Sitting pretty on the east coast of Queensland, Australia, Mackay is a city known as the gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Bordered by the Coral Sea, Mackay is a diverse mix of architecture, food, and culture. You can see the influences of several cultures—Yuwi, South Sea Islanders, Italians, Maltese, and Filipinos—in every aspect of the city. Tourists can experience Mackay’s finest at Greenmount Homestead, Mackay Heritage Walk, Artspace Mackay, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, and Cape Hillsborough National Park. The coastal scene is equally impressive—beaches like Harbour Beach, Eimeo Beach, and Keswick Island, where you can swim, surf, and sunbathe. We’ve also compiled a guide to restaurants in Mackay, a vibrant, melting pot of cuisines. Does Mackay sound like a destination where you’d like to spend your 2024 vacation time? Plan your trip to Australia with TravelTriangle.
Top Restaurants In Mackay
On your visit to Mackay, exploring, swimming, and hiking will get your appetite roaring. Tourists will find a range of cuisines and restaurants. Despite this, the majority of Mackayites are significant on pub fare. Mackay’s culinary influences vary among Yiwu, South Sea Islanders, Italians, Maltese, and Filipinos. Its proximity to the coast and greenery guarantees fresh catches and local produce. From casual cafes to fine dining options, Mackay offers it all. TravelTriangle’s list of the top restaurants in Mackay is your guide to exploring the diversity of Australia’s multi-cuisine spots!
1. The Dispensary Coffee · Kitchen · Bar
The Dispensary Coffee Kitchen Bar is in the iconic Aroney building on 84 Wood Street. The eatery is large enough to offer dining spaces that are different from one another. A cafe serving up coffee for the early bird, a bar for those looking for a night out and about, and dinner. The Dispensary boasts the most extensive offerings of wine, whisky, craft beers, and house cocktails. The ambience is welcoming owing to its sophisticated interiors and warm and friendly service. Their hours are between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. The must-try items on their food menu include smashed avocado with dukkah and vino cotto on sourdough, fish and chips with ale-battered flathead, crushed peas, house tartare and chips, the Dispensary cheeseburger with pickles, house relish, American cheddar; and salad.
Facilities
- Private Dining Area
- Serves alcohol
- Alfresco/Outdoor Dining
- Live Music
- Takeaway Available
- Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Location: 82-84 Wood Street, Mackay, QLD. 4740
Price: AU$40 onwards per person
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2. Fusion128
Fusion128 is a restaurant/pub located on 128 Victoria Street, serving a fusion of Australian, Asian, and French cuisine. The restaurant has an industrial-style interior and is dimly lit for a warm and cosy atmosphere. Like its interiors, the service is friendly and quick, beautifully complementing the range of dishes on its menu. They use seasonal ingredients sourced locally and incorporate them into their menu. Fusion128 also hosts and caters to parties and intimate gatherings. Fusion128 must-try items include Turkish bread, some tasty seared scallops, twice-cooked pork belly, or crispy skin Salmon, creme brulee, and chocolate-tasting plate.
Facilities
- Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
- Parking available
- Wheelchair-accessible
- Full Bar
- Reservations
- Free wifi
Location: 128 Victoria St., Mackay, QLD 4740
Price: Between AU$10 and AU$38 per person
3. Roshni Indian by Raj
Roshni Indian by Raj is a North-Indian restaurant located on Victoria Street. Roshni Indian by Raj has been voted Australia’s Best Indian Restaurant. They offer a fine dining experience alongside their authentic Indian cuisine. As for their service, Indians are known for their hospitality; this is reflected in their service—warm and attentive. They also offer vegan and gluten-free dishes to those looking for options. The Roshni’s menu offers a traditionally inspired modern experience from curries to naans to samosas. Their dishes include Samosas, Onion and Spinach Bhaji, Goat Curry, Dal Makhani, Biryanis, a variety of naan and kulchas, and gulab jamun. Thus, it is among the top restaurants in Mackay.
Facilities
- Reservations
- Serves Alcohol
- Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
- Delivery, Takeout
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Table Service
Location: 164 Victoria St., Mackay, Queensland, 4740
Price: AU$40–60 onwards per person
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4. Sorbello’s Italian Restaurant – Australia
Sorbello’s Italian Restaurant has been on Victoria Street in Mackay’s CBD for over two decades. It is a local favourite for its menu, service, and community events. The restaurant has been awarded Readers’ Choice 2024: Italian Food. Sorbellos offers many options, including steaks, seafood, main meals, pasta, pizza, desserts, coffee, and gelato. Apart from their food menu, they also have one of Mackay’s best wine cellars, with over 100 wines. They also have beer, cocktails, and other non-alcoholic drinks to complement their food. The restaurant frequently hosts Wine Dinners and Jazz Lunches for their patrons. My favourites include seafood misto, Gnocchi Chicken Pesto, special spaghetti aglio e olive, Marinara Pizza, Tiramisu, Cannoli Lemon, and seasonal gelatos.
Facilities
- Reservations
- Serves alcohol
- Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
- Alfresco Dining
- Table Service
- Parking
- Wheelchair Accessible
Location: 166 Victoria St., Mackay, Queensland, 4740
Price: AU$20-AU$45 per person
5. Let’s Do Greek Mackay
Image Credit: jcvelis for Pixabay
Let’s Do Greek serves authentic cuisine on Macalister Street and is a local favourite. The restaurant’s theme is Greek, white, and blue-coloured walls, a marble bar, and murals of famous Grecian skylines. The service staff is friendly and prompt, adding to the fun atmosphere it has going on at all times. The cuisines are Greek, with Oz and American influences. Let’s Do Greek is great whether you’re looking for unique brunch options or family outings! Must-tries include spicy meatballs in a rich herb and tomato salsa, vegetarian moussaka, souvlaki, spanakopita, char-grilled quail with crispy lemon potatoes and salad, and baklava for dessert.
Facilities
- Takeout
- Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
- Wheelchair-accessible
- Alfresco Dining
- Catering
- Online Ordering
- Takeaway
Location: 38 Macalister St., Ground Floor Quest Apartments, Mackay, Queensland 4740
Price: AU$15-AU$35 onwards per person
Related Post: Queensland Travel Guide
6. Coco Cubano Cafe
Image Credit: stina_magnus for Pixabay
Coco Cubano is situated in the central business district of Mackay. It’s a Havana-themed cocktail bar serving Cuban food with Oz influences. The atmosphere is lively and inviting. You will find plenty of locals here for their coffee or drinks. It’s safe to say that Coco Cubano is a local favourite. The crafted in-house cocktails go perfectly with the food menu. They have recently renovated. Their must-try items on the menu include Cuban Eggs Benedict with bacon and slow-cooked pulled pork, Cuban Street Sandwiches, Burgers, Salads, Quesadillas, Tapas, Fajitas, Nachos, Burritos, and Churros. It is one of the best restaurants in Mackay.
Facilities
- Reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Parking available
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Serves Alcohol
- Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Location: 74 Wood St., Mackay, Queensland 4740
Price: AU$9-28 per person
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We have enjoyed putting together this guide to restaurants in Mackay. Delicious food, diverse cuisines, and lively ambience are a few ways to describe the Mackay culinary scene. Its rich history and people have heavily contributed to its food scene. Food enthusiasts will love exploring this city, from fine dining restaurants like The Dispensary to pubs such as Fusion 128. There’s a little something for tourists and locals alike. Fresh, seasonal produce and seafood, with a twist of international diversity, adds a particular delight that will please and make for a memorable trip. So what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Australia today and embark on an unforgettable journey.
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Cover Image Credit: C.mcintyre01 for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants In Mackay
What kinds of eateries are there in Mackay?
Mackay is a true melting pot of culture and cuisine. You will come across Asian, Italian, and Mediterranean influences in most restaurants. Restaurants serving local Oz fare, created with fresh, local produce and seafood, are plentiful: Latitude 21, The Deck Steakhouse, and The Dispensary. Cosy cafes include 9th Lane Grind, Woodman's Axe Espresso, and The Paddock & Brew Company. You can also find a variety of family-friendly casual dining options, as well as pubs and bars.
Are the eateries at Mackay vegan-friendly?
Yes, most restaurants in Mackay offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. They may have existing vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on their menu. If not, the staff will most certainly help you out with any accommodations your diet may call for.
What are the things to do in Mackay?
Mackay has a tonne of family-friendly fun. As well as activities for couples and solo travellers. Here are a few of the things you can do in Mackay
- Head to Bluewater Lagoon for a fun day at the water park
- Hire a bike and ride around the Bluewater Trail
- Spot whales at Lamberts Lookout
- Swim and sunbathe on Harbour Beach, Eucasia Beach, and Dolphin Heads Beach.
- Explore the Artspace Mackay and Greenmount Homestead
What is the best time to visit Mackay?
The best time to visit Mackay is between January and April. The weather is cool and sunny. You can also visit during the dry season months between June and October when the weather is chilly and dry.
How do I get to Mackay?
Mackay is well-connected and can be reached easily by:
- Air Mackay Airport (MKY) is easily accessible by air, with flights from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
- Road Mackay is a 10-hour trip north from Brisbane and 7 hours south from Cairns along the Bruce Highway. You may also rent a vehicle or ride the bus.
- Rail The Spirit of Queensland train service connects Mackay to Brisbane and Cairns.
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