Excellent Alice Springs Restaurants To Try Now

Quirky cafes, bars and high-end restaurants boasting jaw-dropping vistas of the surrounding ranges are just some of the attractions in Alice Springs.

Choose from wild ingredients, such as barramundi and kangaroo flavoured with Indigenous spices and berries, or feast on diverse international fare. For those looking to dine and drink, here’s our comprehensive guide to Alice Springs restaurants.

1. Saltbush

On the flash side of town inside the DoubleTree by Hilton , a charming night out can be had at Saltbush, an upmarket restaurant renowned for its innovative approach to contemporary Australian cuisine.

pouring sauce over fish at Saltbush, Alice Springs — The whole-baked barramundi is a real showstopper. (Image: Tourism NT)

The duck confit and whole-baked Northern Territory barramundi are the stars of the menu. It’s even better when enjoyed in one of the private dining alcoves with low, soft-lit lighting and super comfy upholstered chairs.

pouring sauce over a dish at Saltbush, Alice Springs — Dig into contemporary Australian cuisine at Saltbush. (Image: Tourism NT)

2. Hanuman

Chef Jimmy Shu’s Hanuman at DoubleTree by Hilton is celebrated for its exceptional Indian and Thai dishes, offering an enticing dining experience that combines bold flavours with a refined presentation.

a spread of food on the table at Hanuman — Expect bold flavours and an innovative dining experience. (Image: Tourism NT)

Warm up with its fabulous tom yum soup and tuck into the soft shell crab in a red curry paste and mouth-wateringly good butter chicken. Make sure you leave space for dessert – think black rice brulee or kulfi ice cream.

a close-up of food at Hanuman, Alice Springs — Find a fusion of Indian and Thai cuisine on the menu. (Image: Tourism NT)

3. Bella Alice

For a satisfying Italian feed, look no further than Bella in the Todd Mall , a charming café that transitions into a sophisticated restaurant by night. All the pasta and pizzas are made from scratch and topped with fresh ingredients. For fancy customers, there are some fancy ingredients to add to your pizza such as chilli honey, basil pesto drops and truffle oil. Italian coffee aficionados will adore the custom-made Segafredo Zanetti coffee blend.

4. Tali

If you love a mix of contemporary Australian and Asian cuisine, then head to the elegant Tali restaurant at the Crown Plaza property next to the casino.

a hand holding a spoon while pouring sauce over a dish at Tali, Alice Springs — Book the premium fine dining experience at Tali. (Image: Tourism NT)

Appealing dishes such as local barramundi fillets and eye fillets celebrate Territory produce. This dining haven features an open-concept kitchen, inviting you to watch the chefs at work and the dramatic play of flames as they prepare the sizzling dishes.

a table-top view of food on the table at Tali, Alice Springs — Feast on quality Northern Territory produce. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. The Locals

Tapas and gin? Yes please. Hidden away in the Todd Mall, The Locals serves up breakfast and lunch, and tapas and creative cocktails in the afternoon in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

a dish and cocktail drink on the table at The Locals — Dine from morning to afternoon at The Locals.

If you’re feeling like catching a flick, make a beeline for the adjacent Alice Springs Cinema.

6. Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar

On the main street, Epilogue is an all-day eatery with live music each week in the rooftop bar and excellent pub food, pizzas, craft beers and cocktails.

It’s a haven for night owls and foodies alike, with live music adding to the ambience. You can also visit the café for breakfast and lunch or just for a great quality coffee, smoothie or fresh juice.

two plates of food on the table at Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar — The all-day eatery is a great spot to dine or stay for a drink on the rooftop bar. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

7. Page 27 Café

Page 27 in the Todd Mall wouldn’t be out of place in a Melbourne laneway. Sticky chai tea or iced honey matcha anyone? Their brekky and lunch menus are full of showstoppers such as crumbed salmon hash with edamame beans, chia seed pudding with poached pears, pan-fried barramundi on mushroom risotto, and lamb empanadas with citrus salsa.

8. Casa Nostra

On the edge of the town just over the causeway of the Todd River, Casa Nostra offers a slice of Italy in the heart of the outback, with a menu that features classic dishes made with love and authentic Italian flair.

Casa Nostra Italian fare — Dine authentic Italian pasta at Casa Nostra. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

For its delicious lasagna, moreish panna cotta and relaxed atmosphere, many Alice Springs locals will rightfully recommend Casa Nostra.

Inside Casa Nostra offers in Alice Springs. — The restaurant offers a slice of Italy in Alice Springs.

9. Roberto’s Pizza

If you feel like a takeaway of delicious meaty pizza and garlic bread then head to Roberto’s Pizza . You’ll find this no-frill joint on Todd Street near the mall and no need to rush – it’s open until 3am on weekends.

10. Gillen Club

For a family-friendly night out, Gillen Club offers a wide range of dining options, from casual pub meals to buffet dinners. Kids will love the shaded outdoor playground and sandpit.

11. Rocky’s Pizza & Pasta

A five-minute drive from town in the suburb of Larapinta, Rocky’s Pizza & Pasta is a beloved institution in Alice Springs, serving up pizzas with a crispy, thin crust and a generous topping of flavourful ingredients.

12. Tinh & Lan Vietnamese Restaurant

If you’re a fan of Vietnamese food, then jump in the car and make a beeline 15 minutes out of town to Alice Springs’ only Vietnamese restaurant – Tinh & Lan . Sizzling pork, fried prawns and fresh bok choy are among the tastiest dishes. This restaurant is a short walk from the gorgeous Sturt Desert Pea House , a rural property that sleeps eight on the outskirts of Alice Springs.

For more incredible ways to explore, read our travel guide to Alice Springs.

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

12 excellent Alice Springs restaurants to try now