Australian Tourism Awards 2024 & 2023 Gold Winner
5 Star Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner
Queensland Tourism Awards 2025, 2024, 2023 & 2022 5 Star Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner
North Queensland
Restaurant Winner of the Year 2025, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020
TripAdvisor #1 Luxury Hotel & #1 Hotel All Categories – Australia and South Pacific 2024
Wine & Dine under the Melaleuca Trees overlooking the Coral Sea.
The Reef House Restaurant, has been here since the 60’s nestled under the magnificent Melaleuca trees and palms. Today, the views across to the coral sea still take your breath away and the candlelit night ambiance is intimate and romantic.
Time to unwind and savour the tastes of North Queensland’s fresh produce accompanied by a wonderful array of Australian and imported wines that will compliment any choice and discerning palette. Our timeless popular dishes and specials of the day will tempt you and our delightful and attentive service will make your dining experience a pleasure.
Our wine list is a constant work in progress, we offer on average 250 different labels at any given time. Our talented sommelier is on hand to share his knowledge and find the perfect drop to match your meal and your tastebuds.
The Reef House Restaurant caters for those aged 16 years and over.
Awarded North Queensland Restaurant Winner of the Year 2025
Continuing our legacy with 4 wins in the past 5 years!
Celebrate this festive season with us by the Coral Sea. Enjoy a decadent seafood or platter complemented by a bottle of premium wine or Champagne, savoured beneath the shade of the swaying Melaleuca trees. Bookings are essential. Reserve your table today and make this festive season unforgettable.
Christmas – Lunch 12-2pm & Dinner 6-8pm
New Years Eve – Dinner only 6-8pm
Under the canopy of palms and Melaleucas sprawling branches, flickering candles and soft sea breezes, magical dining awaits.
Choose from our a la carte or degustation menu with optional matching wines, the perfect way to experience a little of all the dinner dishes. To start, all meals are accompanied with our house-made bread.
Opening Hours: 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Bookings are essential.
Dinner Menu | Degustation Menu | Vegetarian & Vegan Menu | Beverage List
The ultimate indulgence for all the seafood lovers. Enjoy at the Reef House restaurant, poolside or in the privacy of your room.
This sumptuous spread includes natural oysters, Moreton Bay Bugs, Tiger Prawns, Yellowfin tuna sashimi, Blinis with beetroot cured salmon, salmon caviar and more.
24 hours notice required.
Experience the timeless elegance of High Tea at The Reef House. Indulge in a delightful selection of delicate sandwiches, fresh lemon myrtle scones, and sweet treats, all accompanied by bottomless tea from local Cairns-based company Blackbooks Tea.
Perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying an afternoon overlooking the Coral Sea.
Available Saturday & Sunday from 2:30pm
Bookings are essential.
Our casual lunch selection is perfect for that holiday long lunch or weekend catch up.
Choose to dine on our ocean view deck, or opt for poolside dining for a more intimate setting. Whatever the choice, we can ensure an enjoyable afternoon at The Reef House.
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Bookings are essential – click here.
Breakfast is available for in-house guests only.
Whether you are an early riser and catch the tropical sun coming up or just saunter down for a leisurely breakfast, the view from our restaurant in the morning is a great way to start the day.
Opening Hours: 6:30am to 10:00am
Indulge in a private dining experience on the comfort of your own Reef House patio or balcony with your own dedicated wait staff.
Whether it’s a romantic dinner for 2, a delicious breakfast or a birthday celebration for an intimate group, we can customise a menu to suit your needs.
Bookings for private dining require 24hrs notice, available for Verandah rooms, Verandah Spa Suites and apartments only.
Exclusively for House Guests, let us arrange a gourmet picnic for you and your loved one, ideal for a special occasion.
Opt for our prepared takeaway picnic basket or if you prefer all picnics can be set up on your private terrace or balcony or beside the Reef House pool.
Choose from a range of bespoke picnics.
Truly get into holiday mode with our poolside butler service available daily from 11am to 5pm.
Enjoy a refreshing cocktail, barista coffee, snack or delicious lunch while enjoying the stunning surrounds. Our poolside butler also provides refreshing cool towels at 11am and sorbet at 3pm daily.
With more than two decades of culinary experience in Tropical North Queensland, Executive Chef Sanjesh Shankar brings a deep understanding of the region’s produce, flavours and food culture to The Reef House Restaurant.
Passionate about showcasing local ingredients and the stories behind them, Chef Sanjesh is focused on enhancing the restaurant’s “Queensland on a Plate” philosophy while honouring the much-loved dishes and traditions that have become part of the Reef House experience.
Drawn to The Reef House by its rich history, culture and reputation, he brings fresh creativity, collaboration and a commitment to creating memorable dining experiences for House Guests from around the world.
Assistant Restaurant Manager Jade Mathieu brings warmth, professionalism and genuine hospitality to every guest interaction at The Reef House.
Originally from France, Jade’s hospitality career has taken her across Europe and Australia before finding her home in Palm Cove. Drawn to The Reef House for its intimate atmosphere and personalised approach to service, she is passionate about creating memorable moments and meaningful connections with House Guests.
For Jade, the greatest reward is welcoming returning guests year after year and helping them feel part of the extended Reef House family.
