Sails
Experience waterfront dining at a Cairns gem! This restaurant boasts a 4.3-star rating, delicious food, and handcrafted cocktails. Reserve your table today!
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About Sails
Located on the Cairns Esplanade, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with stunning waterfront views. It's a popular choice, reflected in its 4.3-star rating, and offers a moderately priced menu. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, making it ideal for groups. What makes this place special is the attentive service and the ability to cater to individual preferences. Diners rave about the amazing food and the personalized cocktail creations. With its friendly and knowledgeable staff, it's no wonder many consider this a highlight of their Cairns visit. The restaurant is reservable and welcomes groups.
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Casual)
Relaxed and laid-back atmosphere
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Why Travelers Love Sails
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
We are so happy to highly recommend this restaurant. The food was amazing. The staff were diligent and very friendly, but conscientious and knowledgeable. I wanted a cocktail but didn't fancy any on the menu, so, Mirko asked what flavours I liked and he made a one off, fabulous cocktail. I felt very special. Well done guys, it couldn't have been better. Best restaurant on the Cairns Waterfront! What a gem! Our 3rd dinner in Cairns, the other two were at more commercialised restaurants at the waterfront. Dinner at Sails was just a big step up compared to the other 2 restaurants in terms of quality, taste and service! One of the best ceviches and seafood paella/rice I've ever had. Highly recommended and definitely plan a visit here during your Cairns visit! A beautiful place to have a drink and watch the happenings on the Cairns Inlet. We had perfect weather with a lovely breeze. My husband had the Reef and Beef. It looked impressive served with a whole red claw. However, my Katsu Chicken was the winner with the crispy Katsu chicken breast fillet and fresh edamame salad. We enjoyed our time here
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Opening Hours
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Recent Reviews
Dawn T.
October 19, 2025
We are so happy to highly recommend this restaurant. The food was amazing. The staff were diligent and very friendly, but conscientious and knowledgeable. I wanted a cocktail but didn't fancy any on the menu, so, Mirko asked what flavours I liked and he made a one off, fabulous cocktail. I felt very special. Well done guys, it couldn't have been better.
Peter O.
April 19, 2025
Best restaurant on the Cairns Waterfront! What a gem! Our 3rd dinner in Cairns, the other two were at more commercialised restaurants at the waterfront. Dinner at Sails was just a big step up compared to the other 2 restaurants in terms of quality, taste and service! One of the best ceviches and seafood paella/rice I've ever had. Highly recommended and definitely plan a visit here during your Cairns visit!
Twink L.
August 24, 2025
A beautiful place to have a drink and watch the happenings on the Cairns Inlet. We had perfect weather with a lovely breeze. My husband had the Reef and Beef. It looked impressive served with a whole red claw. However, my Katsu Chicken was the winner with the crispy Katsu chicken breast fillet and fresh edamame salad. We enjoyed our time here
Christian A.
August 1, 2025
First, the staff was excellent! They were so kind and helpful at every moment. However, regarding the food, it was a bit disappointing because I came with the idea of trying the authentic taste of some Peruvian dishes (Ceviche, Fried Squid, and Seafood Rice) as a Peruvian customer. The ceviche was bland, it didn’t have any flavor , it was just raw fish and lime. The fried squid was delicious, and the tartar dip was simply awesome. The only issue was that the squid pieces were so small that when you grabbed them with the fork, they fell apart. Finally, the seafood rice was also rather tasteless. We also ordered two drinks (Pisco Sour and Sakura). The Pisco Sour was bitter, but the Sakura was very good. Anyway, this is just my opinion from a Peruvian perspective. If you want to try these dishes, it’s okay just keep in mind that this is not the real taste, and the flavors are quite mild. Once again, big thanks to the staff, their service was the best.
Nuria B.
June 13, 2025
Such a lovely spot – easily the best views in Cairns! The food was absolutely delicious, great cocktails and the service was fantastic. Huge thanks to Emily for being so friendly and attentive. Only downside was not being able to tag Sails or add the location to my Instagram video – it really deserved the shoutout!
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make Sails special
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Parking
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