Freshly caught fish and stylish restaurants highlight Whitsundays food tour

Many chefs and restaurateurs are working hard to put Whitsundays on the map for high-quality culinary experiences. I can attest that they are succeeding. The islands have a strong boating and fishing culture and that often shines through in the dishes they serve. The freshest fish you’ve ever had awaits you in Whitsunday, Australia.

Unassuming snack shacks hidden off the beaten path will surprise you with simple, delicious meals. Fancy restaurants aim to impress as they transform local ingredients into tasty expressions of hospitality. Whitsundays is also full of high-class resorts and hotels that serve top-notch food and drinks.

The local fishermen take care to respect the waters and the life inside them. They also do their best to get the best fish on your plate every time.

Best Restaurants to Try at Whitsunday Islands

Northerlies

This place is also connected to a lovely resort that you can stay at while on Airlie Beach. The menu has great variety but isn’t too big. Everything they do, they do it well. Everything from southern fried chicken burgers to octopus salad. And you won’t have to worry about picky eaters as their kids’ menu is available at all times. You’ll have to make a reservation to enjoy Northerlies cuisine.

Meraki Cafe

With a great view of the water from the restaurant, you can enjoy original creations at this beachfront cafe. Go for brunch and get a croissant sandwich and a blended coffee drink. For lunch try a platter of sliders and crispy spring rolls. This place is great for feeding a group of hungry beach bums.

Birds Fish Bar

While you can go out and catch your own dinner if you’d like, let the pros show you how it’s done first. Located at Bowen Fisherman Seafood company, this fish bar is a takeaway fish and chips joint you must try. All the fish they serve is local, wild-caught, and cooked fresh to order. Order online or call ahead to make sure you get some of the best fish and chips you’ve had.

Le Sorelle the Sisters Coffee House

This business is a family affair, and you can definitely taste the love and hard work that goes into the delicious food. They serve breakfast all day so you can enjoy croissants, French toast, and bacon and egg wrap any time. Don’t miss out on their burger bar for lunch where they serve fresh, local beef burgers on toasted buns. Their wide selection of fresh fruit smoothies is the perfect way to finish a meal here.

Whitsunday Gold Coffee

Coffee lovers rejoice! This cafe and restaurant is the perfect place for those of us who can’t function without a few cups of coffee in the morning. They roast and ground their coffee fresh in the store. Imagine that deep aroma filling the entire cafe as you sip away at one of the most flavourful cups of coffee in your life. Coffee isn’t the only thing they do. There is also a breakfast and lunch menu where eggs benedict, avocado toast, Thai beef salad, and reef fish and chips are the star of the show.

Qualia

This restaurant is the most upscale option on the list. Get dressed to the nines and treat yourself to a luxurious experience. Qualia is located on Hamilton Island on the eastern edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The chefs take their job seriously and bring you the very best Australia has to offer. The ingredients are sourced from the best local and international ingredients. Enjoy Qualia’s offerings at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or at a tasting.

Those are just a few of the restaurants you are sure to have a good experience at. If you’re a foodie who loves to take pictures of interesting plates or just someone who loves to eat, Whitsunday Islands has you covered.

If you have a big appetite and are ready to book a trip to the Whitsundays for your next food tour, here are a few more options:

• Fat Frog Beach Cafe
• The Deck Restaurant
• Elysian Retreat
• KC’s Bar and Grill
• Fish D’vine and Rum Bar
• One Tree Hill Bar
• Bob’s Bakery
• Manta Ray
• Morano’s Italian
• Barcelona Tapas
• Mr. Bones

These restaurants are all over the Whitsunday Islands, so you’ll have to scope them out to plan your eating accordingly. Check ahead to see if a reservation is needed and always show up early. Make your way through every island and beach to take in amazing views as you feast on great food.

One thing most of these restaurants have in common is a stellar drink menu. Make sure to save room for signature cocktails, quality wine, and craft beer. You deserve to have a good time so take full advantage of pubs and bars on your food tour.

Conclusion

Often overshadowed by the incredible nature of the Whitsundays, which includes world heritage sites and serine sand beaches, the food scene is something you must explore. The seafood is as fresh as can be, usually going from the ocean to the kitchen, and on your fork. Chefs are coming up with new creations to draw the eye and put Whitsundays on the map as a destination for great food.