Welcome to Townsville, a sanctuary for foodies who love to eat! You’ll find a treasure trove of culinary delicacies that are sure to tempt your taste buds nestled in the center of this dynamic metropolis. Townsville offers something to please every pallet, from little cafés selling aromatic coffee and freshly baked pastries to sophisticated restaurants delivering a symphony of flavors from around the world. This town offers a wide variety of dining options, whether you’re in the mood for hearty comfort food, exotic international cuisines, or farm-to-table treats produced with regional ingredients. Come us on a culinary trip as we discover the best food in Townsville, where outstanding cooking is combined with a welcoming environment.
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1. The Balcony Restaurant
| Best for | Original attractiveness |
| Address | 287 Flinders Street, Townsville City |
| Website | http://www.thebalconyrestaurant.com.au/ |
| Contact details | 07 47712255 | [email protected] |
| Operating hours | 8 am until 2 pm Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Saturday, Sunday | 6.30 am to 2 pm Wednesday & Friday |
The Balcony, a structure from the 1920s, is one of the few still standing on Flinders Street with its original attractiveness. It is simple to understand why the structure has remained a restaurant for the past forty years with its lovely hardwood flooring, traditional decorative fascia, and elegant balcony. Although the surroundings have changed, the restaurant itself continues to be a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of the Townsville CBD, and locals have remained loyal.
What makes them stand out
- Lovely hardwood flooring
- Tranquil haven away from the hustle
- Original attractiveness
Customer Reviews
Welcoming and helpful staff.
Scrumptious food, with big servings. Definite value for money.
The steak sandwich was to die for. Also had a nice hazelnut long black.
I definitely recommend this hidden treasure. Coming back next time I’m in Townsville.
Good stuff The Balcony!
2. A Touch of Salt
| Best for | Culinary staff |
| Address | 86 Ogden Street Townsville, QLD 4810 |
| Website | http://www.atouchofsalt.com.au/ |
| Contact details | 07 4724 4441 |
| Operating hours | Dinner: Seven nights a week, from 5 pm Lunch: Fridays only, from 12 pm (midday) |
Although the people who run the restaurant have known each other for a little while longer than that, A Touch of Salt was founded in 2005. While the appearance of their culinary staff matters, the taste takes first.
For you to enjoy your dinner in the restaurant or the comfort of your own home, their chefs have carefully created a menu that highlights premium ingredients and is portable.
What makes them stand out
- Taste takes first
- Premium ingredients
- Comfort of your own home
Customer Reviews
Totally in love with their food, had visited a few times over the last year and each experience is fantastic. Service was good, food was on point for its freshness, creativity, and combinations of flavors used in all the given ingredients. Found a chef who we came across long ago in another restaurant and are happy that he is in this place serving awesome food, atmosphere is great, and the tables are well spaced apart for adequate privacy. Would be looking forward to my next dining experience with them!
3. Chico Rio Townsville
| Best for | A variety of mouthwatering Brazilian foods |
| Address | 247 Flinders St, Townsville QLD 4810 |
| Website | https://www.chicoriotownsville.com.au/ |
| Contact details | 61 7 4772 1073 |
| Operating hours | Tuesday to Sunday 5 pm -9.30 pm |
In the center of Townsville’s CBD is a bright and friendly Brazilian churrascaria called Chico Rio.
A wide variety of mouthwatering Brazilian foods are available on their menu, including vegetarian, seafood, and the well-known Brazilian Churrasco. Chico Rio is the ideal location for a romantic date, a family supper, or a night out with friends because of its vibrant and well-lit ambiance.
Because of their collaboration with Uber Eats, they also provide easy choices for delivery and takeaway. Chico Rio offers a flavor of Brazil, where their welcoming staff and mouthwatering cuisine will make you feel right at home.
What makes them stand out
- Flavor of Brazil
- Vibrant and well-lit ambiance
- Ideal location
Customer Reviews
My husband and I really enjoyed our experience here. I’d never tried this cuisine before and I must say I loved it. They bring out soo many different types of meat for you to try that is very easy to indulge in. My favorite was the garlic steak and the cinnamon pineapple was truly delicious. Also, the non-alcoholic mango magic was amazing.
The staff was very friendly, the system of order was explained to us and all our questions were answered.
I highly recommend this restaurant.
4. The CourtYard Cairns
| Best for | Courtyard |
| Address | City Lane, 373 Flinders StTownsville QLD 4810 |
| Website | http://thecyard.com.au/ |
| Contact details | (07) 4081 4817 |
| Operating hours | Monday to Thursday 11:30 am -10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11.30 am – 11.30 pm |
On Flinders Street in Townsville, in City Lane, is where you’ll find The OG Courtyard. Or how about a sandwich and some bizarre cocktail concoctions? Tacos and tap beers? We’ve got everything, but don’t piss off the gnomes. The Courtyard Cairns is a quaint and warm lodging establishment tucked away in the center of Cairns, Australia. For tourists looking for comfort and leisure, this boutique hotel provides a lovely getaway. The moment visitors enter the chic foyer, they are met by a welcoming and cozy ambiance. A comfortable stay is guaranteed by the attractively decorated, well-appointed rooms that have contemporary facilities and thoughtful touches. The grassy courtyard is a peaceful haven where visitors may unwind while listening to the calming sounds of nature. The Courtyard Cairns also has a great location, which makes it a perfect starting point for exploring the exciting city and its neighboring attractions.
What makes them stand out
- Courtyard
- Best for ambiance
Customer Reviews
Called in for an early Sunday dinner and we were not disappointed at all.
The food was very tasty, highly recommend the cheeseburger spring rolls!
Nice selection of tasty beers, really friendly staff, efficient service, and a really great guitarist throwing out some great tunes.
We will be back to try the rest of the menu! Well done!
5. GRILL’D Townsville
| Best for | Burgers that are guilt-free and healthful |
| Address | 3 Palmer St, Townsville QLD 4810 |
| Website | https://www.grilld.com.au/ |
| Contact details | 07497 699 90 |
| Operating hours | Monday to Sunday 10 am-10 pm |
We are not the same as fast food just because we make hamburgers. We are not their substitute. The answer lies with us. Burgers that are guilt-free and healthful and don’t require a hangover. Since the beginning, it has been our main priority, our passion, and what makes us unique.
What makes them stand out
- Burgers that are guilt-free and healthful
- Hamburgers
- Don’t require a hangover
Customer Reviews
This place never disappoints. Food is always delicious and high quality. The food comes out quickly and the staff is lovely. They even had vegan mayonnaise this time! So impressed. Highly recommend.
6. Aalishan Restaurant
| Best for | Alluring flavors of Indian cuisine |
| Address | 61-63 Palmer Street, South Townsville, Qld 4810 |
| Website | https://aalishan.com.au/ |
| Contact details | 747241166 |
| Operating hours | Tuesday:Closed,Monday;Sunday;Wednesday;Thursday5–9:30 pm,Friday 11:30 am–2 pm |
I and my wife Harpreet Kaur opened our restaurant in October 2011 with the goal of bringing the alluring flavors of Indian cuisine to Townsville. We gave it the name “Aalishan” because we wanted it to be known for its opulence and mouthwatering, flavorful, completely irresistible food. After our chef left in 2013, I made the best decision of my life and put on the chef’s hat. As a result, by 2018, Aalishan has become one of the most well-known restaurants in the area, thanks to our first-rate service. Aalishan relocated to 61 Palmer Street in South Townsville on July 1st, 2020, to increase its splendor because it can comfortably fit up to 199 people, making it the ideal location for festivities and events. Aalishan is every bit aalishan (grand) and gives all of its patrons every reason to keep returning to experience the beauty and magic this place has to offer. It has mouthwatering meals, a wide variety of beverages in the great bar to choose from, and breathtaking views of Ross Creek.
What makes them stand out
- Mouthwatering meals
- Breathtaking views of Ross Creek
- Ideal location for festivities and events
Customer Reviews
Absolutely the best Indian restaurant we have been to. The service was excellent all around and Ryan was super efficient and helpful. The wine list great too and across the board wine and food were all well-priced. We only had one night in Townsville and couldn’t have chosen a better dining spot. Aalishan will be our go-to whenever in Townsville.
7. Zambrero City Point
| Best for | Creating the Best Pizzas |
| Address | 101 Sturt St Townsville QLD 4810 |
| Website | https://www.zambrero.com.au/locations/city-point |
| Contact details | 0409 080 187 |
| Operating hours | Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 8:30 pm |
Dr. Sam Prince, a well-known businessman, and philanthropist in Australia, is credited with creating the Zambrero brand. Sam started Zambrero in 2005 as a 21-year-old medical student with only $16,000 in his bank account. With over 230 restaurants now participating in the brand’s Plate 4 Plate initiative, more than 55 million meals have been produced for people in need.
When he was still a medical student and trying to make ends meet by working part-time at a Mexican restaurant, the concept for Zambrero first came to him.
What makes them stand out
- Best options for pizza
- Mexican
- 230 restaurants worldwide
Customer Reviews
Came here for a quick dinner with my husband and we were very impressed. We experienced very friendly service from a staff member who was knowledgeable and made our recommendations based on our preferences. The food was fresh and tasty and I observed good hygiene standards. Plus excellent value for money. Would definitely recommend this place to any burrito lovers in Townsville.
8. Coo. king BBQ & HOT POT
| Best for | A fresh take on Korean BBQ |
| Address | Shop 2/10 Little Fletcher St, Townsville QLD 4810 |
| Website | https://www.cookingbbq.com.au/about-us/ |
| Contact details | 07 4448 7677 |
| Operating hours | Tuesday-Thursday 5–9:30 pm; Friday-Sunday 11:30 am–2 pm 5–10 pm |
Coo. King BBQ & HOT POT offers a fresh take on Korean BBQ and Shabu-Shabu (hot pot), along with a wide selection of the best cold and hot Asian cuisine served in a buffet manner.
What makes them stand out
- Hot Asian cuisine
- Buffet manner
- Fresh take on Korean BBQ
Customer Reviews
The food was amazing! I was so impressed with the food variety
and quality. All staff there were very friendly and tentative but a special call out to Riley as his service was exceptional. A tall guy without a name tag was also very hard working and ensured all tables are super clean. I wish they have this restaurant back in Brisbane.
9. Shawand and Co.
| Best for | The menu features delectable modern Australian |
| Address | City Lane Flinders Street Townsville, QLD |
| Website | https://www.shawandco.com.au/ |
| Contact details | (07)47210585 | [email protected] |
| Operating hours | Tuesday-Thursday 5–9:30 pm; Friday-Sunday 11:30 am–2 pm 5–10 pm |
Join the meatheads for any occasion in the reinvigorated Citylane dining precinct. a completely unique feel and atmosphere are provided by the original early 1900s exposed brick and rustic finishings, old school music, and warm lighting.
The meat for our famous steaks is hand-selected by our head chef, Alex, and is always prepared to your specifications for taste and tenderness. If you’re not in the mood for a steak right now, our supplemental menu features delectable modern Australian cuisine including fresh fish, various types of meat, and pasta along with notable vegetarian and vegan options.
What makes them stand out
- Menu features delectable modern Australian
- Famous steaks
- Original early 1900’s
Customer Reviews
As always they have amazing service and amazing food. The porterhouse steak was cooked to perfection and the baked potatoes were delicious.
10/10 would recommend it to all my friends and family – the atmosphere was fun and inviting. Staff provided Stella with service.
10. Bazuka
| Best for | A group of young professionals |
| Address | 137 Flinders Street, Townsville |
| Website | https://www.buzuka.com.au/ |
| Contact details | (07) 4448 3057 |
| Operating hours | Tuesday, Wednesday + Thursday Dinner & Drinks from 5 pm. Walk-ins welcome!Friday + Saturday -Dinner bookings essential from 5 pm. |
A group of young professionals who felt they were from the incorrect time period gave birth to BUZUKA. They desired a location where they could combine a dining experience with an elegant party setting.
What makes them stand out
- elegant party setting
- dining experience
- desired a location
Customer Reviews
My girlfriends and I came to your restaurant for our Christmas dinner last night. Firstly, the service was phenomenal!! Everybody was so friendly despite how busy you were, all staff members were actively checking in and clearing away plates and cups. Biggest shout out to Lilly our server, she was so upbeat, happy, and friendly and knew the cocktails and menu so well so it made ordering for a group such a breeze. And lastly, THE FOOD 🤤🤤🤤 everything was so fresh and hot on the table. The food itself was of a high standard. We loved our first experience with you guys and will happily recommend it to friends and family and of course return!!! Merry Christmas 🎄
Conclusion
In conclusion, Townsville is a destination for foodies who offer a memorable eating experience. There are several options to suit every taste and inclination thanks to the city’s diversified culinary culture. Townsville’s outstanding cuisine options satisfy everyone, whether you’re a connoisseur looking for gourmet creations or just looking for a filling lunch that captures the essence of local flavors. A culinary tapestry is created utilizing a combination of traditional recipes, cutting-edge cooking methods, and a dedication to using fresh, high-quality products that reflects the city’s love of food. So, whether you’re a local or a guest, be sure to eat some of Townsville’s best food in Townsville and let your taste buds go on an enticing adventure that will leave you wanting more.