Are you excited to embark on a mouthwatering culinary adventure in the charming city of Townsville, Australia? Get ready to uncover the best restaurants in Townsville that will tantalize your taste buds, elevate your dining experience, and leave you craving for more. From cozy cafes serving aromatic brews to elegant fine-dining establishments showcasing exquisite flavors, this comprehensive guide is your ultimate resource for exploring Townsville’s thriving gastronomic scene. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of exceptional flavors, inviting ambiance, and unparalleled culinary delights. Get ready to indulge in the culinary paradise that awaits you. Bon appétit!
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1. The Balcony Restaurant
| BEST FOR | Fine dining with a view |
| SERVICES | https://www.thebalconyrestaurant.com.au/menu/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.thebalconyrestaurant.com.au/ |
| ADDRESS | 287 Flinders Street, Townsville City, QLD 4810 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (07) 4721 2005 | [email protected] |
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a romantic dinner or a special occasion, The Balcony Restaurant is the perfect choice. Located on the second floor of a heritage building, The Balcony offers a stunning view of the city and the ocean. The menu features modern Australian cuisine with a touch of Asian and European influences, using fresh and local ingredients. You can choose from a variety of dishes, such as seafood platters, steaks, pasta, salads, and desserts. The Balcony also has an extensive wine list and cocktail menu to complement your meal. The Balcony Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and for breakfast on Sundays.
What makes them stand out
- Award-winning restaurant with a scenic view
- Serves contemporary Australian cuisine with international flair
- Ideal for special occasions and functions
Customer Reviews
A fantastic place is hidden in the middle of Townsville. Super family-friendly and vegan-friendly! Not just ‘we can make something off the main menu vegan by taking all the ingredients out’ but actually really great vegan options. My husband and I ordered the grilled mushroom paninis and they were delish! Would highly recommend it.
2. A Touch of Salt
| BEST FOR | Creative and seasonal dishes |
| SERVICES | https://atouchofsalt.com.au/menu/ |
| WEBSITE | https://atouchofsalt.com.au/ |
| ADDRESS | 86-124 Ogden Street, Townsville City, QLD 4810 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (07) 4724 4441 | [email protected] |
A Touch of Salt is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been serving the Townsville community since 2005. The restaurant prides itself on delivering innovative and seasonal dishes that showcase the best of local produce. You can expect to find dishes such as lamb rump with pumpkin puree, duck breast with cherry sauce, barramundi with coconut rice, and chocolate fondant with salted caramel. A Touch of Salt also caters to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. The restaurant has a relaxed and elegant atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating options. A Touch of Salt is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.
What makes them stand out
- Offers creative and seasonal dishes using local produce
- Caters for various dietary requirements
- Has a relaxed and elegant atmosphere
Customer Reviews
loved this restaurant.
Sitting outside by the river, on a balmy evening, this was a good start to what was to come.
We ordered 3 of the entrees, which are smaller than their starters.
Kangaroo, which was very thinly sliced, and cooked rare, a damper with a pumpkin puree, and prawns, there were lovely flavors in all 3 dishes.
We both ordered the lamb, which was on an Indian spiced Dahl, accompanied by broccolini and tofu, this too was beautifully flavored.
I very rarely have dessert, but the waitress managed to persuade us to try the chocolate panna cotta, and she was right, it was amazing.
Next time I am in Townsville, I’ll definitely come back here.
3. Donna Bionda
| BEST FOR | Authentic Italian cuisine |
| SERVICES | https://www.donnabionda.com.au/menu/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.donnabionda.com.au/ |
| ADDRESS | 334 Flinders Street, Townsville City, QLD 4810 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (07) 4771 2245 | [email protected] |
Donna Bionda is a modern Italian restaurant that brings the flavors of Italy to Townsville. The restaurant offers a range of classic and contemporary dishes, such as pizzas, pasta, risotto, salads, and antipasti. All the dishes are made with fresh and quality ingredients, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven for that authentic taste. Donna Bionda also has a selection of wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits to pair with your meal. The restaurant has a stylish and cozy ambiance, with exposed brick walls and wooden furniture. Donna Bionda is open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday.
What makes them stand out
- Modern Italian restaurant with a wood-fired oven
- Serves classic and contemporary dishes made with fresh and quality ingredients
- Has a selection of wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits
- Has a stylish and cosy ambiance
Customer Reviews
Had a small family dinner for my sister’s birthday, service was amazing, and our waiter Logan was friendly and helpful and so professional. The food was exceptional. Is a great atmosphere.
Great price. Had a great night. Really enjoyed ourselves, and left with full bellies and big smiles. Another shout-out to Logan for his amazing Service.
4. Jam Corner
| BEST FOR | Modern Australian cuisine with a twist |
| SERVICES | https://www.jamcorner.com.au/menu/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.jamcorner.com.au/ |
| ADDRESS | 1 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD 4810 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (07) 4721 4900 | [email protected] |
Jam Corner is a popular restaurant that serves modern Australian cuisine with a twist. The restaurant is owned by chef Matt Merrin, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry. Jam Corner’s menu changes regularly to reflect the availability of seasonal ingredients and the creativity of the chef. You can find dishes such as pork belly with apple slaw, beef cheek with mashed potato, salmon with quinoa salad, and lemon meringue pie with sorbet. Jam Corner also has a breakfast menu that features dishes such as eggs benedict, pancakes, granola, and bacon and egg roll. Jam Corner is open for breakfast and lunch from Monday to Friday and for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.
What makes them stand out
- A popular restaurant that serves modern Australian cuisine with a twist
- Owned by chef Matt Merrin who has over 20 years of experience
- The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients and creativity
- Has a breakfast menu that features dishes such as eggs benedict, pancakes, granola, and bacon and egg roll
Customer Reviews
Well thought out menu, with attention to detail.
Very reasonably priced.
Many options for corporate, transient guests.
I loved the fact you are on a busy road, to watch the world go by, some might find it a bit disconcerting.
Many more awards to come. No doubt.
Special mention to Bec for menu suggestions and wine knowledge.
Definitely recommend it and will go back.
5. Longboard Bar & Grill
| BEST FOR | Casual dining with live music |
| SERVICES | https://longboardbarandgrill.com/menu/ |
| WEBSITE | https://longboardbarandgrill.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 80 Gregory Street North Ward QLD 4810 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (07) 4724 1234 | [email protected] |
Longboard Bar & Grill is a casual dining venue that offers a variety of dishes and drinks in a laid-back setting. The venue has surf-themed decor and a large outdoor deck that overlooks the ocean. The menu features dishes such as burgers, steaks, ribs, salads, wraps, tacos, nachos, and pizzas. You can also enjoy a range of beers, wines, cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, and juices at the bar. Longboard Bar & Grill also hosts live music events every week, featuring local bands and artists. Longboard Bar & Grill is open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Sunday.
What makes them stand out
- Casual dining venue that offers a variety of dishes and drinks
- Has surf-themed decor and a large outdoor deck that overlooks the ocean
Customer Reviews
This is our 2nd visit to Longboard and won’t be our last. I love their menu and had a great table overlooking the ocean. The food came out super quick and all cooked perfectly. Good beer selection also.
6. The Pier Restaurant
| BEST FOR | Seafood and waterfront dining |
| SERVICES | https://www.thepierrestaurant.com.au/menu/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.thepierrestaurant.com.au/ |
| ADDRESS | Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville City, QLD 4810 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (07) 4721 2567 | [email protected] |
The Pier Restaurant is a seafood lover’s paradise, offering a range of fresh and delicious dishes in a waterfront setting. The restaurant is located on the iconic Townsville Breakwater, offering panoramic views of the ocean and Magnetic Island. The menu features dishes such as oysters, scallops, prawns, crab, lobster, fish, and calamari. You can also find dishes such as chicken, lamb, beef, and vegetarian options. The Pier Restaurant also has a wine list that showcases Australian and international wines. The Pier Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday.
What makes them stand out
- Seafood lover’s paradise, offering a range of fresh and delicious dishes
- Located on the iconic Townsville Breakwater, offering panoramic views of the ocean and Magnetic Island
- Has a wine list that showcases Australian and international wines
- Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday
Customer Reviews
A very quiet establishment on the Wednesday night we went but the food and service were exceptional. The oysters with lemon sorbet and passion fruit are to die for and they are BIG and juicy! The seafood angel hair pasta was also very tasty and not overpowered by chili. The coconut and seared prawns were a winner, along with the salmon! Definitely worth a visit.
7. Bridgewater Q
| BEST FOR | Asian fusion cuisine and tapas |
| SERVICES | https://www.bridgewaterq.com.au/menu/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.bridgewaterq.com.au/ |
| ADDRESS | 2 Dibbs Street South Townsville QLD 4810 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (07) 4771 6915 | [email protected] |
Bridgewater Q is a trendy and vibrant restaurant that serves Asian fusion cuisine and tapas in a stylish setting. The restaurant is located in the heart of South Townsville, overlooking Ross Creek and the city skyline. The menu features dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, bao buns, curries, noodles, salads, and skewers. You can also enjoy a range of cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits at the bar. Bridgewater Q also has live music and DJ nights every week, creating a lively and fun atmosphere. Bridgewater Q is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday.
What makes them stand out
- A trendy and vibrant restaurant that serves Asian fusion cuisine and tapas
- Located in the heart of South Townsville, overlooking Ross Creek and the city skyline
- Has live music and DJ nights every week, creating a lively and fun atmosphere
- Open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday
Customer Reviews
While on holiday visiting friends, we enjoyed an incredible dining experience complimented by exceptional service and a wonderful wine list. The river views added to our experience. Highly recommended!
8. Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill
| BEST FOR | Tex-Mex cuisine and margaritas |
| SERVICES | https://cactusjacks.com.au/menu/ |
| WEBSITE | https://cactusjacks.com.au/ |
| ADDRESS | 237 Flinders Street East Townsville QLD 4810 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (07) 4721 1478 | [email protected] |
Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill is a Tex-Mex restaurant that offers a range of spicy and flavourful dishes in a colorful setting. The restaurant is located in the entertainment precinct of Flinders Street East, close to the nightlife and attractions of Townsville. The menu features dishes such as nachos, quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, and salads. You can also enjoy a range of margaritas, tequilas, beers, wines, and soft drinks at the bar. Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill also has a kid’s menu and a dessert menu that features dishes such as churros, brownies, and ice cream. Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill is open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Sunday.
What makes them stand out
- A Tex-Mex restaurant that offers a range of spicy and flavourful dishes
- Located in the entertainment precinct of Flinders Street East
- Has a range of margaritas, tequilas, beers, wines, and soft drinks at the bar
- Has a kids menu and a dessert menu that features dishes such as churros, brownies, and ice cream
Customer Reviews
Good food, and a great atmosphere, Loved the Aztec Pie and Salted Caramel nacho dessert. We were amazed to find a waiting list for a cafe on a Monday night, but after our visits, we understand why. Great Mexican. Do yourself a favor and put it on your list.
9. JAM Corner – Palmer Street
| BEST FOR | Modern Australian cuisine with a twist |
| SERVICES | https://www.jamcorner.com.au/menu/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.jamcorner.com.au/ |
| ADDRESS | 1 Palmer Street South Townsville QLD 4810 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (07) 4721 4900 | [email protected] |
JAM Corner – Palmer Street is another popular restaurant that serves modern Australian cuisine with a twist. The restaurant is owned by chef Matt Merrin who has over 20 years of experience in the industry. JAM Corner – Palmer Street’s menu changes regularly to reflect the availability of seasonal ingredients and the creativity of the chef. You can find dishes such as pork belly with apple slaw duck breast with cherry sauce barramundi with coconut rice lemon meringue pie with sorbet JAM Corner – Palmer Street also has a breakfast menu that features dishes such as eggs benedict pancakes granola bacon and egg roll JAM Corner – Palmer Street is open for breakfast and lunch from Monday to Friday and for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.
What makes them stand out
- A popular restaurant that serves modern Australian cuisine with a twist
- Owned by chef Matt Merrin who has over 20 years of experience
- The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients and creativity
- Has a breakfast menu that features dishes such as eggs benedict pancakes granola bacon and egg roll
Customer Reviews
Delicious food and awesome service!! JAM never disappoints. Friendly and attentive service who went out of their way to help. Amazing food.
10. Shaw & Co Char & Bar
| BEST FOR | Char-grilled meats and craft beers |
| SERVICES | https://shawandco.com.au/menu/ |
| WEBSITE | https://shawandco.com.au/ |
| ADDRESS | Shop G2/45 Gregory St North Ward QLD 4810 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (07) 4772 2088 | [email protected] |
Shaw & Co Char & Bar is a char-grilled meat lover’s dream come true offering a range of succulent and tender dishes in a rustic setting. The restaurant is located in North Ward close to Strand Park and the beach. The menu features dishes such as ribs wings burgers steaks skewers salads fries Shaw & Co Char & Bar also has a range of craft beers ciders wines cocktails spirits soft drinks at the bar Shaw & Co Char & Bar also has live music events every week featuring local bands artists Shaw & Co Char & Bar is open for lunch dinner from Monday to Sunday.
What makes them stand out
- Char-grilled meat lover’s dream come true offering a range of succulent tender dishes
- Located in North Ward close to the Strand Park beach
- Has a range of craft beers ciders wines cocktails spirits soft drinks at the bar
- Has live music events every week featuring local bands and artists
Customer Reviews
Nice Grill in Townsville. The building itself is impressive and the interior design is quite unique.
You have to order your food at the bar which usually bothers me but the staff are very helpful and don’t push you to make your choice. Indoor and outdoor tables are available. My boyfriend had an eye fillet, pretty tiny to be honest but good and cooked as requested; I had barramundi. Not pricey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Townsville, Australia is a culinary paradise with a thriving and diverse food scene. The carefully chosen best restaurants in Townsville exemplify the city’s dedication to providing extraordinary dining experiences. From elegant fine dining establishments to charming hidden gems, Townsville offers an array of flavors that will tantalize any palate. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the exceptional culinary delights that make Townsville a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.