13 of the best restaurants in Darwin

Barbora Klimeková

As Marketing Executive, Barbora knows the Le Petit Chef fun dining concept inside out and is happy to answer any questions you may have.

Let us dive into the diverse culinary scene of Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory. Darwin is a city with multicultural influences, reflected in vibrant and authentic flavors of the local food scene. This tropical paradise for foodies offers a plethora of dining options and cuisines from around the world. We are providing a guide through the best restaurants and dining experiences in Darwin.

Tip #1: Hanuman Restaurant Darwin

Locals favorite since 1992, Hanuman Restaurant Darwin is a place where elegant décor complements the exceptional Southeast Asian cuisine.

Chef Jimmy Shu has created an extensive menu that features an array of dishes combining cooking secrets of traditionally trained chefs with contemporary Asian cuisine. Hanuman Darwin offers the very best of flavors of Malaysia, Thailand, and India.

The restaurant has both an indoor space that is suitable for a date night, with a more intimate atmosphere, but also a covered outdoor space that is great for sharing a table with your friends.

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Le Petit Chef

Continue reading to find out how Le Petit Chef will turn your next evening into an extraordinary experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Tip #2: PepperBerry

This multi-award-winning, all-day dining restaurant is located on the ground floor of Hilton Darwin. Beautifully renovated, the restaurant offers a modern yet classic feel in both the atmosphere and dishes alike.

With influence of indigenous flavors, the menu offers a contemporary take on Australian cuisine. Do not miss out on their tender slow-braised beef cheek served with sweet potato puree, roasted baby carrot, herb salad and red wine jus.

In PepperBerry every ingredient is used with purpose, therefore you can look forward to an exceptional dining experience.

Monday – Saturday:
06:00 am – 10:00 am
11:30 am – 02:30 pm
06:00 pm – 09:30 pm
Sunday:
07:00 am – 10:00 am
11:30 am – 02:30 pm
06:00 pm – 09:30 pm
You can make your reservation online.
Hilton Darwin, 32 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT 0800
(+61) 88 98 20 000
pepperberry.darwin@hilton.com

Tip #3: The Darwin Trailer Boat Club

Located at the Fannie Bay shore, the bistro of The Darwin Trailer Boat Club offers stunning sunset views.

Complement to the scenic surroundings is the carefully crafted menu by Head Chef Fursang Sherpa with locally sourced fresh seafood, and array of burgers, grilled prime cuts and salads. The mains include dishes such as Bangers and Mash with daily special sausages, Chicken Parmigiana, Beef Nachos or Chicken Laksa.

With playground and kids menu options available, the bistro at The Darwin Trailer Boat Club is an ideal place for families.

Tip #4: Pee Wee’s at the Point

For a fine dining experience with an oceanfront view you can head over to Pee Wee’s at the Point. Set in the unique outdoor setting of East Point Nature Reserve, the restaurant offers panoramic views of Darwin.

The menu is driven by the local produce, climate, and diverse culture of the Northern Territory offering modern Australian cuisine and an award-winning wine list.

A more informal dining option is also available at the restaurant’s Lounge where you can enjoy unique cocktails, sharing platters and bites.

Tip #5: Wharf One Food & Wine

Located just a 3-minute walk from the Darwin Convention Centre, Wharf One Food & Wine offers a casual dining experience with a relaxed ambiance and a tropical feel.

Apart from views of Darwin Harbor and Lagoon you can look forward to a seasonal menu with fresh and simple local ingredients, wood grill cooking and an extensive drinks list.

The menu offers large sharing platters, seafood, and wood-fired meats. Suckling pig Feast is available for a minimum of 10 guests with 24 hours’ notice.

If you are not looking for a full meal, there are plenty of small plate options to sample while you enjoy the waterfront views.

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Le Petit Chef

Continue reading to find out how Le Petit Chef will turn your next evening into an extraordinary experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Tip #6: Saffrron

If you are in search for and Indian restaurant in Darwin, Saffrron is known for its authentic but at the same time innovative Indian cuisine. Located just 4km away from the city, this suburban eatery focuses on fresher, tastier and healthier dining options with emphasis on seasonality and sustainability.

Chef Selvam Kandasamy created the menu with emphasis on local seafood and fresh produce from Darwin’s Markets. At Saffron you will find enticing dishes both in color and taste served on biodegradable bamboo tableware. A tasting menu for two people is also available and includes the chef’s selection of two entrées and four mains with sides.

Tip #7: Yots Greek Taverna

The restaurant is located at the Waterfront Boardwalk at Cullen Bay and specializes in modern and traditional Greek cuisine. At Yots Greek Taverna you can enjoy dining al fresco by the water complemented by fresh Mediterranean food.

Do not miss out on the Char Grilled Quails, Chicken Souvlaki with lemon baked potatoes, salad and tzatziki on the side. The highlight of the menu is also Greco Barramundi, oven baked local salt water barramundi fillet, served on spinach and lemon baked potatoes and drizzled with creamy caper sauce.

Tip #8: Moorish Café

Moorish Café focuses on Tapas from around the world where local ingredients take the spotlight. The menu is inspired by the flavors of Spain, the Mediterranean and North Africa to transport guests through taste, to lands far away.

In addition to an array of international tapas, you can also enjoy large plates such as Tagine of the day served with cous cous & grilled house bread.

Tapas include Patatas Bravas, Grilled Chorizo, Hummus with Pita or Truffle Mac & Cheese.

For the ultimate taste of the menu, degustation menus are also available.

Tip #9: Chow

Chow is a casual Vietnamese restaurant offering vibrant dishes from Southeast Asia, using local ingredients.

Menu features small and large plates, spring rolls, rice paper rolls, Asian soups, and salads.

Not to be overlooked is their Laksa, a Malay curry noodle soup with your choice of meat or seafood. Vegan and Gluten-Free versions are also available.

With an award-winning cocktail bar selection and a covered patio, Chow restaurant is a cozy and fun place to visit for a meal and drink in Darwin.

Sun – Thu: 11:30 am – 02:00 pm, 05:30 pm – 09:00 pm
Fri – Sat: 11:30 am – 02:00 pm, 05:30 pm – 09:30 pm
Reservations are recommended and can be made online.
Darwin Waterfront Apartments, D1 &, D2/19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin, NT 0800
(+61) 88 94 17 625
info@chowdarwin.com.au

Tip #10: Lazy Susan’s Eating House & Yum Cha

Lazy Susan’s offers a large selection of Chinese & Southeast Asian dishes with a focus on Chinese roast meats as well as premium whisky.

Dedicated to authentic flavors, Lazy Susan’s is a favorite place among locals to enjoy Chinese cuisine.

The menu includes small bites, steamed bao, soups, salads, as well as meat and seafood dishes. The chef’s recommendations include Cantonese Roast Duck, Braised Pork Belly, White Cut Chicken or Steamed Barramundi Fillet.

Tip #11: Curve Restaurant and Bar

Located in the Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, Curve Restaurant and Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and focuses on modern Australian food.

From the large plate section of the menu do not miss out on NT barramundi, a crispy skin Humpty Doo barra or Cheeky Cow, slow-cooked beef cheeks. Curve Restaurant and Bar is also a place to enjoy steaks from the grill, served with two sides and sauce of your choice.

Curve Restaurant and Bar is an ideal place to enjoy comfort food and cocktails al fresco.

Tip #12: Shenannigans Restaurant & Bar

Shags, as it is called by its regulars, is located in the heart of Darwin town, whether you visit for Rump night on Tuesday’s, Pasta night on Wednesday’s, Schnity night on Thursday’s or just visit for an Irish pub classic, you won’t be disappointed here.

The menu features a range of small plates, steaks, tasters & seafood, something to suit every tastebud.

With live music seven days a week, the atmosphere is always inviting for more. Besides regular themed evenings, you can find your favorite pub classics such as bangers & mash, Guinness pie and also perfectly grilled steaks at Shenannigans.

Tip #13: The Precinct Tavern

Referred to as the home of craft beer in Darwin, this Waterfront Tavern is a guarantee for a perfect night out.

The menu features contemporary pub food, with only the freshest of local ingredients; come for the beer battered fish and chips, and stay for the lemon pepper calamari. The menu includes NT local barramundi, slow braised lamb shank or pub classics like bangers and mash.

Besides delicious food, you’ll find the best selection of craft beers, live music and uninterrupted views of the Darwin Waterfront. Whether you visit during the day or during the night, this is the perfect place to hang out and have a great time.

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!