12 Airlie Beach restaurants you need to know about

While planning a holiday in The Whitsundays traditionally involves deciding where to stay, which island to visit and what type of water experience to have, you’ll want to make sure you allow time to decide where to dine too.

With one of Australia’s largest food bowls on the region’s doorstep, your tastebuds are in for a treat during this holiday getaway, with fresh fruit and vegetables sourced from nearby fertile lands and seafood caught from the waters of the coastline.

Get ready to taste the region one meal at a time at these 12 Airlie Beach restaurants.

1. Fish D’vine

Serving locals and visitors in Airlie Beach for the past 18 years, Fish D’vine has established itself as a must-eat destination.

Located on Airlie Esplanade, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner, featuring signature dishes such as crispy skin whole reef fish and fresh local mud crab.

The menu replicates a Whistunday’s travellers journey through each course on the menu – from heading out to sea (entrée) on the reef (main) and back to port (dessert).

2. KC’s Bar and Grill

Just because you’re in The Whitsundays, doesn’t mean every meal needs to be of the pescatarian variety – you can’t enjoy a sizzling steak too.

While you’ll find classic cuts from sirloin to eye fillet, KC’s Chargrill and Bar also offers a taste of local game meats including kangaroo, crocodile or emu.

This Airlie Beach restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with live music throughout the week and weekend.

3. 20 Degrees South Restaurant and Bar

Whether you’ve moored your yacht for the night at the Whitsundays Sailing Club or staying landside, book at table 20 Degrees South Restaurant and Bar to pair your meal with uninterrupted views of Pioneer Bay.

Settle in for lunch, small bites or dinner, with fresh seafood options on the menu, including the catch of the day and steamed black lip mussels.

Open 365 days a year, this is one restaurant to keep up your sleeve if your trip is timed for the Christmas break.

4. Club Croc Bistro

You don’t need to be staying at the Mantra Club Croc to enjoy fresh local produce at this Airlie Beach restaurant.

Croc Club Bistro is open to the general public for lunch and dinner and offers an a la carte menu featuring seafood sourced from the waters close to Airlie Beach and Prime Beef from Central and North Queensland.

If you’re visiting over the weekend, book a table to enjoy a barbeque buffet and get into holiday mode with live entertainment.

5. The Garden Bar Bistro

Located on the waterfront at the Coral Sea Marina, The Garden Bar Bistro was created with a focus on sharing great experiences, from quality food to great service and breath-taking views over the marina of the Whitsundays islands and the Coral Sea.

Using fresh locally sourced produce, with a variety of flavours and dishes, designed to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. The Garden Bar Bistro is the one-stop shop for delicious food and drinks and an easy-going Whitsundays atmosphere.

 

6. Sorrento Restaurant & Bar

Transport yourself to the restaurant’s namesake on the Italian coastline with lunch or dinner at Sorrento Restaurant and Bar.

Dine on traditional homemade pizza and pasta or choose a lighter option with salads and starters to share.

With an elevated location at the Coral Sea Marina, catch the action of the boats docking for the night as you relax with a cold glass of chardonnay.

7. Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill

If you choose your restaurant based on the number of trophies in the cabinet, then book a table at the award-winning Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill located on the shores of Woodwark Bay, 20 kilometres’ drive north of Airlie Beach.

Enjoying a prime waterfront location surrounded by tropical trees and landscaped gardens, you’ll want to ensure you’ve got plenty of time up your sleeve for this meal to sit back and soak up the scenery.

The menu is packed with fresh local produce, including Whitsundays wild prawns and Queensland-bred Bakers Creek pork.

8. The Deck Restaurant

Not all meals are pre-planned when on holidays, so if you find yourself exploring the Airlie Beach esplanade and your stomach beckons for breakfast, lunch or dinner then The Deck has you covered.

Located on the ground floor of the Heart Hotel and Gallery, this Airlie Beach restaurant is less than one minute walk from Airlie Beach Lagoon.

Catch glimpses of the sparkling blue water as you settle in for an a la carte meal at the restaurant or dine a la casual at their adjoining pizza café, serving St Ali barista-made coffee from early morning and pizzas for lunch and dinner.

9. The Belvedere at Toscana

If you are looking for something a little bit more intimate, perfect for sharing, with ariel views of the Main Steet and endless views of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands, The Belvedere at Toscana is the place for you.

Open from Thursday – Sunday evenings, The Belvedere offers Italian and French influenced, mouth-watering tapas, paired perfectly with a carefully constructed wine selection.

10. Anchor Bar

If your visit to Airlie Beach falls between Thursday and Sunday, head to Anchor Bar for sea breezes and sundowners.

Elevated above Main Street featuring a pool, alfresco seating and uninterrupted views to the bay and nearby islands, your friends will double-tapping with envy as you post your #holiday snaps with a cocktail in hand.

Pair your sundowners with a sharing plate, burger, salad or main meal.

11. The Rocks – Restaurant, Bar & Pool Club

ICYMI: The Coral Sea Marina Resort recently underwent a refurbishment including its waterfront restaurant, bar and pool club – The Rocks.

Get in holiday mode as you enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner daily from this poolside Airlie Beach restaurant.

Go slow during this holiday break and extend your meal to the Pool Club to spend your day relaxing on their deck chairs poolside.

12. La Tabella Trattoria

If you are craving nothing but freshly made pasta and all things Italian, head to La Tabella Trattoria.

Experience elegance and a unique cuisine, offering beachfront dining and utilising fresh seasonal produce with bold, delicious, Italian flavours.