KOI Bar & Restaurant
ProHighlights
- Share-style set dinner packages from $65 per person
- Private hire or closed-off events across the restaurant and bar
- Cocktail and whisky lounge pouring Japanese whisky and sake
About KOI Bar & Restaurant
KOI Bar & Restaurant sits on the Esplanade in Cairns City, with a Japanese-inspired dining room on one side and a cocktail and whisky lounge on the other. The food is built around share plates that blend traditional Japanese technique with broader Asian flavours. The venue hosts milestone birthdays, anniversaries, private dinners and corporate celebrations. Groups can dine together in the restaurant, close off an area for their event, or take private hire of both the restaurant and the bar for a larger cocktail function. Groups of 10 or more order from set menus instead of à la carte, so the host has nothing to organise on the night. The first package brings edamame, salmon carpaccio, wagyu tartare, gyoza, karaage chicken and spicy teppanyaki prawns, served with rice and cabbage salad. Two bigger packages layer on aburi salmon, tuna tataki and crispy pork belly, then miso brûléed scallops and duck spring rolls. Allergies and dietary preferences can be worked into any package if the kitchen knows ahead of time. The lounge pours Asia-inspired cocktails, Japanese whisky, sake and wines from Australia and overseas. Group bookings are secured with a deposit, and the numbers you lock in two days out become the minimum charge.
Inclusions & amenities
Venue type
Budget
Food & drinks
Features
Pricing
Card payments carry a surcharge on Saturdays and public holidays.
Food
The middle tier adds aburi salmon, tuna tataki and crispy pork belly, and the top tier adds miso brûléed scallops and duck spring rolls. Allergies and dietaries are handled with notice.
Beverages
Availability
Frequently asked questions
Can a group of 12 order from the regular menu?
No. For groups of 10 or more, KOI serves set share-style packages rather than à la carte, so everyone gets a spread of signature dishes without ordering on the night.
How much are the group packages?
There are three tiers at $65, $80 and $95 per person. Each one includes everything in the tier below plus extra dishes, with scallops and duck spring rolls in the top package.
Is a deposit needed for a group booking?
Yes, a deposit of $25 per person confirms the booking. Final numbers are due 48 hours beforehand, and that confirmed count is the minimum charged even if fewer guests turn up.
Can we hire KOI exclusively?
Yes. The venue offers private hire or closed-off events across the restaurant and the bar, from intimate private dinners to larger corporate and cocktail functions.
Can the set menus cater for dietary needs?
Allergies and dietary preferences can be accommodated within the set packages. Let the team know in advance so the kitchen can prepare.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Fiona Richter
3 weeks ago
We were a walk in party of four and were made to feel very welcome. We opted for the Omakase and were full to the brim when we finished, even taking some rice home. Loved that we could tailor the menu to our tastes. Cock…
Lillian Carm
a month ago
Went in for my early 16th Birthday dinner, and the staff made the whole experience really enjoyable. The Berry Mocktail I had was very good, and the Mint Mocktail my sister had was as well. It was nice to try different s…
FS
a month ago
Excellent location along the esplanades. Lunch menu with great variety and good prices. The sashimi set was fresh and good portions. Gyoza was crispy and juicy. Pork belly don was crispy but a bit too big in size. Will…
aly E
a month ago
We celebrated my partner’s birthday at KOI Bar & Restaurant last night, and it completely exceeded our high expectations! Sam provided exceptional service from start to finish. We did the 5-plate omakase and added a few…
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