Discovering the Hidden Gem of Palm Cove – Beach Almond
Palm Cove, with its sun-kissed shores and laid-back vibe, has long been a favourite for both locals and visitors seeking a slice of tropical paradise. Amidst the array of beachfront eateries, there’s one spot that may not catch your eye at first glance but will undoubtedly capture your palate – Beach Almond.
At first sight, Beach Almond seems like a humble, somewhat ramshackle establishment, its unassuming exterior blending in with the surrounding beachside charm. But as evening falls, the place transforms. Fairy lights twinkle to life, cool tunes fill the air, and the restaurant becomes a beacon for those in the know, ready to indulge in some of the finest Asian-inspired seafood dishes in Far North Queensland.
The culinary wizard behind Beach Almond’s success is Brian Holding, a chef whose career has been a decades-long journey through the flavours and cultures of Southeast Asia. His passion for the region’s cuisine is unmistakable in every dish. Each offering on the menu is more than just food – it’s a story, a memory, an adventure crafted from Brian’s extensive travels and deep love for the diverse culinary landscapes he’s explored.
What sets Beach Almond apart is not just the freshness of its ingredients but the dedication with which they are sourced. Brian is a regular at Cairns’ Rusty’s Markets, where he handpicks the best local produce, ensuring that every plate served is as fresh as it can be. From the line-caught Barramundi to the crisp, vibrant salads, everything here speaks of quality and a deep respect for the ingredients.
Dining here feels like stepping into a different world. The open-air deck, with its casual yet refined ambience, offers the perfect setting to savour dishes that are as complex as they are fresh. Take, for instance, the mud crabs – tasting like they were caught just the day before, served with chilli Asian spices, they are a dining experience on their own. The wild prawns, sourced from the pristine waters of the Gulf and Coral Sea, garnished with black pepper sauce (the sauce itself a revelation), are impossibly good to eat. The ingredients are the stars of the show, and Brian’s skilful touch elevates them to something truly special. Even the humble Barra gets the star treatment, wrapped in banana leaf with curry and spices, then poached on the grill, reminiscent of beach oven cooking drawn from the far-flung shores of Indonesia or Malaysia. Lobster, again, a local hero, dressed with a turmeric sauce of Brian’s own creation, would anywhere else steal the show; here, it is just another amazing construction on this culinary catwalk. The serving sizes are generous but should be taken in the context of a three-course meal. This is a restaurant that expects you to take your time, savour every morsel, and absorb every part of the atmosphere. The wine list is credible, although not extensive, and the Asian beer list works well to accompany the food for those inclined away from the grape.
The setting itself is pure Palm Cove – relaxed yet sophisticated, with a view that stretches across the beach to the horizon where the prawn trawlers bob in the distance. It’s this blend of the casual and the refined that makes Beach Almond such a unique dining experience. Here, you can enjoy world-class cuisine in a setting that feels effortlessly laid-back, a true reflection of its tropical surroundings.
In a place like Palm Cove, where the dining options are as varied as the clientele, Beach Almond stands out not for its flash or flair, but for its substance. It’s a restaurant that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Instead, it lets the food speak for itself – and what it says is nothing short of extraordinary.
So, next time you find yourself in Palm Cove, take a detour from the obvious and venture into Beach Almond. It’s a place where simplicity meets sophistication, where the beauty of the surroundings is matched only by the brilliance of the cuisine. And once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why this little corner of Palm Cove is a must-visit for anyone serious about food.
Visit Beach Almond
