12 excellent Alice Springs restaurants to try now

Quirky cafes, bars and high-end restaurants boasting jaw-dropping vistas of the surrounding ranges are just some of the attractions in Alice Springs.

Choose from wild ingredients, such as barramundi and kangaroo flavoured with Indigenous spices and berries, or feast on diverse international fare. For those looking to dine and drink, here’s our comprehensive guide to Alice Springs restaurants.

1. Saltbush

On the flash side of town inside the DoubleTree by Hilton, a charming night out can be had at Saltbush, an upmarket restaurant renowned for its innovative approach to contemporary Australian cuisine.

The whole-baked barramundi is a real showstopper. (Image: Tourism NT)

The duck confit and whole-baked Northern Territory barramundi are the stars of the menu. It’s even better when enjoyed in one of the private dining alcoves with low, soft-lit lighting and super comfy upholstered chairs.

Dig into contemporary Australian cuisine at Saltbush. (Image: Tourism NT)

2. Hanuman

Chef Jimmy Shu’s Hanuman at DoubleTree by Hilton is celebrated for its exceptional Indian and Thai dishes, offering an enticing dining experience that combines bold flavours with a refined presentation.

Expect bold flavours and an innovative dining experience. (Image: Tourism NT)

Warm up with its fabulous tom yum soup and tuck into the soft shell crab in a red curry paste and mouth-wateringly good butter chicken. Make sure you leave space for dessert – think black rice brulee or kulfi ice cream.

Find a fusion of Indian and Thai cuisine on the menu. (Image: Tourism NT)

3. Bella Alice

For a satisfying Italian feed, look no further than Bella in the Todd Mall, a charming café that transitions into a sophisticated restaurant by night. All the pasta and pizzas are made from scratch and topped with fresh ingredients. For fancy customers, there are some fancy ingredients to add to your pizza such as chilli honey, basil pesto drops and truffle oil. Italian coffee aficionados will adore the custom-made Segafredo Zanetti coffee blend.

4. Tali

If you love a mix of contemporary Australian and Asian cuisine, then head to the elegant Tali restaurant at the Crown Plaza property next to the casino.

Book the premium fine dining experience at Tali. (Image: Tourism NT)

Appealing dishes such as local barramundi fillets and eye fillets celebrate Territory produce. This dining haven features an open-concept kitchen, inviting you to watch the chefs at work and the dramatic play of flames as they prepare the sizzling dishes.

Feast on quality Northern Territory produce. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. The Locals

Tapas and gin? Yes please. Hidden away in the Todd Mall, The Locals serves up breakfast and lunch, and tapas and creative cocktails in the afternoon in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Dine from morning to afternoon at The Locals.

If you’re feeling like catching a flick, make a beeline for the adjacent Alice Springs Cinema.

6. Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar

On the main street, Epilogue is an all-day eatery with live music each week in the rooftop bar and excellent pub food, pizzas, craft beers and cocktails.

It’s a haven for night owls and foodies alike, with live music adding to the ambience. You can also visit the café for breakfast and lunch or just for a great quality coffee, smoothie or fresh juice.

The all-day eatery is a great spot to dine or stay for a drink on the rooftop bar. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

7. Page 27 Café

Page 27 in the Todd Mall wouldn’t be out of place in a Melbourne laneway. Sticky chai tea or iced honey matcha anyone? Their brekky and lunch menus are full of showstoppers such as crumbed salmon hash with edamame beans, chia seed pudding with poached pears, pan-fried barramundi on mushroom risotto, and lamb empanadas with citrus salsa.

8. Casa Nostra

On the edge of the town just over the causeway of the Todd River, Casa Nostra offers a slice of Italy in the heart of the outback, with a menu that features classic dishes made with love and authentic Italian flair.

Dine authentic Italian pasta at Casa Nostra. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

For its delicious lasagna, moreish panna cotta and relaxed atmosphere, many Alice Springs locals will rightfully recommend Casa Nostra.

The restaurant offers a slice of Italy in Alice Springs.

9. Roberto’s Pizza

If you feel like a takeaway of delicious meaty pizza and garlic bread then head to Roberto’s Pizza. You’ll find this no-frill joint on Todd Street near the mall and no need to rush – it’s open until 3am on weekends.

10. Gillen Club

For a family-friendly night out, Gillen Club offers a wide range of dining options, from casual pub meals to buffet dinners. Kids will love the shaded outdoor playground and sandpit.

11. Rocky’s Pizza & Pasta

A five-minute drive from town in the suburb of Larapinta, Rocky’s Pizza & Pasta is a beloved institution in Alice Springs, serving up pizzas with a crispy, thin crust and a generous topping of flavourful ingredients.

12. Tinh & Lan Vietnamese Restaurant

If you’re a fan of Vietnamese food, then jump in the car and make a beeline 15 minutes out of town to Alice Springs’ only Vietnamese restaurant – Tinh & Lan. Sizzling pork, fried prawns and fresh bok choy are among the tastiest dishes. This restaurant is a short walk from the gorgeous Sturt Desert Pea House, a rural property that sleeps eight on the outskirts of Alice Springs.

For more incredible ways to explore, read our travel guide to Alice Springs.