Seek different in the Northern Territory on your holidays this year…does getting away from the madding crowds appeal to you?
The Top End is staggeringly beautiful – think sunsets over Uluru, majestic waterfalls and tropical Summer nights. It is also a hotbed of award-winning restaurants from Darwin to the outback; you’ll need to refuel after a day exploring all on offer, here are four Readers’ Choice Award winners that should be on your menu:
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Regional:
Whether it is dinner with the family or a bite to eat while you watch the footy, Katherine Country Club Bistro on Pearce Street delivers on all fronts. Backing onto a nine-hole golf course and complemented by a tropical beer garden, this welcoming dining spot is the place to head to after a game of lawn bowls to refresh and replenish.
Settle in with an icy beer to beat the NT heat and devour a grilled salmon salad, with mesclun lettuce, tomato, Spanish onion, cucumber, radish and green goddess dressing; or everyone’s favourite classic chicken parmigiana with housemade Napoli, melted cheese, chips and salad.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Modern Australian:
Food enthusiasts looking for an exceptional and sophisticated dining experience head to award-winning PepperBerry restaurant on Mitchell Street in Darwin. Located in the Hilton Darwin, PepperBerry oozes a touch of class with blond wood, marble tiles, banquette seating and statement pendents, ideal for lingering over a memorable meal with family and friends. Expect Modern Australian cuisine combined with bush spices, where every ingredient has its place and is treated with utmost care to highlight pure flavours.
Think small plates of miso tempura crocodile, mango and green chilli sauce, edamame and radish, or kangaroo fillet, quandong and star anise spiced beetroot purée and braised pineapple chutney; mains such as melt-in-the-mouth pork belly with a twist of carrot and sumac purée always tempt, best enjoyed with a Chain of Fire Shiraz.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Asian:
For traditional Thai, Indian and Nonya, all in one place, go no further than Hanuman on Mitchell Street in the heart of Darwin. Part of the Holiday Inn Esplanade complex, this modern Asian restaurant boasts a magnificent alfresco dining area and stylish cocktail bar, while the décor has been sourced from around the world adding to the truly exotic experience.
Start with lamb cutlets marinated in turmeric, chilli, yoghurt and tandoori garam masala, cooked in the clay oven; followed by chilli mud crab, or Thai crispy whole snapper, served with a hot, sweet and sour sauce and sides of stir-fried seasonal greens, ginger, garlic and soy and steamed rice.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Greek:
Authentic cuisine cooked fresh daily is what you’ll find on the plate at Greek restaurant Klimataria on Presley Street in Stuart Park. A blue and white nautical vibe evokes dreams of the Aegean at this dining destination - whose owners met in Greece where Nick was a fisherman and Foula was on holiday - while on balmy NT nights, the twinkling lights of the alfresco area beckon to watch stunning sunsets.
Nothing brings people together like good food, so settle in with friends for appetisers such as tender charcoal-grilled octopus, or char-grilled quail with herbs; moving onto French cut lamb chops, served with chips, tomato, onion, pita bread and tzatziki, enjoyed with a glass of red.
