From fresh mud crabs to bespoke restaurants inspired by famous writers, healthy quinoa bowls to romantic sunset dinners & cocktails by the sea, let us take you on a food journey around Airlie Beach and discover local favourites and hard-to-resist temptations that will leave you full & content – exactly what a great holiday should be made of!
HEMINGWAYS AIRLIE BEACH
Location: South Village, Coral Sea Marina
Website: www.hemingwaysairliebeach.com.au
Best For: Feeling fancy & enjoying marina views in a beautiful setting
Newly opened, this well-appointed restaurant tips it’s hat to its namesake Ernest Hemingway with a divine sit-up bar for pre-dinner cocktails, a grand piano for your dining pleasure and a menu to impress the finest of patrons. Located at the South Village of Abell Point Marina enjoy grilled Octopus, South African style ribs or their signature Chantilly Dessert Cigar, all while looking out over the many luxury yachts, sparkling Coral Sea and Whitsunday Hinterland in the background.
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FISH D’VINE & THE RUM BAR
Location: 303 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach
Website: www.fishdvine.com.au
An Airlie Beach institution, renowned for its wall of 500+ rums from around the world and fresh seafood, this vibrant restaurant comes alive at night with it’s signature rum cocktail the “Squeaky In A Tiki” and spread of fresh-caught seafood options. After you’ve got your drink, head to the counter to pick out your crab or piece of fish and choose from then many delicious options of how you’d like it. Prawn Curry? Mussels & fresh pasta? Or perhaps you’d like a traditional seafood chowder to fill you up? No matter how you have it, Fish D’vine is a must on the Airlie Beach Bucket list. Just go easy on the rum if you’re pre-charter!
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BOHEMIAN RAW CAFÉ
Location: South Village, Coral Sea Marina
Website: www.bohemianraw.com.au
Best for: healthy & quick breaky before you start your charter
If you’re after a healthy start to your holiday, stay on the right track with one of Bohemian Raw’s homemade muesli & yogurt cups, fresh smoothies or one of the many delectable vegan options available from their menu. A cool hangout and favourite with locals, swing in one of their hammocks or lie out in the day beds sprawled around outside and lap up the morning sunshine of this cool little bohemian health café. And don’t forget to grab a take-away quinoi salad bowl for later…your bikini body won’t regret it!
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SORRENTO
Location: North Village, Coral Sea Marina
Website: www.sorrentowhitsunday.com
Best For: Sunset drinks & wood fire pizzas close to your boat
Looking for an easy lunch or dinner option pre or post charter? Then Sorrento is your answer! Located at the North Village of Abell Point Marina, you’ll be a few steps from your charter boat and get the joy of seeing all the incoming and outgoing boats to Abell Point Marina from it’s north facing position, plus to-die-for sunsets from their outdoor deck. A casual bistro with a range of pastas, wood fire pizzas and sharing platters, Sorrento is a great choice for families with it’s convenient location and well priced menu…Mum & Dad might even get to enjoy a drink or two as well!
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CLIPPER RESTAURANT AT CORAL SEA RESORT
Location: Coral Sea Resort, 25 Ocean View Ave, Airlie Beach
Website: www.coralsearesort.com/food-and-drink/
Best for: Romantic dinners with postcard views
A hidden treasure amongst the bustle of the Abell Point Marina to Airlie Beach boardwalk. Located at Coral Sea Resort and only a 2 minute walk from the Marina, this tranquil restaurant setting is enough to inspire many a marriage proposal or at least a great photo opportunity! With the turquoise Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands as its backdrop, a garden littered with palm trees and bougainvillea, soak up the elegant tropical vibe of Clipper Restaurant with a sunset cocktail and gourmet meal from their small, but delicious menu of Australian fusion options and just try and not to say “Aaah, isn’t it beautiful?!”
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LA TABELLA
Location: 7/6 The Esplanade, Airlie Beach
Website: www.latabella.com.au
Best for: Authentic Italian in the heart of Airlie Beach
Feeling like a wholesome, love-filled meal? Head to the esplanade in Airlie Beach and enjoy fresh made pasta or gnocchi, tender veal and scrumptious tiramisu from this local favourite. A beautiful setting opposite Airlie Beach foreshore and quality service to write home about. Restaurant owner, Leni, ensures the highest of standards are kept and is usually on hand to offer menu recommendations and make you feel like you’re at home for dinner at Mama’s! Dining with a big group? Book their “Long Table” for a family style meal inside the air conditioned restaurant.
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FAT FROG BEACH CAFÉ
Location: 44 Coral Esplanade, Cannonvale
Website: www.facebook.com/fatfrogbeachcafe/
Best for: Kid-friendly eats with sea views
Need to run the kids out while you wait to board your boat or depart for your return flight? Grab the kids then and head along bicentennial boardwalk to this hidden gem of a café located in neighbouring suburb Cannonvale. An easy 20 minute walk along the foreshore from Abell Point Marina, set the kids up in the play corner, grab a coffee and one of the scrumptious bakery options and bask in the sun this café enjoys all day with its north facing location over Cannonvale Beach.
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