If you’re looking for the best restaurant in Airlie Beach, then ask a local.
Each year, we survey our reservations team, who all live in the region, to find out the best places to eat out and catch live music around town.
Below we share our team’s favourite restaurants in Airlie Beach for 2023, along with favorite live music venues. We’ve tried to cover different cuisines, beautiful locations and budgets.
The Best 12 Restaurants in Airlie Beach
Paradiso
Greek, Spanish, Italian
Paradiso is a top Airlie restaurant pick among our team at Whitsunday Rent a Yacht. The only rooftop bar in Airlie Beach with views over the lagoon and foreshore, Paradiso cuisine covers Greek to Spanish to Italian and modern Australian.
Tip: Groups of up to 4 can enjoy a delicious Paella. Vegetarians and vegans will find a range of menu options.
Cool Lala
Asian Inspired
The best restaurant in Airlie beach for Asian food is Cool Lala. Once you’ve tried the homemade, authentic Korean, Chinese and Thai style dishes, you’ll know you’ve found a gem. Takeaway or dine-in options are available.
Tip: Try the Korean chicken and dumplings with a tropical flavoured Bubble tea. If you like a spicy dish, the Kimchi Stir fry will knock your socks off.
Anchor Bar
Modern Australian
For a good reason, Anchor Bar is a favourite with the locals. Located on the hill high up behind Airlie Beach, the views from this vantage point are stunning. The bar looks out over a pool; the ultimate place to enjoy a Whitsunday’s view and cold beverage.
Expect a pub-style menu with things like a “surf and turf” and burgers done well.
Photo C/O Anchor Bar
D’viet House
Vietnamese
Something about the tropical weather in Airlie Beach will have you craving Asian food at least once during your stay. D’viet House is an excellent place for authentic Vietnamese lunch and dinner with takeaway options if you want to take a simple healthy meal back to your accommodation.
Tip: Try a pho made using a “famous fragrant family beef broth recipe”. Vegetarians will love the lemongrass chilli tofu.
Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill
Modern Australian
Situated within the Freedom Shore resort, the dining at Northerlies is directly on the foreshore with stunning views over to the islands. But Northerlies is about more than a unique location; the atmosphere is second to none. Entertaining games on the lawn, live music and plenty of space for families to settle in while the kids roam.
Tip: Seafood is a must off the Northerlies menu – as fresh as it gets. We love the seafood platter for two. Or if steak is your thing, this is the place for it.
Photo C/O Northerlies
La Marina
Italian
The best Italian food in town can be found at La Marina. With views looking out over the Port of Airlie, you can enjoy excellent pizza, homemade pasta and fresh local ingredients. There’s indoor or outdoor dining, both with great atmospheres with plenty of room for larger groups.
Tip: Try either a The Sail Away cocktail or espresso martini and save room for one of their famous desserts.
The Deck
Modern Australian
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, The Deck is one place that gets the perfect balance between flavour and versatile menu options. A charming, more intimate setting, there’s a great ambience in this recently expanded restaurant.
Tip: For a fantastic breakfast, try the mushroom and chorizo bennies special. The menu is also very vegetarian and vegan friendly.
Photo C/O The Deck
La Tabella
Italian
For a special night out, try La Tabella. Located on The Esplanade, which runs along the foreshore, this top Airlie Beach restaurant is renounced for outstanding table service and delicious authentic Italian food. The wine list is extensive, and the coffee is some of the best in town.
Tip: The tiramisu and limoncello are all lovingly crafted by owner Leni.
Fat Frog Beach Cafe
Modern Australian
Open for Breakfast and Lunch the Fat Frog Cafe is a family favourite. Located opposite Cannonvale Beach, include a stop off at Fat Frog on a walk along the bicentennial boardwalk from Airlie’s township. They have a kid friendly menu and play corner so Mum and Dad can relax.
Tip: The menu is full of healthy food, fresh food at reasonable prices, and a kids menu and play area to keep the little frogs entertained. The coffee is at Melbourne standards too!
Photo C/O Fat Frog Cafe
Fish D’Vine & Rum Bar
Seafood
A list of the best restaurants in Airlie Beach would not be complete without mentioning Fish D’vine. Operating for over two decades, this place is an institution and popular with both tourists and locals.
Tip: The menu is mostly seafood and rum, what’s not to love? Start at the rum bar for a cocktail (they are amazing!), then move over to dining for la feast on a fresh local catch.
Mika
Latin , Mexican & Modern Australian
For some Latin inspired cuisine and a menu made from delicious fresh ingredients you can’t go past Mika on the Esplanade. The views and atmosphere are great and the service has been consistently good, particularly in 2023.
Tip: Try the ribs! Everyone raves about them.
Colonial Palms
Modern Australian
Located off the main drag, Colonial Palms is under new management and a place to check out in 2023. With reasonably priced cocktails and a modern Australian Menu there’s something for everyone in this tucked away venue.
Tip: Cocktails start at $15!
Restaurants in Airlie Beach with live music
If you’re looking for somewhere to have a drink or meal while catching some local tunes, check out these favourites
The Pub AKA The Airlie Beach Hotel
The Pub looks out over the Esplanade where there are plenty of places to pull up and soak in the atmosphere. Catch a game of live sport or a band on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
KCs Bar & Grill
KC’s is the original live music venue in Airlie and as such, it’s an institution. If you’re looking to hang out with locals, shoot some darts and hear talents from near and far then spend an evening at KCs. You will feel like you start to “get” what Airlie Beach is really about after a night of listening to music here.
Sorrento Restaurant & Bar
“Sorrentos”, as locals call it, overlooks the Coral Sea Marina. The open deck has a great atmosphere, especially when a local acoustic muso is perched in the corner. Keep an eye out for their 2 for 1 Pizza Night.
For an extensive local guide, showcasing all local eateries check out Whitsunday Menu.
Join us in the Whitsundays, visit a restaurant in Airlie Beach and enjoy the freedom to explore.
