A taste of the Territory

Our amazing cultural diversity in the Territory reflects in the food, where chefs squeeze the best out of seasonal ingredients, incorporating traditional flavours with contemporary techniques. Whether it's fine dining you're after, a counter meal at a pub, brunching with friends at a café, or sipping on a fresh fruit smoothie while perusing the artisan stalls of a local market, there is something for every taste and budget in the Territory.

Restaurants

Darwin

From Greek cuisine to Asian fusion, the Top End has a range of great dining experiences. Tucked away in Darwin CBD you’ll find Ella by Minoli, a Sri Lankan restaurant that uses seasonal local produce and offers an unforgettable feed me menu. If you’re looking to treat yourself or celebrate an occasion, try Pee Wee’s at the Point. Located at East Point, Pee Wee’s offers a unique setting with an award-winning wine list and extensive menu. Down at the Waterfront you have so many options to choose from! Try out Hot Tamale for some Mexican dishes, or Snapper Rocks for delicious local seafood. Meraki Greek Taverna, hidden down Austin Lane, is a great restaurant if you are craving some traditional Greek food.

For more inspiration, check out the foodie experiences in Darwin and surrounds.

Alice Springs

The food scene in Central Australia puts on a diverse spread, with influences from the outback and traditional Aboriginal bush tucker, and banquets of Asian fusion cuisine.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is home to a variety unique dining experiences to try out. Saltbush is a contemporary Australian style restaurant with bush food influence, contrasting Hanuman, a must-try Asian fusion restaurant. If you’re craving a fresh Italian meal, head to Bella Alice or Casa Nostra and enjoy their freshly made pizza and pasta. Located at the Casino, try the contemporary Asian flavours at Tali and watch the chefs cook through their open kitchen.

If you need help deciding, you can check out the foodie experiences in Alice Springs and surrounds.

Street food and markets

The Northern Territory is a paradise for street food lovers, where the region’s multicultural influence takes centre stage.

Darwin is renowned for its bustling market scene, and the fully fledged Territorian knows Laksa – a cult food in the Top End – can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner! From the Sunday Rapid Creek markets to the iconic dry season Mindil markets, you are bound to find a tasty meal or refreshing drink.

Beyond Darwin, local markets are dotted throughout the Territory with community markets in Katherine and the Todd Mall markets and night markets in Alice Springs, bringing together a variety of culinary options from Vietnamese, Malaysian and Mexican, to burgers pizza and desserts - and lots more!

Pubs

The Territory is home to everything from historic outback pubs that deliver a truly authentic Australian experience, steeped in local history and character, to modern pubs located in the heart and soul of the city or overlooking the water.

Darwin & surrounds

Located in Darwin CDB, Hotel Darwin is a central pub with daily specials and a great beer garden. Further down Mitchell Street you’ll find Shenanigans, the locals and travellers favourite Irish pub in the Territory. If you make your way out of the CBD, you’ll find the Beachfront Hotel at the Nightcliff foreshore, with live music and big screens in the sports bar. Down in Palmerston, you can enjoy a meal, beer and music at the Landmark @ Gateway.

Alice Springs

For a nice meal or a relaxing spot to watch live sport, Uncle’s Tavern or head to the longest standing hotel in Alice Springs, the Todd Tavern, are great pubs for the whole family. For a great outdoor pub experience located at the edge of town, the Gap View Hotel is the ideal location. It offers camping facilities on top of the pub essentials like live music, pool tables and live sports. There is also Sportie’s Bar & Bistro, which is a staple for those living in Alice. Alfresco dining on the Todd Mall with an extensive menu, Sportie’s is the perfect venue for a pub meal while watching sport.

In the outback

The Northern Territory is renowned for its iconic outback pubs. Visited by locals, interstate travellers and tourists, these pubs bring a unique and very Australian experience to those who stop by.

The closest country style pub venue to Darwin is Berry Springs Tavern. Located not far from Berry Springs itself, Berry Springs Tavern is pet friendly and has a large verandah wrapping all the way around the venue, with lots of quirky bits and bobs inside. Just down the road, just a short 6 hours from Darwin, is the Daly Waters Pub. From a junk yard, to roaming animals, to visitors leaving their mark in very personal ways, the Daly Waters Pub attracts people from far and wide to its must-see venue. The more recently famous pub of the Territory is the Larrimah Hotel. It is known for its eccentric decorations and stories about the locals, but more recently for the notorious series Last Stop Larrimah.

Bars and breweries

From bustling venues in the main street, to quirky bars hidden in the back streets of the city offering a cosy, offbeat atmosphere, the Northern Territory will provide you with perfect setting to enjoy a drink or two.

Darwin

Darwin boasts a range of unique bars and breweries all over the city. The newest addition to the mix is the Cinema Collective, which hosts Sweethearts, the duelling piano hotspot, and Flick’s, an old cinema turned alfresco beer garden. For a rooftop bar experience check out Charlie’s of Darwin, which offers locally produced gin, or Zen Rooftop Bar for a beautiful view of the city sunset or storm. Offering an extensive cocktail list is Loose Goose, which is hidden down an alley on Mitchell Street and is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed place to drink.

Alice Springs

When in Alice Springs, it’s hard to go past the iconic Bojangles Tavern, with quirky outback decorations and late-night music to entertain all those who pass through. In the heart of the city is Epilogue Lounge, perfect for a cocktail on a rooftop bar or night out. If you’re after a craft beer or just a nice spot to enjoy a drink, Jump Inn and Alice Springs Brewing Co. are perfect locations.

Whether you’re after a craft beer from a local brewery or a stylish cocktail, check out more of the Territory’s bars that cater to every taste and mood.

Café culture

Whether you're craving sweet pastries, freshly squeezed juices, fluffy pancakes or a hearty traditional breakfast, you'll find the perfect place to satisfy every craving in the Northern Territory.

Darwin

With multiple locations over Darwin and Palmerston, Fresh Point Café is a staple for locals. Whether its brunch or just a takeaway coffee, Fresh Point is a great place to start when looking for a local coffee shop. After a walk around the Parap Markets, Laneway Coffee is a nice venue to stop in at for a meal or drink. If you’ve always wanted to try a high tea, Eva’s Café at the Botanic Gardens is a perfect location for this. From their high tea with a focus on local ingredients, to dog bowls and fresh water for any pets, Eva’s has something unique for everyone. Also, with great outdoor and dog friendly dining, De La Plage is another local’s favourite café right with a stunning beach view.

Alice Springs

The Bean Tree Café is in the Olive Pink Botanic Garden in Alice Springs, with the ability to host private events or live music. Located in the Todd Mall, The Locals offers beautiful bakery sweets and menu options for breakfast, brunch and lunch. For a café with a focus on live music and local talent, the Watertank Café is a unique spot to spend your morning coffee. Another coffee spot with a unique atmosphere is hidden in Fan Arcade. Page 27 is a popular coffee spot and has a lovely open courtyard to enjoy an all-day breakfast menu in.

There's no shortage of amazing spots to enjoy a lively brunch with friends or cosy coffee, thanks to a thriving café scene across the Territory.

Need help deciding?

Locals are always happy to share the best spots for exceptional food and a welcoming atmosphere. We've got some amazing suggestions of places to explore right across the Territory.

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