There’s something magical about spending time with your nearest and dearest when marking a milestone or celebrating something special. What better way to make these moments more impressive than by celebrating at some of Darwin’s most beloved restaurants and venues? From spectacular beachfront views to intimate dining experiences, these 10 restaurants in Darwin, as voted by locals, provide the best setting for your revelling.
Be it a birthday, engagement or anniversary, just the two of you or a great big gathering, these top restaurants offer something uniquely Territorian to make your celebration stand out.
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Pee Wee’s at the Point: Celebrate with Scenery
📍Alec Fong Lim Dr, East Point NT
Want to impress a date, pop the question, celebrate in style or simply enjoy the finer things in life with one of the best views of the Arafura Sea? Pee Wee’s at the Point offers everything you could dream of for your night to remember.
Perched on the water’s edge and incorporating the beauty of its natural surroundings of the East Point nature reserve, with panoramic views of Fannie Bay, this restaurant serves up superb vistas and exceptional food. Whether you’re marking a major life event or simply treating yourself, your date or a group of guests to a memorable evening, Pee Wee’s combines an unparalleled location with exceptional service and a top-tier menu.
On their own website, staff recommend the taste plate, because ‘you’ll want to try it all’. Pee Wee’s is the perfect venue for any celebration that deserves to be as extraordinary as the occasion itself.
Ella by Minoli: Master-chefery
📍20 West Ln, Darwin City NT
If you’re searching for something a little more trendy and unique, Ella by Minoli should be at the top of your list. It’s located in the heart of the city, mere minutes’ walking distance from the tres fash cocktail bars, where margaritas flow and ambience caresses.
Sri Lankan roots meet a modern twist at this stylish restaurant, providing a sophisticated dining experience. The modern Australian design, combined with a traditional, intimate atmosphere, along with the expertly crafted cocktails, makes it an excellent choice for a celebratory night.
Where flavour knows no bounds, take a journey through Sri Lanka with the culinary concoctions of well-loved MasterChef contestant Minoli de Silva, which will leave any diner talking about it long after the evening finishes.
Mindil Beach Casino Resort: Sunset Celebrations
📍Mindil Beach, Gilruth Ave, Darwin City NT
For a truly memorable celebration, Mindil Beach Casino Resort offers the perfect combination of luxury, superb views, and world-class dining. The venue’s unique location on this famous beach provides a beautiful backdrop for any occasion.
Whether you’re celebrating a proposal or a big birthday bash, the resort creates an atmosphere that feels like something dreams are made of. Enjoy a cocktail by the beach as the sun sets over the Arafura Sea, followed by a delicious meal at one of the resort’s exquisite restaurants, such as Italian-inspired Il Piatto.
Indulge in a fine dining experience before hitting the tables for a round of Blackjack. If you’re keen to stay waterside, pop into the infinity pool and make the most of the swim-up bar, famous for its frozen slushie cocktails.
Mindil Beach Casino Resort is not just a place to eat; it’s a destination to experience.
For more information, see our full review of the resort.
Hanuman Restaurant: A Feast for the Senses
📍93 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT
If your celebration calls for bold flavours and exotic cuisine, Hanuman is the place to be. Known for its fusion of Thai, Indian, and Malaysian influences, this restaurant provides a unique dining experience that will captivate your senses.
The elegant setting, combined with rich, aromatic dishes, makes it a fantastic option for a romantic engagement dinner or a birthday celebration that’s a little off the beaten path. The vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural flavours create a memorable backdrop for any special occasion. There are banquets aplenty, a favourite being the whole fish, designed to be shared, of course.
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Yots Greek Taverna: Mediterranean Magic
📍4/54 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah NT
For a celebration full of flavour and fun, Yots Greek Taverna brings the Mediterranean right to your table. Whether you’re hosting a birthday dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family, this lively taverna offers a festive atmosphere paired with mouth-watering traditional dishes from Greece.
The warm hospitality and vibrant decor create a setting for any occasion, while the menu is filled with dishes that bring the flavours of the Mediterranean to life. It’s a fantastic spot to raise a glass and enjoy a lively, joyous celebration with your loved ones. This restaurant takes your special occasion to a whole new level—opa!
Snapper Rocks: Celebrate in Beachside Style
📍B2/7 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT
Few things are as captivating as dining by the ocean. Overlooking Darwin Harbour, Snapper Rocks combines a serene beachside feel with the bright, bustling energy of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, making it an ideal choice for anyone celebrating something special.
The relaxed yet upscale atmosphere invites guests to enjoy delicious seafood and locally inspired dishes while enjoying the waterside breeze and watching day turn to night. Did we mention it’s a multi-award-winning dining spot, including best seafood restaurant and best wine list – yum, yum, Mumm!
The menu is especially ideal for sharing, so a group celebration here is a must!
Saffrron: Spice Up Your Special Night
📍14/34 Parap Rd, Parap NT
For those seeking a celebration that’s both refined and bursting with flavour, Saffrron offers a blend of modern Australian cuisine with an exotic Indian touch.
The decor of deep reds sets the scene for an intimate dining experience, while the menu features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients from Darwin’s markets and local growers, including any Territorian’s favourite, saltwater barramundi.
It’s a perfect place for a sophisticated celebration where you want to indulge in an exceptional journey of food and wine. With its innovative dishes, Saffrron ensures your evening is not just a meal but an experience to remember.
Hailing from India and growing up in his grandmother’s kitchen, learning all the spicy tricks of the trade, the head chef thrives on sharing his culinary knowledge and offers cooking masterclasses for those who wish to take the tasty experience home with them.
Lola’s Pergola: Toast Your Moments at the Marina
📍48 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah NT
If you’re looking to celebrate Darwin-style, Lola’s Pergola is a prime spot that offers captivating aesthetics and top-notch cuisine. Situated at the Cullen Bay marina, Lola’s has a large deck area that perches over the water, where a host of tropical fish are lying in wait in case you drop a couple of your chips.
At night, the underwater lights come on to put a spotlight on these inquisitive friends. Lola’s offers a sophisticated ambience that’s hard to beat, and the decor is truly mesmerising—giant fishing buoys painted as eyes watch over you, and retired merry-go-round ponies cling to the balconies. There’s even a giant rocking horse at the entrance, which you can sit on and get a photo to capture the experience!
The creative wine and cocktail list and array of food options guarantee an exceptional evening at this voted best spot in Darwin to celebrate—not to mention, they’ve got the best playlists going all night, and they don’t mind being asked to turn it up!
Pepperberry: Unexpected Delight in the Heart of the City
📍32 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT
Looking for a peaceful escape to elicit a special night? Pepperberry Restaurant might be just what you’re looking for.
Nestled downstairs at the Hilton in Darwin city, Pepperberry has fast become a favourite for sharing Valentine’s Day and anniversaries, with personalised service by friendly staff and offering unmatched Territory bush spices that are unique to the Northern Territory Top End region.
The menu features a range of contemporary Australian dishes, all prepared with fresh local ingredients, ensuring every bite is an indulgence. The atmosphere is especially intimate, for a romantic dinner or an extra-special catch-up with your bestie.
Medee Eatery: Fresh Flavours with your Faves
📍11/9 Fannie Bay Pl, Fannie Bay NT
When you want to keep the vibe casual but still enjoy excellent food and service, Medee Eatery is a great choice. Located in Fannie Bay, Medee Eatery provides a welcoming and relaxed yet chic environment for family and friends to get together for a special celebration.
The menu offers authentic Thai cuisine to tickle your tastebuds, from hearty mains straight from the wok to fresh, local seafood to share. To top it all off, Medee is renowned for the friendly staff who will bend over backwards for you, making it a great place to enjoy quality time with loved ones.
The Perfect Celebrations are on the Menu
Each of these venues offers a unique atmosphere for celebrating life’s milestones. The best restaurants in Darwin provide everything you need to make your special occasion truly memorable.
Darwin offers an array of fantastic dining options, making it an ideal destination for celebrating a special occasion. While you’re looking around the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, it’s worth checking out Wharf One Food and Wine, where style meets decadence; the casual yet funky Hot Tamale for delicious Mexican food; and the Oyster Bar, where the best way to enjoy your bubbles and shells is to dine al fresco.
If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, the food trucks along the Nightcliff foreshore offer an exciting way to try everything from steaming bowls of pho to jacket potatoes, laksa and authentic Italian. With its dynamic food culture, vibrant waterfront and the perfect weather in the Dry Season, indulge your taste buds and experience these incredible venues on your special occasion. Don’t forget to give us a shout-out while you’re there on Facebook (@norther) and Instagram (@northerhq).
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Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars from all rental companies in the NT. Rentalcars.com and AVIS are also great options with competitive rates and large selection.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
