Three top tips to dining out on Magnetic Island

1. Book as early as possible. The popular restaurants are often booked up days in advance, so try not to leave it to the last minute, especially if it's a special occasion and you're only on the island for a day or two. You will end up missing out!
2. Check opening hours and days. Our restaurants are not city restaurants which have high foot traffic all the time, so their hours may reflect this and during quieter periods close early or not even open at all. Either phone before to check or better still make a booking and then you'll be guaranteed they are open!
3. Check Facebook Pages for menus, live entertainment or specials. Many of the restaurants don't have websites but communicate via Facebook. Follow the Magnetic Island Foodies page, where most restaurants post regularly.

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Our restaurant recommendations

These are our recommendations on the island and reflect our personal preference and only mention ones we eat in regularly.

NELLY BAY:

Saltwater Magnetic Island - Modern Australian, Asian Fusion restaurant in the heart of Nelly Bay. Open Wednesday’s to Sunday’s. Bookings essential. BYO only. 0414 352 762

Scallywags Cafe - Casual pirate themed cafe which is great for breakfast and does amazing burgers for lunch/dinner. Look out to see if they have a Fire-show, Live Music or Flea Circus while you're here - well worth booking one of those. Great entertainment for kids and adults! Bookings essential for any evening where there is a show. 0458 492 452

Shaka - Fantastic healthy fresh breakkies from a food truck at the old Heliport on Nelly Bay Beach.

Stuffed on Seafood - Casual seafood restaurant,  Booking not required unless a large group. Licensed.

Patisserie and Gourmet Pies at Nelly - delicious pies, baguettes and croissants. Take away only. Closed Sundays.

Thai Again - good authentic Thai. Bookings essential. Licensed or BYO. (07) 4758 1659


PICNIC BAY:

Mamma Roma - fresh and authentic Italian, sometimes have live music playing on the weekends. Check their facebook page for details. BYO. Open from 5pm for dinner. Bookings essential (07) 4778 5456

The Reef Bar Cafe - Tapas from Tuesday to Sunday from 12 till 2 pm and on Friday night 5.30 till 8 pm.BYO. Bookings recommended. (07) 4758 1477

ARCADIA:

Stage Door Theatre Restaurant - Cheesy but brilliant. You'll laugh, you'll sing and you'll have a super fun night out. Three course dinner and a show! Bookings essential. (07) 4778 5448

HORSESHOE BAY:

The Early Bird - great spot for Breakfast or Lunch next to Horseshoe Bay beach. Bookings not required.

Cafe Nourish - healthy breakkies and lunches. Bookings not required.

Sandis on Magnetic Island - good for lunch or dinner with steaks and great seafood. Casual. Licensed. Live music sometimes. (07) 4758 1673

Barefoot Art Food Wine - the fine dining option in Horseshoe Bay. Good for lunch or dinner. Combines an art gallery and a restaurant. Bookings recommended. (07) 4758 1170

Adeles - great gelato!