10 top places for breakfast in Darwin

Darwin’s breakfast scene is a vibrant mix of tropical flavours, cultural influences, and modern café vibes.

Whether you’re craving bush tucker-inspired dishes, wholesome health-conscious options, or indulgent waffles, these ten cafés promise a memorable start to your day. 

1. The Rabbit Hole

Start your morning in style at this sleek café known for specialty coffee and creative dishes, located at the Knuckey Street end of the Smith Street Mall central to CBD hotels.

Local’s recommendation: Special smashed avo or Royal benny rabbit
Good to know: Opens early on weekdays from 6:30am
Location: Paspalis Centrepoint building, M19 48-50, Darwin City

2. Makan Stop

Dive into authentic Singaporean-inspired flavours in a cozy setting located close to the Smith Street Mall and city hotels.

Local’s recommendation: Char kway teow or nasi lemak
Good to know: Offers both indoor and alfresco dining
Location: 1/59 Smith St, Darwin City

3. Eva’s Botanic Gardens Café

Enjoy a tranquil breakfast surrounded by lush greenery of the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.

Local’s recommendation: Acai chia bowl or laksa eggs benedict
Good to know: The café is pet friendly.
Location: George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, 200 Gardens Rd, The Gardens

4. The Harvest Press

Well known juice bar-café offering fresh, cold-pressed juices and wholesome meals located central to city hotels.

Local’s recommendation: Acai bowl or eggs benedict
Good to know: A good range of vegan and vegetarian options are available.
Location: 1/18 Knuckey St, Darwin City

5. Ray’s Patisserie and Café

French-inspired café with artisan pastries and rich coffee within a short walk from the Smith Street Mall.

Local’s recommendation: Assorted pastries or granola
Good to know: Opens early on weekdays from 6:30am
Location: 66 Smith St, Darwin City

6. Perk & Palate

Modern café serving hearty breakfasts and specialty coffee within walking distance from many city hotels.

Local’s recommendation: Chilli scrambled eggs or perk style hotcakes
Good to know: All-day breakfast
Location: Ground Floor, 24 Mitchell St, Darwin City

7. Laneway Coffee

Trendy café with bold flavours and stylish presentation located in Parap Village not far from Darwin city.

Local’s recommendation: One of the delicious brekkie bowls or the Laneway Eggs Benny
Good to know: Laneway is in the Parap Village which hosts the Parap Village Markets every Saturday from 8:00am to 2:00pm.
Location: 4/1 Vickers St, Parap

8. Meow Waffee

This modern café is in the Vic Arcade in the Smith Street Mall and serves sweet and savory waffles, premium matcha and specialty coffee.

Local’s recommendation: Meow waffles or soufflé pancakes with amazing toppings
Good to know: There is a playground located a minute away in the Smith Street Mall if the kids don't want to sit down for long.
Location: Vic Arcade, 9/27 The Mall, Darwin City

9. The General

A contemporary café using locally sourced ingredients, located at the Cullen Bay end of Mitchell Street.

Local’s recommendation: Pastries, toasties or one of the seasonal specials
Good to know: The General also has a deli next door that stocks delicious small goods. Perfect for your next waterfront picnic watching a spectacular Darwin sunset.
Location: 161 Mitchell St, Larrakeyah

10. De La Plage

A family and dog friendly cafe along the Casuarina Coastal Reserve with a relaxed ambience and colourful beanbags and hammocks.

Local’s recommendation: Breakfast Roll or Fruit & Spice sourdough toast
Good to know: This is a beachfront cafe with stunning views of Casuarina Beach
Location: Surf Life Saving Club Lot 9316 Darribah Road, Brinkin

For more of the best place to eat in Darwin, visit our dining page.

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