The Darwin brunch scene is a very competitive one. From the waterfront, and the heart of the CBD, to suburbs like Parap and Brinkin, there are a host of fabulous cafes, bistros and restaurants that offer a sumptuous range of dishes, which truly reflect the cosmopolitan makeup of the city. If you are looking for somewhere to eat once the breakfast rush finishes, we have scoured the region to assess all the different options out there. So here is our shortlist of some of the places that can easily lay claim to offering the best brunch in Darwin.
Eva’s Cafe
If you are looking for a spot of serenity in which to enjoy your brunch then Eva’s café is the place for you.
Situated within the beautiful George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, the café itself is located in a former heritage-listed church building. It features a stunning outdoor deck that looks out to the greenery – which makes for an excellent setting in which to enjoy your meal.
The Allpress Espresso coffee here is top notch, made by baristas who are highly skilled. While the food menu celebrates local produce through delicious dishes like a Vietnamese Noodle Bowl and the good old fashioned steak sandwich.
Address: Gardens Rd, The Gardens NT 0820
Curve Restaurant & Bar
If you are looking for a brunch spot right in the heart of the Darwin CBD then the Curve Restaurant & Bar is an excellent choice.
Not far from the DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade it offers a great range of small, large and ‘in between’ plates to satisfy any level of hunger.
Dishes like Australian Teriyaki Prawn Skewers, the signature Curve Burger and Chef Prem’s Curry (Malaysian), feature the freshest in local and Australian produce.
Cooked exquisitely and beautifully presented, the restaurants relaxed, and congenial atmosphere provides an excellent dining experience that will set you up nicely for the rest of the day.
Address: 7 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800
The Cyclone Café
Located in Parap, the rusty corrugated iron aesthetic of The Cyclone Café might not be the sexiest of facades. But when you realise, it is a reference to the devastating Cyclone Tracy that hit Darwin on Christmas Day in 1974, it starts to make sense.
Signifying the tin that flew off roofs during the cyclone, and thus posed the greatest danger of all to the local residents, the café has a relaxed and friendly vibe.
Serving excellent coffee and a global menu of brunch eats like burritos and smashed avo with feta and dukkah, it’s a lovely place to discover what makes Darwinians such a resilient bunch.
Address: 8 Parap Pl, Parap NT 0820
Karma Cafe
If you are in to healthy diets and healthy living but still want to enjoy the delights of a brunch meet up with friends then head on over to the Karma Café.
Catering to health conscious individuals, the café is located in Parap, which is close to both Mindil Beach and Fannie Bay.
Offering everything from smoothie bowls, protein snacks and fresh fruit juices to salads, smoothies and raw cakes, Karma offers ‘clean’ foods that are bright and colourful.
Not only do they taste amazing, they will make you feel, great too!
Address: 119/12 Salonika St, Parap NT 0820
De La Plage
One of the newer establishments on the Darwin brunch scene is De La Plage.
Found about 25 minutes north of the CBD, the laid back café is both a family and dog friendly venue.
Housed in a previously disused surf club storeroom, it features a wide, grassy area, with decking, colourful beanbags, hammocks and umbrellas, that allow you to take in exceptional views of Casuarina Beach as you enjoy your meal.
The comprehensive menu caters to all tastes and includes homemade kimchi, free range pulled pork burger and a particularly good Rueben.
You could easily sit at the café and chill out there all day. If you do, they also offer sunset platters (on Friday and Sunday) that are quite wonderful too.
Address: Surf Life Saving Club Lot 9316 Darribah Road, Brinkin NT 0810
