Dundee’s Restaurant in Cairns, Australia, is a popular dining establishment known for its focus on Australian cuisine, particularly seafood. Located along the picturesque Cairns waterfront, it offers a scenic dining experience. Dundee’s is renowned for its seafood platters, steaks, and a variety of dishes that showcase the flavours of the region.

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I’m in Cairns and thrilled to have a delightful dinner with my dear friend Brett, who’s come all the way from The Netherlands. The evening is brimming with laughter and joy as we relish the opportunity to reconnect and share stories. It’s a heartwarming experience, rekindling our friendship and creating lasting memories in a beautiful setting.

I typically stick to my usual, a chardonnay, as I’m not very adventurous with drinks. However, my friend Brett loves a good cocktail. Although the pornstar martini wasn’t on the regular cocktail menu, our friendly waiter was happy to oblige when we asked for it. The pornstar martini features vanilla vodka, passionfruit liqueur, lime juice, and sugar syrup. In this version, the prosecco is served on the side in a shot glass. Brett mentioned that he enjoyed the cocktail, I wish I had a sip.

To kick off our meal, we ordered a selection of oysters – Natural, Kilpatrick, and Mornay, two of each. The plump Pacific oysters served natural were the standout for me, paired with a zesty ginger and lime dipping sauce. Following that, the Mornay oysters offered a creamy delight. However, the Kilpatrick variety was a bit too heavy on the Worcestershire sauce, which somewhat overpowered the oyster’s taste. Nevertheless, it served as a pleasant start to our dining experience, with the Natural oysters and their refreshing sauce being my personal favourite among the trio.

While the Aussie tasting plate lacks in presentation, its contents offer a mixed experience. The crocodile sausages resemble chicken snags and are rather ordinary. My friend Brett opts for the BBQ lamb cutlet, while I try the garlic yabby, which turns out to be wonderfully sweet and pairs beautifully with the garlic butter.

We both enjoy the kangaroo skewer, although the satay sauce leaves me questioning its flavour. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of barramundi, finding it overrated. The prawn skewer and the minuscule eye fillet are decent but nothing extraordinary. In all, it’s an okay culinary journey with some hits and misses.

Sugar peas with garlic and chilli make for a truly flavourful combination. The inherent sweetness of the peas adds another layer of taste to the dish, making it a harmonious blend of flavours. It’s a wonderful balance of heat, pungency, and sweetness that can make any meal more enjoyable.

With its casual yet welcoming atmosphere, Dundee’s is a great place to enjoy a meal with a view of the waterfront. It’s often frequented by locals and tourists alike, making it a popular choice for those looking to savour Australian flavours while in Cairns.

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