Ochre Restaurant in Cairns is a standout dining destination known for its innovative use of native Australian ingredients. Overlooking the waterfront, it offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for visitors seeking a unique and memorable Aussie culinary experience.

This post may contain affiliate links, to read more click here..

The menu showcases bold, contemporary dishes featuring crocodile, prawns, bugs with native bush spices—bugs you ask? Read on!

Located next to Dundee’s on the Waterfront in Cairns, which I’ve already reviewed, Ochre had long been on my list of places to try, but somehow I never quite made it until now. I’d often walked past, intrigued by its reputation and menu, and finally took the opportunity while visiting the city with my cousin Cath and one of my long time friends Louise. We are here for the $50 lunch two course menu which includes a glass of beer wine or soft drink.

Cath and I arrive a little early, so we settle in with a couple of drinks while we decide on our meals. I go for an Old Fashioned barrel-aged BBC, yes, you read that right! We couldn’t stop laughing. It features Mt Uncle’s Big Black C*ck Single Malt Whisky, bitters, and flamed orange (I’ll tread carefully describing its name…). It was good…Cath opts for the Cairns Sunset—gin, Prosecco, Campari, house made hibiscus syrup, and strawberry. It’s refreshing, vibrant, and absolutely delightful.

I start with an entrée of scallops that were simply amazing! Perfectly seared, they were tender and sweet, served atop a smooth, velvety cauliflower purée that complemented the dish beautifully. The presentation was elegant, and the flavours were well-balanced, a truly standout start to the meal that left a lasting impression.

Louises’ entrée was the Gulf bug bisque, Louise finds the dish delicious, with the shavings of coconut enhancing the flavour. The name prompts Canadian Cath to ask, “What on earth is a bug?” I try to explain a Balmain or Moreton Bay bug, but that only adds confusion, and these are from the Gulf of Carpentaria, so instead I go to google… ‘…a crustacean, similar to a lobster but smaller and with no claws…”.

Cath chooses the coconut prawns for her entrée, and of course, I can’t resist sneaking a bite. They’re perfectly done, light and crispy on the outside with just a hint of coconut, while the prawns inside stay plump, juicy, and full of flavour. An absolute delight.

For my main I choose the salt and native pepperleaf crocodile and prawns dish which is bold, aromatic, and bursting with flavour. The crocodile is tender, chicken like, the prawns perfectly cooked, and the native spices add a unique twist. Be warned though, it packs quite a punch with its heat, which ends up being a little too much for me.

The waiter notices and kindly offers to check with the chef. When she returns, she explains there isn’t much they can do at this point. Louise jokingly suggests, “maybe you can run it under the tap!”, sending us all into laughter. Meanwhile, Cath polishes off the last of the croc and prawns.

Halfway through writing this post, I realised I hadn’t taken a photo of Cath and Louise’s mains, so here’s the best shot I managed. We’re a good looking bunch, right? They both chose the secret spiced calamari, served with green papaya salad, peanuts, coconut, grapefruit, and a lemon myrtle sauce. I sneak a bite of the calamari, it’s soft and unctuous. While they were warned about the heat in the papaya salad, it’s nowhere near as fiery as the prawn and crocodile dish!

When the dessert menu arrives, we all agree, Cath has to have the pavlova. It’s an Aussie/Kiwi classic, right? (Let’s not start the debate of where it comes from…) but with wattle seed meringue, Davidson plum sorbet, and macadamia biscotti, this version is unmistakably Australian. I sneak more than a few spoonfuls, despite not having a sweet tooth, it’s absolutely divine!

Ochre Restaurant delivers a truly memorable dining experience, blending native Australian ingredients with creative flair and elegant presentation. From expertly cooked seafood to bold bush flavours, every dish showcases a sense of place. With its waterfront setting and warm service, it’s a must for food lovers visiting Cairns.

Ochre Restaurant Cairns

Visiting Cairns and the Tropical North? Get great discounts at no extra cost to you HERE!

Sydney

Australia