Marinades Indian Restaurant Cairns

We went to Marinades Indian Restaurant in Cairns for my birthday and were so disappointed. For starters, we ordered paneer tikka — it was bland and flavourless, with no seasoning at all. We had to ask for salt, pepper, and chutneys just to make it edible. For the mains, we requested medium spice, but both dishes came out way too salty: the dal makhani tasted as if extra salt was sprinkled over the top, and the malai kofta was the same. The onion salad was inedible — the onions were so bitter they made our eyes water. Dessert was a complete letdown. We ordered pista kulfi expecting a creamy, authentic kulfi, but they served us a store-bought block straight out of a box (we could see the packaging). It had an overpowering fake scent and artificial taste; we barely touched it. To make matters worse, their outdoor fans weren’t working — not great when it’s already hot and humid heading into summer in Cairns. Service was inconsistent: the Australian waitress was genuinely warm and attentive, but the Indian waitress seemed uninterested and rude, with an unfriendly expression throughout. We spent almost $50 per person for food and service that didn’t come close to expectations, especially disappointing for a birthday meal we’d looked forward to. Sadly, we won’t be returning or recommending this place.

Delicious food, beautiful views & great service! We had a fantastic dinner here. The service was warm & efficient, and our food arrived quickly. We went with friends and shared three different curries, rice, & a selection of sides — everything was packed with flavour & perfectly cooked. The atmosphere was relaxed with lovely views over the water, which made it even more enjoyable. Highly recommend if you're in Cairns & craving great Indian food!

The food was absolutely delicious — full of rich, authentic Indian flavors. The spices were well-balanced, and each dish had its own distinct taste. Service was prompt and professional without being intrusive. The lady served us made excellent recommendations. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed dinner. We will definitely be back!

We had dinner at Marinades, located right on the pier near the Cairns ferry/cruise terminal — a beautiful stretch lined with waterfront restaurants. The location is perfect, especially if you’re catching a ferry or just want to dine with views of the boats and water. They have both indoor and outdoor seating; we sat outside, and with a light layer, it was just right even on a breezy winter evening. The name Marinades is clever, and it’s great to see Indian cuisine represented in such a prime location. The restaurant was previously owned by a Marathi couple and is now run by a Punjabi entrepreneur. We ordered the masala soda (a nostalgic treat — so good!), bhindi masala, and rajma, along with one roti and one lacha paratha. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful. The only thing we would have done differently: we asked for medium spice, but it turned out hotter than expected. If you’re someone who likes to really taste the vegetables (especially something like bhindi), we’d recommend going for mild spice — you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it out. Service was friendly, the ambiance was relaxed, and overall it was a lovely experience. We ended the evening with ice cream (from another location) just to cool down from the spice — a reminder for next time to start mild! Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for good Indian food in a scenic, easy-to-reach part of Cairns.

Went here as a walk in as we were passing and had a really great experience. We sat outside and had starters, with a view of the marina. The onion bhaji and samosas were great. I had the chicken vindaloo and my friend had the chicken madras. The vindaloo was really good, and the madras the same. Not enough sauce in my opinion on either but the flavours were lovely and decent portions too. Service was really friendly and very efficient . Martina made us feel very welcome, and was there when we needed help. Definitely would return and worth a visit if you are in the area

After a long and exhausting day exploring the rainforest, my Mum, my wife, and I were in search of a good Indian restaurant in Cairns central. Based on online ratings, we decided to dine at this place, hoping for a hearty and flavorful meal to end our day. Ambience & Service Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the staff and promptly guided to our table. The hospitality was commendable, with the staff being both courteous and attentive throughout our visit. The restaurant had a pleasant ambiance, creating a comfortable dining atmosphere. The décor was simple yet inviting, and the overall cleanliness of the place was well-maintained. Food & Drinks For our meal, we ordered a variety of dishes, including Paneer Tikka Masala, Daal Tadka, Lahsooni Naan, Cheese & Garlic Naan, Onion Laccha Salad, Mango Lassi, and Masala Soda. The Paneer Tikka Masala had a decent flavor, though it lacked a bit of the richness and depth we were expecting. The portion size was satisfactory. The Daal Tadka was comforting and well-cooked, though not particularly extraordinary. The Lahsooni Naan and Cheese & Garlic Naan were soft and flavorful, pairing well with the gravies. The Onion Laccha Salad was fresh, adding a crunchy and tangy element to our meal. The Mango Lassi was refreshing, thick, and well-balanced in sweetness. The Masala Soda was a good addition, though nothing out of the ordinary. Value for Money While the food quality was decent, we found the prices to be on the higher side. However, given the restaurant’s central location, this was understandable. The portion sizes were reasonable, and we didn’t feel shortchanged, but the price-to-taste ratio could have been slightly better. Overall Experience The restaurant provided a pleasant dining experience with good service and a comfortable ambiance. The food was decent—not outstanding, but certainly enjoyable. If you’re in Cairns and craving Indian food, this place is a viable option, though it might not leave you completely amazed. The warmth of the staff and the inviting atmosphere made up for any minor shortcomings in the food.

This is a beautiful restaurant by the pier in Cairns, run by a family. In Cairns we had our first dinner here and couldn't resist and ended up going twice. Chicken biryani was surprisingly good and so was Goat Rogan Josh, Onion bhaji and Keema Naan. Great service and atmosphere. Must visit if you visiting Cairns and carving for Indian food.

Excellent food and customer service. We thoroughly enjoyed the family night out. Delicious traditional Indian cuisine. Highly recommend the Marinades Restaurant at the Esplanade in Cairns.