If you ever find yourself exploring the beautiful coastline of North Queensland, there’s one place you simply can’t miss—Nu Nu Restaurant. This iconic beachfront spot in Palm Cove is more than just a place to eat; it’s a full-on experience. From the warm ocean breeze to the tropical flavors on every plate, Nu Nu has made a name for itself as one of Australia’s finest dining destinations. Before we dive deeper into this delightful experience, you might also want to explore the Ariala Springwood Menu for a suburban dining vibe with plenty of flavor.
What is Nu Nu Restaurant?
Nu Nu is located right on the sand at Palm Cove. Imagine sitting under tall coconut palms, listening to the waves, and enjoying some of the freshest food in Queensland. This restaurant first opened its doors in 2004 and was created by Chef Nick Holloway and Jason Rowbottom. Since then, it has become a must-visit destination for food lovers visiting the Cairns region.
A Taste of Tropical North Queensland
What sets Nu Nu apart is its strong connection to the land and sea of Tropical North Queensland. The chefs take inspiration from local produce—reef fish, rainforest fruits, and exotic herbs—to craft meals that are bold, fresh, and packed with flavor. The dishes change with the seasons, ensuring that every visit offers something new.
They serve modern Australian cuisine with an Asian twist, often mixing native bush ingredients with global cooking styles. From sugar-cane smoked meats to kimchi-butter poached seafood, the menu bursts with creative energy.
Dining That Touches All Senses
When you arrive at Nu Nu, the first thing you’ll notice is the breathtaking view. The open-air layout lets you enjoy the sea breeze while being shaded by tall palms. Whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, or a sunset dinner, the vibe is relaxed and inviting.
The sound of crashing waves, the soft lighting, and the laid-back atmosphere all come together to create a one-of-a-kind moment. This isn’t just about eating—it’s about enjoying life, the beach, and everything in between.
Popular Menu Items at Nu Nu Restaurant
Here’s a look at some customer favorites:
| Meal Time | Popular Dishes | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Coconut and lime panna cotta | Light and tropical start to your day |
| Lunch | Sugar-cane smoked duck with pickled plum | A rich, bold flavor with a local twist |
| Dinner | Kimchi butter reef fish with squid ink | Perfect blend of Asian flavors and fresh seafood |
| Dessert | White chocolate mousse with rainforest fruit | A sweet finish with native fruit |
Kimchi Butter Poached Reef Fish
This vibrant dish pairs succulent local reef fish cooked in rich kimchi-infused butter with dramatic black squid‑ink noodles, all served in a fragrant corn and seaweed broth.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Reef fish in kimchi butter with squid-ink noodles and seaweed broth |
| Highlights | Bold Korean-Aussie fusion with local seafood |
| Price | $46 AUD (approx.) |
Sugar-Cane Smoked Duck
Tender duck smoked over local sugar‑cane is matched with tangy radicchio and crisp pickles for a sweet-yet-sharp contrast.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Smoked duck with pickles, radicchio, and native herbs |
| Highlights | Sweet-smoky flavor with sharp greens and seasonal accents |
| Price | $42 AUD (approx.) |
FNQ Chilli Mud Crab Laksa
This hearty laksa features local mud‑crab tossed with hand-rolled noodles in a spicy coconut-curry broth.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Far North QLD mud crab in spicy laksa broth with hand-rolled noodles |
| Highlights | Coconut-spiced richness with seafood depth |
| Price | $54 AUD (approx.) |
Spanner Crab Omelette
Fluffy omelette studded with sweet spanner crab sits in a silky broth rich in ginger caramel and delicate white pepper.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Crab-filled omelette in ginger caramel and peppery broth |
| Highlights | Soft, delicate, sweet-salty tropical tones |
| Price | $39 AUD (approx.) |
BBQ Coconut Turmeric Quail
This quail is marinated in turmeric and grilled over coconut charcoal, then finished with a tangy tamarind glaze.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | BBQ quail marinated in turmeric, grilled with tamarind glaze |
| Highlights | Crispy skin, tangy and aromatic fusion |
| Price | $38 AUD (approx.) |
Deluxe Fried Rice with Tiger Prawns
A generous bowl of fried rice studded with juicy tiger prawns, savory pork, beans, and salty bottarga gives every spoonful umami richness.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Fried rice with prawns, pork, bottarga, and beans |
| Highlights | Luxurious version of a classic comfort dish |
| Price | $36 AUD (approx.) |
Victorian Lamb with Macadamia & Pumpkin
Juicy lamb cuts are served alongside crunchy macadamia and a sweet-spiced pumpkin mash, balanced by tangy kasundi.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Lamb served with macadamia, spiced pumpkin, and tangy kasundi |
| Highlights | Hearty, earthy, with native Australian flavors |
| Price | $49 AUD (approx.) |
Each meal is presented like artwork, with vibrant colors and fresh ingredients that excite your taste buds and eyes.
Why Nu Nu Restaurant Stands Out
There are many restaurants along the Queensland coast, but few come close to what Nu Nu offers. It’s not just about food. It’s about passion, place, and people. The team here is friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to guide you through the menu or suggest the perfect drink pairing.
Local wines, craft beers, and tropical cocktails are all part of the fun. Many guests say the drinks menu is as exciting as the food, and that’s saying a lot.
If you’re looking for something sweet afterward, just steps away is the Numi Ice Creamery, offering unique artisan ice creams. It’s the perfect place to cool down after a hearty meal by the sea.
The Perfect Spot for Events and Special Moments
Many couples choose Nu Nu for weddings, anniversaries, or birthday celebrations. The beachfront location can host large groups, making it ideal for both intimate and big events. The staff takes care of everything—from custom menus to decorations—making sure your day is perfect.
In the heart of the tropics, it’s hard to find a better place for a celebration. Every year, many travelers and locals alike book this spot for their special events, knowing they will get excellent service and unforgettable views.
Booking and Practical Info
Here’s a table with practical details for your visit:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove, QLD 4879 |
| Website | nunu.com.au |
| Opening Hours | 7 AM – Late (Usually midnight) |
| Booking | Recommended for dinner or large groups |
| Dress Code | Casual beachwear acceptable |
Make sure to book a window or beachfront table for the best views. Sunset hours are especially popular.
Location of Nu Nu
Here are the key location details for Nu Nu in Palm Cove:
- Address
1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove, Queensland 4879, Australia - Trading Hours
- Breakfast: 7 AM – 11 AM
- Lunch: 12 PM – 3 PM
- Dinner: 5 PM – late
Open daily, subject to seasonal changes
- Phone Number
+61 7 4059 1880 - Nearest Public Transit Stop
Williams Esplanade at French Street – about a 2‑minute walk. Served by bus lines 110 and 110N
A Tropical Feast for All
If you’re comparing menus across Queensland, Nu Nu Restaurant offers a standout blend of local culture and fine dining. It’s hard to beat a plate of freshly grilled reef fish while your toes are in the sand.
During your Queensland food journey, you might also want to check out the Gloria Jeans Menu for a quick coffee and snack break between your big meals. It’s a good balance between casual and gourmet, just like Nu Nu aims to provide.
Owners of Nu Nu
Here are the owners of Nu Nu:
- Nick Holloway
- Amy Escott
- Jason Rowbottom
- Mo Rowbottom
Customer Reviews
Here are some concise customer reviews of Nu Nu from Google:
- “The location is fantastic… every single entrée we ordered was very tasty… barramundi was also great.”
- “Absolutely incredible taste sensation. The 5 course meal was amazing… Super high quality and plate presentation!”
- “We visited Nu Nu three times… the honeycomb butter on the banana bread… every dish was beautifully presented.”
- “We got the taste of the tropics menu… unique flavours with local ingredients… would highly recommend.”
Final Thoughts
In a world full of restaurants that feel similar, Nu Nu Restaurant dares to be different. It blends fine dining with a barefoot-beach feel. It respects the land, highlights local ingredients, and brings flavors from the reef to your plate.
From its calm beachfront setting to its inspired dishes, everything about Nu Nu feels special. It’s not just a meal—it’s a memory, a moment, a taste of tropical paradise.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, make sure to experience Nu Nu at least once. It’s not just about what you eat, but where, how, and why. And in the case of Nu Nu, the answer is always: for the joy of it.
