Qld - Cairns

The Lillipad Cafe

This cafe was recommended by some locals to our friends Robyn and John while they were up here for a holiday. We were so impressed by what they had said that we decided to try it ourselves. We have now eaten there several times.
The decor is what I would call bohemian and the atmosphere is very relaxed.
The food is fantastic and incredible value for money. All the dishes are huge and the food is sooooooo tasty.
There is fresh juices, great coffee and yummy deserts and the portions are big.

We have had breakfast and lunch here and it is always busy. There is inside and outside seating.
When visiting Cairns, this place is a must.

The Lillypad Cafe
72 Gafton St
Cairns, Qld. 4870
Ph: 07 4051 9565

Qld - Port Douglas

“Lure” is a lovely indoor /outdoor restaurant on the Marina at Port Douglas.
We ate there three times while in the area and each time had a lovely meal.They have a morning special of bacon and egg roll with a cup of coffee for $7.95. Mike and I had breakfast there one morning watching people catch the boats to the reef.
My favourite dish is the fish and chips. It is served in a cone on a stainless steel stand.
The fish was spanish mackerel and the chips are big and lightly battered. Just writing about it now makes me want to go back just one more time.
The staff are very friendly and they also have some good wines.

Lure-Breakfast, lunch and oyster bar
Shop 15/16 Meridien Marina
Port Douglas Qld
Ph: 07 4099 5201
www.lurerestaurant.com.au

Qld - Port Douglas

Salsa Bar and Grill

This is one of the best known of the local restaurants. They are open for lunch and dinner daily but it is suggested that you book as it is extremely popular. The building is a beautiful old Queenslander on Wharf St.
We went there on a Saturday night and even though the restaurant was packed the service was excellent and the food unforgettable.
My friend, Robyn and I had the special of the day which was reef fish, asian greens and rice in a laksa sauce. Our husbands had the steak and the lamb tenderloins. The presentation of each dish was so beautiful that it was a shame to eat it and destroy the artwork.
For desert we shared the chocolate soufflé which “was to die for”. So light it almost evaporated in your mouth. Not much talking was done during the meal as we were savouring each bite.
If you are in the area, this restaurant is a MUST. They have also a recipe book which sells for $49.95 so you can try some of their dishes at home and impress your friends.

Qld - Bowen

Bowen has numerous pubs to choose from in the shopping area. We both wanted a baked lamb dinner so chose the Grandview Hotel on the south side of town near the marina.
The hotel was used in the movie “Australia” so that was a good enough reason to try it out.
The place was packed so obviously it was the place to be. The inside is beautiful with wooden counters, ornate ceilings and very well taken care of.
The lamb was divine. It was so tender that you could cut it with your fork.
This has to be the best roast lamb that both Mike and I have eaten and only $12.00 per meal.
What a treat!