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Guyala Cafe
Review
About
Guyala [pronounced goo-ya-la] is the local indigenous word for the White Breasted Sea Eagle and is also the name of the mountain range embracing the Southern side of Trinity Inlet. We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land our cafe is on, and believe language is an important key to maintaining and celebrating culture. We serve thoughtful food with an emphasis on indigenous and local ingredients, as well as creating a delicious flavour balance. International culinary influence is the philosophy of our menu. Plant-based and gluten-free options are available. Serving Tattooed Sailor Coffee Roasters coffee.
Features
CUISINES
Cafe, Healthy, Australian
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
FEATURES
Dog Friendly
Free Wifi
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Takeout
Waterfront
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Parking Available, Street Parking
Is this restaurant appropriate for Kids?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 7:00 AM
Sunday
7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Monday
7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Tuesday
7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Wednesday
7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Thursday
7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Friday
7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Saturday
7:00 am - 2:30 pm
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4.8
56 reviews
Excellent
47
Good
7
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Peter L
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • couples
Greeted so well from the start and asked to wait while they seated another couple. Breakfast was so simple but beautifully presented. The finishing touch was when they waited for both of us to finish our meal before they cleared the plates. That was appreciated so much as we have had experiences where they clear one plate and my wife has not finished.
Written 12 March 2024
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.
Josephine Richards
Melbourne35 contributions
Jan 2023 • none
We have just finished a 10 day holiday in Cairns. Without doubt this was the best food we had there and we dined at some great cafes and restaurants.
Service was great, only a short wait for the food even though they were busy.
My wife had the pina colada waffles and I had the tropical avocado on toast, absolutely brilliant.
The cafe is just a short distance from the main CBD but well worth the 2 minute drive to get there.
Written 18 January 2023
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.
Sian F
Hi Josephine!
Thank you for taking the time to share such lovely words. We are pleased that you enjoyed your Waffle Stack and Tropical Avocado Toast. We hope to welcome you back to Cairns very soon!
Guyala Team 💚🌴
Written 28 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
thereiwent
Melbourne22 contributions
June 2021 • family
Chanced upon this cafe near the end of the boardwalk out of Cairns.
Innovative menu, delicious food and excellent coffee. Waitress could not be more pleasant and helpful with little tips about where locals eat in the suburbs.
Written 30 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.
Kyle B
9 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
Incompetent.
Ordered three meals, two meals arrived and went cold while we waited 10 minutes for the other one to follow, I ordered the Smashed Avocado on Toast, it arrived and was just a solitary slice of toast, bear in mind it cost $20...and it wasn't even toasted, it was Smashed Avocado on 'Bread'. I politely returned the Smashed Avocado on 'Bread' and kindly ask for the advertised 'Toast'. Having waited a further period of time for the mistake to be rectified my guests had finished their dining experience and we just awkwardly waited. Once it arrived, the Smashed Avocado on 'Bread' remained with no Toast in sight.
I Would never usually complain or write a review, but for the price of the slice of bread I received, i would hate some other innocent Patron to experience this 'Pitfall'
Quite obvious the Kitchen staff are either incompetent or imbecilic. Do yourself a favor and keep walking past, much better options in the Cairns city.
Credit where credits due, Floor staff and table service were great.
Written 28 December 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.
Sian F
Hi Kyle,
We appreciate you taking the time to offer your feedback. However, we'd appreciate a more courteous tone when speaking about our team next time.
The portion control for our avocado toast has been carefully discussed amongst our kitchen team. We recently transitioned to a new bread after our previous supplier closed. The new sourdough is denser, more filling and more expensive. While you received one slice, you will remember that it was a considerably large slice.
Due to the nature of this new bread, it takes more time to toast. Mindful that your other guests were continuing their meals, our team was keen to toast your second bread longer while also not making you wait too long.
We'd also like to point out that you ate your entire second meal and assured two of our floor staff (who both checked in) that there was no problem this time. We're unsure how we could have known there was still an issue when this indicated otherwise. We're pleased that you acknowledged the professionalism of the service you received and wish this had reflected clearer in your one-star rating.
The price of the Avocado Toast is in line with comparable meals at other cafes, taking into account the speciality ingredients - including finger lime, lemon myrtle and mango, macadamia and coconut dukkah.
If you could email us via hello@guyalacafe.com.au, we'd really appreciate the opportunity to have a polite conversation regarding how we can turn this around.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Guyala Team 💚🌴
Written 2 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lesley P
4 contributions
Jan 2024 • friends
Guyala never disappoints, but OMG, their lobster mac and cheese special today was next level! The most delicious mac and cheese I’ve ever eaten with the added bonus of copious amounts of beautiful lobster! Was lucky to get it as it was a carry over special from the previous day’s public holiday special, but rumour has it, you can get it any time if you preorder a few days in advance, so I’m definitely going to try that in the future, as I can’t wait until the next public holiday!
Written 26 January 2024
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.
Sarahellen Kammoora
Hi there,
Thanks for sharing your feedback; we're thrilled you enjoyed your special lobster Mac and Cheese!
We agree - don't wait till the next public holiday – life's too short!
Guyala Team 💚🌴
Written 28 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sunseeker 1979
Brisbane35 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
Great location, fabulous food, attentive and fast service. Will definitely be back. Ordered eggs Benedict with lemon myrtle hollandaise and Barista’s juice recommendation (orange, apple, watermelon and ginger). Was all delicious and will order again.
Written 22 October 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.
Sian Fields
Hi Leigh!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review! We're thrilled to have made a good impression, we look forward to seeing you next time!
Guyala Team 💚🌴
Written 23 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lady_Mergon
Cairns66 contributions
Feb 2021 • couples
We didn't know this cafe existed and only went there following a recommendation by someone who had recently discovered it themselves. We were not disappointed. The coffee was fabulous and the Basque burnt cheesecake was a first, but definitely not a last! So delicious. It was nice to have the choice to sit outside or in the air conditioning; either location affording a view across the esplanade to the sea. This cafe offers quality and is well worth a visit.
Written 13 February 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.
Beaudyl B
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • solo
Could not fault my breakfast experience at Guyala! And it was exactly that, an experience. The atmosphere and location was so relaxing and the food I ordered I really took it above and beyond just being the regular “avo on toast”.
Great friendly and quick service and such a beautiful vibe!
Written 2 October 2023
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.
Sian Fields
Thanks for trying our Tropical Avo Toast! We're pleased you enjoyed your visit and look forward to welcoming you back again soon!
Guyala Team 💚🌴
Written 17 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Victoria B
Cairns51 contributions
Feb 2023 • solo
The most wonderful service and amazing coffee/food.....overlooking the ocean with lovely breezes (even a simple chai is made with love and care). One of the best cafes in Cairns.
Not sure if they provide this but would make the perfect space, food etc for a wedding reception :-)
Written 6 February 2023
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.
Sian Fields
Hi Victoria,
Thanks for the epic review of Guyala! We're so grateful to be considered "one of the best in Cairns". We are certainly open to private functions and have held a number of evening events in the past.
We are very lucky to work where we do!
Guyala Team 💚🌴
Written 13 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul_F_PF77
30 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
We had a lovely family breakfast at GuYaLa. It’s a nice quiet spot at the northern end of the Cairns Esplanade with friendly staff, and excellent food. Between us we tried the Roo-Ben (like a New York Reuben sandwich but with peppered kangaroo instead of pastrami), the tropical avocado on toast with poached egg, and the Mushrooms on Toast which is apparently national award-winning! All were excellent, as were the coffees and juices we ordered. Definitely recommended.
Written 19 December 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.
Sian F
Hi Paul!
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us! We're thrilled that you enjoyed our meals, service and location.
See you next time!
Guyala Team 💚🌴
Written 26 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JudyChris
Brisbane147 contributions
July 2022 • couples
We visited for lunch and really enjoyed the experience. The cafe is sleek and modern, and the staff are friendly and efficient. I ordered the smashed avocado on toast and was singularly impressed. I order this regularly at restaurants, but this is the best I have had. There were many tasty and unusual accompaniments which worked very well together, and provided a wonderful depth of flavour.
My husband had the huevos rancheros which was attractively prepared and basically delicious. The only reason I did not give this cafe 5 stars was that the bean sauce was a little sweet for his taste. It would probably be perfect for other diners.
We will definitely return.
Written 26 July 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.
Sian F
Hi Judy,
Thank you for your feedback! We're pleased that our Tropical Avocado Toast exceeded your previous experiences!
Hopefully, your husband will find something even more to his taste next time 🤞 We recommend the Roo-ben or the Truffle Mushroom (current special).
Guyala Team 💚🌴
Written 2 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
285RichardH285
Sydney34 contributions
June 2022 • couples
Friendly Vietnamese staff welcomed us and were genuinely keen to ensure a pleasant experience. A light outdoor setting adjacent to the garden was relaxing, and the food was imaginative, tasty and well prepared.
The coffees were late to to some miscommunication, but it was the least bollocksed up order we had in the last three days in Cairns. A delight and we’d look forward to returning.
Written 13 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.
Sian F
Hi Richard!
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. 💚
We look forward to welcoming you back to Cairns some time!
Guyala Team 🌴
Written 13 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phoebe MW
3 contributions
Aug 2021 • friends
We had an amazing breakfast, sharing the eggs Benedict and Pina Colada waffles. It was a creative and delicious way of providing breakfast with a classy and native influence. Ange was our server and she was so accomodating and helpful with her recommendations. I will be coming back here anytime I travel to Cairns because of the amazing service and absolutely delicious food !
Written 28 August 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.
RobynB83
Cairns26 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
This little gem is gold! Interesting menu options which deliver excellent food, and the staff are very attentive without being intrusive. The cheesecake is totally decadent and perfectly delicious. With the choice of air conditioning or open air dining, you can enjoy sea breezes or escape the humidity.
Written 1 February 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.
Sean C
Sunshine Coast214 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
My coffee standards are fairly high but I wasn't disappointed - very decent coffee (I drink it black).
Food is good value for money when considering the portion sizes.
The yellow smoothie was very tasty and highly recommended.
Written 21 November 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.
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