Best Indian Restaurants in Cairns, Australia

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.