The best Chinese restaurants in Darwin

Vibrant Pink Chopstix is a standout in Darwin, nailing the trifecta of stunning dishes, warm service and waterfront sunsets. Located on Wharf 2, the bold black-and-pink decor buzzes with energy, while an open kitchen offers front-row seats to the chefs’ artistry. Highlights from the Asian fusion menu include live mud crab with Sichuan chilli sauce, a succulent seafood platter and perfectly cooked whole fish. Kick things off with Peking duck bao buns or san choy bow. If you’re feeling indecisive, the Feed Me experience takes over, offering a curated selection of Pink Choptix’s best dishes. Pair it all with vibrant cocktails, local beers or a soothing pot of Chinese tea.

Address: 6001, 7 Anchorage Crt, Darwin City 

Price: High-end

Located just a short stroll from Darwin’s CBD, Loong Fong offers a casual spot for a family meal or a low-key catch-up with friends. The menu sticks to familiar territory, starting with staples like steamed dim sims or fried wontons, before moving on to special fried rice and sizzling beef with black pepper. Lazy Susans make sharing easy and the comfortable chairs ensure a relaxed dining experience. Loong Fong is a solid choice when you’re after a straightforward Chinese meal in an unfussy setting.

Address: Skyring Territory Lodge, 87 Woods St, Darwin City

Price: Mid-range

Step into Lazy Susan’s Eating House, an award-winning eatery for some of Darwin’s finest Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine, specialising in yum cha and siu mei (Chinese roast meat). This modern city-centre hotspot nails it with fresh dishes, inviting seating and elegant decor. Picture dark timber, rich red walls, and intricate blue and white porcelain crockery. Kick things off with DIY Peking duck pancakes, pillowy bao buns or crispy eggplant, before diving into showstoppers like caramelised pork belly or Cantonese roast duck. Laksa enthusiasts will enjoy the Chinese Malay coconut curry chicken soup, brimming with egg and rice noodles, local sprouts and tofu puffs. 

Address: 9/21 Cavenagh St, Darwin City 

Price: High-end

Located in a shopping centre, Hingston Chinese Restaurant has been a Darwin favourite for well over 20 years – and it’s easy to see why. This no-frills spot dishes up consistently delicious Southern Chinese cuisine that locals can’t get enough of. From the sensational salt and pepper squid to satay king prawns, roast pork in plum sauce and what locals swear is the best fried rice in town, every dish is cooked to perfection with fresh ingredients. The service is friendly, but be prepared to wait a little when it’s busy – it’s always worth it. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeaway, Hingston’s offers generous portions, authentic flavours and top-notch service, especially if you meet the owner and have a chat.

Address: Anula Shopping Centre, 1/53 Yanyula Dr, Anula 

Price: Budget

Yummy Noodle in Casuarina's shopping centre is exactly what the name promises – noodles, and plenty of them! With more than 50 dishes on the menu, this bustling local favourite serves up everything from seafood laksa and fried kway teow to dumpling noodle soup and Singapore noodles. The portions are generous, the flavours bold and the food always comes out in a flash. Whether you’re craving a quick stir-fry, some soup or classic fried rice, there’s something to satisfy everyone. Service is friendly and efficient, and even when it’s busy, the wait is impressively short. Perfect for dine-in or takeaway, Yummy Noodle is a go-to spot for great-value meals that keep locals coming back.

Address: 5a/291 Trower Rd, Casuarina 

Price: Budget

For a laid-back CBD meet-up, go to Noodle House Mitchell for all your Cantonese favourites. Established in 1994, this eatery is conveniently located across from Darwin Entertainment Centre, making it perfect for a pre- or post-show feast. Specialities include homemade prawn spring rolls, steamed barramundi with ginger and shallots, NT mud crab in black bean sauce, spicy salted bug tails with black pepper and honey prawns. Dining with a group? The steamboat is a must for parties of four or more – dip your choice of meats, bean curd and vegetables into a bubbling broth at your table and enjoy the feast. 

Address: 84 Mitchell St, Darwin

Price: High-end

If you’re craving Chinese cuisine with a touch of luxury, head to Dragon Court at Mindil Beach Casino Resort. This is where white tablecloths, gleaming lazy Susans and attentive service set the stage for elevated dining. The menu shines with must-tries like crispy beef in plum sauce, tender Cantonese roast duck and sweet and sour lychee pork. Don’t miss the coconut and mango sago pudding to finish. Hosting a group? Their banquet menus cater to eight or more, featuring starters like black and white sesame prawn toast, and kung pao chicken wings, followed by a spread of bold, flavourful stir-fries, noodles and fried rice. Vegetarian and gluten-free diners are well looked after, too. Pair your feast with a pot of fragrant tea or make it indulgent with a bottle of Champagne.

Address: Mindil Beach Casino Resort, Gilruth Ave, The Gardens 

Price: High-end

Tucked in the middle of Smith Street mall, China Bar brings fresh energy to the city’s dining scene, offering tasty dishes that won’t break the bank. Hailing from Melbourne, this franchise specialises in comfort food favourites, serving up classics like juicy Shanghai dumplings, barbecue pork, tangy lemon chicken and perfectly balanced sweet and sour pork. Whether you're after a quick bite or a casual sit-down meal, China Bar delivers a satisfying meal in a convenient location.

Address: Shop M17A & M18A, 48-50 Smith St, Darwin

Price: Mid-range