Nu Nu Restaurant

We were really looking forward to dining here in Palm Cove, but the service and attitude from management really let it down.

We arrived about 10 minutes early for our booking and politely asked if we could sit down a little early or even just have a drink while we waited. We made it clear that if they couldn’t accommodate that, it was totally fine, we’d happily go for a walk and come back. Instead of simply saying “sorry, not ready yet,” the manager acted like we were asking them to move heaven and earth. She looked confused, left us standing there for several minutes, then told us to sit out the front on a bench and said they could serve us drinks there.

We again said it was fine if they weren’t ready, but they insisted it was okay and took our drink order, which never arrived. By the time our actual booking time had passed, we still hadn’t been seated. When we finally were, they asked again if we wanted drinks, apparently forgetting the earlier order entirely. There were already other diners seated inside, so it wasn’t like we were asking for anything unreasonable.

The rest of the night didn’t improve much. The service was slow, inattentive, and just not very thoughtful. At one point we asked whether we should order one or two serves of an entrée to share, and were told one would be fine, but when it arrived it was clearly not meant for two people. It really felt like no one was thinking about the guest experience.

To be fair, the food itself was actually quite good, but the customer service completely ruined what could have been a great evening. For what’s meant to be a great restaurant, the whole experience just felt awkward, unwelcoming, and poorly managed. A simple “we’re not ready yet, please come back in 10 minutes” would have been perfectly fine, but instead it started the night on the wrong foot and never...

Had dinner at Nu-Nu on Friday night. We were extremely impressed! The staff are all so welcoming and professional and kind. The inside is clean and modern, and it is very comfortable. I had a watermelon cocktail which was delicious! My partner had a gin and tonic which he loved. We ordered a few smaller dishes to share. The only vegetarian options are the smaller dishes. They didn't have any vegetarian meals from what we could see. However, the dishes were so delicious!

Firstly, there was was complementary appetiser. I didn't quite hear what they said it was but it was thin and crispy like a long vegetable chip, with a tangy dust on it. Second we had a sourdough bread with lemon and oil which was incredible. Next we had a few slices of spiced eggplant. I need to say, I normally hate eggplant, like I despise it, but oh my gosh. This eggplant was DEVINE. It was spiced beautifully and it was so soft and tender but not in the typical wet 'eggplant' way. Then we had bowl of potato cubes (can't remember the names of these sorry), which were beautiful and crispy and buttery. Then we had watermelon with goats cheese, molasses toast (which was wafery and tasted just like toast it was amazing), it was beautiful, everything paired so well. I also had a salmon thing with some sort of sprouts, and it had salmon eggs too. It was tangy, nutty and delicious.

This is definitely fine dining but we still spent only around $100 for 2 of us and we left extremely satisfied and full! We are coming back here for breakfast soon which I am keen for!

Edit: we came here for breakfast later and the food was also amazing! Really...

Nu Nu Restaurant in Palm Cove delivers one of the finest dining experiences in the region. From the moment you arrive, the setting makes an impression , tropical palms swaying by the beachfront, stylish décor with greenery woven throughout, and a layout that feels both relaxed and elegant. The interior design is creative, with vibrant touches like patterned tables, hanging plants, and displays of house-made jams, condiments, and local produce. It immediately feels like a place that celebrates the Far North Queensland lifestyle.

The food is outstanding, beautifully presented and full of flavour. At breakfast, dishes like the avocado toast, poached eggs, and house-baked breads were generous, fresh, and refined without losing their simplicity. Dinner was a true highlight, from the opening snacks to the carefully balanced mains. Every plate showed attention to detail in both plating and taste. Cocktails were imaginative, colourful, and matched perfectly with the food, adding to the sense of occasion.

Service at Nu Nu is polished yet warm. The team are attentive throughout the dining experience, refilling glasses, explaining dishes, and checking in without being intrusive. It feels professional and genuinely welcoming at the same time.

Yes, Nu Nu is on the pricier side, but it is absolutely worth it for the quality, consistency, and beachfront atmosphere. Without question, it is the best dining experience in Palm Cove and a must-visit for anyone wanting...