Stop your Insta-stalking. In the name of serious blog research, I’ve done the hard yards and uncovered all the must-visit spots for food-lovers in Port Douglas. Don’t miss these gems.
Betty’s Bohemian Beach Café
For: (Almost) too-pretty-to-eat dishes with a healthy skew
If there was an award for Insta-friendly food in Port Douglas, Betty’s would win it for sure. Located on the main drag of Macrossan Street, you’ll be tempted by smoothie bowls complete with edible flowers, healthy pancakes, and oh-so-tasty nourish bowls. The staff are super friendly too!
The Little Larder
For: Seriously good sandwiches
This places goes off at breakfast (hangry vibes meant we didn’t hang around to wait for a table), but it’s the lunch menu that really ticked our boxes. More specifically, the ‘Louisana Chicken’ – a humungous sandwich with bell pepper, sweetcorn, jalapeno salsa, smashed avocado, green leaves, and chipotle mayo on woodfired ciabatta. Eat in and people watch, or take our hot tip and takeaway. A five-minute stroll and you’ll be lunching by the water.
Salsa Bar and Grill
For: Something to suit everyone
When a menu features pork, duck, tofu, kingfish, tuna, quail, and crab before you’ve even made it to the main courses, it’s safe to say it’s going to be a winner for even the fussiest of eaters. Or those who like variety in their dining options. Or you could be like me and order tuna for both your entrée and your main, just because you can 😉
Salsa Bar and Grill is the epitome of tropical dining; polished without being posh. The staff are friendly and the open-air deck makes for a laidback night. You’ll feel like you’re having dinner at a friend’s house – albeit one with a very impressive home!
The Hungry Hummingbird Treatery
For: The stuff of sugary dreams
I’m a sucker for a cake shop at the best of times, but when it contains old-school delicacies like coconut slice and chocolate spiders, I’m all over that sugar high.
The Coffee Works
For: All of the chocolate
It might be called The Coffee Works, but as a non-coffee-drinker,I love that this gem is all about fine handcrafted chocolates. If you are a caffeine fiend, though, I’m reliably informed that it’s heaven for coffee connoisseurs.
Under Wraps
For: All of your green smoothie needs
When you’ve reached peak sugar and chocolate consumption levels (is that even possible?), Under Wraps has got you sorted. Pick up a veggie juice or an oh-so-healthy smoothie. Or for something a little more substantial, check out the sandwich and salad bar.
Flames of the Forest
For: A completely unique Port Douglas experience
I’ll admit it – I was sceptical. A group dining experience in the rainforest sounded more than a little bit touristy, with a definite chance of average food (hey, we’ve all been on a dodgy group tour or cruise, right?).
But this ended up being one of the highlights of my Port Douglas trip. Just after sunset, we’re chauffeured from our accommodation mini-bus-style to a beautiful setting in the middle of the Daintree Rainforest, complete with candles, fairy lights, and what gets our group’s attention: sparkling wine and canapes ;). Set in the traditional grounds of the Kuku Yalanji people, not only is the location magical, but my food fears are blown away by the array of gourmet modern Australian dishes, served share-platter-style at each 10-person table. Tuesday and Thursday nights feature an Aboriginal Cultural Experience, where guests enjoy an evening of storytelling, didgeridoo playing, and song presented by two local Indigenous brothers. It’s a very special experience.
