Beach Almond

The dining room is little more than a big veranda overlooking the gently lapping waters of Palm Cove, and retains the humble charm of its former life as one of the original beach shacks on Williams Esplanade. Position might be the number one drawcard, but vibrant Asian flavours and fresh seafood complete the picture of casual seaside dining at its best. Baby octopus is a light entree, charred and tossed with mint, carrot and cucumber, and served with a pickled-chilli dressing, balanced by the sweetness of fresh pineapple. Unwrap a charred banana leaf to reveal classic Thai aromas of coconut milk and kaffir lime, and savour the moist pieces of barramundi within - flecked with bird's-eye chilli and served with simple salad and steamed jasmine rice. It is a flavoursome, light dish. Desserts are straightforward and simple crowd pleasers such as chocolate tart, lime brulee or a pleasingly sour-sweet lemon tart served with ice-cream.