our favourite drink: Woman Go Mango
5. KC’s Bar & Grill
Aussie Cuisine • Live Music • Steakhouse
The original Airlie Beach Steakhouse and a definite contender for best live music in The Whitsundays. If a good old fashion steakhouse feed and atmosphere is what you’re after then look no further than KC’s Bar & Grill. Delicious steaks, Australian game, live music every night and a sing-a-long vibe that’d get the even the quietest souls humming a tune. Mix that with engaged staff who love what they do, you’ve got a great night on your hands.
Our favourite dish: Australian Game Platter
Our favourite drink: A Cold Beer To Watch The Music
6. Beagles Pizza
Pizza • Chicken Wings • Garlic Bread
The family classic, party favourite Beagles Pizza is the go to spot for pizzas on the go. Award-winning and for a very good reason, the pizzas are non stop delicious with toppings to suit everyone in the team. Enjoy out the front and watch the world whizz by or head down to the foreshore and watch the sunset, either way you’re onto a winner. Incredible value for what you get and a box you should tick on any true Airlie Beach holiday.
Our favourite pizza: Beagles Supreme With Anchovies
Pro tip: Eat & Watch The Sunset Down On The Beach
7. Northerlies
Seaviews • Cocktail Bar • International
A short courtesy bus ride will take you on a cruisy journey around the bay and chauffeur you out to the visually impressive home of The Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill. Situated looking out across Pioneer bay it’s a refreshing view and off the beaten track giving that exclusive feel that will absolutely make your holiday. Known for their seafood and outdoor, on the beach dining its a North Queensland experience that you will remember forever.
Our favourite dish: Seafood Hot Bowl
Our favourite drink: Thai Phoon
8. Noodle & Rice Airlie Beach
Traditional • Affordable • Takeaway
Tasty, fast, down to earth asian cuisine. Consistency is the name of Noodle and Rice’s game and they bring the best asian takeaway to the table 100% of the time, everytime! A large menu that can be adapted easily to your dietary needs even the fussiest eaters will find something to savour here. We love it for a quiet night in and always go for the dim sims as an add on. Located just off the main drag.
Our favourite dish: 20. Char Kuai Teow (Hor Fun)
Our favourite side: Steamed Dim Sims
9. Sorrento Restaurant & Bar
Italian • Seaview • Live Music
One of the definitive Restaurants in the region, ‘Sorrentos’ as it’s colloquially known holds the trophy for probably the best spot to watch the sunset in Airlie Beach. Located at the North End of Coral Sea Marina, this traditional Italian restaurant is perfect for all groups, all occasions and is the closest spot after getting off your boat trip you’ll find has a cold beverage waiting for you. Classic Italian pizza and pasta medley just magically with local live musicians and a good social atmosphere looking out over the Whitsunday Islands. Often busy later in the restaurant so book ahead.
Our favourite dish: Wild Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto
Our favourite drink: Pint Of Tap Beer at 5:05pm
10. Lovely India
Curry • Naan • Indian Desserts
There is nothing quite dipping a fresh and crusty garlic nann into your favourite hot & rich curry. Lovely India is the only Airlie Beach Restaurant dedicate to purely Indian cuisine. Warm fairy lights welcome you into their rooftop restaurant where you are met with calm and relaxing service. An extensive menu covers all of the many styles of Indian cuisine and is very well suited to the vegan and vegetarian community. Ideal for a low key romantic dinner and perfect for groups of small to medium size. Delivery options available.
Our favourite dish: Panner Butter Magsala
Our favourite drink: Mango Lassi
11. Banjo’s Bar & Bistro
Classic Pub • Indoor – Outdoor Setting • Relaxed
The King of the Chicken Parmigiana, Banjos Bar & Bistro is the Cannonvale local for all. Their Parmi’s come with an extensive choice of themed toppings which on Monday & Tuesdays are only $20. Being a Bistro, the food is down to earth and warming and the beer pours easily. One of the largest menus in The Whitsundays also boasts a delicious pizza range. Their relaxed outdoor-indoor dining is great for lazy summer nights, even better if you have a four-legged friend.
Our favourite dish: No 8. Chicken Parmigiana
Our favourite pizza: Hot & Spicy
Get out there!
We hope this guide was of use but we can not stress enough that this is indeed a guide. If you see something that grabs you, GO FOR IT! We hope that on one your culinary adventures this holiday that you find something at one of these Airlie Beach restaurants that you believe is worthy as a must-try dish for those dining in the future.
For more information on any of these establishments, be sure to browse their product pages by following the links provided.
The choices are wide and the smiles even wider, so get out there and start exploring!
