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.
Jam
Review
About
"The perfect opportunity to enjoy good food & wine with family & friends" over Lunch & Dinner. JAM is a local Townsville restaurant dedicated to providing seasonally inspired menus. Our Gourmet Traveler awarded wist list offers overs an extensive selection of wines to complement your dining experience. Relax in our dining room, or outside on the corner terrace with city and river views. The elegant private dining room "Luxe Room" is perfect for social or business gatherings up to 18 guests. LOFT by Jam is Located on the first floor, the function room with large balconies overlooking the CBD and Ross River. Available for lunch or dinner group bookings, we can tailor menus for any occasion .
Features
CUISINES
Contemporary, Healthy, Australian
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
American Express
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Takeout
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available, Street Parking
Is this location primarily known for Bars & Pubs?
Reserve a table
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed today
Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Wednesday
12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Thursday
12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Friday
12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Saturday
12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
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.
4.3
1,356 reviews
Excellent
818
Very good
332
Average
110
Poor
54
Terrible
42
Trevor B
Invercargill19 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
My wife and I went to Jam tonight for dinner.
We had the tasting menu and it was fantastic.
The food was so good and the chefs obviously know their trade and can come up with these fabulous flavour combinations.
The staff were a breath of fresh air. It is so refreshing to be served by a crew of young people who appear so motivated to make our dining experience so enjoyable.
They were friendly, pleasant, happy and all had such great warm welcoming smiles.
Their knowledge of the menu was very good, their ability to explain the menu to use was top notch.
Because of the efforts of the whole crew we had a memorable experience.
The owners are very lucky to have these wonderful people working for them.
Written 17 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.
SR64
21 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
We had an excellent, well cooked meal in nice surroundings. I am quite fussy about where and what I eat and I was not disappointed - I had really interesting stuffed courgette flowers for starters and my husband had good fish courses.
We did not find it overly expensive - in contrast we did find supermarket food much more costly than in the UK!
It was definitely the best meal during our month of travelling from Perth via Sydney to Cairns.
Written 2 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.
MCM33
Hi Xerx55, thank you for dining with us while visiting Townsville.
We are glad you enjoyed your dining experience including the zucchini flowers and barramundi.
Safe travels back home to the UK
Written 5 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachael
1 contribution
July 2022 • none
We planned a surprise 60th upstairs at Jam. The evening was lovely, food was good! Staff were friendly and well organised. Ange the function co-ordinator was a great help with platter portions and correct food portions to cater for our numbers.
Great atmosphere and location. Would highly recommend Jam for private functions 😀
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.
Jenny
Brisbane37 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
After many great recommendations I took my friend for her birthday. We both ordered:
Green curry braised lamb, rice, coriander, mint, cucumber, lime, apple, raisin.
The lamb was very tender but there was no curry, no sauce, no mint, no cucumber, one fingernail size piece of apple (or cucumber). It was utterly tasteless and lacking sauce.
We both sent it back and chose instead battered local barramundi with chips, baby cos & avocado salad, aioli.
On delivery, the chips were great, the barramundi was slightly overcooked but there was no sign of the baby cos and avocado salad. The aioli was half a teaspoon dobbed onto the plate. The replacement salad was two spears of asparagus with 5 green beans char grilled with peach and goat’s cheese. This was really delicious and I preferred this to the advertised salad.
We shared a dessert of blood orange and kafir lime meringue tartlet. Unfortunately, the meringue was uncooked but coloured with the blow torch, but the filling was delicious and not overly sweet.
The bill was another matter. After the first attempt where we were charged for the two dishes we sent back, we had to query the overcharging again. Eventually, we arrived at a figure we were happy with and which reflected the prices on the menu.
The service staff could not have been more helpful and we apologised profusely for our necessary feedback. They were all very kind and understanding. We both saw this as a training opportunity for the wait staff, who have to take the brunt of poor kitchen practices.
Written 13 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.
Kelton M
1 contribution
July 2022 • couples
Do not go to jam if you want good food, after seeing many good reviews we decided to give it a try, we ordered a crab and bug pasta as an entree which was delicious, slightly under seasoned but no big deal. But the main courses were a disappointment to say the least. My partner ordered the seafood pasta which was very bland, I ordered the eye fillet which I requested medium rare. When the steak came out it became immediately noticeable after slicing into it that it was not cooked correctly and was not rested long enough, not only that it came with a jus which had the consistency of water it was very bland and not a jus. I would like to note the staff were amazing. The problem came when the issues were addressed to the owner Matt, he thought the food his chefs served was of an acceptable standard and wouldn’t even come out from the kitchen to address the matter directly. We kindly requested a completely fair adjustment of the bill. We did not ask for ask for a refund. Which was then denied by Matt. We were absolutely gobsmacked that he expected us to pay full price for what was supposed a lovely meal and was very average for the price you pay and the dining experience your supposed to receive. Very unprofessional on part of the owner, mate if that’s the way you run your business and are happy with average for a so called “fine dining experience” your business will eventually suffer by word of mouth. We would highly recommend going to the Bridgewater across the road where you actually get excellent food that’s outstanding and the customer service is impeccable. I have also been a chef for the last 12 years and have an extensive knowledge on food. Lost for words.
We are more than happy to pay for an expensive meal, but when you don’t get what you paid for and the food quality is not up to scratch it’s unacceptable to charge $50 for a steak.
I’ll add that we have never asked for an adjustment to a bill prior to this at any restaurant. DO NOT EAT at Jam expecting fine food and a fine dining experience, you’ll be met with utter disappointment.
Written 30 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.
TJ L
Townsville4 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
Everything was incredibly average and in no way matched the exorbitant price we were charged. You would expect this quality at a corner cafe where at least it's fast and cheap. But for a whopping $170 and a long wait for the food, parts of the meal were either over or undercooked (plus things on the menu that weren't available so had to settle). You can get a better steak at somewhere like 'Hogs Breath'. I think they're going for 'fine dining' but it felt like we were in a pub atmosphere and the food was a giant miss. We left the second we were done to walk down the street to Cactus Jacks in search of dessert that wouldn't let us down. Won't be returning anytime soon.
Written 5 March 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.
Libby O
Paris2 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
We were a group of six. We waited an hour and a half for our starters. They did not arrive together. I had to ask for water. The service was poor, no one checked on the table and when raised how poor some of the mains were, that was it. Overall a very disappointing experience that was an expensive night out.
The cocktails were excellent.
Written 20 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.
L C
4 contributions
Oct 2024 • business
Service was okay and I ordered a few items as I was told this is one of the best restaurants in Townsville.
The calamari was excellent, the prawns were (surprisingly) overcooked, and the scallops were inedible. I returned them to the kitchen where they were quick to admit that they made a mistake in the dressing but by this time I was so ill that I had to leave.
They weren’t particularly apologetic and, though I was pleased they didn’t charge me for the mistake, honestly the experience was so bad that I don’t know if I would return.
Written 24 October 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.
Alikat G
Townsville3 contributions
Dec 2024 • friends
This is a mixed review as I have been to Jam many times and usually it is really good. This time, while the service was excellent, I found the meal disappointing. In particular, I had the Townsville prawn and calamari salad as a main. There were only two prawns, both overcooked and one with a black head. There was a smattering of calamari rings and a very lack lustre salad. You can do better Jam!
Written 9 December 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.
Nicole B
8 contributions
June 2022 • friends
Normally the food and service is excellent however on my latest visit my friend and I were less than impressed. The barramundi we ordered were very small thin pieces and the asparagus was missing altogether. We asked and were told they had run out. There were not many remaining vegetables on our plates. At the end of my meal I noticed a large piece of baking paper stuck to the bottom of the fish which I pointed out to the waitress who did nothing about it. Soon after another waitress walked past and accidentally sprayed myself and a friend with her bottle of table cleaner. She apologised and asked if I would like a replacement drink. A drink I was charged for! Disappointing.
Written 4 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.
Wendy R
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • solo
Very sorry to say Jam Corner did not live up to expectations from previous visits.
On arrival staff member had an attitude.
I was dining solo and arrived at 5.45 pm with only one other table occupied. I was seated in middle of room directly below a fan. I asked to move to another table but was told all were booked. Half an hour later another solo diner was seated at a window table away from fans. I asked if they could turn fan down as it was very cold but this did not happen.
I ordered the duck on recommendation. It was good but not great. Service was very poor. When time to pay the bill I was asked How was the meal I said I was disappointed but no response. Did not seem to care much.
Written 14 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.
Joyce
Townsville1 contribution
Jan 2021 • none
Nice atmosphere, very inconsistent food. The duck breast was very nice, along with the panna cotta. The fish is advertised as “fresh reef fish” however we were served frozen barramundi which had a texture resembling fish that has been microwaved. It is essentially soggy fish with some peas and chips, not worth the 35 dollar price tag.
Written 29 January 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.
Corinna M
3 contributions
Sept 2020 • family
Ordered three kids breakfasts set price of $20 (one kids pancake with ice cream no fruit) included a drink, but not of any quality - juice not freshly squeezed no option to have a smoothie and pay additional, would have been a better option to have ordered off adults menu. Cafe was busy, at least one pAncake was undercooked had dough like consistency on bottom, staff were defensive although the pancake was inedible. Adult meal of poached eggs and toast was bland, two dry pieces of sour dough grilled with A little olive oil, no butter no relish, egg whites very runny, no garnish, very disappointing. Coffee was excellent and after complaining was discounted from
Bill. Overall impression not a good option for Families too overpriced for quality of meal.
Written 3 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.
Brooke
Townsville54 contributions
July 2020 • none
Thanks to the pandemic, our initial venue was not sure if they would re-open for our wedding date. So we had 4 weeks to find a new venue. I got in contact with Angela (Events Manager) at JAM and we decided fairly quickly that we would book in the upstairs ‘Loft’ space. Angela was lots of fun, easy to communicate with, very responsive and made planning the reception from scratch again relatively easy. She was happy for me to pass on details of our other vendors and communicate with them, instead of through us. We had to make a lot of decisions within a short timeframe, so things like what music to play or ‘prettying up’ the space, Angela was happy to handle so we didn’t have to think about it… This alleviated a lot of stress! Angela was happy to chat to the chefs about any menu changes we wanted, and they catered for our gluten free and vegan guests. The night came together beautifully, and we were so happy with how it went and looked. The food at JAM is absolutely AMAZING. It is always so beautifully presented and tastes devine… faultless! So many of our guests commented on the food. There was so much of it! We definitely did not go hungry. Alana, the restaurant manager taking care of us on the night, and her team made sure to keep on top of the little things: our glasses were kept full, they updated us on the bar tab and checked the music was okay.
The upstairs Loft space was just awesome, we had a 20 pax, 3 course dinner with wedding cake, and then were able to invite more friends at 9.30pm to midnight. It was a beautiful, private, intimate dinner without feeling cramped. Standing on their outdoor balcony in the North QLD winter evenings is just perfect. The location and furnishings (tables, chairs, table décor we hired through a different vendor) with the soft lighting added to the beautiful, classy atmosphere we wanted for our reception. We can’t thank Angela and the team at JAM for hosting our reception dinner last minute, it was so stressful with things changing daily and Angela was a dream to deal with! Thank you!!!!
Written 15 August 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.
Mcm693
Dear Mr and Mrs,
It is such a pleasure and honour to have been a small part of your special day.
Even though it was a more intimate affair, I am so pleased we could create the style of celebration you envisaged to mark the beginning of your lives together.
Small can be spectacular and you certainly were a beautiful bride and gracious host to your family and friends.
All the best for a long and happy life together and we are looking forward to welcoming you on your first anniversary , if you can stay away that long xx Ang
Written 25 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David B
Bruce988 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
The food is excellent. They offer a wide range from sea food to vegetarian to beef. Our meals were fresh and perfectly cooked. Unfortunately there was a huge wait between entree and main course.
The wine list is comprehensive. They also serve beer and cocktails.
Written 24 October 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.
Showing results 1-15 of 1,345
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