Dry season - it’s like spring time for us Darwin folks.

The critters come out of a horrible wet season with their frizzy hair, hot hangry faces and metamorphs into ping-ing humans dressed in unnecessary winter wear dancing in confetti.

Lucky for us, 2016 is  the year of the cafes!

It’s a little overwhelming, to be honest. I’ve been going around trying as many places as I can, but there’s always another 10 on my list that I need to eat at (not that I’m complaining, it’s an awesome pickle to be in!)

Here are new cafes and restaurants that you should add to your stalk list, they’re definitely on ours.

Opened earlier this year

Opened February - The little offshoot of Oishi-ya has a touch of the weird and wonderful hot dog options of mainland Japan. Definitly worth a taste if you're keen on fusion foods.

Opened February - A pretty swanky fine dining restaurant now open in the old Woolies complex in the city offering traditionally cooked tandoori meats. We've dropped by there and it's honestly a little expensive, but don't let that stop you.

Opened February - Tapas galore! I hear the service is great and you’ll be spoilt with the tapas range.

Opened February 8th - much controvorsy was split over the opening of this location, but we give the thumbs up to the food options here. The pastas are beautiful and damn delicious. Oh, no matter what you do, you must have their dessert called Chocolate Hero. YOU MUST.

Opened February 15th - for the health conscience folks, the shiny cafe offers meal preps and foods that your belly will thank you for. A bunch of us got lunch awhile ago and it seems to have gotten better since our visit.

Opened February 23rd - blink and you'll miss this treasure trove it in Winnelle! The sister-place of Laneway seem to be doing very well with their Scanidustrial space serving up Instagram worthy modern Australian plates.

Opened February 26th - Get your tastes of the sea with PM's beautiful tapas serves. Their unique Queensland coffee brew is available at 7am… I dare say the cheapest in town for $3.50.

Opened March - Located at Dundee Beach Social & Recreation Club serving Aussie favourites and she delivers freshly baked bread to the Dundee area!

Opened March 31st - this little artsy place in Nightcliff is definitely one to keep an eye for. Imagine Bruce Wayne popping in to see the artist of the month feature… sipping their awesome coffee to keep him awake enough to fight crime at night.

Opened April 7th - it hasn't been open for very long but I know a few friends that swear by their breakfast and burger range. One of said friend has converted from a orange cake hater to a lover because of this place. Mmmm mmm!

Opened May - situated in a warehouse, their little baked-goodies cart is something I want in my back yard so I can have my own little private pig out.

Opened May 16th - There isn't too much I can say about this secret bakery across the Rosebery IGA, but their banana loaf always gives me that 'come hither' look.

Opened May 31st - Michel's is a popular franchise from down South, apparenlty serving breakfast, light lunches, delicious sweets and award-winning espresso in the new Bakewell Shopping Centre. I really hope they bake well.

Opened May 1st - Another one in the new Bakewell Shopping Centre! I expect no less then beautiful Chinese and Malaysia food from the sister restaurant to OKA Teppenyaki. 

Opening June 4th, Bellamack - We can't say much about what they serve just yet, but their English decor with the phone booth is very cute.

Opening June 15th, Darwin City - Probably a good spot to sit down after you've had a crocodile encounter at Crocosaurus Cove. 

Opening mid-June, Stuart Park - A restaurant in a mechanics workshop? Where do I sign up?!

Opening Jun 22nd - Darwin's little tea room in the cosy corner of Nightcliff with the promise of the cutest high tea and brunch menu items.

Opening soon

Casuarina Shopping Square is due to break out with a new night food area and it’s rumoured that some of the big food chains are coming around. 

Palmerston Gateway shops has been a bit more hush hush about the stores to come, but we’ve got our eyes peeled for any information.

We are dizzy thinking of all these places - if you have a scoop on a new place due to open (or already open) that we’ve missed let us know!

This is our time Darwin.
Go forth, and stuff faces.