Townsville Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Townsville

September 24, 2017 Hector Krause

Discover the best restaurant in Townsville, Australia including The Balcony Restaurant, Cactus Jack's Bar & Grill, Watermark Restaurant & Bar, A Touch of Salt, Jam, GYO Japanese Tapas Bar Restaurant, Townsville Yacht Club, Ribs and Rumps, The Brewery, Longboard bar and grill
Things to do in Townsville

1. The Balcony Restaurant

Upstairs 287 Flinders St, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia Takeout, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Wine and Beer Cafe, Australian, International, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch HK$71 - HK$181 +61 7 4771 2255
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 203 reviews

The Balcony Restaurant

OPEN 7 days, The Balcony Restaurant is located upstairs at number 287 Flinders Street Townsville City. The heritage building has been the home of the Balcony Restaurant for over 25 years. The timber staircase takes you on and upwards to the quirky space above that ensures a unique and memorable experience unmatched in Townsville. Nestled high above, the Balcony Restaurant permeates a relaxed and pleasant ambiance where you can escape the hustle and bustle of below. Escape to the bliss of the Balcony's charm where you can enjoy the delicious food, the great coffee, an icy cold beverage, good music and let our happy staff take care of you. Open 7 days Monday & Tuesday 9am till 2pm. Wednesday to Sunday 7.30am till 2pm

Reviewed By Ravip - Magnetic Island, Australia

Have visited several times and food and service is always good. They offer air-conditioned restaurant and outside balcony eating. Very busy on Sunday when markets are on as breakfasts are very popular but service may be slow. Not recommended for elderly or infirm as entry to the restaurant is via steep stairs.

2. Cactus Jack's Bar & Grill

21 Palmer St, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Mexican, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +61 7 4721 1478
Excellent
30%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 407 reviews

Cactus Jack's Bar & Grill

Open: 7 nights from 5pmWe serve inexpensive high quality food in a uniquely designed atmosphere. Everything from salads, burgers, best quality steaks and authentic Mexican dishes.

Reviewed By Claire M

We arrived and were sat down immediately! Drinks order was taken and brought out in great time too. Food was awesome. Jalapeno Poppers to start - best we have ever had. I had the Southern Fried Chicken Crispers and The Boy had Aztec Pie and I followed with the Chocolate Nachos - you can give these a miss. Everything was delicious.
There's even a restaurant near to us so we will go here again.
Go and try it people

3. Watermark Restaurant & Bar

The Watermark 72-74 the Strand, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia Takeout, Seating, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Steakhouse, Pizza, Seafood, Australian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$55 - HK$220 +61 7 4724 4281
Excellent
50%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 796 reviews

Watermark Restaurant & Bar

The Watermark Bar and Restaurant is Townsville's premier venue boasting breathtaking views of Cleveland Bay & Magnetic Island. Positioned in the heart of Townsville’s tourist hub - The Strand - The Watermark offers contemporary sophisticated dining and a relaxed alfresco sports and lounge bar. Renowned for its warm & welcoming atmosphere, The Watermark is a family friendly local favourite and the venue of choice for international tourists and interstate visitors. It's unique combination of open and intimate spaces makes it the ideal location for birthdays, special occasions, corporate functions and tailored events. From a prime beef burger to the freshest oysters; the best local beers to fine champagne; big screen sports to live music; a girls night out to a stunning wedding reception; - The Watermark Townsville is a benchmark venue with comprehensive appeal...

Reviewed By Jimpendrigh - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom

The watermark is an excellent restaurant with a magnificent location. The staff are all impeccable and a credit to the owners . The food is really yummy and reasonably priced you will not be disappointed.

4. A Touch of Salt

86 Ogden St, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Australian, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$63 - HK$251 +61 7 4724 4441
Excellent
69%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 573 reviews

A Touch of Salt

Soak up waterfront views in style, perched on the edge of Ross Creek at A Touch of Salt restaurant, accessed from Ogden Street. A Touch of Salt has an area to suit many an occasion, whether meeting for casual coffee catch-ups under the verandah, holding lunchtime business meetings indoors or enjoying an ambient evening out on the deck, dining under the stars. A collection of ever-evolving menus are complemented by an impressively stocked wine cellar to suit dishes bursting with the flavours of seasonal ingredients, each artfully plated to please the eye.

Reviewed By David-Julie B - Townsville, Australia

We were looking forward to dining here as we had heard it was one of the leading restaurants in town (previously dined here a number of years ago which was very good). Disappointed to say the least. Service was slow, took a long time to place our order. Very noisy inside - some table cloths would help to alleviate this. Meals were slow coming out - 45 minutes for starters, then about 40 minutes for mains. Menu looked interesting. Food was less than satisfactory. Scallops starter dish was uninspiring. The duck starter was very good. Wife's lamb main was overcooked. Pork belly dish was a bit on the dry side. Deserts saved the evening from being a total loss. Staff were friendly and informative. However it should be pointed out that a number of the wait staff were overly familiar with customers - touching customers on the shoulder or back should not be encouraged by management as it does tend to make people feel uncomfortable. Overall we felt that the restaurant missed the mark.

5. Jam

1 Palmer St, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Contemporary, Australian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Brunch HK$55 - HK$251 +61 7 4721 4900
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Jam

"The perfect opportunity to enjoy good food & wine with family & friends" Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner JAM is a local Townsville restaurant dedicated to providing seasonally inspired menus. Our Gourmet Traveler awarded wist list offers over 100 wines to complement your dining experience. Relax in our dining room or outside on the corner Terrace with city and river views. The elegant private dining room "Luxe Room" is perfect for social or business gatherings up to 18 guests. LOFT by Jam Corner Located on the first floor, the function room with large balconies overlooking the CBD and Ross River is available for breakfast, lunch or dinner group bookings, we can tailor menus for any occasion .

Reviewed By Sally A

Great atmosphere, excellent service and delicious food. We both had the tasting menu with matched wine and it was great value for money. The staff were attentive, friendly and professional. Would definitely eat here again.

6. GYO Japanese Tapas Bar Restaurant

Arthur House Shop 2 48 Gregory Street North Ward, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia (Formerly GYO Japanese Tapas Bar Restaurant) Parking Available, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +61 7 4771 5151
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 248 reviews

GYO Japanese Tapas Bar Restaurant

Reviewed By billdY5802RY - Mountain Creek

We went to the restaurant not knowing what to order. With assistance of the friendly staff we had a made up banquet between the four of us. The food was fantastic and would highly recommend it to anyone.

7. Townsville Yacht Club

1 Plume St | South Townsville, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, Seafood, Australian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$39 - HK$275 +61 7 4772 1192
Excellent
33%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 286 reviews

Townsville Yacht Club

Reviewed By traceyleemarshall - Peregian Beach, Australia

The fresh cool bar deck Seating area is hard to beat anywhere in Townsville.
Service was friendly and efficient.
The special “red snapper ‘ was disappointing. I didn’t did finish it as it was very dry and tough. I wish I had told the staff at the time. My friend enjoyed his chicken schnitzel.
I will return purely for the atmosphere ( and try a different menu option)

8. Ribs and Rumps

2 Dibbs St, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Steakhouse, Barbecue, Australian, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$102 - HK$298 +61 47216088
Excellent
44%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
7%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 844 reviews

Ribs and Rumps

At Ribs and Rumps, every occasion is a celebration of life. It's the place to catch up with friends or share special moments with family. We're just as serious about you having a good time with us as we are about our Ribs and Steaks.

Reviewed By Livin_Laarge - Newcastle, Australia

Had a work dinner for 12. Our original waitress, Alyse was absolutely awesome. A fantastic young lady with a great service attitude and friendly approach. She answered all of our questions well and had our drinks and entrees on the table in quick time. She even apologised that she was leaving us because her shift was over after she took our mains orders.
That’s when it all went south. When the mains came, the ribs were all well over cooked and dry. Really dry. A colleague had her fish meal spilt onto her shoulder and into her lap and the waiter was hardly apologetic. She waited twenty minutes for her new fish. No offer of anything to make up for it, not to mention the stain on her lovely white blouse.
Another colleague complained about his ribs to the waiter (Joe) who said he’d see what he could do, but then avoided our table for the rest of the night.
Not a great experience. Three stars only because Alyse set us off on the right foot with her great service and the entrees were good. I wouldn’t give the ribs one star.

9. The Brewery

252 Flinders St, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia Outdoor Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, Pub, Australian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$63 - HK$212 +61 7 4724 2999
Excellent
44%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 382 reviews

The Brewery

Australia's international award winning brewery, restaurant, lounge bar and banquet centre. Best restaurant in a pub / club / tavern in Australia at the 2015 National Restaurant and Catering Awards. Our brewing team are internationally renown winning numerous international medals including the prestigious International Brewing Awards in London. Also called Townsville Brewing Company.

Reviewed By Margaret M - Queensland, Australia

Booked a special occasion function for extended family and was put in an alcove which was difficult for older family members and those with babies, to access and the Seating was uncomfortable. The alcove was hot and stuffy and the noise from the restaurant seemed to echo in the alcove, it was impossible to hear conversation with our group. Nearest table was jammed up to the alcove, making it difficult to get out of the alcove from our Seating. Our order took forever to come and the garlic breads which we ordered while we waited, were very dry, not appealing. Our meals, when they finally came left a lot to be desired. My chicken with risotto was undercooked, the chicken bone still had blood around it...and the risotto was tasteless. Gnocchi was tasteless, tomatoes were unusually sour and the beef tasted very poor. The steak meal was dry and the chips looked positively petrified. The noodles with the Barramundi were inedible as they had so much pepper. The questions ask about wheelchair accessibility, well the alcove wasn't even accessible to able bodied people...probably other parts of the restaurant are. I can only review where we were. When one of the guests finally asked how much longer our meals would be, she was singled out by a staff member and the attitude of that staff member was inexcusable. Threatened that she would be charged for the meal if she left, meals had not been started at that point and instead of providing any rational response or apology for the lengthy delay, she simply resorted to arguing about how many people were in the restaurant and ignoring our order time. If the alcove wasn't so hot and stuffy and noisy, her baby might have been able to sleep and the lengthy wait for meals might not have been so painful. Fortunately for the other patrons, the Mum stood for most of the time outside the restaurant (where the outside temperature was cooler than that in the 'airconditioned' alcove and far less noisy. Perhaps we might have gotten a better result if the baby had cried and bothered others? Instead we tried to consider others and had our night ruined by the restaurant staff. Not a night we will be repeating. No recommendation for any aspect of the night at all. First time I've put in a negative review and it gives me no satisfaction to do so. Hope they lift their game and providing staff training for particular staff might be a good start. Ensuring meals are actually cooked and that they are appealing ought to be a given...at any restaurant.

10. Longboard bar and grill

Headlands 80 The Strand | Corner Gregory St and The Strand, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Australian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks +61 7 4724 1234
Excellent
34%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 523 reviews

Longboard bar and grill

Reviewed By Traceyainoz - Highfields, Australia

Great location off the waters edge on the Strand, Free and easy parking. The prices are very acceptable with a great choice for everyone, great atmosphere with various Seating arrangements from high tables to booths to inside/outside.

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