12 excellent Alice Springs restaurants to try now

Leah McLennan Leah McLennan
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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.

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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.

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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.
Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Untouched wilderness & unexpected pub crawls: 8 experiences you’ll only find in the NT

(Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Sean Scott)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    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.