The 11 best restaurants in Darwin

What is it? A cosy new Sri Lankan eatery. 

Why go? Nothing can beat a great curry and few chefs can outdo Minoli De Silva’s jaggery goat with spiced sticky figs. The former MasterChef contestant has set up a city centre establishment that marries creativity with reverence for traditional Sri Lankan ingredients. Fill the table with curry leaf-cured snapper, spiced lamb ribs and black pepper pork belly, and pick from Ella’s extensive cocktail list, where ingredients like makrut limes, cardamom and pandan steal the spotlight.

Tuck in, Darwin! The city’s culinary scene just scored big with the opening of Tucker at Flick’s, located in the newly-minted Cinema Collective. Following in the footsteps of fellow MasterChef alumnus Minoli De Silva (of Ella by Minoli), local firefighter and season 14 contestant, Daniel Lamble, is stepping up to lead the kitchen alongside The Cinema Collective’s head chef, Jake Horyna (Akiba). Their new menu is a love letter to the Territory, featuring kangaroo tail croquettes, salty plum pork skewers, chimichurri crocodile bites, Darwin’s take on ceviche: snapper ‘nummus’, and the signature stout damper.

What is it? In Australia, the name Jimmy Shu goes hand in hand with South East Asian cuisine and his Darwin venture lives up to the hype.

Why go? Chef Shu’s elegant restaurant takes you on a culinary journey through the best of Indian, Malaysian and Thai gastronomy. Standout dishes include nonya satay chicken, local mud crabs, beef vindaloo curry and the legendary hot Hanuman Oysters. Tucked beside the Darwin Entertainment Centre, this stylish restaurant with Asian wood carvings and high ceilings is the ideal choice if you’re seeking a seamless evening of dining and entertainment. Heading to Alice Springs? You’ll also find Hanuman in Central Australia.

What is it? A breezy Greek taverna alongside Cullen Bay.

Why go? At Yots, the warm welcome and views of the marina whisk guests away to the essence of the Mediterranean. The decor's blue and white hues, paired with traditional Greek dishes, like the char-grilled octopus, saganaki, moussaka and spicy whitebait, create an experience filled with the comfort of Greek hospitality. Just be sure to save room for the baklava and a shot of ouzo to end a memorable meal.

What is it? This colourful Parap eatery offers diners a taste of India from the north to the south

Why go? Chef Selvam Kandasamy was born in Tamil and learned to blend spices in his grandmother’s kitchen. Those spices are the backbone of his menu at Saffron, including prawn pepper masala (with local banana prawns), snake beans poriyal (with beans from Humpty Doo), and pumpkin kara kari (with Coolalinga pumpkin). As you may have noticed, chef Sel is passionate about local produce and uses Territory ingredients to showcase his native cuisine.

What is it? An unassuming slice of Napoli, located just a street back from the waterfront in Darwin’s city centre.

Why go? Alfonsino’s is here for all your carb-craving needs with some of the best pizza and pasta in the whole of topical Darwin. The team serves pizza the way it is served in the streets of Napoli, following traditional 17th-century methods. Every disc is hot-to-trot with a leopard-spotted puffy crust, soft and saucy centre, and toppings appointed in all the right places. Continue filling the table with premium Italian prosciutto and mozzarella, fresh salads and seasonal seafood pastas.

What is it? A modern Australian restaurant with top-notch service within Darwin’s Hilton. 

Why go? Equal parts classic and contemporary, PepperBerry pays homage to the Territory's abundant produce. Noteworthy is the fresh bread with saltbush-spiced dukkah, miso tempura crocodile with mango and green chilli sauce, and kangaroo fillet with quandong and star anise spiced beetroot purée. Dessert and drinks are equally satisfying – think lychee panna cotta and a jungle bird cocktail, perfectly matched with Darwin’s tropical setting.

What is it? Darwin’s most prized seaside restaurant for local flavours and panoramic views.

Why go? Perched on the tranquil shores of Fannie Bay, this fine diner serves up expansive vistas of Darwin's coastline and memorable dishes, like crocodile in betel leaf and lemon myrtle-crusted barramundi. Turn it into an extra special occasion with chilli-infused tequila, a Lychee Martini or a premier-calibre glass of wine.

What is it? Fine dining with mesmerizing harbour views.

Why go? This elegant eatery with water vistas and lush greenery has an emphasis on wood-fired meats and seafood. Rally a batch of friends and make space for the suckling pig feast with all the trimmings, carved at the table. Seafood lovers should opt for the platter for two, where local Humpty Doo barramundi, cured yellowfin tuna and wood-grilled fish of the day are the stars of the show. The drinks list is extensive, including fun options for teetotallers, such as the Paloma (grapefruit, sweet and sour, salt rim) and plenty of zero wine and beer options.

What is it? An inviting inner-city restaurant with a spice-laden menu.

Why go? In Darwin's core, Moorish Café invites diners to traverse from Marrakech's vibrant markets to Mediterranean shores. Feast on tapas that have taken inspiration from around the globe while spotlighting the Territory’s finest ingredients. Showstoppers include jewfish in coconut and lime, medallions of local Gunbalanyan eye fillet of beef and banana prawns with tamarind, honey and chilli sauce. Wind down with a pitcher of sangria or pick from the robust wine list.

What is it? A colourful bar with alfresco dining and comforting dishes.

Why go? Set within the snazzy Vibe Hotel at Darwin's Waterfront, Curve mirrors the city’s diverse culinary panorama with a menu spanning local seafood to global classics. A meal might include melt-in-your-mouth eye fillet or Humpty Doo barramundi with coconut pumpkin puree, followed by creamy panna cotta with quandong puree and fresh berries. Hotel guests have the convenience of not having to leave the building for a top-notch Darwin dining experience. No taxis required.