Darwin’s Top 10 restaurants: Numbers 7-5

THE NT News ‘Top 10 Darwin restaurants’ list has kicked off and it’s certainly got people talking already

Alana Matthews runs the PM Eat and Drink tapas bar on Knuckey Street in the CBD

THE NT News ‘Top 10 Darwin restaurants’ list has kicked off and it’s certainly got people talking already.

Numbers 10 to 8 were revealed exclusively right here on ntnews.com.au on Tuesday with a lot of chatter about our first three choices.

Manoli’s Greek Taverna came in at No. 8 and many thought the wildly popular Smith St eatery should have been much higher. What do you think?

Today, we reveal numbers 7 to 5 where a couple of choices are sure to surprise.

We will count down our Top 10 every day until Saturday when our Top 2 will be revealed.

RELATED: NUMBERS 10-8: DARWIN’S TOP 10 RESTAURANTS

So how does the judging work?

A few weeks back we put up a Facebook post asking Territorians to name their favourite restaurant.

We got hundreds of responses and — from that — our team of food reviewers secretly hit the streets and reviewed both a main and dessert from the Top 10 as voted by you, the public.

Each restaurant was ranked on food quality, service, price and ambience out of a total of 50 points.

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Our Top 10 list is underway now and all you have to do is keep an eye on ntnews.com.au over the next two days as we count down to Darwin’s Number 1 restaurant.

7. PM Eat and Drink

PM has been a popular local spot for a while now and it is well known for its tasty tapas.

On the menu tonight was the steak tartare as an entree and the crispy pork belly with jalapeños and fried kale, with a side of cauliflower, as a main.

The dishes were fresh and flavour combinations expertly paired.

PM Eat and Drink: Crispy pork belly with jalapenos and fried kale, with a side of cauliflower

For dessert was the chocolate cake, and although the dessert menu was less impressive than the selection of dinner dishes it was still well worth a try.

PM has become a local dining staple over the past couple of years and it has never disappointed when it comes to food.

However, the restaurant’s popularity, which has also seen it extend into a second room, means that staff are sometimes a little bit too busy to notice hungry glances and empty wine glasses. The only real criticism is that the price point is a little steep for the size of the portions, but you do get what you pay for with the delicious and fresh selection of food.

6. Chow

Chow is a fun restaurant down on the Waterfront.

Its large open plan setting is the perfect place to sit down and watch the world pass by.

The restaurant has been decorated to give one the feeling of dining in Asia and with Darwin’s heat and humidity you just might think you are.

The wait staff are friendly and the food always arrives quickly.

A big plus is they also serve lunch so if you’re craving Chow you don’t have to wait until dinner time.

Chow Restaurant: Shaking beef (BO LUC LAC)

They have a wide range of items on their menu from pho — which you can’t pass up on — to pork balls and duck red curry.

The meals are also reasonably priced with the option available for a banquet style dinner for large groups.

The only downside is they’re busy during peak dinner time so if you want to eat here make sure you book.

Otherwise you can just opt for takeaway.

5. Char Restaurant

Char Restaurant is the ultimate date night venue.

Overlooking the Esplanade the restaurant has been a staple on Darwin’s food scene for years, and eating there you can understand why.

It offers a beautiful outdoor setting under lush trees wrapped in fairy lights while an indoor area provides shelter for diners during the Wet Season.

Char restaurant: Wagyu Rump Cap steak

The food is delicious but pricey, however one can understand why when you are tucking into a perfectly cooked steak.

The only seasonal issue is the midgies. They are vicious — but the restaurant is well equipped with mozzie spray to save you from being eaten alive.

■ THE NT NEWS’ 120 MOST POWERFUL: WHO MADE THE LIST?

Our Top 10 restaurants list is sure to set tongues wagging.

There’ll be shocks and surprises, and no doubt some noses will be put out of joint and big egos will be deflated.

So don’t miss what will be the biggest talking point in the Territory over the next few days.

You’ll have nothing to gossip about around the water cooler if you do!

• Come back on Friday as numbers 4 and 3 will be revealed right here on ntnews.com.au