Top 14 Local Favourite Eats in Alice Springs
Want to know where the locals eat in Alice Springs? This post shares (in my opinion anyway!) 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
đź“Ť Address:Â 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
đź“Ť Address:Â 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.
6. Loco Burrito
đź“Ť Address:Â 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.
đź“Ť Address:Â 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.Â
🎸 Music: Often hosts live local music and community events on the lawn.
8. Trail Station Café (Telegraph Station)
đź“Ť Address:Â 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
đź“Ť Address:Â 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)
đź“Ť Address:Â 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
đź“Ť Address:Â 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!Â
✨ 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
đź“Ť Address:Â 74 Todd Mall
⏰ Hours: Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM | Sat: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
🌿 The Experience: Specialising in wild-harvested bush foods like Bush Tomato and Quandong. It’s a sensory connection to the land and its ancient flavours.
14. The Todd Mall Markets
⏰ 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.
