Barbados Port Douglas unveils creative beach club style menu in collaboration with new head chef

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Head Chef Takuma Yoneoka and Wendy McWilliam are excited to launch new menu which aligns with the Tropical North Queensland 'winter' season. Picture: Barbados Port Douglas

Port Douglas’ iconic waterfront restaurant and cocktail bar refreshes its operating hours and launches new share-style menu featuring Japanese influences.

Positioned on the boardwalk at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and boasting spectacular views overlooking Dickson Inlet to the Daintree Rainforest, Barbados Port Douglas is excited to announce the arrival of its new head chef and the introduction of an enticing Japanese-inspired menu.

Drawing inspiration from the abundance of fresh local produce, the new menu at Barbados Port Douglas artfully blends the flavours of the region with a distinct Japanese influence. Leading the culinary charge is the energetic and inspiring head chef, Takuma Yoneoka.

Takuma's passion for cooking originated in his mother's kitchen and flourished during his travels around the globe, where he cooked in communal kitchens and shared cultural and culinary insights with fellow travellers. 

Mini salmon and smashed truffle pea waffle cone, perfect for sharing. Picture: Barbados Port Douglas

As well as unveiling its new menu, Barbados Port Douglas is also updating its operating hours, and will now be opening its doors from Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm.

This move aligns with the Tropical North Queensland 'winter' season and makes Barbados one of the only venues in Port Douglas where visitors and valued locals can enjoy lunch or an afternoon meal.

Co-founder of Barbados Port Douglas, Wendy McWilliam (who established the iconic venue with her son Edward in 2015), is thrilled with the latest enhancements.

"We pride ourselves on being a unique venue, and strive to be fabulous in every aspect of our business, and this exciting collaboration with Takuma allows us to present something truly distinctive to Port Douglas – a town we are immensely proud of and love very much," Ms McWilliam said.

"We believe we have come up with a menu that is fun yet delicious, honouring our region as well as Takuma’s heritage.”

Takuma has recently relocated from a restaurant in the vineyards of McLaren Vale SA. He is already forging strong relationships with local growers and suppliers, enabling him to fill Barbados’ kitchen with wonderful produce which he then works his magic on.

Speaking about the new opening hours, Wendy explained "recognising the demand for dining options between traditional lunch and dinner hours, we addressed this need by extending our kitchen's operating hours until 5pm from Wednesday to Saturday and until 3pm on Sundays.

“In addition, our food options are designed to align with our custom seating, so our guests can relax comfortably on a daybed, lounge or rocking chair while enjoying their meal.”

With everything from truffle pea waffle cones, confit squid salad and pork sando (Japanese sandwich) to the ocean platter complete with poached mackerel san choy bow and bloody mary oyster shots, Wendy says, “having become renowned for our delicious share style food and casual vibe, our philosophy is that it's much more fun to share a meal with your favourite people, so guests are encouraged to select several tantalising items which they can then sample together.”

“Barbados very much reflects my favoured style, which is casual and welcoming with a nod to my barefoot-luxury vibe. We love that we offer a fun dining experience – still fabulous but more relaxed than the traditional knife and fork scenario.”

As a waterfront restaurant and bar with a distinct beach club vibe, Barbados is where sophisticated style meets natural beauty.

A haven for food connoisseurs, cocktail aficionados, rum enthusiasts and sunset admirers, Barbados not only offers guests a superb dining experience, but one-of-a-kind signature cocktails and a wide selection of unique spirits, including over 80 rums sourced from around the world.

Details:

Location: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877

Seasonal Trading Hours:

April to October: Tropical Winter Days

Open for lunch

Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 6.30pm

Sunday, 12pm to 4pm

November to March: Tropical Summer Nights

Open for dinner

Wednesday to Saturday, 4pm till late
Sunday, 4pm till late

Bookings: https://www.barbadosportdouglas.com.au  

The new share-style menu promises to be delicious while honouring our region and head chef’s heritage. Picture Barbados Port Douglas

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