Leah McLennan

When most people think about visiting Darwin, food likely isn’t the main motivating factor. But with steaming bowls of laksa and uniquely Territorian bites, Larrakia land gives plenty of reasons to linger. By day, you’ll come across intimate cafés with creative cross-cultural fare and bustling weekend markets serving some of the nation’s best noodle soups. As the sun sets, Darwin’s dining scene heats up with harbour-front restaurants showcasing tropical fruits and upscale pubs featuring local wildlife, like crocodiles and kangaroos. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, along with Northern Territory-based contributing writer, Leah McLennan, keep a weather eye on every nook and cranny of the wee but mighty city – and have curated this list of the best restaurants in Darwin right now. Now, all that’s left for you to do is eat up. March 2025: Since our last update, we've added up-to-date opening hours, addresses and how much you should expect to pay at each spot, along with our tips for each restaurant for your research needs. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin🌳 The 23 best things to do in Darwin🍻 Darwin's best bars for a night out

We're saying it loud and clear: Darwin is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. It’s that far northern city where people put ice in their beer, dodge cyclones and take their life into their hands if they ever step into the sea. And while there is something a little untamed about Australia’s northernmost capital city, that’s what makes it so much fun to visit.  Whether you’re here to access the majesty of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, check out the incredible international food scene or just planning to kick back by the water in this tropical paradise while the rest of the country shivers through winter, there’s something in Darwin for everyone. Our local writers have curated the ultimate guide for your next trip – happy scrolling. RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Darwin right now🚗 All the best day trips from Darwin🍸 Where to go for a drink in town

As Northern Territory’s capital city, Darwin’s museums and galleries stand as a treasure trove of Australian heritage, offering unparalleled glimpses into European settlement and World War II, the harrowing impact of Cyclone Tracy, and the area’s iconic fauna, such as crocodiles, dingos and 400 bird species.  This city is home to the Larrakia people and is a major hub for Aboriginal art from around the region. Below, you will find eight of the best museums and galleries that Territorians and visitors can’t seem to get enough of. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Darwin.

Whoever said “nothing in life is free” clearly hasn’t been to Australia. Our Great Southern Land is full of bucket list experiences that won’t hurt or even touch your bank account. Hiking through some of the world’s most beautiful national parks? Free! Spotting fairy penguins on the beach? Free! Sampling your way through a world-class market? You guessed it – free! Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has backpacked all around the globe, so she knows a thing or two about savvy travel. With the help of her trusted team of Aussie travel writers, she’s curated this list of the best free things to do in Australia’s major cities. Whether you’re into soaking up the sun outdoors with swims, picnics and hikes, or cooling off inside with free exhibitions, chocolate tours and tram rides, there’s a budget-friendly activity to make you feel filthy rich with happiness.  🌊 All the best things to do in Australia🎢 The coolest things to do with kids⭐️ Tourist attractions in Australia that are worth it

Just dropped a chunk of change on a heart-pounding swim with a crocodile in the Cage of Death? Time to balance the budget with some top-tier free fun. Luckily, Darwin life happens outdoors, meaning there’s no shortage of incredible things to do for zero dollars.  You can tear down mountain bike trails at Charles Darwin National Park, step back in time at the old Fannie Bay Gaol or stake out the perfect picnic spot on a scenic walk. Take your pick from this list of the best free things to do in Darwin, as curated by our local expert writers. 🌳 More of the best things to do in Darwin🚗 All the best day trips from Darwin🥐 The best cafés in Darwin

Given how close we are to China, good Chinese food isn’t hard to come by in Australia. But great Chinese food? That’s where local knowledge makes all the difference. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, grew up eating congee for breakfast, barbecue pork buns for school lunch and Sunday yum cha as a weekly tradition. She and her team of expert local writers across the country have curated this list of Australia’s best Chinese restaurants, so no matter which capital city you’re in, you can feast on the finest flavours. At Australia’s top Chinese restaurants, you won’t just find wonton noodle soups or prawn har gow (though we’re big fans of both). Prepare to be wowed by live lobsters dressed in spicy Sichuan sauce, Peking duck expertly carved tableside and crystal-clear prawn dumplings so good you wish you didn’t have to share. Here’s our pick of the best places for Chinese food in Australia right now. 🥘 Must-try Indian restaurants in Australia🍣 Australia's best Japanese restaurants🍽 All the best restaurants in Australia

Craving a succulent Chinese meal in Darwin? You're in good hands. At Pink Chopstix, the dumplings are as silky as the tropical breeze, while crab – hauled straight from local waters – takes centre stage by the waterfront. Over at Dragon Court, crispy prawn toast gets a luxe upgrade and the barramundi with ginger and shallots is a masterclass in fragrant perfection.  This is Chinese food, Darwin-style. Dive in and discover the spots turning local flavours into something extraordinary. 🍛 The best Indian restaurants in Darwin🥩 The best steaks in Darwin🍔 The best burgers in Darwin

The aerial assault on Darwin Harbour by Japanese forces on 19 February 1942 stands as the most significant military onslaught Australia has ever faced. Darwin Military Museum is a must-visit to fully grasp the magnitude of this event. Located in the historic precinct of East Point, the collection features artillery pieces, vehicles and a lookout tower, offering a glimpse into the life of soldiers stationed in this remote outpost.

In the fun-loving suburb of Parap, just five minutes from the CBD, Outstation Gallery is where the heart of remote Aboriginal art beats in Darwin. Specialising in contemporary art from the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land, the Western Desert, the Kimberley, and Central and South Australia, this gallery bridges the gap between remote artists and the urban audience. Artworks range from bark paintings and hollow logs to fibre art and acrylic paintings.

Tiwi Islands are a cultural gem off the coast of Darwin, renowned for their distinctive art and cultural practices. Tiwi Design presents a collection that ranges from fabrics, intricate wood carvings and pottery to the famous Pukumani burial poles. March is a special time on the Islands, marked by the Tiwi Island Football Grand Final and Art Sale, a festive fusion of sport and art that draws visitors from far and wide. While you’re there, don’t miss the Patakijiyali Museum, an intimate space that holds records of important information about the Tiwi dreamtime and spirituality, the Catholic Mission, the role of the Tiwi people during World War II, and the Islands’ proud football heritage.

Darwin's urban landscape is a canvas for creativity, with outdoor street art galleries like Austin Lane and Shadforth Lane transforming the city's alleys into vibrant showcases of contemporary art. These open-air galleries feature murals and installations by local and international artists, adding a splash of colour and intrigue to the city streets. Don’t miss the portrait of the late singer Gurrumul and the very special memorial piece for the late, great Vincent Lingiari, both in central Darwin.

A haven for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike, Darwin Aviation Museum presents an impressive collection of aircraft and aviation artefacts that narrate the story of Darwin's pivotal role in World War II. The centrepiece is a massive B-52 bomber on loan from the United States Air Force, complemented by tales of heroic flights and the evolution of air travel in Australia. Also in Darwin, don’t miss the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) tourist facility at Stokes Hill Wharf, where you can experience the history of the RFDS through virtual reality, holograms and interactive displays.

Want to see art and design from more than 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art centres in one place? Every August, Darwin becomes the epicentre of Indigenous art with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF). From traditional bark paintings and weaving to contemporary sculptures and textiles, the fair showcases the spectacular diversity of Aboriginal art. The event is more than just an art fair; it's a cultural celebration, complete with workshops, performances, films, fashion shows and more.

In the funky suburb of Parap, the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art (NCCA) is Darwin's avant-garde art space, dedicated to presenting contemporary art from the Northern Territory and beyond. With a focus on innovation and experimentation, the exhibitions span a diverse range of mediums and themes, from digital media and performance art to social and political commentary.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.