Stop Instagram stalking. Close TripAdvisor. No more random Google searches. And don’t hit publish on that Facebook post asking your peeps for their Darwin foodie tips.
I’ve wined and dined Darwin style to give you my top five must-do’s for food lovers.
1. Charles Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise
I’m not sure there could be a better way to kick off our Darwin Dad and Daughter getaway than on the water enjoying views like this one.
Walking distance from our accommodation at the Adina Waterfront, we board the Charles Darwin and before long we’re hitting the (not so) high seas. Beverage in hand, we head up to the top deck to soak in the views and hear our Captain provide an interesting overview of Darwin. This is my kind of history lesson.
Before long though, the buffet beckons and we’re treated to a tasty spread including oysters, prawns, octopus, chicken, vegetable bakes and salads.
The food is great – especially by buffet standards – but the sunset view has me skipping a second round in favour of photo time. At $96 per adult excluding drinks, it’s not an inexpensive option but the 2.5 hours at sea is worthy of a little splurge.
2. Pee Wees at the Point
When you’re looking for a fine dining option by the water to impress, you can’t go past Pee Wee’s at the Point. After a day of adventure with Matthew Wright and the Outback FloatPlanes team, we settle in at our alfresco table to toast a day well spent and peruse the menu.
Arriving after dark courtesy of our tour running over, we missed seeing the water views in all their glory but the good news for the discerning foodies amongst is that the food holds its own.
With a menu that’s hard to narrow down, I do what any indecisive diner would do and opt for two entrees: the NT Seafood Assiette – some of the best sashimi I’ve had – and Teriyaki glazed scallops – cooked just right. Dad can’t go past the Macadamia nut, herb and lemon myrtle crusted NT Saltwater Barramundi and we share the Wild Rocket, Pear, Goats Cheese and Walnut Salad and chips with aioli for good measure.
A day of seaplanes, helicopter rides, river cruises and croc sightings is hungry work it seems!
3. Jetty & the Fish
Don’t let the little red trailer fool you; delicious things come in small packages at this Darwin must-do. Get in queue, order up then enjoy every mouthful of seafood heaven as you watch the sunset over the water. Read more here.
4. Trampoline Gelato
With a minimum two-scoop a day habit during my Italian holiday last year, it’s fair to say I have a weakness for gelato and the crowds around this Darwin Waterfront spot are enough to get me curious.
After a few tastings (half the fun!) I settle on old faithfuls: hazelnut roche and cookies and cream and they don’t disappoint. Dad’s mint in a waffle cone gets his seal of approval as we watch the lighting storm out at sea. Dessert and a show 😉
5. Parap Markets
The most important ingredient for a visit to the vibrant Parap Markets is an empty stomach. Run every Saturday 8am-2pm year round (put the Mindil Markets on your list in the Dry Season too) this is where you can literally taste the tropical flavours of the Territory.
Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines dominate and the food aromas are intoxicating. Close your eyes, breathe in the smells and soak up the sounds and you’ll feel like you’re in Asia.
There’s also crepes (a popular option judging by the crowds), smoothies and fresh produce. And if you need a break from all the food on offer, check out the jewellery, clothing and art stalls too.
And because a top six doesn’t sound as good as a top five, an honoury mention goes to Rawgasm in the CBD, a must-visit for the paleo and health conscious among us.
Did we miss any of your Darwin faves? Which would be your top pick? Tell us in the comments.