Take your tastebuds on a trip at these Townsville restaurants and cafes

You’ll find a Modern Australian focus with a Townsville twist on the menu at JAM. There’s a reason this all-day establishment is considered one of the best of Townsville’s restaurants and cafes, and that’s the focus on local ingredients. So good it makes scooping up AGFG Chef's Hat awards year after year look easy - a testament to its appeal with food critics and locals alike. The tasting menu is your best chance to try the highlights in one visit, otherwise take your pick from much-loved dishes like Townsville prawn risotto, BBQ scallops with apple and carrot kimchi, and finish it off with a blood orange creme filled cannoli.

Otto’s Fresh Food Market

Gather artisanal produce and local goods for a feast of your own making at Otto’s. The foodie haven sources the best from local farmers and producers - picture mountains of traditional, European-inspired fare, from specialty baked goods to a deli overflowing with specialty cheese, and in-house smoked meats, handmade dips and condiments.

Longboard Bar & Grill

Come for the views, stay for the food may as well be the mantra at Longboard Bar & Grill. Perched on the city’s famed Strand, the casual venue boasts views out onto Magnetic Island and beyond. The 250-seat eatery merges Mexican and American references in its menu, serving chicken wings and tacos aplenty, alongside a hefty beverage list.

The Balcony Restaurant

Head upstairs at this 1920's heritage building to feast at The Balcony Restaurant, a lively spot for daytime dining on Flinders Street. Packed with old-world charm, the family-owned restaurant is known for its all day breakfast and brunch, where plates are piled high with belgian waffles, eggs benedict, and sweet corn and potato croquettes. Or, celebrate a special occasion with high tea. 

Miss Songs

Treat yourself to food with personality at Miss Songs, a much loved hotspot of The Ville Resort Casino, post its generous $40 million renovation. The award-winning eatery will take you on an edible journey across the Orient, here you can tuck into traditional Chinese with a modern twist, crafted from local ingredients (barramundi and mud crab included).

C Bar

You’ll be hard-pressed to find another of Townsville’s restaurants and cafes that can compete with the views on offer at C Bar, which sits perched on the coral sea on The Strand. Take in a glimpse of the neighbouring islands while you indulge in a wine, and tuck into the smart casual fare on offer, from gourmet baguettes to seafood fresh from the trawlers out front.

The Beet Bar

The health-inclined will find a friend in The Beet Bar, a petite eatery specialising in juice, smoothies, and nutrient-laden dishes. This is a go-to for locals hungry for a healthy takeaway, craving the likes of a superfood bowl or a salad sandwich. But The Beet Bar doesn’t just cater to the savoury crowd - there are plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free treats to enjoy alongside Organic Fairtrade Genovese Coffee if you like it hot and Mr Bean cold press coffee from Airlie Beach.

Bridgewater

Treat yourself with a meal to remember at the suave Bridgewater, the Townsville institution from chef Matt Merrin, the man behind JAM. One of the more revered establishments among Townsville’s restaurants and cafes, this riverfront diner boasts a self-proclaimed focus on coastal elegance. There are two parts to this eatery - enjoy inventive Australian dishes upstairs, or a creative cocktail with a nibble in the bar below.

Hoi Polloi Cafe

Meander down Denham Lane in town and you’ll greet hidden gem Hoi Polloi Cafe. The coffee enthusiasts reside among an eclectic collection of mismatched furniture - kick back and relax in one of the many sofas while you enjoy your quality brew, and a baked treat - the pumpkin scones are a standout. This is one of Townsville's best breakfasts.

A Touch of Salt

You’ll find Modern Australian again takes centre stage at this casual take on a fine diner. Local ingredients are the specialty - think saltbush focaccia and sandcrab dumplings, but no doubt the vegans and vegetarians among us will be more impressed by the sheer array of meat-free food on offer.

Feeling thirsty after your meal? Townsville boasts a lively bar scene too: wander into The Courtyard for craft beer, or Osk Bar and Hooch & Fellow for the city's best cocktails.

For more cafes with a beach setting, make your way to Magnetic Island -  or indulge in fine dining during a luxurious stay at Orpheus Island Resort.