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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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

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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

The Northern Territory isn’t just different – it’s a whole new world. From the friendly locals and varied landscapes to its cultural layers, there’s nowhere else in Australia quite like it.

The Northern Territory has to be experienced to be believed. The majesty of Uluṟu doesn’t quite hit until you’re standing before it. The untouched beauty of Arnhem Land strikes the heart in a way you can’t imagine. The quirky and friendly locals and the festivals they throw impart stories that won’t be forgotten. And that’s just the beginning. From natural hot springs and local larrikins to deep cultural ties and ancient stories, these are the experiences to be discovered only in the NT.

1. Swim in pristine natural hot springs

woman swimming in Katherine Hot Springs only in the nt — Dive into Katherine’s crystal clear thermal springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Backyard Bandits)

The NT’s natural hot springs are truly picturesque. Katherine’s crystal clear thermal springs sit on the banks of the Katherine River, framed by nature. Picnic grounds and scenic walking tracks make it easy to linger.

In Elsey National Park, the teal waters of Bitter Springs have long been popular with locals. It’s not uncommon to spot turtles as you drift with the gentle current, palm trees waving on the banks. The park also contains Mataranka Thermal Pool, a sandy-bottomed swimming hole sitting at a cosy 34°C year-round.

2. Explore the Red Centre Light Trail

Light Towers Kings Canyon — Head to Kings Canyon to see the Light Towers. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is more than just a place; it’s earned its name as Australia’s cultural heart. Here, a wealth of stories is held by its Traditional Owners, the Aṉangu. And while there are many ways to connect, in more recent years, the Red Centre Light Trail has offered visitors one more way to interpret all this landscape holds.

Wander the Light Towers at Kings Canyon and watch the Field of Light transform the land before Uluṟu as day turns to night. Also, be sure to take in Wintjiri Wiṟu by light artist Bruce Ramus, sharing the Aṉangu’s Mala story.

Arrive in April to experience Parrtjima, a free annual 10-night festival of light, featuring installations, workshops and more.

3. See unrivalled views from a helicopter

helicopter ride over kakadu only in the nt — See Kakadu from the air. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Sean Scott)

There’s no better place in the world to hit the skies in a helicopter. Soar over thundering waterfalls, world-famous wetlands and the floodplains of Kakadu National Park. A bird’s-eye view brings a special type of magic to this one-of-a-kind landscape.

You can also meet local characters on the pub crawl of a lifetime as you fly between some of the NT’s best and most remote pubs.

4. Discover the start of Western Arrarnta art

Hermannsburg Potters only in the nt — Book ahead to visit Hermannsburg Potters. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Felix Baker)

Hermannsburg is one of the most unique towns in Australia. This historic mission town holds several claims to fame, including being the birthplace of Western Arrarnta art – a renowned style of Indigenous art using vibrant, naturalistic watercolours to depict Central Australian desert landscapes. Book ahead from April to September to visit Hermannsburg Potters, a collective of dedicated Western Arrarnta artists.

Other options to see this art style near Alice Springs include the Araluen Arts Centre, Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye).

5. Spot crocs on a cruise

Crocodile being fed on a cruise on the Adelaide River nt — Spot wild crocs up close. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

The NT is the only territory that feeds wild crocs, putting the ‘wild’ in wildlife spotting experience. Join a cruise along the Adelaide River, just an hour from Darwin, to see these not-so-gentle prehistoric giants in their natural habitat.

Be sure to stop into Humpty Doo or Noonamah for lunch on your way back to Darwin. Here, you’ll experience a real NT roadhouse.

6. Experience local Indigenous cultures

young participant at the Garma Festival Nhulunbuy arnhem land — Time a trip to Nhulunbuy for the Garma Festival. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

The NT offers some of the best opportunities to experience the world’s most ancient living culture. Head to Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem mid-year for the Garma Festival, Australia’s largest Indigenous gathering, with four days of song, dance and art sharing Yolngu culture. Stop into Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre in nearby Yirrkala while you’re there, current home of the Yirrkala Church Panels. Painted in 1963, they form one of the first ‘title deeds’ to Country.

Join a celebration of Indigenous music, art, culture and sport at the Barunga Festival, 80 kilometres from Katherine, every June. And year-round, book an Indigenous-led tour through Ubirr, one of the oldest rock art sites in Australia.

7. Meet the larrikins of Alice Springs

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta — Henley on Todd Regatta might be one of the NT’s whackiest events. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/

Head to Alice Springs at any time of year and you’ll be guaranteed to meet some colourful locals. But to really get to the heart of the eccentricities, mark a few dates on your calendar.

March brings one of the best Pride events in the world, fabAlice. Inspired by the iconic Aussie movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which was filmed in Alice Springs over 25 years ago, the festival has a strong focus on the art of drag and celebrates LGBTQI+ communities, as well as self-expression in general.

Come August, Todd River’s typically dry, sandy bed comes alive with the world’s only dry river boating event, the Henley on Todd Regatta.

8. Swim in a waterfall with no one else around

Upper Cascades in Litchfield National Park — Swim in the Upper Cascades with no one else around.

So few of Australia’s most beautiful places remain untouched, but that’s not true in the NT. Take a short hike through monsoon forest in Litchfield National Park (just over an hour’s drive outside of Darwin) to reach the secluded Cascades swimming area. Here, take a dip in the lower or upper cascade pools, both surrounded by rugged bushland. And you’ll probably have it all to yourself.

Plan your Northern Territory 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

AI Prompt

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

9 of the best Darwin resorts for ultimate relaxation

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

Swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin

14 of the best Darwin cafes

The Northern Territory isn’t just different – it’s a whole new world. From the friendly locals and varied landscapes to its cultural layers, there’s nowhere else in Australia quite like it.

1. Swim in pristine natural hot springs

2. Explore the Red Centre Light Trail

3. See unrivalled views from a helicopter

4. Discover the start of Western Arrarnta art

5. Spot crocs on a cruise

6. Experience local Indigenous cultures

7. Meet the larrikins of Alice Springs

8. Swim in a waterfall with no one else around