Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Darwin, NT © Tourism NT/Helen Orr

Top places to eat and drink in Darwin

Here's how to taste and sip the best of the Top End.

By Sophia Watson

With a mix of its northern neighbours in South-East Asia and a thriving local Indigenous culture, Darwin’s eat and drink culture is all about interesting fusion cuisine, exciting exotic flavours and casual al fresco dining.

Here are some of Darwin’s must-visit eat and drink spots.

"Think: Inventive fusion, exciting street food, rich exotic flavours and a relaxed al fresco dining culture on the water."

For caffeine with a side of breakfast

Fresh breakfast, brunch, lunch and dessert with freshly harvested produce from the adjoining farm at Crazy Acres Mango Farm & Café, Darwin Northern Territory. © Tourism Northern Territory

Crazy Acres Mango Farm & Café, Darwin Northern Territory © Tourism Northern Territory

Rise with the sun in Darwin and be rewarded with great coffee and breakfast. Indulge in a French-Japanese fusion brunch from Le Bistro Rakuya, or enjoy the generous breakfast portions at Eva's Botanical Gardens Café, which are served up inside a heritage-listed church.

Crazy Acres Mango Farm & Café (open from May to October) is worth the 20-minute drive from Darwin; their mango smoothie bowls are famous.

Be sure to try: High Tea in the gardens at Eva’s Botanical Garden’s Café.

For luxury and fine dining

Pee Wee's at the Point, Darwin, NT © Tourism NT

Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Dan Moore

When to go

Though some tours may be closed during wet season, you'll also find fewer crowds, great deals and epic nature.

The Darwin foodie scene boasts a more-than-fabulous luxury and fine dining side. At Pee Wee’s at the Point, you can treat yourself to their famed coconut-crusted crocodile. Snapper Rocks takes innovation seriously, while Indian-Thai fusion eatery Hanuman Darwin offers an explosion of cultural flavours.

Be sure to try: House-cured crocodile jerky and crocodile boa buns at Snapper Rocks.

For sizzling street food

A couple eating Street food at Parap Village Markets, Darwin Northern Territory, outdoors on a sunny day. © Tourism Northern Territory

Street food at Parap Village Markets, Darwin Northern Territory © Tourism Northern Territory

Darwin has a long history of bustling markets where you’ll find the city's iconic flavours. Mindil Beach Sunset Market (open Thursday and Sunday afternoon and evenings) has some of the best laksa in the city, while the Parap Village Market is a paradise of tropical fruits and smoothies.

Be sure to try: Charcoal pickled octopus at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market.

For craft beer and local spirits

A group of people enjoying cocktails made with locally distilled gin at The Trader Bar, Darwin, Northern Territory. © Tourism Northern Territory/ Shaana McNaught

The Trader Bar, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism Northern Territory/ Shaana McNaught

Darwin's beer and spirits are as unique as the city itself. Head to The Trader Bar for a library of gin to sip in their leafy backyard. The hidden entrance into Charlie’s of Darwin will lead you to the selection of uniquely 'Territory' gins.

If it's beer you're after, you can't go past One Mile Brewery, Smoke & Oak, and microbrewery and pub Six Tanks.

Be sure to try: A frothy, hand-crafted brew and woodfired camembert at Six Tanks.

For exotic flavours

Dining at Little Miss Korea, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Michael Costa

A hearty combination of cultural influences makes for Darwin's intriguing flavours. Tickle your tastebuds with some exotic dishes, including Penang crocodile curry from PepperBerry Restaurant at Hilton Darwin and local Singapore chilli mud crab at Hotel Darwin.

Other must-try flavours can be found at Little Miss Korea, Yogi’s Way and Madame Za.

Be sure to try: Korean fried chicken (KFC) and barramundi bibimbap at Little Miss Korea.

For a romantic meal

Yots Greek Taverna, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Michael Costa

A tropical paradise with epic sunsets and sparkling waterfronts – what's more romantic than that? Experience dreamy harbour views and Mediterranean cuisine at Yots Greek Taverna, or spice things up at Saffrron. Set the mood at Nirvana Restaurant and Live Music, where you can grab a bite to eat and catch a live band.

Be sure to try: The homemade yiros from Yots Greek Taverna.

For a sweet treat

Waterfront dining, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Looking to indulge that sweet-tooth? Take a sinfully delicious tour of the ethically sourced chocolates at the Darwin Chocolate Factory, then taste the weird and wonderful flavour combinations at Johnn Johnns Gelato.

Hankering for a baked good? Stop in at Dimitrios Speciality Cakes or Rays Patisserie and Café for a variety of flakey, buttery goodness.

Be sure to try: A scoop of taro and coconut premium gelato at Johnn Johnns Gelato.