Best Things to do and Places to Eat in Cairns for Vegetarians
- Henna Shah
- 15 hours ago
- 6 min read
Cairns is often introduced as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but spend even a day in the city, and you’ll realise it offers far more than reef cruises and rainforest tours. Between waterfront walks, lively bars and compact neighbourhoods, Cairns city centre is easy to explore and surprisingly rewarding for food-focused travellers.
For vegetarians, this tropical city delivers more than you might expect. While Australian food in Queensland is often associated with seafood and grills, Cairns has quietly built a reputation for accessible and flavourful vegetarian food, influenced by Italian, Mexican and modern café culture.
Table of contents
Things to do in Cairns City Centre
If you’re spending time in Cairns city centre, there’s enough to keep you pleasantly occupied between day trips. Here are a few things that you can indulge in:-
Meet a koala in the city: If you don’t make it to Kuranda Koala Gardens, visit Cairns Koalas and Creatures for a photo with one of Australia’s cuddliest icons. They follow Queensland state regulations, allowing only limited human interaction so koalas can rest for 18–20 hours a day and feed on eucalyptus leaves.
Shop at Cairns Central Mall: Head to Myer for good deals, especially during June’s end-of-financial-year sales, and browse SportingGirl for casual fashion finds.
Try your luck at the casino: Cairns is relatively quiet at night, so a visit to the casino adds some evening entertainment. We stayed at the Pullman Reef Casino and tried our hand at roulette.
Stroll along the Esplanade: Beyond day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, the Esplanade is perfect for a relaxed walk and soaking in the city’s laid-back vibe.
Realistically, you’ll mostly be sleeping and dining in the city centre, and if you’re vegetarian, you’ll still find plenty of satisfying options.
Picollo Cucina
Picollo Cucina is one of those restaurants that feels dependable in the best possible way. Centrally located and welcoming, it’s known for friendly service and consistently good Italian food. Vegetarians will find plenty to enjoy here, especially if you’re craving comfort meals after a day of exploring Cairns city attractions.
What to order
Vegetarian pizzas with fresh vegetables and a generous topping of cheese
Pasta dishes that focus on tomato-based sauces, herbs and seasonal produce
This is an ideal stop if you want a relaxed lunch or an unfussy dinner that still feels satisfying. It’s also well-suited for mixed-diet groups, making it a reliable choice when travelling with friends or family. A meal for two, including drinks and a dessert to share will cost you around AUD 110.
Vitalia’s at The Pier
Located at The Pier, Vitalia’s combines Italian flavours with waterfront views, making it one of the more scenic places to eat in Cairns. If you’re exploring the Esplanade area or returning from a reef cruise, this is a great place to slow down and enjoy a proper meal. The location makes it especially appealing for an early dinner followed by a sunset walk along the water. It would cost you around AUD 90 for a meal for two including a sandwich, pizza and dessert to share.
What to order
Panini for lunch if you’re short on time
Vegetarian pizzas that are rich without feeling heavy
End with their classic Tiramisu
Mexicairns
Mexicairns brings energy to the Cairns dining scene. Known for bold flavours and a lively atmosphere alongwith a bowling alley, it’s one of the best dinner spots if you want more than just a meal. This is where food meets nightlife, making it a standout option when planning best things to do in Cairns Australia after dark.
What to order
Vegetarian tacos packed with beans, vegetables and spice
Burrito bowls with guacamole, rice and salsa
Guac and chips for sharing
The margaritas are a highlight, and the venue often feels social and upbeat. With games and different seating options, it’s ideal for groups and travellers looking to turn dinner into an evening out. If you’re having a main dish each alongwith a side dish to share and a margarita each to sip on, it will cost your around AUD 90 for two.
Grill’d
Grill’d is a familiar name across Australia and a reassuring option when you’re craving something casual. Known for quality burgers, it also caters well to vegetarians. If you’re spending a full day ticking off things to do in Cairns city centre, Grill’d works well for a quick but filling meal.
What to order
Vegetarian or plant-based burgers, they have 4-5 options, which is great for vegetarians who are often stuck with mushroom or mock meat based burgers
Fries and classic sides
The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, making it a good option for solo travellers, families or anyone who wants something quick without sacrificing taste. The burger buns are also high in fibre, making it a relatively healthier option for guilt ridden desis who feel they eat too much bread while trying to the local cuisine in any Western country. A burger alongwith a drink and a side of fries would cost you around AUD 50. You could also explore their meal combo options if you are travelling as a family.
Recommended Places to Eat in Cairns (Not Personally Tried)
In addition to the restaurants listed above that I personally visited, there are a couple of well-known spots in Cairns city centre that consistently come up in local recommendations and traveller reviews. While I didn’t get the chance to dine here myself, they are worth bookmarking if you’re planning your food trail while exploring things to do in Cairns city centre.
Muddy’s Cafe: Located along the Cairns Esplanade, Muddy’s Cafe is a popular stop for breakfast and brunch, especially among families and morning walkers. Its waterfront location makes it a convenient option if you’re starting your day early or pairing a meal with a stroll along one of the most loved Cairns city attractions. Muddy’s Cafe is known for its coffee, smoothies and light meals
Cairns Night Market: This was another spot frequently recommended in YouTube videos. However, as a vegetarian, you may find the experience less comfortable, with the strong smell of fresh seafood dominating the area. Vitalia’s has a small outlet here with a limited menu. We had hoped to try their cone-shaped pizzas, but the menu had changed, so we decided to skip it. Overall, we found the night market quite overrated.
FAQs: Food and Travel Tips for Cairns
Is Cairns vegetarian-friendly?
Yes. While seafood is popular, Cairns has a growing selection of vegetarian-friendly restaurants, especially in Italian, Mexican and café-style dining.
What kind of Australian food can I expect as a vegetarian?
Australian food is ingredient led that focusses on local produce, which in the case of Queensland is seafood. However, you would find vegetarian food across other cuisines at restaurants and cafes in Cairns.
Are vegetarian options available in most restaurants?
Many places offer at least one or two vegetarian options, and several restaurants are happy to customise dishes.
Can I explore the Cairns city centre without a car?
Absolutely. Most things to do in Cairns city centre are walkable, including restaurants, shopping and waterfront attractions.
Is the food in Cairns expensive?
Food in Cairns is generally on the pricier side, especially when dining out. Restaurant meals tend to cost more than what many travellers from Asia or Europe might be used to, largely due to Australia’s higher wages and operating costs. That said, there are ways to manage your budget. Casual cafés, food courts, bakeries, and takeaway spots offer more affordable options, and portions are usually generous.
What is the tipping etiquette in Cairns?
Tipping is not expected in Cairns or anywhere else in Australia. Service staff are paid a fair wage, so there is no obligation to tip. However, if you receive exceptional service, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated but entirely optional.
Last word: Grocery shopping at Woolworths and Indian food in Cairns
Cairns proves that tropical destinations don’t have to compromise on food, especially for vegetarians. From welcoming Italian restaurants and lively Mexican spots to casual burger joints and easy, convenient shopping, the city offers a well-rounded culinary experience that goes far beyond reef tours and rainforest adventures.
For day trips, stocking up on local Australian snacks from Woolworths is a smart and budget-friendly option, whether it’s for a drive along the coast or a long day out on the water. If you’re staying in an Airbnb with a kitchenette, you can also consider cooking a simple meal, such as pasta, by picking up fresh ingredients from the supermarket. While Cairns does have a few Indian restaurants, including Indian Brothers and Bombay Kitchen in the city centre, none stood out during our visit. Given that most travellers spend only a short time here, we’d recommend exploring the city’s global food scene instead. These places to eat in Cairns make it easy to enjoy good food while experiencing the very best of the destination.
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