Darwin Top Ten Restaurants

10 of Darwin’s favourite places to dine out

Casual al fresco dining at one of Darwin’s city sidewalk cafes, harbour-side restaurants or garden bistros is the norm in Darwin, where the temperature rarely falls below 20 degrees. Darwin's cuisine reflects its diverse mixture of more than 60 nationalities. The list is endless – fishermen’s soups from Thailand, tabouleh from Lebanon, delicious curries from India, souvlaki from Greece, potato cakes and desserts from Slovenia, samosas from Sri Lanka, pasta from Italy, laksas from Malaysia, tacos from Mexico, sushi from Japan, satays from Indonesia and contemporary Australian food. Darwin is famous for its local produce, particularly seafood. From the oceans and rivers come succulent mud crabs, fresh barramundi and prawns as well as popular eating fish such as snapper, jewfish and salmon. You can order all of these off a menu, or sample them all at one of the seafood buffet restaurants overlooking the water.

1. The Cool Spot Café:

popular with the locals, selection of scrumptious breakfasts including berry pancakes, and the ever popular selection of bacon, eggs and sausages on thick toast. 1 Keith Lane, Fannie Bay. Tel: (08) 8981 8428. www.coolspot.com.au

2. Cornucopia Café:

famous for its weekend brunch, Cornucopia is a Darwin tradition, with great food and great views of the museum lawns and sea. Bullocky Point, Conacher Street, Fannie Bay. (In the grounds of the Northern Territory Museum and Art Gallery.) Tel: (08) 8981 1002. www.cornucopiadarwin.com.au

3. Buzz Café:

perched on the water's edge at Cullen Bay, Buzz is a terrific lunchtime spot. The barramundi is a popular choice and there is the usual array of steaks, salads and noodle dishes on offer. Don't forget to check out the famous toilets. 48 Marina Boulevard, Cullen Bay. Tel: (08) 8941 1141.

4. Crustaceans on the Wharf:

located in Darwin's Wharf precinct, a selection of freshly caught seafood is on offer. Watch a free marine show courtesy of the local dolphins. Stokes Hill Wharf. Tel: (08) 8981 8658.

5. Darwin Sailing Club:

located at Fannie Bay overlooking Mandorah and with excellent sunset views, the in-house bistro provides a selection of Asian and Australian dishes. It’s the best sunset viewing spot in town. Atkins Drive Vesteys Beach. Tel: (08) 8981 1700. www.dwnsail.com.au

6. Pee Wee’s at the Point:

a secluded restaurant overlooking Darwin Harbour. High quality modern Australian cuisine, perfect for that special occasion or late night dinner. Alec Fong Lim Drive, East Point Reserve. Tel: (08) 8981 6868. www.peewees.com.au

7. Redsalt bar and Restaurant:

serving Darwin's best grain-fed beef and local barramundi. 32 Mitchell Street. Tel: (08) 8982 0000.

8. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets:

run from April until October on Thursday and Sunday nights. There are more than 60 food stalls from more than 30 different countries. Mindil Beach.

9. Hanuman:

owner and local celebrity Jimmy Shu capitalises on his distinct combination of hybrid Thai cuisine. The menu features tasty Darwin morsels like local mudcrab and pearl meat. 93 Mitchell St. Tel: (08) 8941 3500. www.hanuman.com.au

10. Yots:

this is a favourite spot for visitors and locals alike with some of the freshest oysters in Darwin. This modern and breezy Greek inspired eatery overlooks the marina, with alfresco seating on the boardwalk. 4/54 Marina Boulevard, Cullen Bay. Tel: (08) 8981 4433.