Palmerston Tavern — Restaurant in Northern Territory

Planned to go to the nook for lunch, thinking it was a fancy cafe which would be better than a 'pub meal'. They apparently closed at 12.30, so we dodged a bullet there (looks dingy) & ended up at the Palmerston tavern.

The Palmerston tavern looks inviting, cozy, clean and fresh. Great decor in the dining area & even an enclosed kids playground. Balcony space was perfect for my last day in darwin to soak up the sunshine. The restaurant was also lovely and cool on the inside for those who preferred it.

The staff were faultless. Friendly, informative re: lunch & senior specials. Patient while we asked about beverages. Great value meals at full price & for seniors, but also $14.00 lunch specials!

Good value drink prices. The food came out quickly, but not so fast that we didn't have time to chat. No doubt they could accommodate quick meals in lunch breaks. They also catered well for gluten-free & dairy free patrons. I wanted to try barramundi in darwin & this wild caught one was divine, with a crispy macadamia crusted skin. Wraps were great too. The manager even came over to check that we were happy with our meals. Could not have been a better experience or meal. Amazing value, service and quality. I highly recommend this restaurant for lunch. Much better than a cafe & definitely not just 'pub food'. Thanks to the chef & staff for making it a great day.

When in Palmerston, the Tav is...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You might be wondering why I’m giving Palmerston Tavern a full 5 stars!! well, let me tell you why.

First of all, the customer service was exceptional. I wish I remembered the lovely lady’s name, but she was incredibly kind, attentive, and welcoming — the kind of service that makes you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.

Now, onto the food... where do I even begin?! I ordered the rib fillet with salad, chips, and pepper gravy, and let me just say... WOW. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. The steak was cooked to absolute perfection — tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The pepper gravy was rich, velvety, and packed with just the right amount of kick, elevating every bite. Honestly, the combination took me straight back to my childhood, those comforting, hearty meals that warm your soul.

If you're in the mood for a proper grilled steak or meat dish, Palmerston Tavern is the place to be. It’s not just good, it’s unforgettable.

To the chefs: give yourselves a pat on the back or better yet, a raise!

Keep up the incredible work, Palmerston Tavern. You’ve definitely earned a loyal...

Bar service is friendly and accommodating. Being adressd as "sweety" when ordering leaves a lot to desired and to some could feel a little condescending and inappropriate. Food looks good, but after raising a query about the wrong steak being delivered, (a miscommunication during ordering), eating some of it before realising the mistake, bringing it to the attention of the staff, and asking for the right order followed by a bit of too and fro-ing to find a resolution, the attitude of the kitchen is truly the downfall. Despite a willingness to pay the difference in price between a porterhouse steak and an eye fillet, the kitchen apparently takes 30-40 minutes to cook said steak, on a seemingly quiet night. Lesson learned. Never query. Put up or shut up, whenever eating at the...