Canberra, despite its relatively small population, is experiencing a culinary renaissance with an influx of young chefs, new restaurants, and exciting food and beverage establishments. This dynamic scene combines modern experimentation with classic culinary traditions.
Hanuman (93 Mitchell Street)
Hanuman is introduced as a culinary treasure with its founder, Jimmy Choo, infusing the restaurant with soul and modern Indian cuisine featuring progressive herbs and spices, including a signature dish, the Masala lamb cutlet.
Sanpper Rocks (B2/7 Kitchener Drive)
Located at the Darwin Waterfront, Snapper Rocks focuses on fresh Australian produce and shares their dishes, including lamb shoulder grilled cos lettuce and cauliflower couscous.
Phat Mango (56 Smith Street, corner of Knuckey & Austin Lane)
Phat Mango emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on offering a unique take on modern Australian cuisine. They source their ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, and growers. The restaurant features dishes like "Amp Silverside" and "Skirt" that are prepared with a long braise and served with a Northern Territory version of chimichurri, incorporating regional flavors like wattle and Bush herbs, native chilies, and tomatoes.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (Maria Liveris Drive)
The Mindil Beach markets in Darwin offer a unique and diverse food experience. Visitors can enjoy a variety of foods from food trucks, including options like roast lamb rolls, juicy lamb wraps marinated in lemon and oregano, and skewered lamb and beef with peanut sauce, representing a blend of cultures from Greek to Indonesian. The markets are not only known for their delicious food but also for the stunning sunset views, making it a must-visit attraction for both locals and tourists.
Chow (D1 & D2/19 Kitchener Drive)
Chow is a well-established Vietnamese restaurant located on Darwin's waterfront. They are known for serving a traditional Vietnamese dish called "bowler lot," which features marinated beef wrapped in betel leaves, offering a refreshing and flavorful experience that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine in the tropical atmosphere of Darwin.
Admiralty House (70 Esplanade)
Admiralty House in Darwin is a resilient venue that has survived the city's history, including World War II bombings and Cyclone Tracy. Today, it houses a well-established steak restaurant, offering dishes like Rangers Valley Black Onyx fillet with chestnut puree and traditional steakhouse sides such as iceberg wedge, onion rings, and perfectly cooked green beans, exemplifying classic steak cuisine.
Ella by Minoli (20 West Lane)
Ella by Minoli is a recently opened restaurant in Darwin, known for its unique Sri Lankan cuisine, which is a rarity in the area. Run by Minoli de Silva, an ex-Masterchef contestant, the restaurant offers a tantalizing menu featuring slow-cooked dishes like gooey, coconut-dressed eggplant and crunchy, tamarind-infused meatballs, making it a standout addition to the city's dining scene.