+61 7 4252 7777+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
4:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Mon
4:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Thu
4:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Fri
4:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Sat
4:00 pm - 11:30 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Food and ambience
Moroccan, Bar, Fusion, Wine Bar, Gluten free options
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, View, Bar Scene
Is this a Moroccan restaurant?
Details
About
Capturing the spirit of Cairns with influences from afar, Rocco is a proud reflection of Mediterranean history mingled with a contemporary take on cuisine. Committing to locally sourced products and small artisanal producers, the chef delivers a mouth-watering menu. You can expect an inspired drinks menu with sophisticated sweet and savoury cocktails, and a stellar champagne list. Dining Menu available from 5:00pm - 9:00pm
PRICE RANGE
$12.00 – $28.00
CUISINES
Moroccan, Bar, Fusion, Wine Bar
Special Diets
Gluten free options
Meals
Drinks
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Non-smoking restaurants
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
238 reviews
Excellent
137
Very good
39
Average
25
Poor
12
Terrible
25
Kim N
Cairns213 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Beautiful venue with tasteful decor and ambience. amazing views north and south of Cairns on the deck. Food was a delight to the senses, we had tgree mezze dishes and classy out of the box cocktails. Locals can apply online for a membership card for the Crystalbrook group to receive 15% off. Service at this venue was sensational.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RileyCrystalbrook
Hi kimnL2131XL
Thanks for the great review. So delighted you enjoyed your meal and atmosphere at Rocco. We loveIt is always great to welcome a Crystalbrook local, hope to see you again soon.
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ekd1414
16 contributions
Apr 2021 • friends
We visited Rocco during our stay at Crystalbrook. We checked in at 6pm and the staff at the hotel told us about Rocco so we went up for dinner and drinks. Our party consisted of 4 adults as well as my 3 month old daughter who was in her pram. Reception told us that Rocco turned into a 18+ venue after 9pm but until then we would be able to have dinner. When we arrived we were told by the maitre d that it is an over 12 yo only venue and that we were allowed to come in this one time as an exception could be made for us. This made me feel very unwelcome and uncomfortable, we were sat in the very far corner of the veranda (which was fine as we hadn’t made a booking) however it then started raining and we asked two waiters if it was possible to move inside to eat our mains if a table had come free. I would have understood if this request couldn’t be accommodated however neither waiter followed through with the request or even came back over to us with an answer.
We were also told that there was no table service outside and we would have to order at the bar but again an “exception” would be made for us so we could order at the table. It was all quite confusing and although the food was nice and the cocktails were lovely I will dine somewhere I am made to feel welcomed at next time especially when spending a considerable amount at the restaurant ( starters, entrees and mains for 4 adults plus 2-3 drinks each).
Written 30 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaun A
Hi There,
Thank you so much for leaving us a review! We are sorry that you felt unwelcomed as this was definitely not our intention and by the sound of your review tried to accommodate were we could, however we have not met your expectations and again apologies immensely for this.
Please visit us again soon,
Warm Regards,
The Rocco Team
Please come by again soon.
Warm Regards,
The Rocco Team.
Written 9 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CJamesG40
Sydney74 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
Excellent bar, such a good vibe and friendly staff. The cured salmon was one of the highlight dishes I had while in the Cairns/Port Douglas region. Beautifully presented and apparently the salmon is cured on site..hats off to the chef. The other dish we tried was the flatbreads and dips which was equally delicious. Unfortunately it was raining so we missed out on what would be a spectacular view but the ambience made up for it as did the peach Bellinis and the lovely staff serving the tables. Highly recommend, book ahead though as it is busy.
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaun A
Hi There,
Thank you so much for leaving us a review!
We are so glad you enjoyed yourself.
Please come by again soon.
Warm Regards,
The Rocco Team
Written 9 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J_B
Cairns8 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Thought this would be a pleasant place to take my wife for a meal. Turns out it’s not a restaurant, it’s a wine bar that serves over priced, poor quality food.
Ordered garlic prawns and steak.
Received 6 tiny prawns on a tiny bed of rice for $35.
Steak was $44, over cooked and with no sides, literally meat on a plate.
Place was full of 18-25 yo drinking and being loud which is fine but no one was social distancing, dress code was not adhered to.
I received a phone call earlier in the day to tell me the dress code is strictly no thongs and singlets. We arrive and 20% of people are wearing thongs.
The view was nice.
Very disappointed, not just for our own experience, but being locals this is what tourists come and experience in our beautiful part of the world. It’s a shame.
Written 24 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CrystalbrookCairns
Hi J_B
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. I do understand some of the confusion as different to traditional restaurants our concept does revolve more around cocktails and champagne to compliment food. I am truly sorry that your time with us was less than satisfactory, we do strive to give the best experience we can so this will most definitely be something that we discuss with our team.
Venue Manager
Beau Newman
Written 5 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ACMILANFAN1
Cairns73 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Meal portions have shrunk considerably since our last visit. The tiny portions are very expensive and will be OK for well healed Middle Eastern tourists when Emerates or similar flies to Cairns! e.g. A few small thin slices of raw fish over twenty dollars, tasteless chicken similar price, a small piece of meat over thirty dollars etc Sparkling mineral water $8, the same can be bought for a couple of dollars at supermarkets.
The restaurant has clear VIEWS over Cairns ' infamous mudflats.
Service is OK but they appear to be grossly understaffed.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RileyCrystalbrook
Hi ACMILANFAN1
So sorry to hear about your experience. We take feedback very seriously and will pass along to management,
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Graham B
Bribie Island7 contributions
Sept 2021 • family
Great view of Cairns, but the place has strict rules. Once you book you think that would be it but then a few hours later they send an email to say you have to reconfirm your booking.
No children after 7pm and strict dress code.
After all this we thought this place must be pretty fancy, we followed all the rules.
We then ordered the Champagne and oysters to have a romantic dinner and were told they don’t have oysters.
What a disappointment, a fancy place like that and they cannot even serve up something that is clearly on the menu.
The prices were high we could not get what we wanted so decided to go somewhere else.
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaun A
Hi There Graham,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, although we do feel as though we should shed some light on a few things you mentioned in your review that is of useful information for you and your group next time you dine with us.
The automated booking confirmation system is set up to ensure guests who have made a booking (Weeks beforehand, or on that day) are still confirmed to attend their booking, this is to ensure we are not holding tables for parties who have changed their mind. This system is pretty common practice within established venues nowadays.
The Champagne and Oyster offer was a "Preorder only" offering to ensure we could order in produce fresh. So unfortunately, this was not something you could order A La Carte. We did check to see if it was possible for us to cater for you and your group however because there was no preorder of this, we did not order into the venue.
We hope you understand and do wish for you to dine again with us soon.
Warm regards,
The Rocco Team
Written 14 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
grace_villani
Cairns131 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
After moving to Cairns and constantly driving past Rocco by Crystalbrook we decided to give it a try. We arrived at our booking time to be escorted to our outdoor table, wow what a view except for the loud "doof doof" music playing and a speaker above my seat made it rather unpleasant.... We ordered the freshly chucked oysters, patatas bravas, Charcutier board and bottle of Brookland Valley " verses 1" wine for $70 (mind you this only $14 bottle of wine. But I understand running these places are expensive and need to make a profit. Our wine arrived without a problem and then the charcutier board (which was on a round plate not a board). We sat there without plates, cutlery or napkin until we asked a friendly waitress (Alisha?) apologized and bought these items. I mentioned to my partner don't you find it odd the oysters and other dishes didn't come out first? So we waited and then proceeded to eat the charcutier board or should I say plate. The Toum was uneatable, I understand its a garlic sauce/dip but the garlic was so overpowering it was awful. The duck liver pate could have been anything we actually thought it was salmon. but lacked any real flavor. The cornichons were straight out of a jar and were so vinegary were horrible. The salami was tasteless and slimy not cut fresh. Overall, an ordinary dish, we waited another 10 mins and as the dishes we ordered hadn't arrived. I said let's get the bill and get out of here. The bill arrived and sure enough were charged for the dishes we didn't receive. We mention to the waitress (Alisha the only bright light in the place) we'd been charged for 2 dishes we didn't receive, and she was again very apologetic and changed the bill. We paid a $107 for an ordinary bottle of wine and a charcutier board I could have done better at home. The whole experience was poor and floor staff lacked the training needed. And the food ...Shocking.
Written 17 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rocco C
Hi grace_villani, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and provide some constructive feedback. We will pass this onto our team to ensure we are always striving to improve our offering.
Warm Regards
The Rocco Team
Written 21 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Louise
4 contributions
Apr 2022 • couples
Rocco for us was underwhelming, the food and drinks were underwhelming for a 5 star roof
top restaurant with a dress code and the prices being charged.
We ordered several items off the menu to share and asked to have them come out spaced out which the waiter said was totally fine, instead they all came at the same time and this resulted in dishes going cold we also were felt squashed with so many plates on our small table.
The homemade dips didn’t taste homemade especially the beetroot and the prawns were cold by the time we ate them and covered in far too much garlic.
I had two cocktails one was so full of crushed ice there was hardly any liquid and I was given a tiny paper straw to try drink it and the second was mainly fairy floss and hardly any liquids.
We were disappointed as we did have higher expectations given the amazing view and pricing.
Probably won’t come back.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaun A
Hi There,
Thank you for providing this feedback. We are sorry we missed the mark during your experience and will pass this on to our teams.
Warm Regards,
The Rocco Team
Written 26 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glenn1962
Sydney180 contributions
June 2022 • couples
Decor was lovely, service was excellent, food was average and air conditioning was freezing.
We had the $49 sampler and the 6 items were reasonably tasty as Mediterranean food goes but lacked real authenticity. There was not much of it for the money and no small desert like a baklava was included... that was extra. At nearly $100 for 2 people it was definitely light on on the food side.
We moved 3 times to try and find a warmer spot as the air conditioning was very cold and the few outside tables were taken. The lovely manager later told me she agreed and needed to speak to engineering as she could not increase the temperature herself. That's strange.
With a few drinks and shared desert our bill was over $180 and we would both have to say there are better options in Cairns.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaun A
Hi There Glenn1962,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We will take your feedback onbaord.
We hope to have you dine with us again soon,
Warm regards,
The Rocco Team
Written 24 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claudia
Greater Sydney3 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
The atmosphere of the restaurant and drinks were fantastic. Food was pretty average. The service was good and they were very accommodating when it came to removing an item of food from the bill that was undercooked. Great place to go just for drinks!
Written 15 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaun A
Hi there Claudia,
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review. Firstly please accept our apologies that we did not meet the mark you were expecting from us.
We believe in doing the right thing, and if there is every an instance where our product does not meet your expectation, we will endeavor our best to ensure you leave satisfied. We hope this was the case with you.
Please come by again soon.
Thank you,
Shaun Allen
Food & Beverage Outlets Manager
Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort
Written 17 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nigel Y
Cairns269 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
Intimate bar at the top of Riley Crystalbrook on Cairns Esplanade. Fabulous views of Cairns and plenty of drink and food options. Dress code applies so no things. Try the alcoholic fruit punch served in pineapple decanter with label.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RileyCrystalbrook
Hi nigely2015
Thank you for the great review. So thrilled you got to enjoy a drink while lapping in the views. Hope to see you again soon.
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Travel398171
2 contributions
Nov 2022 • friends
My partner and I took our friend to Rocco for dinner early November. I had been SO looking forward to it but I honestly could not have been more disappointed. My partner left the restaurant hungry & we had to buy him a late night meal elsewhere. We ordered the set menu. For $150 we each received 1 oyster (delicious), 1 kafta (ordinary) and one fried chicken wing (very ordinary) and a small amount of bread & labne. The dessert of churros was the highlight of the extremely overpriced meal. The staff were nice but too busy. For the kind of restaurant Rocco’s is trying to be, staff need to be more available, empty plates shouldn’t be sitting unattended. I’ve never written a bad review before but I just can’t believe how bad this place was. I note most peoples rave reviews are about the cocktails - that’s great, if it were purely a bar, and food is more of a side thing but that’s the not the case. The atmosphere is lovely but I’d stick to a sunset drink and eat elsewhere.
Written 25 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rocco C
Hi Travel398171, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and provide some constructive feedback. We will pass this onto our team to ensure we are always striving to improve our offering.
Warm Regards
The Rocco Team
Written 21 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mik Sa
42 contributions
June 2021 • couples
Recommend by a friend went up for some sunset bevies on a busy Friday. The host Thiagio was so welcoming and sat me and my partner on a incredible balcony table and convinced us on having some food as well, best recommendation ever, the barra was incredibly cooked and my partner loved the churros. Spot on!! Niki our waiter was fabulous . The guys at the bar got us to try some new cocktails coming on the new menu, totally recommend the afrodithes , it’s pure pleasure !! Will definitely come back and visit on my next visit to cairns ! Thanks to everyone for making our evening so special !
Written 18 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaun A
Hi there Miguel!
Thank you kindly for such a raving review! We are so glad you enjoyed your experience, from the Food, to the service, and of course the drinks! (Shhhh! Don't spoil too much about our up coming cocktails!)
Thank you again taking the time to leave your review and we hope you come back and dine again soon.
Warm regards,
The Rocco Team
Written 19 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Will Smart
Buderim18 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
After a last minute decision to eat here and just before closing, we were welcomed in and given our choice of table, then attentive staff looked after our every wish even with special requests.
The meals were spectacular, with unique presentation. I had to call chef Rob out just to thank him and let him know how rare it is to find someone who serves every item on the plate like a hero ingredient.
We eat in fine places around the world, my promise is that few are as humble and incredible as this young chef.
Meals, cocktails and wine selection all impeccable and unusual.
Thanks guys, was our Cairns top spot without a doubt.
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaun A
Wow - what a review!
Thank you kindly for your warm words, around Service, product and ofcourse Chef Roberto.
We can tell your words hold alot of weight and we are thrilled to have taken the top spot of your Cairns visit.
Please come dine with us again soon,
Warm Regards,
The Rocco Team
Written 14 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WeTrippinAU
Brisbane1453 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
Due to covid we have been restricted in our travel, as a result we have been travelling to cairns regularly for breaks away from Brisbane. From our first stay at the Riley for 9 nights, we visited Rocco twice. Every time the staff have been amazing, fast, attentive. On saturdays they have an amazing house DJ called Anya who made us want to come back a 2nd time. Lucky for us she was playing again on our second visit. The staff remembered us from our first visit and were very welcoming and quick to help us with our drinks orders.
Our next trip we decided to dine and not just drink. We told our waitress Nikki how hungry we were and she made sure our meals came our super quick. Her service the whole night was incredible! The food was fresh and full of flavour. The sirloin steak was presented beautifully and had lots of flavour. We also had the kofta and one of the platter boards.
All were delicious. Special thanks to Tiago and Jordon, along with Nikki for providing such amazing service. We will always come back every trip to cairns as Rocco is our favourite place to hangout
P.S try the chick flick cocktail for dessert, it’s heaven!
Written 25 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaun A
Hi There!
Thank you so much for leaving us a lovely review! We are so glad you enjoyed our usual 5-star service, whether it be the entertainment or the Food & Drink offering!
It makes us feel so good knowing that you had such a great experience. I will pass on your kind words to Tiago, Nikki, Jordan and Anya!
Come by for another Chick Flick soon! ;)
Warm Regards,
The Rocco Team.
Written 9 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 231
Related Stories
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing