7 superb places to dine out in Darwin

Blending its close proximity to Asia with an ocean brimming with fresh catches, the Northern Territory capital has captured the ideal ingredients which make Darwin a modern dining delight. We've got the lot when it comes to fine feasting and here's seven of our best.

1. Pee Wee's at the Point

Who can resist a coconut-crusted crocodile tail when it’s described as “wild caught, wrestled by a chef on the beach in front of Pee Wee’s”? Yes, that trademark Territory humour is evident everywhere on this menu, matched only by some of the finest food you’ll experience in the Top End.

In fact, this East Point Nature Reserve establishment was named NT Restaurant of the Year for the second time in three years at the Australian Hotel’s Association Gold Plate Awards in 2015, and with local produce such as oven-baked wild-caught NT saltwater barramundi on the menu, it’s easy to see why.

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Pee Wees Decking area overlooking outside Waterfront

Two entres adorn a table. In the background is the hint of tables and chairs, and ocean

2. Cove

Vegetarians best look away right now, as Cove is a carnivore’s carnival. Part of Mindil Beach Casino Resort, this newly re-opened eatery overlooking the sparkling swimming lagoon has a whole new look and vibe.

The menu features prime cuts of beef from around the country and try the Black Angus eye fillet from Byron Bay and as well as finger-licking rib dishes. Touting itself as Darwin’s Hottest New Steakhouse, who can argue with that? Check out the impressive wine, beer and liqueur menu here too.

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A plate of ribs and vegetables displays on a glass tabletop, outdoors poolside at Cove, Skycity

Cove Exterior Food on Table against backdrop of Lagoon Pool

3. Wharf One Food & Wine

With pole position right on the wharf corner and overlooking the lagoon of the oh-so-funky Darwin Waterfront, it’s hard to find a better spot to dine on a delicious day.

Best known for its wood-fired tapas menu, delight in small bites such as wood-grilled SA squid with smoked hummus and lemon; wood-fired prawns with radish salad and chilli jam; or for a bigger bite, order the wood-fired NT barramundi with miso and pickled daikon.

For a right royal treat, grab nine mates, order 24 hours in advance, and the ten of you can feast on suckling pig.

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Closeup of a chef at Wharf One Food & Wine plating the final dish during a Barramundi Masterclass.

The view across a table displaying plates of food, outdoors on the verandah at Wharf One Feed and Wine. In the background are other diners

4. Eva's Botanical Garden's Cafe

It’s not easy being green, and that’s what makes Eva’s so special. Plonked in the heart of the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, this is the perfect place to enjoy a dash of calm with your morning cuppa. Situated in a former heritage-listed church building and with a yawning outdoor deck among the greenery, you’ll discover some of the best baristas in the land here.

Much of the menu is baked onsite and while simple, it’s healthy and tasty with such delights as wraps, salads, sandwiches and Eva’s Ploughman’s Lunch. Take a High Tea here and then walk it off among the baobab and palm trees in the adjacent gardens founded in 1886.

Visit Eva’s Botanical Garden’s Café.

A view from above looking directly down on a round wooden table displaying a ploughman's lunch, a plate of dessert slices, a bowl of fruit salad and two drinks in glasses.

5. PM Eat & Drink

Located in the heart of the city you will find one of Darwin's hot spots, PM Eat & Drink. Serving up tapas-style shared plates using fresh local seafood and top quality produce. Styled with a modern industrial feel, your taste buds will be tantalised with every bite.

Be sure to try the baked Saganaki cheese drizzled with honey and black sesame and the tempura zucchini, or for a delicious dessert, the nutella bomb is a must.

PM is definitely a dining must when you visit Darwin, but be sure to book a table in advance as this popular spot can get very busy and once you try their food you will understand why.

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A view from above looking directly down on three plates of food on a wooden table

6. Hanuman Darwin

A little bit of south-east Asia in the heart of the Northern Territory, Hanuman Restaurant is a popular Darwin establishment that also boasts an eatery in Alice Springs.

Well-known restaurateur Jimmy Shu has furnished this Mitchell Street business with tables and artwork from his Asian travels which is a huge drawcard for this indoor and alfresco setting.

An even greater lure is the food itself. With everything from the signature dish butter chicken to hanuman oysters, there’s bound to be something to satisfy on this extensive and exciting menu. And the prices are tasty too.

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Darwin and surrounds Hanuman restaurant interior

Darwin and surrounds Hanuman restaurant food 1

7. Char Restaurant

Lounging along the Darwin esplanade like a languid tourist, this restaurant is popular with both visitors and locals. Owned by Brisbane beef baron John Kilroy, whose Cha Cha Char Wine Bar & Grill is one of the Queensland capital’s most renowned places for a steak, it’s little wonder the Darwin version is equally as popular.

As the name suggests, you’ll find some of the finest beef in Australia on this menu, with detailed descriptions of its origins and even suggestions on how you should best have it cooked. Kilroy and his people do a mean Wagyu which is hard to beat, particularly when it’s matched with his trademark potato mash with salt and truffle oil. Oh, and the moo jus is a secret gravy recipe that will leave your mouth watering for more.

Visit Char Restaurant.