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NT eats: 5 spots to be wined and dined

Tali Wiru at Uluru

Most people would probably be satisfied with a snag on a slice of bread if it were enjoyed in the shadow of Uluru, but Tali Wiru takes things to a level that can’t be described as anything other than mind-blowingly impressive.

“Tali Wiru” translates to “beautiful dune” in the local Anangu language. It’s a fitting description for the setting of this open-air dining experience. Tables are perched on the red dirt of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, lit by the setting sun and soft candlelight.

Here, a small group of just 20 diners at a time enjoy four delectable courses imbued with Indigenous Australian ingredients and flavours. The cherry on top is an after-dinner performance by a local Indigenous storyteller. It’s sure to be a meal you’ll never forget.

Savour an intimate meal at Tali Wiru.Credit: Tourism NT

Kakadu Full Moon Feast at Cooinda Lodge

In case it wasn’t already obvious, the Northern Territory does dining under the stars better than anywhere else.

At Kakadu’s Cooinda Lodge, guests get up close and personal with the culture and history of the local Murumburr clan under the open skies.

Meals are crafted using Indigenous ingredients collected on Country. The courses have been designed to celebrate the six seasons – yes, six – of Kakadu bush tucker, meaning the experience is made more unique according to the time of year you visit.

On that note, this special event only happens a handful of times every year, so plan ahead to avoid missing out on a night defined by the sharing of stories, culture, and good food.

Parap Markets in Darwin

Markets are an amazing way to understand all the different things a holiday destination has to offer, and nowhere is this truer than at Darwin’s iconic Parap Markets.

Here, you can spend a Saturday morning working up an appetite by browsing hundreds of stalls selling all manner of local wares, like arts, crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.

Once you’re done indulging in a little retail therapy, you can take your pick of delicious food and drinks from around the world. In fact, you might have to make a couple of laps to fit in all the amazing barbecue, modern Australian, and Asian cuisine, along with many, many more.

The markets are open from 8am to 2pm every Saturday, just a stone’s throw from the city centre.

Check out Darwin’s Parap Markets to sample cuisines from around the world.Credit: Tourism NT

Epilogue Lounge and Rooftop Bar in Alice Springs

Part-buzzy café, part-tapas restaurant, part-rooftop bar – that’s Epilogue Lounge in Alice Springs. And, in case it wasn’t clear that this is a venue that can truly do it all, it’s also pet-friendly and regularly plays host to local musicians playing live tunes every weekend.

There are heaps of fun one-off events to get around, too, like open mic nights and even a lip sync battle.

From live music to delicious food and cocktails, Epilogue Lounge and Rooftop Bar has it all.Credit: Tourism NT

Located right in the heart of Alice Springs, in Todd Mall, Epilogue offers a range of amazing dining options for all hours: there are breakky classics like eggs Benedict, lunch delights like burgers with the lot, and taco nights where you can pick up three slow-cooked beef or grilled chicken tacos for just 20 bucks.

And, with daily cocktail specials, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a reason to leave before the lights come on in the early hours.

Earth Sanctuary in Alice Springs

Dinner and a show is exactly what you get at Earth Sanctuary’s Spirit of the Outback dining experience – the show being a glorious sunset over the East MacDonnell Ranges and storytelling under the stars.

Visitors enjoy a delicious home-cooked barbecue meal with all the trimmings, including fresh-made damper, flame-grilled meats, and a crowd-pleasing sticky date pudding.

If you choose to stay on for one of Earth Sanctuary’s overnight stargazing experiences, you can also lend a hand in making damper and enjoy a meal around the fire. Bon appetit!