Prawn Star – The Best Seafood in Cairns

While in Cairns we were on the hunt for delicious, fresh Seafood and Prawn Star did not disappoint. The seaside was so enrapturing that I wanted to put one of those Fishing Bikinis we’d bought and start fishing myself. With one of the highest ranked restaurant ratings in Cairns on TripAdvisor, you will find Prawn Star located at Dock E of the Marlin Marina. If you are staying at the Shangri La (like we were) and have a Marina view, you can see the restaurant right from your balcony and can gauge how busy they are before going down there as they do not take reservations and can only seat six people at a time (but they do allow take out orders). Best Seafood in Cairns

While Prawn Star may seem like a no frills experience, you really couldn’t ask for anything more – this place is a gem! It’s a small, docked fishing boat with a picnic-style table at the back – the single table seats roughly six people at a time so you will likely be enjoying your meal with strangers. All seafood is caught that day off of a separate trawler and then brought on board the Prawn Star. The guy that runs the place is a true-blue Queenslander – great bloke that loves chatting to his guests.

The menu is basic and simple:

– Fresh Sashimi Salmon (250g) – $20 AUD
– 1 Dozen Fresh Oysters – $30 AUD
– Large Tiger Prawn Platter (800g) – $35 AUD
– Mixed Medium Prawn Platter (800g) – $25 AUD
– Fresh Cooked Mud Crab (800g – 1kg) – $60 AUD
– Fresh Cooked Crayfish – $70 AUD per kg
– Jumbo Platter (Oysters, Salmon, Bugs, Prawns) – $70 AUD
– Large Platter (Bugs & Tiger Prawns) – $50 AUD
– Drinks: Great Northern (beer), XXXX (beer), red and white wine.

*Please Note: Prices correct at time of publication.

I went with the Large Tiger Prawn Platter and my boyfriend ordered the Large Platter consisting of both Prawns and Bugs. This was our first time trying bugs, and it definitely wont be our last. The taste is extremely comparable to that of lobster, although we found the meat to be a little more tender than lobster meat.

While the Bugs were delicious, the stars of the show were definitely the Tiger Prawns. Never in my life have I had a bigger, juicier, meatier, tastier prawn. I cannot even describe how heavenly amazing these things were – the taste was just incredible and so damn fresh. I loved them so much I ordered a take out batch a few nights later for dinner.

This place can get busy at night, but service is extremely fast so they are quick to churn out guests. If there is a line and you do not feel like waiting, get your oder to go and take it to eat along the esplanade which is a short walk around the corner.

If you find yourself in Cairns and craving seafood, do yourself a favor and head on over to the Prawn Star. You will not be disappointed.

Best Seafood in Cairns

Best Seafood in Cairns