Esplanade views
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Paper Crane by Crystalbrook

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Paper Crane by Crystalbrook is a vibrant poolside bar and Asian fusion restaurant on Cairns Esplanade, offering stunning sea views and creative dishes...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Esplanade views

Paper Crane by Crystalbrook

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Paper Crane by Crystalbrook is a vibrant poolside bar and Asian fusion restaurant on Cairns Esplanade, offering stunning sea views and creative dishes.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The food was delicious, the drinks were better. Leo and the rest of the staff were fantastic."

TIP

Try the 'Feed Me' Menu

Opt for the 'Feed Me' menu for a variety of dishes and great value.

Be Aware of Peak Times

Potential delays may occur during peak times due to staff shortages.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

Asian fusion

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+61 7 4252 7777

Address

Ground Floor, 131-141, Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Waterfront Views

Stunning Waterfront Views

Enjoy a relaxed vibe with stunning views of the Coral Sea from this prime Esplanade location. Perfect for people-watching and soaking up the sun.

Playful Asian Fusion Cuisine

Playful Asian Fusion Cuisine

Experience modern Asian fusion with creative twists, using fresh Queensland produce to create shareable dishes inspired by across Asia.

7 Best Restaurants in Cairns28 of the best Cairns restaurants to dine at now13 of the best restaurants in Cairns
Exceptional Service & Atmosphere

Exceptional Service & Atmosphere

Diners rave about the friendly and attentive staff, especially Juan and Leo, who create a memorable and welcoming dining experience.

Google Review+3
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @echoeden_0 #papercrane #papercranetutorial
@jonistartup
550 likes • 15K views

Try the 'Feed Me' Menu

Opt for the 'Feed Me' menu for a variety of dishes and great value.

Be Aware of Peak Times

Potential delays may occur during peak times due to staff shortages.

Don't Miss the King Prawns

The King Prawns are a highly recommended highlight and a standout dish.

Consider Crowd Member Discounts

Sign up for Crowd member discounts to get 10% off your meal.

Tips

from all over the internet

Try the 'Feed Me' Menu

Opt for the 'Feed Me' menu for a variety of dishes and great value.

Be Aware of Peak Times

Potential delays may occur during peak times due to staff shortages.

Don't Miss the King Prawns

The King Prawns are a highly recommended highlight and a standout dish.

Consider Crowd Member Discounts

Sign up for Crowd member discounts to get 10% off your meal.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Paper Crane by Crystalbrook offers a modern Asian fusion experience with many patrons praising the fresh flavors and delightful presentation. The service is frequently highlighted as exceptional, with staff going above and beyond to ensure a great experience. While many dishes are well-loved, some reviewers found certain items to be average or overpriced, and occasional delays can occur during busy periods.

"I recently visited with my friend for dinner. The waiters were super friendly and always alert for our needs. The space was nice. We had the mushroom baos, which were very nice, and the stir fry chicken and the Paper Crane fried rice to share. They were both really good and had nice flavours, the only thing I would change was that we thought the fried rice lacked some protein, for example, it could have bigger shrimps. I also had the rose organic wine, and it was amazing!!
Overall, really nice experience and incredible staff."

Beatriz Santos

"Thoroughly impressed and delighted with the dining experience at Paper Crane. The food was tasty, fresh and well balanced, the servings generous and all dishes complemented each other. Dont miss the King Prawns - they were the highlight. Juan, Hanni and the rest of the wait staff were very attentive and kind. Keep up the fantastic food and service! Dont forget to sign up for Crowd member discounts 10%."

jonalinej

"I recently visited this restaurant with a friend and had such a great time. The atmosphere was lovely and relaxing, making it easy to enjoy our meal.

Our server, Hane was incredibly friendly and welcoming. She gave us some great recommendations, and every dish she suggested was absolutely delicious. Her warm and cheerful attitude really added to the experience.

It’s the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression — I’d definitely love to come back again."

Jen Fav

What People Like

Delicious and fresh Asian fusion dishes
Attentive and friendly service
Stunning waterfront ambiance

What People Dislike

Some dishes average or overpriced
Potential for delays during peak times
Small portion sizes noted for some dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Paper Crane is known for its modern Asian fusion cuisine with playful twists, utilizing fresh local produce, and offering stunning waterfront views.

Top 10 Restaurants in Cairns this valentines7 Best Restaurants in Cairns28 of the best Cairns restaurants to dine at now

The King Prawns are highly recommended. Other popular choices include the soft-shell crab and various share plates.

TikTokGoogle Review

Yes, the service is consistently praised as friendly, attentive, and exceptional, with staff like Juan and Leo often mentioned by name.

Google Review+3

Yes, Paper Crane offers a full buffet breakfast daily with a choice of options and sweeping views of the Coral Sea.

Start your Morning at these top Cafes in Cairns

Yes, signing up for Crowd member discounts can provide a 10% saving on your meal.

Google Review

While specific hours are not detailed, breakfast is served daily from 6:30 am. It's recommended to check for lunch and dinner service times.

Start your Morning at these top Cafes in Cairns

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Paper Crane is Crystalbrook Riley’s signature bar by their pool, and the perfect palace to sip champagne or cocktails in the sunshine with the relaxed ambience of their tropical pool area. This bar and restaurant is located on the Esplanade, so it’s perfect for staring out over the Coral Sea, or for people watching and doggo-spotting as the afternoon rolls on by. Crystalbrook Riley, 131-141 The Esplanade, Cairns

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Paper Crane is conveniently located on The Cairns Esplanade, a beautiful 2.5km stretch of foreshore with playgrounds and parklands, making it easily accessible and offering a stunning view. Paper Crane offers a modern Asian fusion experience like no other. The restaurant takes full advantage of tropical Queensland’s fresh produce to create a menu that instantly transports you to the bustling streets of Asia.

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If you love fresh and delicious Asian cuisine with a twist, Paper Crane by Crystalbrook is one of the best restaurants in Cairns to visit. Inside the Crystalbrook Riley Hotel, Paper Crane is an Asian-fusion restaurant (which Australia does like nowhere else). The menu here draws inspiration from Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine and is designed to be shared among friends and family.

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Another Crystalbrook favourite, Paper Crane, takes your Cairns café experience to the next level. Enjoy a full buffet breakfast on the deck for just $42 per person, available daily from 6:30 am. With sweeping views of the Esplanade and the Coral Sea, you can feast on fresh pastries, a choice of cereals, bacon and eggs, tropical fruits, and more.

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Dine on abundant Asian flavours at Paper Crane by Crystalbrook. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). For tastes of Asia with a playful twist, Paper Crane is an incredible fusion restaurant, beautifully highlighting Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese-inspired dishes.

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If you love fresh and delicious Asian cuisine, look no further than the stunning waterfront restaurant, Paper Crane by Crystalbrook. The menu is designed to share and includes a range of mouth-watering small, medium and main size dishes along with sides. Our recommendations?

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Paper Crane offers Asian Fusion Food on the Cairns Esplanade. In fact, the restaurant puts a playful spin on Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Korean flavors. Located inside Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, the restaurant is modern and hip.

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