9 Must-Try Restaurants in Darwin

June 17, 2024
A black and white silhouette of a wave on a white background.

Welcome to Darwin, a city nestled in the beautiful Top End of Australia. Typically famous for unique wildlife, tropical weather, and ancient indigenous history. Within this is a culinary scene that is as diverse and vibrant as the Northern Territory itself. This city is where incredible natural landscapes meet a tapestry of different cultures, languages, and influences, and this distinctive blend is reflected in its incredible dining experiences.


From fresh-out-of-the-ocean seafood to colourful Asian cuisine to Aussie tucker that you know and love, Darwin’s restaurants offer a mouth-watering fine dining journey for foodies and good grub enthusiasts.



Of course, your stunning Zen Luxury Retreats rental home has a beautiful kitchen, but you’re on holiday and want to relax! So, take a trip with us through the best restaurants that Darwin has to offer. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and experience the indescribable flavours of the Top End!

Hanuman

Singapore Chili Crab — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: bonchan

  • Address: 93 Mitchell Street, Darwin, NT
  • Price Point: $$$
  • Specialty: The Singaporean chili crab is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, and the Hanuman oysters are highly rated.


This Michelin-starred Hanuman is one you’ll still be thinking about in the weeks after dining here. Chef Jimmy Shu has designed an impressive array of unique dishes that look fabulous and combine Thai, Indian, and Nonya (Chinese Malay) flavours. The relaxing ambiance includes mood lighting and Hindu iconography peppered around the room, transporting you to another place entirely!

Ruby Vietnamese

Vietnamese Beef Pho — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: bunbok

  • Address: 48-50 Smith St, Darwin City, NT
  • Price Point: $$
  • Specialty: You need to try the perfectly traditional beef Pho – pronounced like “fuh” in the Vietnamese language, and the laksa is to die for.


This family-owned eatery has been serving the travelers and locals of Darwin for eight years now, with dishes straight out of Southeast Asia. The sleek and vibrant ambiance of Ruby VIenamese is as alluring as the delicious laksa, with a modern vibe that cleanly balances the tasty traditional dishes. And with Peking duck, chili beef, and sweet and sour barramundi on the menu, you are properly spoiled for choice. Super quick service here ensures your stomach won’t be rumbling for long!

Wharf One

Barbecue Swordfish Steak — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

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  • Address: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City, NT
  • Price Point: $$$
  • Specialty: Swordfish steak and chardonnay pickled scallops are a perfect once-in-a-lifetime experience!


Been out all day exploring the wonderous natural beauty around Darwin? Want to relax and be fed a great portion to end the day? Be sure to check out Wharf One on the Darwin Waterfront for an atmospheric experience and delicious local produce.



Specialising in healthy, seafood-centric dishes, Wharf One has made ‘Top Restaurant’ lists far and wide. The happy hour starts at 4 pm, so it’s also a great place to start off your evening drinks whilst absorbing an incredible waterfront view.

Char Restaurant

Char Grilled Steak — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Mikhaylovskiy

  • Address: 70 Esplanade, Darwin City NT
  • Price Point: $$$
  • Specialty: As the name suggests, the specialty is a char-grilled steak. But you must also try the Admiral’s espresso martini – it goes perfectly with the deconstructed tiramisu for dessert.


Char Restaurant is an award-winning steakhouse that offers the finer side of dining in the beautifully renovated heritage-listed Admiralty house – owned by Brisbane beef chief John Kilroy.



With a vivacious menu, Char can wow even the most experienced restaurant connoisseur. Whether you are basking outside under the sparkling fairy lights, enjoying a wine night with friends, or indulging in a prime cut of steak whilst celebrating that special occasion with family – this steakhouse leaves nothing less than a memorable experience.

Ella by Minoli

Roasted Pumpkin Slices — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Tatiana Volgutova

  • Address: 20 West Ln, Darwin City, NT
  • Price Point: $$$
  • Specialty: You need to try the curry leaf cured snapper, popping with tangy finger lime, rich with coconut dressing, and spiked with curry leaf oil.


Started by Sri Lankan Masterchef contestant Minoli de Silva, this restaurant takes your taste buds on a journey through Sri Lanka’s unique and complex flavours. Ella by Minoli caused quite a stir when it first appeared on the culinary landscape of Darwin due to the high demand for trying the TV chef’s now famous recipes.



Ella by Minoli is tucked in a quiet pocket of the Darwin CBD but doesn’t stay quiet in its flavour combos made from authentic ingredients. The low lights, inviting ambiance, and exceptional service just add to the remarkable experience. It’s also said to be the best vegan option in town!

Yots Greek Taverna

Traditional Greek Moussaka — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: siamionau pavel

  • Address: 4/54 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah, Darwin, NT
  • Price Point: $$
  • Specialty: The grilled octopus is not to be missed, and neither is the traditional Greek moussaka!


In the mood for some Mediterranean soul food? Yots Greek Taverna has got you covered! Located in the picturesque Cullen Bay, Yots is arguably the best Mediterranean food in town. Open between Tuesday and Sunday from 5.30 pm, Yots has an array of different mouth-watering dishes, from house-made yiros to baklava. Its family-friendly vibe makes for a great place to spot some sea birds while tucking into a mezze platter and soaking up the evening buzz from the bay.

Alfonsino’s

Delicious Looking Pizza Napolitano — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Tefi.malve

  • Address: 20/69 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT
  • Price point: $$
  • Specialty: Pizza is a holiday must-have, so wolf down the Pizza Napolitano as your guilty pleasure. Finish with some fine Italian coffee.


No holiday is complete without an Italian night and Alfonsino’s is one of the most authentic Italian eateries in town. Its menu features wood-fired pizza, and house-made pasta whipped up in an easy-going location with an extensive patio.



Every part of the dish is made by hand and from scratch using quality ingredients, following a tradition of the Napoli people from the 17th century. Located right down the street from the tourist attraction of Crocosauraus Cove, it’s the ideal place to drop into after a day of sightseeing and activities. They also offer takeaway options if you’re feeling more like a quiet night of comfort food at your beautiful vacation home.

Peewees at the Point

Grilled Barramundi Meat Steak With Vegetable and Lemon — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Lifestyle Travel Photo

  • Address: Alec Fong Lim Dr, East Point, Darwin, NT
  • Price Point: $$$$
  • Specialty: Famous for their excellent seafood, recommendations include crocodile tail and saltwater barramundi.


Peewees at the Point is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the Arafura Sea and the Darwin skyline over an award-winning feast. Specialising in modern Australian food, using fresh, local ingredients makes this an excellent choice to complete your stay in the Top End. With the combination of elite cuisine and a relaxed, tropical ambiance, this restaurant is a perfect dinner date for a special occasion or just a final night send-off dinner.

Little Miss Korea

Homemade Korean Beef Bulgogi — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker

  • Address: Graffiti laneway, Austin Ln, Darwin City, NT
  • Price Point: $$
  • Specialty: Tuck into tasty bibimbap and succulent bulgogi for a real taste of Seoul in the Top End.


Little Miss Korea is a quirky Korean charcoal BBQ restaurant that offers modern à la carte cuisine. Celebrity chef Chung Jae Lee created a clever and upbeat menu to pair with its funky, industrial-styled feel. Start your evening with sizzling pork dumplings, oven-baked mushrooms, and ginger pork balls, and then settle in for Chung Jae’s slow-cooked beef cheeks with pumpkin puree and wonton crisps.

Eat & Stay in Darwin

Let Darwin’s culinary scene impress your taste buds and cater to your every edible desire. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood by the waterfront, indulging in authentic international cuisine, or savouring local specialties, these must-try restaurants will be the pièce de résistance of your holiday in the Top End. Let the rich cultural influences and stunning flavours captivate and enthral you as you are immersed in the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory at a Zen Luxury Retreat vacation home.

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Safety Tips for Traveling in Darwin

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Spotlight on Local Art and Music Scenes: Discover Darwin's Creative Pulse

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A Family Is Walking on The Beach at Sunset — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

9 Best Beaches Around Darwin

June 17, 2024
Darwin has some tough competition in a country of amazing, world-class beaches. But with stunning scenery and often great amenities, these beaches bring all the right vibes and become the spot to enjoy time with friends and family. Although Darwin’s coastline famously comes with some not so human friendly native wildlife (crocs and box jellies) that does not stop locals and visitors from enjoying the beaches safely. This is your guide to the best of Darwin’s beach days.
A Man in a Hat is Looking at Food in a Display Case — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

6 Best Markets in Darwin

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The capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin, is infused with culturally rich and aromatic markets. These will quickly become a part of your Top End experience, as you can start or end the day at any of our favourite Darwin markets. You won’t find the same old gifts and knickknacks here. These markets are a big part of the city’s community. Alongside artisanal goods, you can shop alongside local chefs and get the best, most fresh, healthy produce for the day ahead. Already hungry? Many of the markets near our Zen Luxury Retreats make for fun culinary adventures. Food stalls sling up the best of European and Asian cuisine, so forget making that dinner reservation and eat as you explore these Darwin Markets!
A Sailboat is Floating on Top of a Body of Water at Sunset — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

6 Best Sunset Cruises in Darwin

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There may not be a better city in Australia to watch the sunset. With a harbour bigger than Sydney’s, a warm climate, and a vibrant blend of city and nature, the Top End has it all. The sprawling harbour and famous Darwin Waterfront become alive around 5.30 pm during the dry season when fishing charters return for the day and sunset enthusiasts position themselves for the show in the sky. Daily Darwin harbour cruises depart daily with excited guests, glasses of champagne, and fresh seafood. No wonder it’s a Darwin must-do! Each cruise has its own personality, whether it be luxurious Darwin dinner cruises, catamarans, or speed boats. Either way, they become the best platform from which to admire the Northern Territory sky as it becomes an enticing mix of oranges, reds, yellows, and purples. This bounty of options ensures there’s more than one way to take in this spectacular sight.
A Close Up of a Painting on a Rock Wall — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Absolute Best Time to Visit Darwin

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A Sandwich With Guacamole on It on a Plate — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

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Ahh, it’s that first morning in the Northern Territory. The heat hasn’t yet arrived, and the idea of a relaxing morning stroll has put a smile on your face. The only question left to answer is: where to eat? Darwin’s best breakfast spots are spread throughout the city, from the CBD to the beach and into our favourite neighbourhoods. While the town is chock-full of culinary experiences, the brekky scene encapsulates what Darwin is all about. Yes, you’ll have all your classics, so eggs Benedict aficionados can rest easy. But the city’s culinary diversity and willingness to try different things will provide your morning with a unique kick when you stay at a local vacation home .
A Swimming Pool at Darwin Waterfront With Umbrellas and Chairs — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City,

A Visitor’s Guide to the Darwin Waterfront

June 17, 2024
Nestled at the very top of Australia, where the rugged wilderness of the Northern Territory meets the bright blue waters of the Timor Sea, lies the wonders of Darwin City. The vibrant capital of the Top End boasts many interesting and exciting activities; the juxtaposition of natural beauty and modern sophistication means that there is something for everyone in this tropical melting pot. One of its most alluring attractions is the Darwin Waterfront, a picturesque destination that encapsulates the city’s essence. This guide will take you through everything you need to know before your visit, providing insight into the captivating blend of tropical charm, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences that make the Darwin Waterfront a must-see destination for every traveller when staying at Zen Luxury Retreat vacation home !
A White Plate Topped With a Piece of Grilled Fish — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

8 Best Seafood Restaurants in Darwin

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