What’s on: Hospitality venues that opened in Darwin in 2024

In the news this week we saw the announcement of at least three new hotels for 2025 – and a new rock climbing gym – and it’s got me looking back on the year that was 2024, writes Kate Dinning.

Sweethearts at the Cinema Collective in Darwin. Picture: Kate Dinning

In the news this week we saw the announcement of at least three new hotels for 2025 – and a new rock climbing gym – and it’s got me looking back on the year that was 2024.

As the final weeks of the year see us shifting further into holiday mode than we already are, it’s time to reflect on the good things that the past 12 months have delivered here in Darwin.

This year was the year of new piano bars, new coffee haunts, sibling cafes to popular favourites, the return of some old favourites – and even new ocean view bars.

As we all wind down, it’s a good reminder to treat yourself to some festive food or drinks from our local venues in their quiet season, especially if you haven’t tried some of the new venues yet.

In no particular order, here are my picks for 2024 hospitality openings.

I will note that the first venue on my list actually opened on New Year’s Eve of 2023, but I’m still including it.

We love a taco here in Darwin, and Sanchos Taco Bar was a fine addition to the casual dining scene out on Stokes Hill Wharf, it was immediately popular.

Everything on the menu is gluten-free and you can really taste the freshness, it’s the perfect place to take visitors to get a feel for Darwin, or for a causal dinner and cheap beers at the Takeaway Bar.

Speaking of immediately popular, the return of new venues into previously popular spots were welcome additions across the year.

Sanchos Taco Bar - hospitality venues that opened in Darwin in 2024. Picture: Kate Dinning

Fan favourite Meraki Greek Taverna opened again after a couple of years’ hiatus, and it was exactly what the old Little Miss Korea space on Austin Lane needed – with a brand-new bar to match, aptly named ‘Baraki’.

Another venue that opened a brand-new restaurant in a previously popular spot, was Fin and Tonic, which offers the best sunset seat in the house.

Later in the year they also branched out to the breakfast trade, serving locally roasted DTOWN Coffee, something they pause for the Wet Season, so keep that on your radar for next Dry.

And in Nightcliff, foodies also had a new venue to add to the list: Flora’s Temper opened in the space that used to be the Lucky Bat.

Flora’s Temper is a cafe / dinner / bar venue that has continued to evolve, and the vibes are great.

In the cafe world, we saw three ‘sibling’ cafes open, continuing the popularity of their existing counterparts.

The Coffee Man team opened Perk & Palate on Mitchell Street opposite Hotel Darwin, with a menu that includes specialty coffee, takeaway items and delicious food.

The Kopi Stop team also opened a new cafe on almost the same street, further up Smith Street closer to the Mall.

Makan Stop serves the same great coffee, but a different menu.

Perk and Palate. Picture: Kate Dinning

And exciting news for the Northern Suburbs was the announcement of Krome Cafe in Casuarina Plaza - a second cafe by the team from the popular The 1995 Darwin, and OG Brew, a brand new drive-through coffee shop on Osgood Drive behind Kingpin, offering the goods on the go.

There was a lot of talk about Johnn Johnns shutting down their Ice Cream store in the CBD mid-year in 2024.

But ice cream lovers can rejoice because in a wild turn of events, they’re back ­– and just down the road on Knuckey St.

In the last couple of years, we’ve seen an increase in bars and venues down laneways and behind hidden doors, and The Loose Goose down the Transit Arcade on Mitchell Street added to this trend in 2024.

Fin & Tonic - hospitality venues that opened in Darwin in 2024. Picture: Kate Dinning

It’s another one that doubles as a cafe / restaurant / bar – and the menu here is a must-try.

Another must try is the new steak restaurant at the Waterfront, which opened this year next to Hot Tamale.

It occupies what used to be liked Urban Spice, which I quite liked – so was sad to see it go. That sadness quickly dissipated when I tried a steak from Beef & Bar.

Undoubtedly one of the biggest additions to Darwin’s hospitality scene – both in popularity and in size – is The Cinema Collective.

Home to duelling piano bar Sweethearts and the fancy indoor/outdoor cocktail bar Flicks which also doubles as Hilda’s Coffee Society during the mornings.

This venue has completely revitalised the Northern End of Mitchell Street, and I can’t wait to see what else they have in store.

To close out, it’s fitting to mention a new favourite sunset spot, Dock One Bar.

Nestled just off the Stokes Hill Wharf, where you board the 00Seven Jetskis and Sail Darwin, the new white and blue bar has big beach vibes, and a 270-degree view of the water – it’s a lovely intimate spot for a sunset cocktail and a bite to eat.