Far North Queensland’s hospitality industry has once again demonstrated why it is one of Australia’s premier dining destinations, with restaurants from Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Mossman and beyond featuring prominently in the 2026 Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence.
Leading the celebrations was IGNIS Palm Cove, which not only claimed the Italian Restaurant – North Queensland title but was also crowned Restaurant of the Year – North Queensland & Northern Territory, the region’s highest individual honour.
Cairns favourite Caffiend continued its remarkable reputation, taking home both Breakfast Restaurant – North Queensland and Café Dining – North Queensland, reinforcing its position as one of the city’s most consistently recognised venues.
Port Douglas also enjoyed a successful night. Nautilus Restaurant won Contemporary Australian Restaurant – North Queensland & Northern Territory, while ISLA was named New Restaurant – North Queensland, highlighting the resort town’s continuing strength across both established and emerging dining experiences.
Other category winners included CC’s Bar & Grill at Crystalbrook Bailey in Cairns, recognised as Restaurant in a Hotel/Resort – North Queensland, and Miguels Palm Cove, which secured the Specialty Restaurant – North Queensland award.
Beyond the winners’ circle, the finalists list reflected the remarkable depth of talent across the region. Venues including Beach Almond, Guyala, Harrisons, Salsa Bar & Grill, Piato Mediterranean, L’Unico Trattoria, The Vine Room, The Big Chill, Seabean, The Pocket, Club Mossman Bistro and The Tin Shed all earned recognition alongside some of Queensland’s finest restaurants.
The breadth of finalists demonstrates that Far North Queensland’s dining scene continues to mature, with operators competing successfully across casual cafés, destination restaurants, hotel dining and innovative new venues. It also highlights the region’s growing reputation for producing experiences that rival Australia’s major metropolitan dining destinations while remaining firmly connected to tropical produce, local seafood and genuine hospitality.
For locals, the awards provide another reason to celebrate the calibre of restaurants on their doorstep. For visitors, they reinforce what many already know: Far North Queensland is no longer simply a destination for natural wonders. It has become one of Australia’s most exciting places to eat.
Congratulations to every finalist and winner who continues to raise the standard for hospitality across the region.
