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

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway 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

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

3. Ormiston Gorge

4. Standley Chasm

5. Simpsons Gap

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

7. Larapinta Drive

8. Todd River