19 of the best restaurants in Darwin for all occasions

Darwin’s best restaurants add a healthy dollop of spice and experimentation to cuisines you might have tried before.

Asian markets, hipster cafes, and jovial Greek tavernas meet high-end restaurants, perfect for sampling wild ingredients such as banana prawns, crocodiles, and kangaroo. Here is our guide to the best places to eat in Darwin after a day of activities.

The Shortlist

Hidden Gem: Ella – by Minoli
Most Family Friendly: Darwin Ski Club
Best Outdoor Dining: Cucina Sotto Le Stelle
Best Views: Pee Wee’s at the Point
For Date Night: Hanuman

Best Asian restaurants in Darwin

Whether you’re feasting on Sri Lankan string hoppers, fragrant laksa, pork-stuffed Thai chicken wings or freshly made Vietnamese banh mi, you can tell that Darwin’s soul is in step with its closest neighbours.

1. Laksa House

Laksa House is the epitome of Darwin’s quirkiness. Run by local celebrity Amye Un, it’s where you need to head for your laksa fix (a must-eat dish when in Darwin). Only open in short spurts for lunches and dinners on Wednesday through Saturday, but you can expect the most authentic laksa you’ve probably had outside of Asia. Don’t skip the locally famous charcoal chicken with chilli sauce, either.

Cuisine: Laksa

Average Price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 54 Stuart Highway, Stuart Park

2. Smith Street Mall

the Smith Street Mall in Darwin — Stop by Smith Street Mall for an array of Asian bites. (Image: Tourism NT)

For authentic, budget-friendly Asian delights, make a beeline for the arcades around the Smith Street mall. Don’t miss Roast & Noodle 328 for a cheap and cheerful Chinese barbecue and a mouth-watering prawn wonton soup.

Cuisine: Asian

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Vibrant

Location: 24/27 The Mall, Darwin City

3. Chow!

a plate of authentic Vietnamese food at Chow — Chow is a hotspot for authentic Vietnamese food. (Image: Tourism NT)

If you love a bit of Vietnamese pho (and let’s face it, who doesn’t), then head to the waterfront and slurp down some of the finest rice noodles with raw beef at kitschy-cool Chow!

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Lively and welcoming

Location: D1 &, D2/19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City

4. Hanuman

Dining at Hanuman — Feast on pan-Asian favourites at Hanuman. (Image: Tourism NT)

The pan-Asian restaurant Hanuman may be an established favourite, but it still cuts it with an enticing mix of Indian, Thai and Nyonya flavours. Cool down on its fabulous deck and tuck into the signature clay pot oysters presented in an earthenware holder and served with vivid lemongrass and sweet basil sauce.

Cuisine: Pan-Asian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elegant and warm

Location: 93 Mitchell St, Darwin City

Must Order: South Indian Goat Curry

5. The Noodle House

putting garnish on top of a mud crab dish at The Noodle House, Darwin — A mouth-watering mud crab at The Noodle House. (Image: Tourism NT)

Looking for something a little more low-key? The Noodle House opposite Hanuman is great for unfussy, inexpensive, quick, and easy noodles. Sit outside and enjoy the mild dry season weather.

Cuisine: Chinese

Average Price: $-$$$

Location: 84 Mitchell St, Darwin City

6. Ella – by Minoli

cocktail drinks at Ella – by Minoli, Darwin — This relaxed restaurant crafts creative cocktails. (Image: Ella – by Minoli)

A luxurious take on modern Sri Lankan cuisine. Ella – by Minoli promises a well-balanced mix of flavours, which pays homage to Sri Lankan food’s Ayurvedic properties, as well as creative and original cocktails. For the menu, think mas cutlis fried meatballs with a chunky tomato tamarind sauce, crispy whitebait with curry-leaf mayonnaise, and wild-caught Australian king prawns slathered with Lankan butter, as well as black pepper pork belly served with tamarind coconut sauce and pineapple salsa and much more.

Cuisine: Sri Lankan

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Refined yet relaxed

Location: 20 West Lane, Darwin City

Must Order: 1000 Layer Curried Potatoes

Best Greek restaurants in Darwin

7. Yots

Greek food at Yots, Darwin — Yots serves up traditional Greek cuisine. (Image: Tourism NT)

Darwin has a strong Greek heritage, and you can indulge in home-style mezedes, juicy meats, grilled seafood and Yia Yia’s syrupy sweets on the deck at Yots , overlooking Cullen Bay Marina.

Cuisine: Greek

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Coastal

Location: 4/54 Marina Boulevard, Larrakeyah

Best upmarket restaurants in Darwin

8. Pee Wee’s at the Point

an aerial view of Pee Wee’s at the Point restaurant in Darwin — Pee Wee’s at the Point is perched on the water’s edge and offers the best waterfront dining in Darwin. (Image: Robert Corbin)

With its sweeping views across Fannie Bay to Darwin, tables on the water’s edge under native fig trees, and innovative Top End favourites, Pee Wee’s at the Point is the ideal place to make the most of the balmy, tropical weather. Appealing dishes such as wild-caught saltwater barramundi, tempura soft-shell crab and native bush-spiced kangaroo celebrate Territory produce.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Special Occasion

Location: Alec Fong Lim Drive, East Point

Must Order: Native Bush Spiced Kangaroo Loin

9. Wharf 1

an appetising dish with a glass of wine on the side at Wharf 1, Darwin — The crispy potatoes with Szechuan salt are incredibly moreish. (Image: Tourism NT)

For the best crispy-skinned Humpty Doo barramundi in Darwin, drop in on Wharf 1 at the waterfront. Magnificent views of the harbour are matched with a selection of cured and raw plates (think carpaccio, cured salmon, charcuterie plates and tartare) and grilled meats or small share plates.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Laidback coastal

Location: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City

10. PepperBerry

One of the town’s best-rated restaurants is PepperBerry at The Hilton Darwin, one of Darwin’s top-rated hotels. Its modern Australian menu features miso tempura crocodile with mango green chilli sauce, Black Angus steaks, and baked Massaman market fish in a fine dining setting and gorgeous atmosphere.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Sophisticated

Location: 32 Mitchell St Ground Floor, 32 Mitchell St, Darwin City

Casual dining in Darwin

The most laid-back capital in Australia does casual dining better than most. The iconic Mindil Beach Markets are just one of several outstanding Darwin markets. Most locals can be found on a picnic blanket on the Nightcliff on a Sunday, chowing down on a mix of food van and BYO dinner and drinks.

12. Cucina Sotto Le Stelle

food on a picnic table at Cucina sotto le stelle, Darwin — Dine al fresco on long picnic tables at Cucina sotto le stelle. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

Twenty minutes north of the CBD in artsy hub Nightcliff, a ‘village walk’ of new-breed food trucks has popped up alongside the suburb’s milky-blue ocean fringe.

Head to the Seabreeze car park (Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays), and you’ll find the jewel in the foreshore’s food truck crown. Cucina Sotto Le Stelle translates from Italian to ‘kitchen under the stars’. In his mobile restaurant, chef Benjamin Matthews wood-fires traditional pizzas while diners share long, communal tables set beneath illuminated flame trees.

Try the risotto with NT squid ink, garlic and blue swimmer crab. But do take note that the menu here shifts with the seasons, so while you may not always find your favourite, you can be assured the freshest produce Matthews can get his hands on.

Cuisine: Italian

Average Price: $$

Must Order: Pizza at Cucina Sotto le Stelle

Address: Seabreeze Carpark, Chapman Rd, Nightcliff

13. Hot Tamale

Mexican cuisine at Hot Tamale, Darwin — Taste vibrant Mexican bites at Hot Tamale (Image: Tourism NT)

For a spicy, funky Mexican meal on the water, look no further than Hot Tamale . In addition to the usual suspects, this water-view restaurant serves raw snapper ceviche with local tropical fruits, hot pork shoulder served in steaming tamale, spiced chicken topped with cocoa and dried fruit mole, and much more.

If you want to save on the dollars, arrive for Hot Tamale’s ‘Loco Arvos’ from 4pm to 6pm for $6 tacos, and drink specials. Now that’s a perfect sunset pairing!

Cuisine: Mexican

Average Price: $

Atmosphere: Lively

Address: F2/19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City

14. Crustaceans on the Wharf

a couple dining by the sea at Crustaceans on the Wharf, Darwin — The Darwin waterfront sets the romantic scene. (Image: Tourism NT)

A classic surf and turf restaurant on the Darwin waterfront at Stokes Hill Wharf. Pull up a chair outside and order from the enormous menu, which includes crocodile fillet skewers, grilled squid, sizzling chilli prawns, grilled beef and lobsters, wild barramundi, Northern Territory mud crabs (when in season), and Moreton bay bugs.

Cuisine: Seafood

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Seaside chill

Address: 45 Stokes Hill Wharf, Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City

15. The Oyster Bar

seafood and oysters at The Oyster Bar, Darwin — Find oysters served in multiple ways at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

If you’ve staked money that Darwin is ‘not an oyster kind of palace’, you can just put your cash on one of the waterside tables of the Oyster Bar . Located at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, as well as Coffin Bay oysters served up every which way (natural, Kilpatrick, Thai…), you can also opt for karaage octopus, coconut crumbed prawns, pork belly bites and popcorn crocodile. Don’t miss the Friday night ‘Oyster Hour’ – between 5 and 7pm, enjoy discounts on oysters, plus drink specials.

Cuisine: Seafood

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Darwin chic

Address: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City

Darwin’s ‘clubs’

16. Darwin Ski Club

friends dining at Darwin Ski Club — Darwin Ski Club is a buzzy spot to enjoy seafood and bevs. (Image: Tourism NT/Cait Miers)

For an unencumbered beverage and an open outlook over a classic Top End sunset, many Darwinites will rightfully recommend Darwin Ski Club.

Grab a table on the manicured lawns, choose your fave beer and watch the boats bob up and down in Fannie Bay, the palm trees reminding you that, hey, you’re in the tropics now. During the Dry season, you can’t go past the seafood grill, including jumbo prawns and barramundi.

Other options include the Darwin Sailing Club or the Darwin Trailer Boat Club . These neighbours share the beachfront linking Mindil with Fannie Bay.

Cuisine: Relaxed Aussie fare

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Wholesome

Must Order: Pan Fried Barramundi

Address: 20 Conacher St, Fannie Bay

Fun Darwin restaurants and bars

We’ve previously written about our favourite bars in Darwin but have included a few more options for a bevvy and a feed below.

17. Deckchair Cinema

people watching a movie at an open-air cinema in Darwin — Spend a tropical night at Deckchair Cinema. (Image: Tourism NT/Friederike Franze)

The open-air Deckchair Cinema (April to October) has very little chance of being interrupted by rain, and it screens an intelligent array of films seven nights a week (on the Darwin Waterfront). There’s a licensed bar and decent food to help you enjoy the show (no BYO) with double-session marathons for the buffs. Definitely one of our favourite things to do in Darwin.

Address: Jervois Rd, Darwin City

18. Lola’s Pergola

drinks at Lola’s Pergola, Darwin — Pre-dinner drinks by the bay at Lola’s Pergola. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

Lola’s Pergola is a cabaret and carnival-themed restaurant and bar in the harbour-side precinct of Cullen Bay. It is the sister bar to the now-shuttered Monte’s Lounge, once an Alice Springs staple. Enjoy that sea breeze and share a bottle of their famous sangria while chowing down on a delicious pizza.

Cuisine: Aussie fare

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Playful

Address: 48 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah

19. Nirvana

a cocktail drink at Nirvana, Darwin — Head to Nirvana for a delicious nightcap. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

If you like to mix spice with music, then head to Nirvana on a Tuesday evening. It’s jam night, where plenty of talented Darwin musicians pick up a sax or play impromptu drum sets. Fantastic cocktails—try the whisky sour—and Thai/Malay/Indian food is consistently flavoursome, too.

Cuisine: Asian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Intimate and eclectic

Address: 14 Dashwood Cres, Darwin City

For more insider tips, check out our ultimate travel guide to Darwin here.

Originally written by Kate Bettes with updates by Melissa Mason

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

Darwin’s best restaurants add a healthy dollop of spice and experimentation to cuisines you might have tried before.

The Shortlist

Best Asian restaurants in Darwin

1. Laksa House

2. Smith Street Mall

3. Chow!

4. Hanuman

5. The Noodle House

6. Ella – by Minoli

Best Greek restaurants in Darwin

7. Yots

Best upmarket restaurants in Darwin

8. Pee Wee’s at the Point

9. Wharf 1

10. PepperBerry

Casual dining in Darwin

12. Cucina Sotto Le Stelle

13. Hot Tamale

14. Crustaceans on the Wharf

15. The Oyster Bar

Darwin’s ‘clubs’

16. Darwin Ski Club

Fun Darwin restaurants and bars

17. Deckchair Cinema

18. Lola’s Pergola

19. Nirvana

Can you swim at any beaches in Darwin? Here’s what you need to know

13 of the best Darwin hotels for your next Top End stay

14 of the best Darwin cafes

The ultimate Darwin to Uluṟu road trip guide

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

4. Dine in Darwin

5. Up close with Uluṟu

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges