Best Restaurants in Airlie Beach

Talia Jones

August 12th, 2024

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7 minute read

So, you’ve finally arrived at your destination of Airlie Beach, a coastal town known for its neighbouring Whitsunday Islands and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, and first thing’s first, you’re probably hungry! Naturally, the next thought to pop into your mind is likely, “Where is the best place to eat in Airlie Beach?” And lucky for you, we've got you covered!

Airlie Beach is teeming with divine restaurants offering a diverse selection of cuisines including Italian and Mexican restaurants, tapas bars, backpacker-style cheap eats, and of course, classic Aussie-style pubs! So let’s cure that hunger and dive into the best restaurants in Airlie Beach!

Sorrento Restaurant and Bar 

22 Shingley Drive, Coral Sea Marina - Open for Lunch and Dinner

Photo: Whitsunday Menu

If Italian food is what you’re craving then you must book a table at Sorrento’s! Sorrento’s is located at the Coral Sea Marina and offers premium views of the Whitsunday Islands. Their menu is heavenly with a wide selection of authentic Italian meals. Who needs to visit Italy when you can just pop into Sorrento’s in Airlie Beach?!  

With carbonara fettuccine, mushroom risotto, seafood platters and every type of pizza on the menu, you’re guaranteed to come rolling out of Sorrento’s feeling euphorically full. And we haven’t even told you the best part… Between 3pm and 4pm each day you can buy one pizza and get the second for free!  

Sandbar

12 Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach - Open for Lunch and Dinner

Mediterranean on your mind? Then Sandbar in Airlie Beach is where you need to be. The newly established restaurant has quickly become a crowd-favourite. Dishing up Spanish-style tapas, locally sourced seafood, pastas, burgers and more, your mouth is guaranteed to water the moment you step foot into the restaurant. 

The restaurant is situated overlooking Airlie’s foreshore where you can gaze over the ocean while you enjoy your meal. You'll also want to check out the cocktail menu with endless options of your favourite cocktails. We recommend visiting Sandbar for sunset drinks followed by dinner! 

Anchor Bar

5 Golden Orchard Drive, Airlie Beach - Open for Lunch and Dinner

Photo: Whitsunday Menu

Looking for killer views and 10/10 food? Look no further than Anchor Bar! Tucked away, on the steep hill behind Airlie Beach’s main street is where you’ll find this delight. Popular amongst the locals, Anchor Bar dishes up some of the finest food in the town. From seafood share platters to fried chicken to coconut curries, it is essential you pay a visit to this charming restaurant during your time in Airlie.  

We recommend you visit Anchor Bar for lunch or for a sunset bevvy, so you can catch the stunning views before they disappear into the dark during dinner time. Take in the stunning azure blue Whitsunday waters during the day or watch the sky come to life as the sun fades behind the hills at sunset. Not only is the food delicious, the cocktail menu is equally as heavenly so be sure to check it out.  

Paradiso Restaurant and Rooftop Bar

287 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Photo: Whitsunday Menu

Located in the heart of Airlie Beach is Paradiso, an open-air restaurant offering classic Australian cuisine. If you’re chasing live music, stunning views, refreshing drinks and authentic meals, then Paradiso is ultimately where you need to be. It’s the ideal place to visit with a group of friends, your family or your partner for a romantic date night. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner you’re chasing, the menu has something for everyone! Choose between dishes like eggs Benedict or house made waffles for breakfast, fresh fish and chips or healthy salads for lunch, and gourmet pizzas or chicken parmi’s for dinner!

A perk of Paradiso is the rooftop bar which overlooks Airlie’s main beach and foreshore. If you’re celebrating a birthday or special occasion you can book out the entire rooftop and mingle privately amongst your loved ones. Sip and dine the day or night away with fruity fresh cocktails and decadent meals! 

Boaty’s

336 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach - Open for Lunch and Dinner 

Photo: Whitsunday Menu

Boaty’s is a crowd favourite amongst the backpackers in Airlie Beach. Probably one of the cheapest eats in town, you can find burgers, burrito bowls, loaded fries, nachos and pizzas that are tasty and won’t break the bank! So, if you’re travelling on a budget like most of us do, you might want to skip the above restaurants and head straight to Boaty’s for lunch or dinner!  

You’ll also find live music every night of the week, games nights whether it be karaoke, trivia or themed nights, and a vibrant atmosphere that’ll make you want to mingle and socialise. Drinks are cheap too which is an added bonus. We love boaty’s! 

Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill

116 Pringle Road, Woodwark - Open for Lunch and Dinner

Photo: Whitsunday Menu

If you want to visit the Whitsunday Islands but don't have the time, then you MUST visit Northerlies. The restaurant, bar and grill is located about a 15 minute drive north of Airlie Beach and will make you feel as though you're on an island resort. Northerlies sits directly on the beachfront, is surrounded by palm trees, sandy ground, and fairy lights to truly give you that tropical holiday feel. As the restaurant is a little out of town, they offer a courtesy bus service which means you have a way to get there and can have a few cheeky drinks too!

Northerlies has two menus (three if we've including the tasty drinks menu); the Brasserie menu and the Beach Kitchen menu. The Beach Kitchen is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Their new menu offers plenty of Mexican style dishes including jalapeno poppers, taquitos, nachos and Mexican pizzas! The Brasserie menu has a wider range of meals with everything from loaded seafood platters, burgers, salads, pastas and a scrumptious list of entrées.  

Airlie Beach Pub and Bistro

16 Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach - Open for Lunch and Dinner

Photo: Whitsunday Menu

Whether you’re in Airlie Beach for one night or one week, a visit to the Airlie Beach Pub is a must. It is simply the busiest and most lively venue on Airlie’s main street. The pub consists of a bar, large bistro with indoor and outdoor seating, a gaming lounge and a sports bar. There’s also a stage which is usually occupied by tribute bands or local artists! 

If you’re wondering where you can find this fantastic sounding venue, it’s easy. Take a stroll along Airlie’s foreshore (in the south direction) and follow the music - you’ll come across a large venue with bright lights and people buzzing about. Pop in for lunch or dinner where you can enjoy oysters, chargrilled steaks, house smoked ribs, seafood baskets, veggie burgers, pizzas and plenty more. Pair your meal with a wide selection of wines, beers and cocktails! 

Mika Airlie

13/6 Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach - Open for Lunch and Dinner

Photo: Mika Airlie

Mika's is an authentic Mexican restaurant smack bang in the middle of Airlie! The restaurant overlooks the foreshore and offers window seating so you can admire the view during your meal. On the menu you can find all things Mexican including enchiladas, nachos, fajitas, tacos, quesadillas and more. There are also fillings for every diet with halloumi, chicken, grilled fish, steak strips and beans to choose between. 

And like most of the restaurants in Airlie Beach, Mika's has a delicious cocktail and beverage menu. Take your pick of classic cocktails, Mexican themed drinks, beers on tap and sparkling, rose, red and white wines to pair with your meal. 

Has all this talk about food got you hungry for more? 

Have a chat to our expert travel agents on how you can get yourself to Airlie Beach to indulge in the mouth-watering food options!