Once, it was hard to find a Darwin cafe that didn’t serve its coffee in a mug. Those days are long gone.

Whether you’re after a slow brew, pour-over or a quick ristretto, you barely need to work up a sweat sorting out your caffeine and brunch fix (and that’s saying something in steamy Darwin) when it comes to finding the best Darwin cafes.

Searching for dinner? We’ve lined up the best Darwin restaurants for that too.

The Shortlist

Best Coffee: Mad About Coffee
Most Instagrammable: Laneway Specialty Coffee
Best Dog-Friendly Dining: The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe
Best For Brunch: Ray’s Patisserie and Cafe
Best Pastries: Ruby G’s Canteen & Bakery

1. De la Plage

Housed in a disused surf club storeroom, beachside cafe De la Plage occupies a grassy expanse that overlooks Casuarina Coastal Reserve, 25 minutes north of the CBD.

Run by Claire Pirau and Sevan Guzel, a Belgian and Australian-Turkish duo, the cafe’s menu is inspired by the ladies’ respective heritages. Belgian treats include brown sugar and lime crêpes, while a decadent fig and dark chocolate baklava is among the Turkish offerings. Other favourites include the loaded breakfast burger on ciabatta and a refreshing watermelon salad.

Address: Surf Life Saving Club Lot 9316 Darribah Road, Brinkin

2. Kopi Stop

Take a mini break to Southeast Asia at Kopi Stop, which can be found in Darwin City.

This breakfast nook not only serves coffee (some would say the best in Darwin city), including Singaporean Kopitiam-style with condensed milk, but also creative meals like poached chicken and pork floss congee and ‘Singapore breakfast’ with coconut jam—AKA kaya with toast and soft-boiled eggs.

Address: 1/2 Harriet Pl, Darwin City

3. Four Birds

Four Birds in the historic Star Village Arcade is a perennial favourite. It is known for its great coffee, simple bagels, and laid-back courtyard vibe. Indulge with dishes like smashed avo with crumbed halloumi, or pick a light option like the acai breakfast bowl.

Address: 2/32 Smith St, Darwin City

4. Laneway Specialty Coffee

A little farther away from the city, in suburban Parap, snag a spot at the communal table at Laneway Specialty Coffee for excellent Zest Coffee and slick cafe fare. This cafe feels like it’s been lifted straight from a Melbourne laneway and is a local favourite, whether it’s remote workers during the week or families enjoying a lengthy weekend brunch. Opt for a classic smashed avo or treat yourself to the chilli scrambled eggs with sauteed mushrooms, whipped feta, house chilli oil, fresh herbs, and sourdough.

Address: 4/1 Vickers St, Parap

5. Ruby G’s Canteen & Bakery

If you’re after a light breakfast, Darwin’s artisan bakery, Ruby G’s Canteen in Coconut Grove, is right up your alley. Pick up a buttery almond croissant or settle in with a plate of shakshuka-baked eggs, plus, of course, some great coffee. Visit on a weekday morning and watch locals line up for boxes of crisp pastries for the office – get in early because they do sell out.

Address: 2 Tang St, Coconut Grove

6. Fannie Bay Coolspot

For some of the best breakfasts in Darwin, head to Fannie Bay Coolspot. This casual brunch ‘n’ lunch spot with aircon is situated super close to the beach, meaning you can go for a stroll on the foreshore before settling in for a plate of pancakes and a fresh tropical juice.

Address: 1 Keith Ln, Fannie Bay

7. The Rabbithole

This CBD cafe celebrates Darwin’s culinary scene, which is a melting pot. Dishes include black sticky rice with coconut cream, miso brown butter eggs benedict, tropical fruit salad, and refreshing drinks like yuzu iced tea with pearl jam and matcha iced lattes.

Address: Paspalis centre point building, M19 48-50, Darwin City

8. The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe

Down by Nightcliff Beach, the The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with views of the jetty, sea, and sand. Come here bright and early for a plate of avocado smash or their Foreshore benedict, and you may find yourself back again come sunset for a strawberry mojito and live music.

Address: 259 Casuarina Dr, Nightcliff

9. Eva’s Cafe

A cute pit stop after taking the family for an exploration of the famous tropical Darwin Botanic Gardens. Eva’s Cafe is located in what was once a Wesleyan Methodist church, built at the end of the 19th century. Today, the air-conditioned establishment serves breakfasts and lunches, as well as tropical high tea with scones and jam during the dry season.

Address: Gardens Rd, The Gardens

10. Karma Cafe

In Parap on a non-market day (or still peckish after perusing the market stalls)? Head to the fresh and funky Karma Cafe. There, have a breakfast of chocolate protein pancakes or vegan corn and zucchini fritters. The smoothie bowls are not to be missed, with delectable options like the ‘Nut Lover’—frozen banana, coconut flesh, peanut butter, granola, and goji berries.

Address: 119/12 Salonika St, Parap

11. Boatshed Coffee House

Feed shimmering shoals of fish off the jetty before heading into Boatshed Coffee House for your brunch. Located at Cullen Bay, this marina-side cafe has an all-day breakfast available, with classics such as corn fritter stacks and big breakfasts with all the trimmings.

Address: 56 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah

12. The Cyclone Cafe

This relaxing eatery for locals and visitors alike in the village of Parap has been around since the mid-90s and remains one of the best cafes in Darwin. Nab one of their comfy sofas to ease back into with an iced latte, and pair this with a lunchtime plate of bulgogi or kimchi fried rice.

Address: 2 Parap Pl, Parap

13. Ray’s Patisserie and Cafe

This sprawling cafe has ample indoor and outdoor seating, so whatever the unpredictable Darwin weather throws at you, you’ll find the perfect seat at Ray’s. Enjoy a full breakfast with plenty of options for vegetarians, or pick up a delicious pastry to go with your oat latte.

Address: 66 Smith St, Darwin City

14. Mad about Coffee

Many locals will tell you that Mad About Coffee, a Parap staple, is the best coffee in Darwin. Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you – inside, you’ll find exceptional coffee that rivals the best this country has to offer, plus a few takeaway goodies if you feel like a sweet snack to pair with your fresh brew.

Address: 3 Parap Pl, Parap

In the mood for a pint of ice-cold beer or zesty cocktails? Hop to the best bars in Darwin here.

Originally written by Kate Bettes with updates by Melissa Mason