Food may not be the first thing that comes to mind when making a trip to Darwin. But with an open mind and a curious belly, Larrakia land has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. From a pink and bold Chinese restaurant to some of Northern Territory’s best seafood stops, here are 10 top tables to book in Darwin right now.
Darwin Sailing Club
Home to Darwin’s sailing community, this waterfront bistro offers some of the best sunset views along with a tropical-inspired fusion menu featuring stir-fries from the wok, hearty noodle dishes and fresh platters. Dinner and drinks after a little sailing adventure? Ready about!
Location: 5 Atkins Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820
Hours: Mondays to Thursdays 12pm – midnight; Fridays to Sundays 11am – midnight
Hot Tamale
You’d be hard pressed to find another group venue as vibrant as Hot Tamale along the Darwin Waterfront. Great for sharing guac, tacos and cocktails, plus 250+ agave spirits sprawl the menu, along with heftier burrito bowls and abundant meat plates like the lamb barbacoa for two. Drop in for Loco Arvos (happy hour) from 4 to 6pm daily for $6 tacos and drink specials.
Location: F2/19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800
Hours: Sundays to Thursdays 11:30am – 9pm; Fridays and Saturdays 11:30am – 10pm
Hanuman Darwin
A power-packed blend of Chef Shu’s Thai, Nonya and Indian inspirations, Hanuman marries creativity with reverence for traditional ingredients in their cooking. Expect bright and verdant sauces, rich flavours and the hearty portions synonymous with the cuisine. The elegant space and warm service also makes this a solid contender for celebrations.
Location: 93 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800
Hours: Saturdays to Tuesdays 6 – 10pm; Wednesdays to Fridays 12 – 2:30pm and 6 – 10pm
Oyster Bar Darwin
There’s no better place to take advantage of Darwin’s sunny climate and laidback lifestyle—pull up a chair at the waterfront Oyster Bar, alfresco or indoors with an equally picturesque view. The main event is the city’s finest, freshest oysters, chilled and grilled to your liking to go with curated local wines. Not a fan of the mollusk? Turn to the venue’s famous salt and pepper squid or go all out with a fresh seafood plate.
Location: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800
Hours: Daily, 11am – 11pm
Lola's Pergola
Located on Culley Bay Marina just minutes away from the CBD, this funky watering hole is a family-friendly pub with a whimsical circus theme. The outdoor decking offers a lively atmosphere and views to go with their fantastic food and drinks menu of pizzas, fish and chips and arvo beers.
Location: 48 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah NT 082
Hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays 3 – 11pm; Fridays to Saturdays 11am – 1am and Sundays and Mondays 11am – 11pm
Charlie's of Darwin
Pop into the lighted stairway along Austin Lane to find this speakeasy bar beyond the doors. Despite the inconspicuous location that requires a little hunt, this is one of Darwin’s most definitive places for casual dining over drinks. Experience the true taste of the Territory over their house-distilled Darwin gin, paired with banger food options such as Szechuan croc dumplings and NT jewfish wellington.
Location: Austin Lane, Darwin City NT 0800
Hours: Wednesdays to Saturdays 3pm – late; Sundays 3pm – 11pm
Wharf One Food & Wine
Tucked on the edge of the Waterfront Lagoon, Wharf One Food & Wine is where Darwin comes to play. The spacious venue that spans plenty of indoor seats and an open air terrace makes it casual enough for a laid-back drink, but special enough for a celebration. On the menu, wood-grilled local produce — seafood, steaks, share plates & house-made pasta.
Location: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0801
Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays 4 – 9pm
Moorish Cafe
Having opened its doors since 2003, this longstanding tapas restaurant has Darwin’s heart for its famously flavourful take on Spanish-Mediterranean meets North African fare. The clean and understated wood-laden decor keeps the vibe smart yet casual, and the variety on the menu means it’s a great choice for catching with friends over moreish plates.
Location: 37 Knuckey St, Darwin City NT 0800
Hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays 11am – 2:30pm and 6 – 9:30pm; Fridays 11am – 9:30pm and Saturdays 11am – 10pm
Pink Chopstix
Voted 2024’s best new establishment in the city, this Chinese-inspired venue knows how to have fun; the proof’s in their bold pink leather seats set against the harbour backdrop. Whether it’s a celebration that call for a live mud crab feast, or just a night out over cocktails and versatile Chinese dishes, these (pink) chopsticks deliver.
Location: 6001, 7 Anchorage Court, Darwin City NT 0800
Hours: Daily, 5 – 9:30pm
Pee Wees at the Point
At Pee Wees, the largely alfresco dining setup whisks you away to the rightfully relaxed ambience of beautiful East Point Reserve, overlooking Fannie Bay. Expect a warm welcome, and a menu of modern Australian fare that showcases local produce with heady excitement. Think native bush spiced kangaroo loin and crocodile la lot, next to saltwater barramundi and pan fried chicken breast, all executed exquisitely.
Location: Alec Fong Lim Dr, East Point NT 0820
Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 4 – 11pm
