Want to know where the locals eat in Alice Springs? This post shares (in my opinion!) the 14 best local restaurants & cafes in town. While we have a lot of other more generic options, these are town favourites many tucked away and can be hard to find without insider knowledge. Tuck in!
1. Page 27
- 📍 Address: 27 Todd Mall (Fan Arcade)
- ⏰ Hours: Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Sat–Sun: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM.
- 🍴 The Food: A quirky menu featuring seasonal nourish bowls, exceptional coffee, and inventive vegetarian options. Their Haloumi and Egg roll and house-made hollandaise is my personal favourite brunch!
- ✨ The Vibe: Hidden down a plant filled laneway at the start of the mall, and filled with vintage mismatched furniture and indie music playing . It’s the quintessential Alice brunch experience—relaxed, quirky, and full of character.
2. Watertank Cafe
- 📍 Address: 16 Wilkinson St, Ciccone
- ⏰ Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Sat: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Fri Night Jazz: 6:00 PM – Late.
- 🏆 Note: Recipient of a Qantas Australian Tourism Award. It’s an industrial-chic shed that doubles as an art gallery and community garden. There are games for passing the time and a rotating brunch menu.
- 🎸 Music: The place to be on Friday Nights for live Jazz & Blues in a high-ceilinged, soulful space.
3. Locals Cafe
- 📍 Address: Shop 5, 81 Todd Mall (Right near the Cinema)
- ⏰ Hours: Daily: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM.
- 🍴 The Food: Generous portions including my fave Shakshouka, Lobster Spaghetti, great coffee and a solid gin and cocktail list for a midday treat.
- ✨ The Vibe: Modern, bright, and incredibly friendly. It’s a central hub where the service is as consistent as the perfectly brewed coffee.
4. That Little Cafe
- 📍 Address: Shop 3, 45 Todd Mall (Next door to Red Kangaroo Books)
- ⏰ Hours: Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Sat–Sun: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
- 🍴 The Food: Delicious treats like their coconut, almond and lemon cake, brownies or basque cheesecake ✨ The Vibe: A charming, tiny corner cafe with outdoor seating under the trees. Perfect for a peaceful morning coffee before browsing for local and indie books.
5. Yaye’s Cafe (Araluen)
- 📍 Address: 61 Larapinta Dr (Inside the Araluen Arts Centre)
- ⏰ Hours: Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Sat–Sun: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- 🍴 The Food: Cultural lunch specials and light refreshments. Yaye means "sisters" in the local Arrernte language.
- ✨ The Vibe: Set within the cultural precinct and surrounded by art. It holds a vibrant, Latin energy that makes it a favourite for the local arts community. Best coffee too!
6. Loco Burrito
- 📍 Address: Shop 10, 74 Todd St
- ⏰ Hours: Mon–Thu: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Fri: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Sat: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed Sun).
- 🍴 The Food: Authentic Mexican "hole in the wall" known for slow-cooked meats, fresh guacamole made daily, and excellent vegan options like jackfruit.
- ✨ The Vibe: A casual, fast, and fresh local favourite. You can grab a quick meal on the go or relax in their small, cool courtyard.
7. Alice Springs Brewing Co.
- 📍 Address: 39 Palm Circuit, Ross
- ⏰ Hours: Mon–Thu: 4:00 PM – Late | Fri–Sun: 12:00 PM – Late.
- 🍴 The Food: Famous for their wood-fired pizzas, hot wings and high-quality burgers that pair perfectly with desert-brewed craft beer. Try their signature Oh, Ginger! Locally brewed ginger beer on tap with ice lime!
- ✨ The Vibe: Located just out of town before the Ross highway turnoff, this is the town's local brewery. It’s a great spot for a flight of beers in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
- 🎸 Music: Often hosts live local music and community events on the lawn.
8. Trail Station Café (Telegraph Station)
- 📍 Address: Herbert Heritage Dr, Stuart
- ⏰ Hours: Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- ✨ The Vibe: Best for late afternoon. Since they stay open until 4:00 PM, this is the perfect destination for a walk in the historical reserve. Their florentine cookies or carrot cake are a great snack with your coffee
9. Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar
- 📍 Address: 1/58 Todd Mall
- ⏰ Hours: Wed–Sat: 8:00 AM – Late | Sun–Mon: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
- 🍸 Evenings: The premier spot for cocktails. Their rooftop is the best place to watch the MacDonnell Ranges turn orange at sunset.
- 🎸 Music: Live bands and DJs every Friday and Saturday night.
10. Hanuman Alice Springs
- 📍 Address: 82 Barrett Dr (Inside the DoubleTree)
- ⏰ Hours: Dinner: Daily 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
- 🍴 The Food: High-end Asian fusion (Thai, Indian, Malaysian). The Red Duck Curry and signature oysters are local legends.
- ✨ The Vibe: An elegant, moody oasis with oriental surrounds and impeccable service.
11. Bella Alice (Casa Belles)
- 📍 Address: 57 Todd Mall
- ⏰ Hours: Dinner: Wed–Sun 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
- 🍴 The Food: Famous for sourdough pizzas and rich pastas like Squid Ink Spaghetti with prawns.
- ✨ The Vibe: Featuring a beautiful vertical garden, it offers a refined European atmosphere right on the mall.
12. Casa Nostra Pizza & Spaghetti House
- 📍 Address: 2 Undoolya Rd
- ⏰ Hours: Dinner: Tue–Sat 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
- 🍴 The Food: An institution since the 80s. Authentic, old-school Italian. Their homemade deserts and tiramisu are so popular you often have to pre-order it. Fun fact, has been known to run out of pasta!
- ✨ The Vibe: Traditional BYO spot with red-and-white checked cloths, slightly chaotic in a fun way, great service. Reservations are essential.
13. Kungkas Can Cook
- 📍 Address: 74 Todd Mall
- ⏰ Hours: Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM | Sat: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
- 🌿 The Experience: Specializing in wild-harvested bush foods like Bush Tomato and Quandong. It’s a sensory connection to the land and its ancient flavors. https://kungkas.com/our-experiences
14. The Todd Mall Markets
- 📍 Address: Todd Mall
- ⏰ Hours: Every second Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
- ✨ The Vibe: The heart of Mparntwe's multicultural community. Expect loads of street food trucks, live music, and local artisans. Check toddmallmarkets.com.au for current dates.
Hope this guide helps you break free from the pub dinners and takeaway meals that are the most obvious in town. Make sure you check opening times! As a very seasonal town this varies throughout the year. Also don't be afraid to ask a local on your travels where they recommend, as we are such a remote town we are pretty passionate about the 'best spots' and love to share.
Made with ♥ by Kelly
