The 14 best cafés in Darwin

What is it? A leafy corner store serving brunch classics with hints of native ingredients.

Why we love it: Whether you’re here for hotcakes and hot dates, or chilli eggs and chill outs, Laneway Specialty Coffee has you covered. This hipster café in the heart of Parap Village has been pleasing locals with artisanal coffee and cool vibes since 2014. The all-day menu is divided between bread, bowls, burgers and bennys, with vegans and gluten-free diners well looked after. Classics with a twist are a Laneway feature too, with a touch of native ingredients across the menu too – think finger lime vinaigrette, lemon myrtle syrup and nut dukkah melded into your everyday staples. If you can only order one thing, go for the creamy eggs benny dripping with native pepperberry hollandaise and your choice of crispy halloumi, smoked salmon and spinach, or wild mushroom with greens, truffle and crispy enoki. As a backup, the sourdough Reuben toastie with house-made pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian sauce is always a winner, too.

Time Out tip: Make sure to get yourself a coffee; Laneway’s latte art is simply divine with swans and bunnies on show.

Address: 4/1 Vickers Street, Parap
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm; Sat 7.30am-3pm; Sun 7.30am-2.30pm
Expect to pay: More than $17 for a proper meal

What is it? A not-for-profit smack bang in The Mall that directly supports local Indigenous communities.

Why we love it: This 100 per cent not-for-profit Indigenous-led café spotlights native bush tucker that you don't usually get the chance to try anywhere else. For breakfast, you can’t go past Aboriginal Bush Traders’ bacon and egg bush-spiced pie. Headed to the Charles Darwin Centre locale for lunch? The roasted kangaroo with lemon and aniseed myrtle, pepperberry, and wattleseed doused in goat cheese dressing is a drool-worthy number, while the pavlova with rosella cream and flower is the perfect lunch dessert. On your way out, check out the neighbouring gallery and browse a selection of homewares, ethical fashion and bush medicine at the shop – a cheeky jar of spices, jam and chutney never goes astray, nor a painting by Indigenous artists from around the country.

Time Out tip: Keep a keen eye on Aboriginal Bush Traders’ specials board – it rotates with the season and sees the likes of warming Territory Tucker Hotpots and hearty Big Bush Curries in winter.

Address: Charles Darwin Centre, 4/19 The Mall, Darwin
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-1pm
Expect to pay: More than $15 for a proper meal

What is it? An outdoor, seaside hang-out ideally located for catching western sundowns.

Why we love it: It’s hard to beat the sublime seaside location of this laid-back café, located literally metres from the water’s edge in Darwin. De La Plage, translating to ‘from the beach’ in French, serves up hearty breakfast and lunch dishes inspired by the Turkish and Belgian roots of its owners. Local and organic ingredients shine in all their warm-weather plates including the refreshing watermelon and feta salad, rustic halloumi burger with beetroot tzatziki and crisp herbs, as well as the zingy beetroot sauerkraut with smashed avo and poached egg on turmeric or charcoal sourdough. On Fridays, De La Plage delivers the goods with their fish and chips menu from 5pm, featuring local, wild-caught seafood with plenty of lemon and tartar to go around, of course.

Time Out tip: Bring your own picnic rug, in case all the tables are taken (which is highly likely during the Dry Season), and feel free to bring your four-legged friends too.

Address: Surf Life Saving Club, Darribah Road, Brinkin
Opening hours: Dependant on the season
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? An unassuming city centre hotspot dishing out Singaporean flavours that linger longer.

Why we love it: Come for the specialty coffee and stay for the Singaporean-style breakfast at this wholesome café in Darwin City. For more than a decade, Kopi Stop has been serving up comforting breakfasts made using recipes passed down through generations. Signature dishes include their sweet kaya (coconut jam) toast with soft-boiled eggs, thick congee (rice porridge) with golden century egg, and prawn wonton laksa – don’t skip out on a dollop of their house sambal. Coffee is a serious art form here, with local beans sourced from the sustainable heroes at Ona and grounds for their kopitiam drinks imported from Singapore. Whether you prefer it black or iced, with butter or condensed milk, there’s bound to be a brew for you. Sit streetside or inside and watch the Darwin days go by.

Time Out tip: When in Darwin, it’s wise to delve into Southeast Asian diaspora cuisine – it’s the real deal, even if it’s a far cry from your usual beans on toast.

Address: 1/2 Harriet Place, Darwin
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6.30am-2pm; Sat-Sun 7.30pm-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? A dog-friendly joint in Winnellie that’s comin’ in hot with hot pink.

Why we love it: This Barbie-esque café, located in the heart of Darwin’s industrial district, has won multiple awards, including the title of best burger in the NT in 2022 and best breakfast café in 2023. Pink isn't just a colour here – it's a vibe that extends from the decor to the plates. Picture a pork benny hash dressed in a bright pink chilli hollandaise, a poke bowl bursting with hot pink watermelon radish, burnt butter toast topped with berry sorbet, and granola sitting under a wobbly dragon fruit panna cotta. Those are just some of the specials Besser Brew Bar is known to whip up. After all, you eat with your eyes first, right? Everyone is welcome here too – from being a hit for the whole family with dedicated menus for kids and dogs, to gluten-free diners after something both nourishing and satisfying.

Time Out tip: After something a little strong for your morning pick-me-up? An Espresso Martini with hazelnut syrup or Besser Colada of coconut liquor, rum and ice cream (plus a bit of dragon fruit for good measure) should do the trick.

Address: 6/116 Coonawarra Road, Winnellie
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6.30am-3pm; Sat 7.30pm-2pm; Sun 8am-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $19 for a proper meal

What is it? A garden café where you’ll feel right at home and one with nature simultaneously.

Why we love it: After a steamy morning exploring the Botanic Gardens, cool off at this charming, homestyle café in the heritage-listed Wesleyan Church. You can find a shady spot amongst the tropical trees and flowers with your furry friend or seek refuge inside, where air conditioning and refreshing drinks await. Eva’s Botanic Garden Café’s famous scones with jam and wattleseed mascarpone cream make for the perfect mid-morning treat, while grazing boards, seasonal salads and hearty sandwiches will tick the box at lunch. Keep it classy with Allpress Espresso coffee, house-made sodas and smoothies, or turn it into a boozy affair with breakfast cocktails, house beer and wine by the glass. We can’t help ourselves when it comes to the Mango Daiquiris though, which employ cream of the crop, local mangos in every glass. 

Time Out tip: In the Dry Season, Eva’s plays host to delightful high tea sessions outside by the fountains. The usual offenders grace the menu and span a three-course service over two, extremely tranquil hours.

Address: Located in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-3pm; Sat-Sun 7am-3pm
Expect to pay: More than $18 for a proper meal

What is it? An alluring, no-frills inner-city restaurant with a spice-laden menu.

Why we love it: In Darwin's core, Moorish Café invites diners to traverse from Marrakech's vibrant markets to Mediterranean shores. An intricately-tiled facade catches the eye while streetside seating and classic French bistro chairs entice you to stay for a good time and a long time. The casual hotspot welcomes feasting on tapas that have taken inspiration from around the globe while spotlighting the Northern Territory’s finest ingredients and the Spanish eating tradition. With an emphasis on sharing, lunchtime showstoppers include berber-spiced kangaroo with tomato jam, local barramundi with preserved lemon, as well as calamari with chorizo and tomato-potato salad. Wind down with a pitcher of sangria or pick from the robust wine list. Moorish Café truly is a more-ish affair – so that’s a fuss-free lunch sorted, from where we’re sitting.

Time Out tip: Moorish Café is great if you’re planning on dining solo – the tapas menu ranges from $6 to $16 plates, so you can try a variety of flavours and textures before filling up on the bread.

Address: 37 Knuckey Street, Darwin
Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 11am-2.30-pm, 6pm-9.30pm; Fri 11am-9.30pm; Sat 11am-10pm
Expect to pay: More than $24 for a proper meal

What is it? A Darwin institution when it comes to sweet treats from the AM well into the afternoon.

Why we love it: If you’re a pancake person, then it’s time to make friends with this chillax café and dessert bar. With locations in Bellamack, Darwin CBD, Nightcliff and Parap, you’re surely just a hop, skip and jump away from indulging in dessert for breakfast. Each pancake stack features two home-style buttermilk pancakes, generously topped with all the good stuff, including Biscoff, Nutella, maple syrup, ice cream or fresh berries. Fresh Point Co is also famous for its crazy freak shakes, piled high like the Leaning Tower of Pisa with marshmallows, wafers, lollipops, sour straps – if it’s got sugar, it’s on there. If you’re not much of a sweet tooth, however, fear not – Fresh Point Co’s menu has a whole heap of savouries ready to go – whether it’s poached egg benny baos, vegan zucchini fritters or an old-school cheeseburger with onion rings for one.

Time Out tip: Fresh Point Co’s Parap outpost is the place to be for lush surroundings that back onto George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.

Address: Multiple locations including Bellamack, Darwin and Nightcliff
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7am-3pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? A lowkey CBD joint serving up some of the best (and heftiest) toasties in town.

Why we love it: True to his name, the Coffee Man crafts some of the finest coffee Darwin has ever seen. Whether you prefer pour-over, batch brew, single origin or straight-up, you’ll find high-end caffeine hits for every palate and occasion. Their friendly baristas will guide you through the flavour profiles and will happily recommend their top toastie picks, be it the pulled pork with pickles, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and barbecue sauce, or the mushroom with truffle cream, fresh basil and a concoction of melty cheeses – they’re whoppers. Fresh juices are a Coffee Man staple too, and the chocolate-banana pick with silky smooth almond milk is a healthy kick with the most. The café itself makes the most of Darwin’s tropical climate with an open-air deck spotted with a couple of high chairs and tables. It’s relatively minimalist at Coffee Man too, which can only mean that the focus is on dang tasty toasties and equally as moreish caffeine. 

Time Out tip: Take the scenic route with takeaway and head to the super nearby Bicentennial Park on Darwin’s waterfront for a picnic to boot.

Address: 80 Mitchell Street, Darwin
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm; Sat-Sun 7:30am-1pm
Expect to pay: More than $13 for a proper meal

What is it? A hidden nook that knows a thing or two about pastries and glutenous delights.

Why we love it: Croissants and coffee go hand in hand at this super popular café and patisserie, tucked away in a tropical courtyard on Smith Street in Darwin CBD. It’s hard to look past Ray’s flaky, golden croissants and cruffins, but you’ll be just as challenged for choice with the brunch menu, featuring berry and mascarpone hotcakes, wild mushroom bruschetta, and house manoush bread with za'atar, feta and tomatoes. In need of caffeine? Ray’s house blend comes from Sydney’s Mecca Espresso, while their seasonal single origin is by the sustainable coffee crowd at Single O. They also serve up a punchy batch brew, best enjoyed over ice, if you will. 

Time Out tip: Can’t make it to Ray’s in the AM? No problemo – their sibling restaurant, Darlings, sits right behind the café and dishes out modern takes on Italian fare in a very funky-fitted dining room come sundown.

Address: 66 Smith Street, Darwin
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6.30am-2pm; Sun 7am-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? A no-frills, all-day eatery that’s quite literally on the foreshore.

Why we love it: Easy, breezy and beautiful, The Foreshore Café and Restaurant stands as one of Darwin’s best-kept secrets. Its extensive brunch menu has a deeply Australian identity, featuring classic BLTs, avo smash, steak sandwiches and acai bowls. The Foreshore’s friendly team won’t bat an eye if you order fish and chips at 7am, which is prepared with 100 per cent Aussie seafood and served with chunky chips and house salad. Fully cool off with freshly squeezed OJ, tropical frappe, house-made iced tea or something from their cocktail menu that's available from 10am well into the PM. That’s right, The Foreshore doubles as an evening hang-out where beers and sunsets go hand-in-hand. A tipple to suit the tropical latitude might mean a very fruity Lycheetini of gin, dry vermouth and lychee liqueur.

Time Out tip: On Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 6pm and 9pm, The Foreshore Café and Restaurant put on live music nights where you can sway the night away.

Address: 259 Casuarina Drive, Nightcliff
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7am-10pm
Expect to pay: More than $16 for a proper meal

What is it? A minimalist grayscale café with strong coffee and Japanese-influenced fare in The Mall.

Why we love it: Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and you might stumble upon this gorgeous café, which overlooks the tropical trees of Raintree Park at the end of Smith Street Mall. Pull up a chair outside under The Rabbithole’s large fans and enjoy Asian-fusion brunch dishes, like Japanese karaage chicken burgers between ever-so soft brioche buns, miso-butter hollandaise eggs benedict, and flame-charred salmon salad with hot and sour dressing. You could just as easily grab a Tim Tam milkshake or yuzu iced tea to enjoy in the park, paired with a daily-changing freshly baked muffin. But if you’re not feeling too adventurous in the taste bud region, $10 toasties are a no-brainer, whether it’s ham and cheese or chicken and cheese. Simple yet effective.

Time Out tip: If you’re on a bit of a budget but still fancy a morning outing, The Rabbithole is the place to be – their most expensive menu item comes in at $22.

Address: 1/44 Smith Street, The Mall, Darwin
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm; Sat-Sun 8am-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $15 for a proper meal

What is it? A city centre café that’s been serving an international menu to locals for more than 35 years.

Why we love it: Roma Bar has been a staple of Darwin’s café since way back in 1989, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a local who hasn’t dined there. The café’s earthy fit-out makes for a warm and inviting meeting spot, whether you’re sheltering from the storm during the Wet Season or catching some rays amid the Dry Season. You could start your day in Thailand with Roma’s chilled pandan sago or opt for the Indian breakfast with dahl and roti. Come lunchtime, travel around the world with cheeseburgers, falafel pitas, fish tacos, gado gado salads and the hearty curry of the day. Regulars take delight in Roma Bar’s eats so much so that a freezer over in the corner is stocked with goodies like lasagne, spanakopita and quiches in case cravings kick in during the night. 

Time Out tip: Make sure to mention Roma Bar to your vego and vegan pals – the options are clearly labelled from big breakfasts and sandwiches to pastas and puddings.

Address: 9 Cavenagh Street, Darwin
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm; Sat-Sun 8am-1pm
Expect to pay: More than $15 for a proper meal

What is it? A Larrakeyah eatery that overlooks Cullen Bay’s boating action.

Why we love it: For the best brunch with a view in Darwin, make your way to this waterfront gem at Cullen Bay Marina that sits just a five-minute drive out of the town centre. Snag a sunny bench outside on the wooden deck (which is quite literally beside the water) and tuck into Boatshed Coffee House and Café’s basic brunch favourites, including corn fritters, banana and Nutella crepes, Spanish eggs and BAE rolls with cheese and heaps of barbecue sauce. If you’ve got a full day of adventure planned, then the ‘Fatty Boomba’ will fuel you up, loaded with eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns, baked beans, mushrooms and brioche toast. Need something lighter? The ‘Skinny Boomba’ has got you covered with poached eggs, avocado, spinach, saganaki and house-made spicy chickpeas, plus brioche toast to mop it all up. Ask the friendly staff for fresh juice and smoothie specials, or throw it back to the good old days with a lemonade spider.

Time Out tip: If you’re planning on exploring Mandorah on the other side of the peninsula, make Boatshed your first stop – the Cullen Bay ferry terminal is within a five-minute walk from the café.

Address: 56 Marina Boulevard, Larrakeyah
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-2pm; Sat-Sun 8am-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal