Cairns RSL Club — Restaurant in Queensland

To kick off our trip to Cairns, we gravitated to the RSL club which was buzzing with local chatter, footy fans and drunken laughter. Despite the lively commotion, I was pleasantly surprised by the efficient service from the affable servers with our dishes coming out only a couple of minutes afterwards. We ordered cheesy garlic bread, Atlantic salmon and panko crumbed pork medallions. The presentation was absolutely spot on and reflected the vibrant energy of the place. The garlic bread tasted just as expected, deeply satisfying with a slather of garlic butter, melted cheese and soft bread. Although it appeared harmonious on the plate, the salmon was steamed and lacked impactful flavour. Nor did the chermoula enhance the salmon, the strong cumin did not complement well at all. But I'll compliment the polenta chips that came on the side. While the namesake dish is pork medallions, the salad accompanying it was amazing. Generously dressed with a striking honey mustard, the forest of rocket sprinkled with crunchy bacon will have you munching with joy. I was glad there was so much salad because the tiny pork medallions was a huge letdown, the ugliness of extremely dry meat disguised with the saving grace being the honey mustard. As much as I enjoy relishing in the close-knit atmosphere, the food leaves a lot to be desired. But with a such an extensive menu, I might return to do some more food exploration, Cairns is a great...

Cairns RSL – Consistently Welcoming and Delicious

We’ve dined at the Cairns RSL three nights in a row—and there’s no doubt we’ll be back for a fourth. From the moment you walk in, the staff greet you with a friendly nod and a genuine smile. It’s the kind of place where you feel recognized and welcomed, which makes all the difference.

The food has been consistently great: generous portions, well-prepared, and reasonably priced. There’s a solid selection of beers to pair with your meal, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting.

On one visit, I ordered the pork medallions for Mum. I asked for the sauce on the side, just in case it was spicy—it wasn’t, but she found the pork a little dry and left one of the chops. The staff member who took our order noticed and kindly asked if everything was okay. When Mum mentioned the dryness, a gentleman who appeared to be the manager came over and offered to make it right, suggesting garlic bread or a dessert to help make up for the disappointment. That kind of attentive service really stood out.

All in all, Cairns RSL has been a highlight of our evenings here—great food, thoughtful service, and a team that genuinely cares about...

Warning! Cairns RSL does not practise Covid social distancing in the outdoor dining area. All tables are used and fixed to the ground. When seated the backs of chairs from the next table touch each other. Although, rude, defensive staff member, Michael will assure you the Covid Police have given their approval. I beg to differ, even blind Freddy would know that two occupied chairs touching each other is not Social Distancing as per Covid rules. Australian laws require Cairns RSL to provide a duty of care at all times for their customers and staff. Signing in was painfully slow, as the check in person is also making coffee's. Another long wait for Michael to finish at the bar to tell you to sit at any table. I'm sure the hard copy menus would be difficult to fully sanitise. Our table had not been cleaned from the last customer. We had to ask people who sat at the next table to distance, only to have more take their place. Also the table on the other side was occupied and chairs touching ours. We had to leave. Food and service was a big disappointment. Yes, we have eaten there many times over the years and found it very good. Maybe there is no one training...