Best Indian Restaurants in Cairns, Australia

Enjoying Indian Cuisine in Cairns: Dining In, Takeaway, and Home Delivery

Cairns, a vibrant city in Far North Queensland, is known for its stunning natural beauty, tropical climate, and thriving tourism scene. As a popular destination for travelers and locals alike, Cairns offers a diverse range of dining options, including a selection of excellent Indian restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood to dine out, pick up a takeaway, or enjoy a meal delivered to your home, Cairns has a variety of options to satisfy your cravings for Indian cuisine.

Dining In: Savoring Authentic Indian Flavors

For those who enjoy the experience of dining out, Cairns has several Indian restaurants that offer delicious and authentic dishes in welcoming settings.

Cairns CBD is home to Tandoori Nights, a popular spot for enjoying traditional Indian cuisine. Known for its extensive menu and inviting atmosphere, Tandoori Nights offers a range of flavorful dishes, from spicy curries to tender tandoori specialties. The restaurant’s relaxed ambiance and attentive service make it a great choice for a casual meal or a special night out.

In Edge Hill, Nirvana Restaurant stands out for its authentic Indian flavors and elegant setting. Nirvana is renowned for its rich curries, fragrant biryanis, and freshly baked naan. The restaurant’s refined decor and excellent service make it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a more upscale dining experience.

Manunda features Curry House, known for its extensive menu and cozy atmosphere. Curry House offers a variety of traditional dishes, including savory samosas, spicy vindaloos, and creamy kormas. The restaurant’s friendly service and flavorful food make it a local favorite.

Takeaway: Convenient Indian Meals on the Go

For those who prefer the convenience of takeaway, Cairns offers several Indian restaurants with excellent options for a quick and tasty meal. Suburbs like Redlynch, Trinity Beach, and Smithfield are particularly known for their quality takeaway offerings.

Redlynch is home to Spice of India, a popular choice for takeaway. Known for its delicious curries and efficient service, Spice of India offers a range of dishes, including spicy chicken tikka masala, aromatic lamb biryani, and crispy samosas. Their commitment to quality and convenience makes it a top choice for locals looking for a satisfying meal on the go.

In Trinity Beach, Indian Delight provides a variety of takeaway options, including both traditional and contemporary Indian dishes. Their flavorful butter chicken and tangy paneer tikka are well-loved by residents, making it a great spot for a quick and convenient meal.

For those in Smithfield, Bollywood Bistro offers a range of takeaway options, from rich curries to spicy tandoori specialties. Their efficient service and tasty offerings make Bollywood Bistro a go-to choice for enjoying Indian cuisine without the need to dine in.

Home Delivery: Enjoy Indian Cuisine at Your Doorstep

Home delivery is a convenient way to enjoy Indian cuisine in Cairns, allowing you to savor your favorite dishes from the comfort of your home. Many local Indian restaurants offer delivery services through popular platforms like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Menulog.

Suburbs such as Cairns CBD, Manunda, and Woree are well-served by Indian restaurants offering home delivery. Tandoori Nights in the CBD is a favorite for delivery, known for its wide selection of dishes and reliable service. Nirvana Restaurant in Edge Hill offers delivery of their delicious cuisine, including a variety of curries, tandoori specialties, and freshly baked naan.

For those in Woree, Curry House provides home delivery of their flavorful dishes, including both traditional and contemporary options. Their prompt service and tasty offerings make them a top choice for enjoying Indian food at home.

Cairns: A Growing Destination for Indian Cuisine

While Cairns may not be as renowned for Indian cuisine as some of Australia’s larger cities, it is home to a growing number of Indian restaurants that offer a range of regional specialties and authentic flavors. The city’s diverse dining scene reflects its appreciation for good food, and Indian cuisine is becoming an increasingly popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Suburbs like Cairns CBD, Edge Hill, and Manunda are particularly recognized for their Indian food offerings. These areas provide a variety of dining options, from elegant restaurants to convenient takeaways, making it easy to enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine.

Cairns is a beautiful and vibrant city in northern Queensland, known for its tropical climate and stunning scenery. However, one of the hidden gems of this city is its Indian food scene. From traditional curries to fusion dishes, Cairns has something to offer for all Indian food lovers. In this article, we will explore the top 10 Indian restaurants in Cairns, Australia, in-depth, highlighting their unique features and popular dishes.

1. Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant and Indian Cuisine

Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant and Indian Cuisine offers a unique blend of Indian and Balinese cuisine, making it a popular destination for foodies in Cairns. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and offers indoor and outdoor seating options. The menu features classic Indian dishes like butter chicken and lamb rogan josh, as well as Balinese specialties like nasi goreng and satay. The chefs at Bayleaf use fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create their dishes, and this reflects in the taste and quality of the food. The restaurant also offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great choice for all kinds of diners.

2. Spice Junction

Spice Junction is a popular Indian restaurant located in the heart of Cairns. The restaurant has a modern and elegant decor, with an open kitchen that adds to the dining experience. The menu features a variety of classic Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala and vindaloo, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. The naan bread at Spice Junction is particularly noteworthy, as it is freshly made and cooked to perfection in a tandoor oven. The restaurant also offers a selection of delicious desserts, including gulab jamun and mango kulfi.

3. Ganesh Indian Restaurant

Ganesh Indian Restaurant is known for its delicious food and friendly service. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, and the staff are always happy to make recommendations based on their customers’ tastes. The menu features a range of Indian dishes, including tandoori chicken, biryani, and paneer dishes. The restaurant also offers a range of gluten-free and vegetarian options, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.

4. Punjab Kitchen

Punjab Kitchen is a popular Indian restaurant in Cairns that offers authentic Punjabi cuisine. The restaurant has a simple and cozy decor, with a focus on the quality of the food. The menu features classic Punjabi dishes like chole bhature, butter chicken, and chicken tikka. The naan bread at Punjab Kitchen is made fresh and cooked in a traditional tandoor oven, giving it an authentic taste and texture. The restaurant also offers a selection of delicious desserts, including ras malai and gulab jamun.

5. Saffron Indian Cuisine

Saffron Indian Cuisine is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Cairns. The restaurant has a modern and elegant decor, with comfortable seating options. The menu features a range of Indian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant is known for its lamb rogan josh and butter chicken, which are both cooked to perfection with a blend of spices and herbs. The seafood options at Saffron Indian Cuisine are also noteworthy, with dishes like fish masala and prawn curry.

6. Bollywood Masala Indian Restaurant

Bollywood Masala Indian Restaurant is a popular destination for Indian food lovers in Cairns. The restaurant has a colourful and vibrant decor, with Bollywood music playing in the background. The menu features a variety of Indian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant is known for its chicken tikka masala and lamb korma, which are both cooked with a perfect balance of spices and herbs. The seafood options at Bollywood Masala Indian Restaurant are also noteworthy.

7. Tandoori Oven

Tandoori Oven is a popular Indian restaurant in Cairns that offers a wide variety of Indian dishes. The restaurant has a simple and cozy decor, with comfortable seating options. The menu features classic Indian dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and vindaloo. The naan bread at Tandoori Oven is freshly made and cooked in a traditional tandoor oven, giving it an authentic taste and texture. The restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great choice for all kinds of diners.

8. Spice Route

Spice Route is a popular Indian restaurant located in Cairns that offers a range of classic Indian dishes. The restaurant has a modern and elegant decor, with comfortable seating options. The menu features a range of Indian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant is known for its lamb rogan josh and chicken tikka masala, which are both cooked with a perfect blend of spices and herbs. The naan bread at Spice Route is also noteworthy, as it is freshly made and cooked to perfection.

9. Red Pepper Indian Restaurant

Red Pepper Indian Restaurant is a popular destination for Indian food lovers in Cairns. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with comfortable seating options. The menu features a variety of Indian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant is known for its butter chicken and lamb vindaloo, which are both cooked with a perfect balance of spices and herbs. The naan bread at Red Pepper Indian Restaurant is also noteworthy, as it is freshly made and cooked in a traditional tandoor oven.

10. Indian Brothers

Indian Brothers is a popular Indian restaurant in Cairns that offers a wide range of Indian dishes. The restaurant has a simple and cozy decor, with comfortable seating options. The menu features classic Indian dishes like butter chicken and lamb rogan josh, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. The naan bread at Indian Brothers is freshly made and cooked in a traditional tandoor oven, giving it an authentic taste and texture. The restaurant also offers a range of desserts, including gulab jamun and mango kulfi.


Cairns has a vibrant and diverse Indian food scene, and there are plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for classic Indian dishes or fusion cuisine, there is something to suit all tastes and preferences. The top 10 Indian restaurants in Cairns offer unique dining experiences and delicious food, making them a must-visit for foodies in the city.