The 12 best restaurants in Darwin

What is it? A bright, new neighbourhood Mexican cantina in Nightcliff.

Why go? For the hot pink Margarita garden, of course! Swap your regular beer garden sesh for an evening of tacos and frozen cocktails at this vibey outdoor oasis that’ll transport you straight to the cantinas of Mexico. The mastermind behind Flora’s, Nicholas Peters, co-owned what many consider to be the restaurant that started Australia’s modern Mexican movement, Mamacita in Melbourne, and is also a certified mezcalier – so you know you’re in good hands. Fill your bright cantina tablecloth with share plates like rainbow corn chips and guacamole, fresh ceviche and habanero-spiced chicken wings. Save room for a soft shell taco or three, with all your favourite fillings, including battered fish, pork carnitas, chicken and black beans. For drinks, expect a curated list of tequila and mezcal, alongside house wines, Sangria jugs, rotating frozen cocktails and ice-cold beers. Want to level up your lager? Ask for it Michelada-style, featuring spicy tomato juice, salt and lime. Can’t decide what to pair your bevvie with? Say “vamos” and the chefs will feed you an array of their favourite dishes for $40 per person. Taco ’bout a good time!

Time Out tip: Feeling extra boozy? Flora’s Temper also does a legendary bottomless brunch, including 90 minutes of food and drinks for just $58. 

Address: 8 Pavonia Place, Nightcliff

Opening hours: Thurs 5pm-8.30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-3pm

Expect to pay: $30-$40 per person, without drinks

What is it? A cosy Sri Lankan eatery by a MasterChef alumnus. 

Why go? Nothing can beat a great curry and few chefs can outdo Minoli De Silva’s jaggery lamb with spiced tomato salsa. 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 spice-cured kangaroo tartare, spiced lamb ribs that are slow-cooked for 18 hours, and twice-cooked eggplant moju (a kind of relish-y curry). The plates are pretty and the product placement is thoughtful, accompanied by verdant sauces that dance around the dish, with a symphony that concludes in your mouth. The choice is only made harder by the wafting (and sensational) aromas that linger around the contemporary dining room. Top it all off with a zingy cocktail from Ella’s extensive list, where ingredients like kaffir limes, cardamom and pandan steal the spotlight. The Kiwi Bay not only leaves you refreshed, but it changes colour too.

Time Out tip: Nab a seat in West Lane Arcade – the alfresco atmosphere only adds to the Ella by Minoli experience with Darwin’s tropical weather.

Address: 20 West Lane, Darwin

Opening hours: Tues-Sat 5pm-11pm

Expect to pay: More than $70 a head for a proper meal and cocktail

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? Darwin’s South East Asian gastronomy scene goes hard – is it a proximity thing? Maybe! And at Chef Shu’s Hanuman, the elegant restaurant has been taking hangry eaters on a culinary journey through India, Malaysia and Thailand since way back when in 1992. Standout dishes include nonya satay chicken, local soft shell crabs, beef vindaloo curry and the legendary hot Hanuman oysters. They also provide an entire dietary menu which entails a plethora for your dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free and vegan buddies. And if you’re heading in with a group of six or more, Hanuman offers a full-blown, Build Your Own banquet menu at $72 per person for your all taste bud exploration needs. 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 which is equally as enticing.

Time Out tip: Raining on the day you’ve booked at Hanuman? Never fear, they’ve thought of everything. Covered outdoor seating literally has you, well, covered.

Address: 93 Mitchell Street, Darwin

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-12pm; Sat-Tues 6pm-10pm

Expect to pay: More than $70 a head for a proper meal without drinks

What is it? A breezy, tropical eatery that heroes native ingredients and fosters good times in a multi-use space.

Why go? Tuck in, Darwin! The city’s culinary scene scored big with the opening of Tucker at Flick’s in early 2024, 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, has stepped up to lead the kitchen alongside The Cinema Collective’s head chef, Jake Horyna (Akiba). Tucker’s 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 ‘numus’, and the signature stout damper with a good wad of butter, of course. The plates are even decorated with freshly-picked eucalyptus leaves adding to those mod-Oz vibes.

Time Out tip: Stay for a good time, and a long time. In just a few steps here and there within the Mitchell Street hub, you can eat, drink, watch, and party without leaving the venue. How’s that for night-out convenience?

Address: 74 Mitchell Street, Darwin

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10am-3am

Expect to pay: More than $70 a head for a proper meal

What is it? A breezy Greek taverna alongside Cullen Bay with a focus on local seafood. 

Why go? At Yots, the warm welcome and adrift scents of olive oil whisk guests away to the essence of the Mediterranean. Conveniently and perhaps coincidentally, Yots sits atop Waterfront Boardwalk with fantastic views across the marina – the closest thing you’ll get to a Greek Island getaway up here in Darwin, and we’ll take it any day of the week. The decor's blue and white hues, paired with traditional Greek dishes, like the moussaka (layered eggplant, potato and spiced beef mince bake), char-grilled octopus, saganaki (pan-fried cheese), and spicy whitebait, create an experience filled with the comfort and excitement of Greek hospitality. Just be sure to save room for the baklava and a shot of ouzo to end a memorable meal that’ll leave you pondering your next visitation. 

Time Out tip: Don’t be scared of the menu items that you can’t pronounce – we promise they don’t bite, and venturing out of your go-to’s comfort zone might just be the best thing you do all week.

Address: 4/54 Marina Boulevard, Larrakeyah

Opening hours: Tues-Sat 5:30pm-10pm

Expect to pay: More than $60 a head for a proper meal without drinks

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

Why go? Head a little ways out of town to East Point and you’ll find yourself in the sticks – well, in a reserve of forest land, mangroves and most importantly, Pee Wee’s at the Point. Perched on the tranquil, secluded shores of Fannie Bay, this fine diner serves up expansive vistas of Darwin's coastline and memorable dishes to boot. You’ll be tucking in to fare that reflects the region with the likes of crocodile in betel leaf and native-spiced kangaroo loin. Don’t worry if you’re not feeling too adventurous though, there’s options that tone it down a bit like the harissa cauliflower. Turn it into an extra special occasion with chilli-infused tequila, a Lychee Martini or a premier-calibre glass of wine on the porch – ideal for catching the skies turn from blue to purple then black, with distant views of the city lights.

Time Out tip: Outdoors is where you’re going to want to be seated at Pee Wee’s at the Point to take in all the marvelous sounds, smells and sights of nature that Darwin is so fortunate to be engulfed by.

Address: Alec Fong Lim Dr, East Point 

Opening hours: Tues-Sat 4pm-11pm

Expect to pay: More than $100 a head for a proper dinner without drinks

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. Rest assured that all of the joint’s ingredients are sourced from either the local market or imported straight from the motherland (Italy) – your taste buds will thank you later. The team dishes out 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. May we suggest the calamata topped with marinated calamari, black olives, capers, parsley oil, garlic and basil with tomato base. Continue filling the table with premium Italian prosciutto and mozzarella, fresh salads and seasonal seafood pastas, and you’re good to go.

Time Out tip: The Alfonsino crew aren’t in the habit of pre-slicing your pie, so they kindly ask that you embrace the traditional way of eating your pizza – with a knife and fork, that is. 

Address: 20/69 Mitchell Street, Darwin 

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-9pm

Expect to pay: More than $25 for a large pizza

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

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 Saffrron, 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 Kandasamy is passionate about local produce and uses Territory ingredients to showcase his native cuisine. And it ain’t just whacked on the plate either: Saffrron Restaurant takes pride in its elevated serving style – from the garnishes to the rustic, and sometimes asymmetrical crockery. Fine glasses of wine from across Australia are a norm too, as are the considered mocktails – we’ll take the rose syrup sarbat, please. In terms of Saffrron’s feel, expect white tablecloths, flamboyant red walls and an A-frame ceiling that carries the excess noise up ‘n’ out.

Time Out tip: If you have not yet sampled the beauty that are gulab jammuns, may we suggest that you do so asap. They’re warm, they’re sweet, they’re saffron syrup-soaked, they’re melt-in-the-mouth and they’re a simply delightful dessert.

Address: 14/34 Parap Road, Parap

Opening hours: Tues-Fri 11am-2pm; Sat-Sun 5:30pm-9pm

Expect to pay: More than $50 a head for a proper feed

What is it? Local ingredients meets fine dining with mesmerizing harbour views.

Why go? This elegant-industrial eatery with water vistas and lush greenery has an emphasis on wood-fired meats and seafood, with the visual excitement of an open-kitchen. 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. Gluten-free and dairy-free diners will be pleased too – there are oodles of dishes up for grabs that’ll fill you right to the brim. The drinks list is extensive too, including fun options for teetotallers, such as the Paloma (grapefruit, sweet and sour, salt rim) and plenty of zero wine and beer options if you’re taking it easy. 

Time Out tip: If the suckling pig is sounding right up your alley, make sure you let Wharf One Food and Wine know at least 24 hours before you plan on dining – it’s a whole thing, literally.

Address: 19 Kitchener Drive, Darwin

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 3pm-9pm

Expect to pay: More than $60 a head for a proper meal without drinks

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

Why go? Equal parts classic and contemporary, PepperBerry pays homage to the Northern Territory's abundant (and inspiring) 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. We all know that there’s always room for dessert too, and the drinks are equally satisfying. Think wattleseed panna cotta and a jungle bird cocktail, perfectly matched with Darwin’s equatorial setting. The multi-award-winning restaurant is open for business from the AM to the PM, but we’re a fan of their dinner service – there’s just something about their chic fit-out, harsh-less lighting and beige decor and tones that scream ‘late night escapades’. PepperBerry’s combination of great service and great fare is sure to delight whether you’re planning a date night, a besties yap sesh, or a catch-up with the parents.

Time Out tip: Feel free to slip on your new suede shoes when hitting up PepperBerry – dressing to the nines is welcome and the staff are suited for the occasion, too.

Address: 32 Mitchell Street, Darwin 

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6pm-10am, 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-9:30pm; Sun 7am-10am, 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-9:30pm

Expect to pay: More than $80 for a proper dinner without drinks

What is it? An alluring, no-frills 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. An intricately-tiled facade catches the eye while streetside seating and classic French bistro chairs entice you to stay for a good time and a long time. The casual hotspot welcomes feasting on tapas that have taken inspiration from around the globe while spotlighting the Northern Territory’s finest ingredients and the Spanish eating tradition. With an emphasis on sharing, 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. Moorish Café truly is a more-ish affair – so that’s a fuss-free lunch and dinner sorted, from where we’re sitting.

Time Out tip: Moorish Café is great if you’re planning on dining solo – the tapas menu ranges from $6 to $16 plates so you can try a variety of flavours ‘n’ textures before filling up on the bread.

Address: 37 Knuckey Street, Darwin

Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 11am-2:30-pm, 6pm-9:30pm; Fri 11am-9:30pm; Sat 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: More than $40 a head for a filling meal without drinks

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 Café and Bar mirrors the city’s diverse culinary panorama with a menu spanning local seafood to global classics. As for the ‘vibes’, the café and bar is airy – bringing the outside in, with sliding glass doors – and fitted with plenty of overhead fans for those humid Darwin days. A meal at Curve might include melt-in-your-mouth eye fillet or Humpty Doo barramundi with coconut pumpkin purée, followed by creamy panna cotta with quandong purée and fresh berries. Who knew pulped fruit and veg could be such a hit? And if you’re lucky enough to be living your best life on a tropical holiday, hotel guests of Vibe have the convenience of not having to leave the building for a top-notch Darwin dining experience. No taxis required!

Time Out tip: We know the age-old saying goes that you should ‘never swim after eating’, but we don’t think a little dip in the neighbouring Recreation Lagoon, post-lunch or dinner will hurt.

Address: 7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin 

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6am-10am, 12pm-9pm; Sunday 6am-10am

Expect to pay: More than $40 a head for dinner without drinks