If you’re lucky enough to be treated to a weekend away, short break or couples’ getaway in this divine region of Queensland any time soon, be sure to swing by one (or all) of these highly recommended establishments and tantalise your tastebuds with a delicious dining experience. It’s the perfect complement to a romantic escape for two!
1. Freshly made pasta and home-made pizzas served in an al-fresco setting at La Tabella – a gourmet feast for two!
2. Coca Chu is a popular restaurant on Hamilton Island that offers a unique blend of Asian and Australian cuisine. With a menu inspired by the street food of South East Asia, Coca Chu offers a variety of dishes that are perfect for sharing. Some of the most popular dishes include the tiger prawn betel leaf, crispy half duck, and stir-fried Asian greens. The restaurant has a lively and energetic atmosphere, making it a great spot for families or couples looking for a memorable dining experience. And with its stunning location overlooking Catseye Beach, Coca Chu is the perfect place to enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful scenery.
3. A fresh hungry sailor’s feed at the Whitsunday Sailing Club might be a casual feast for two, but it’s perfectly delicious all the same.
4. The combination of fish and rum at Airlie’s bustling fish café, Fish D’vine, is something no couple should miss, ensuring it is an ever popular choice for couples looking for a romantic evening in Airlie Beach. This seafood restaurant offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with dim lighting and a relaxed vibe. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including their famous seafood chowder and oysters. Couples can also enjoy a selection of wines and cocktails to complement their meal. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as this restaurant can get busy during peak season.
5. You’ll find Bommie Restaurant on Hamilton Island. Taking its name from the Aboriginal word ‘bombora’, which refers to the shallow and vibrant patches of reef found in the surrounding waters, the restaurant’s menu is a reflection of the innovative Australian cuisine, inspired by the local surroundings and ingredients.
6. Ventura Restaurant and Bar, located on Port Drive in Airlie Beach, offers a picturesque waterfront dining experience. Guests can enjoy the tropical breeze and stunning views while sipping on a refreshing glass of wine. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, with rustic decor and potted greenery adding to the ambiance. The menu offers a variety of delicious dishes, including battered reef fish tacos with citrus and herb slaw, grilled salmon with cauliflower puree and sun-dried tomato pesto, and perfectly cooked Scotch fillet with roasted baby potatoes and red wine sauce. For dessert, indulge in the decadent Mississippi mud cake with raspberry coulis and ice cream.
7. Long Pavillion, qualia, Hamilton Island – At qualia, Executive Chef Alastair Waddell will create the finest in gourmet cuisine. Book a private ‘talk and taste’ event and be swept away by an unforgettable culinary journey.
8. Nestled behind Catseye Beach, the Beach Club is an exclusive, adults-only hotel that boasts a stunning restaurant. The Beach Club Restaurant offers a poolside dining experience that is second to none. Guests can sip on fruity cocktails while enjoying breathtaking views of Catseye. The menu features an array of fresh seafood dishes, including chilled Moreton Bay bugs on a bed of green papaya salad, chilled Queensland tiger prawns with celeriac remoulade and tomato and caper salsa, New Zealand salmon with pommes puree, cauliflower velouté, and green peas, and a whole market fish. For those who prefer meat, the Flinders Island ‘salt grass’ lamb rack or the 200g grain-fed, centre-cut eye fillet are sure to satisfy.
9. Arabon Seafoods – for freshly caught seafood, head to Bowen’s marina. Coupled with award-winning beaches and stunning views this makes for a romantic day trip from Airlie Beach.
10. A romantic dinner at Daydream Island’s Mermaids Beach or Lover’s Cove – illuminated by flaming torches, the moon and the stars, it’s the ideal way for honeymooners or lovers to end the day.
Read more and plan your own incredible holiday or honeymoon itinerary with our 7 Day Whitsundays Itinerary for couples!
[image: Tourism Queensland]