Splash Seafood Restaurant
Words by Kirsty Nancarrow
Nestled at the northern end of the Cairns Esplanade dining precinct, Splash has been the quiet achiever of the city’s restaurant scene, lasting the test of time.
The locals’ favourite has been presenting delectable dishes of fresh seafood for more than two decades, backed by an intimate knowledge of the fishing industry.
Restaurant owners Megan and Malcolm McKay are long-term locals, raised in Cairns.
“His father was one of the pioneers in the Gulf of Carpentaria prawn fishing industry and Malcolm is still a commercial fisherman so when it comes to the restaurant, we’re local and we’re also primary producers,” Megan says.
Megan enjoys sharing the story behind the seafood with her customers, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which to learn about some of Australia’s most renowned produce.
The gold band snapper on the menu comes off the McKays’ own boat in the Top End, although Splash sources most of its wild-caught sustainable seafood direct from fishermen in Cairns and across Far North Queensland.
This close relationship with the local commercial fishing industry ensures the waterfront restaurant consistently delivers succulent fresh fish year-round.
Splash prides itself on being a traditional seafood restaurant.
The menu changes with the seasons, showcasing the best fish available, with barramundi and coral trout popular choices among tourists.
The macadamia lemon myrtle crusted threadfin is a mainstay of the menu, and customers can’t get enough of the roasted garlic butter bugs, although Megan sometimes has to explain the crustacean’s unusual name to international visitors.
Each dish is elegantly presented but uncomplicated, allowing the freshness of the local produce to shine.
“There’s a lot of new funky restaurants around and everything is fancy, and they do things all different ways, but I still think there’s a place for us - good seafood is best when treated simply,” Megan says.
If your tastes are more terrestrial, Splash also has you covered, with risotto, duck and juicy eye fillet.
There’s regular food and drink specials and more available than what’s on the menu.
Each dish is freshly prepared so there is flexibility to adapt ingredients to cater to a range of dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, dairy and gluten-free.
The drink selection is a perfect match for the menu. Sip on a mango daiquiri while taking in the tropical breeze, or choose from more than 30 Australian wines by the glass.
The McKays opened Splash on Mother’s Day in 2002 and they’ve watched many Esplanade restaurants come and go in their 21 years, surviving even the toughest times with a simple formula.
“We’ve always maintained the same principles of looking after our customers, looking after locals and employing local staff,” says Megan.
Many locals regard Splash as a second home, dining in two or three times a week.
There has been a new influx of regulars since the pandemic, with thousands of people from Melbourne and Sydney making the sea change to tropical Cairns.
“We treat everyone like family, make them feel welcome and look after them, like a cousin turning up on your doorstep after four years. We sit them down, get them a drink, talk to them, find out what they want and make sure they leave happy,” Megan says.
“So many of our staff become friendly with our customers on a personal level - some have even brought in jars of honey from their hives at home to give to staff members.”
Head chef Crystal has been with the restaurant for 13 years and Splash has given many staff their start in the industry, with several chefs and apprentices staying on or returning to the kitchen.
“Whether it’s commercial cookery or front of house, we’ve always been willing to put the time and effort into training our staff and looking after them, maintaining stability and longevity,” Megan says.
Some of Splash’s customers have even sent their children to work in the restaurant.
“We’ve always been focused on our own path, our own little operation and not been worried about what anyone else is doing.”
Last year was Splash’s most successful, earning the restaurant TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice recognition. So next time you’re strolling along the Cairns Esplanade, pop in for great seafood and a warm welcome.
