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Hours
Tue
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wed
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thu
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Food and ambience
Indian, Asian, Thai, Malaysian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, Groups, Bar Scene
Does this restaurant have live jazz music?
Details
About
Here at Nirvana have specialised in bringing South East Asian style Street Food to your table with vibrant colours and aromas that include a mixture of Indian, Thai, Malaysian and Vietnamese Street Cuisine spliced together to make our own unique recipes & style. These are all hearty and filling dishes, made to be shared with friends and family alike. Nirvana is made up of 4 unique sections allowing us to cater for romantic private tables of 2, to large group functions up to 100+. Front Bar with live music every weekend and Darwin's longest running Jam Sessions celebrating its 20th year in 2019! Our Open air Courtyard and Alfresco Deck. Finally our beautiful Restaurant of tucked away rabbit warrens that include private booths for 2 and our private function room that can seat up to 40 people. We have an amazing bar scene with a long history of fabulous cocktails, craft and imported beers and an ever changing and extensive wine list. Nirvana Celebrating 24 years in Darwin!
CUISINES
Indian, Asian, Thai, Malaysian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Jazz Bar, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.0
389 reviews
Excellent
198
Very good
117
Average
38
Poor
18
Terrible
18
Happy Traveller
Darwin12 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
Thoroughly enjoyable experience at Nirvana Restaurant. We decided to order the $30 set dinner and we were served two entrees and five main dishes with additional jasmine rice and pappadams included in the price. The bar and food attendants were attentive, courteous and helpful. The meals were not large but adequate for four persons.
Written 3 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NirvanaManagment
Hi Happy Traveller, thank you for your review and we are so glad that you enjoyed your evening with us here at Nirvana. We hope to see you again in the future.
Written 12 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
spikeymikeys
Melbourne85 contributions
Jan 2021 • friends
As an out-of-towner this restaurant was highly recommended by friends, & it didnt disappoint. Great ambiance, food, & service, along with a very reasonably priced menu, great cocktails & drinks, you can't go wrong. Thoroughly recommended.
Written 23 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judi W
Darwin12 contributions
May 2021 • none
I have been here many times over the years. Consistently delicious mouth watering food. Would highly recommend for groups or just a couple. If its your first visit I would recommend choosing a banquet food option (there are about 4 to choose from) so you get to sample a selection of their signature dishes. My personal favourites are their special Thai Oysters and the Thai Fish washed down with their homemade red Sangria, which they have perfected. It really compliments the food. Homely atmosphere and attentive service. Someone is always close by to tend to any needs you may have.
Written 2 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveller
Seaford Rise119 contributions
Sept 2020 • friends
We ate dinner here last evening - we are visiting from interstate and found this restaurant to be very disappointing . 3 of us ordered the Nasi Goreng which was the driest meal with tasteless prawns and overcooked rice and no egg which is traditional in the dish- the other meal ordered was the Pad Thai,again this was tasteless ( covered up by chilli ) and served in chipped dinnerware !!!! Even the cheapest restaurants manage to at least serve your meal in decent dinnerware, A margarita cocktail is served in a 1970’s style champagne glass and at $17 is just ridiculous.
We didn’t bother with dessert and left feeling totally underwhelmed - we’d never go back
Written 12 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meredith
3 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
First time at Nirvana and we are locals so wanted to support local. Waitresses pleasant, mussaman curry really dry and maybe because my husband and I only shared a dish and had a glass of wine each, the man at the till remarked on the ‘big bill of $56 ‘ once we paid he then remarked ‘going to bed now?’ As a professional in my 50’s who was just having an easy quick dinner with no intention of going to bed at 7.30, I can’t believe the ageist, non customer service comments. I wonder how the man on the next table fared who was in his late 70’s?’ Not on our list to support local anymore.
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NirvanaManagment
Hi Meredith,
Thank you for taking the time to review and my sincere apologies for your experience on the evening.
I was absolutely gob smacked by your review and expressions of my bartender’s comments to you on the night. As you can see by our other reviews this is something we are certainly not in the custom of receiving.
I have spoken to our bartender Dillan that served you on the evening and he is devastated that his comments have offended you. He in no way meant for it to be insulting or ‘Ageist’ as you say and is horrified that he has upset you and your partner.
He has worked for me for several years and has been in the hospitality industry for a very long time and is often the last person people see when leaving our venue so he has always been professional and courteous to all of our customers. I have never had a complaint like this about him before and I am sure his word where not meant to be purposely insulting in any way.
After speaking to Dillan about it and showing him your review, he can see why it came across that way and would like to forward you on a handwritten apology to say sorry for his words on the evening. We would also like to send you a voucher from the team to apologies so that you can come back and dine on us next time to see that your experience was certainly not the norm.
If you could please forward me an email so I can send you a copy of his apology and a voucher from us to manager@nirvanarestaurantdarwin.com.au
Again, my sincere apologies for your evening and the misunderstanding.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Tristram Winter
General Manager
Nirvana Restaurant
Written 25 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kym R
Palmerston3 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
We love Nirvana! Every time we have been (since our 1st time in 2006) it has been outstanding. Amazing and delicious fresh food with excellent customer service - always. Our kids love it too. The staff are always friendly to our kids and make them feel very welcome. (2 x boys 6 & 8 yo) Hanging out to head back for a sit down meal after the restrictions are lifted.
Written 11 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NirvanaManagment
Hi Kymr,
Thank you so much for your lovely review.
We cant wait to see you and the whole family back with us at Nirvana soon! :)
Warm regards,
Tristram Winter
General Manager
Written 12 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Manda P
Mt Eliza36 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
I was visiting from Melbourne and read that Nirvana was an excellent option for dinner, drinks and live music. It did not disappoint. In fact, I attended with my friends two nights in a row. The first night was just for cocktails and music, the following night included dinner. Lovely fresh Asian-style food, great cocktail options with the bartender even offering to make us an off-menu creation to suit our palates and very high calibre music both nights. Great setting, super attentive service, really quirky decor, dark and moody which was fabulous. Highly recommend a visit whether you're a traveller or a local!
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna H
Darwin9 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
We had a lovely evening, the waitress and bar staff were so nice, greeting us with a smile and a "good evening" when we arrived. Nothing was too much trouble for them, attending to all tables promptly and with a smile, they made us feel like we were old friends coming back for a visit. We had two entrees. The tandoori chicken pieces were lovely but the cauliflower pakoras could have been a little spicier for my taste. Our mains were the lamb korma and the penang chicken which were both absolutely delicious. This is only our second visit but we will definitely be back for the food, the ambience and the friendliness of the staff. Thankyou for a great evening.
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RMR
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
After reading the reviews we decided to have Indian food at Nirvana. The food is no way near any Indian dish. Every dish we ordered was full of coconut cream. We ordered Roti - to our surprise we were served a 200mm diameter frozen Roti heated up on a hot plate and cut out into 4 for the price of $5.00.
Will not be recommending anyone looking for Indian dishes in Darwin.
Written 20 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashlee D
24 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
I had my birthday party at Nirvana with 27 people in the indoor function area. The staff were incredible and flexible, the cocktails were amazing and the catering was perfect. The banquets were delicious and the bill was easy to split (so many restaurants make this difficult for big groups). Had lots of friends who had never been to Nirvana and they were super impressed and eager to come back for dates! Doesn't look much from the outside but is still my favourite restaurant in Darwin..I have eaten here over 20 times and never had a bad meal. Highly recommend!!
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NirvanaManagment
Hi Ashlee,
It was an absolute delight to have you and your friends dine with us!
We are all so glad that you had a fantastic evening and from myself and the whole team a very happy birthday and we hope to see you again soon.
Kind regards,
Tristram Winter
Written 26 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tanya O
3 contributions
Apr 2021 • none
The food, the ambience and service was absolutely first class. Could not fault our experience at Nirvana in any way. In fact it was one of the best places we have eaten - the food was so fresh and delicious...the cocktails tasted exactly as they should - you didn’t leave feeling hungry as all meals were a generous size . We had a gorgeous little booth (we requested romantic table as we were on our honeymoon) -everything was just perfect. Staff were sensational also.
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kingpe
Darwin13 contributions
Sept 2022 • none
Last meal before moving away from Darwin, and Nirvana impressed as usual. We have been here many times before (dine in, Smoke and Oak, and takeaway) and we have never been disappointed.
My wife chose a couple of vegan dishes (there's a good selection, or options are available), while I had the spring rolls and yellow thread fin curry. Delightful!
Great wine selections too, and the beer and spirits range should satisfy most tastes.
We would always recommend Nirvana, not only for the food as explained above but the staff are always terrific - upbeat, knowledgeable and always happy to help.
If you are in Darwin visiting or if you have lived here a while and haven't tried it, we highly recommend Nirvana.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheDalyWatersJOUSTER
Darwin42 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
A star for the wine and a star for the ambience. The twice cooked pork belly curry was a thick curry like substance and was not a curry a remember (use to be good), the pandas chicken had no flavour and the dipping sauce was poor. The crispy threadfin fish and sticky sauce was flavoursome and fresh. By a mile, the only thing on the menu that was nice. Nirvana use to be good but I would not go back again. $180 for 2 people and below average food. Appalled.
Written 29 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3debw
Adelaide87 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
Wow what a fabulous experience. Right from the start friendly welcome and attentive service. The entrance is in a car park ‘but’ once you step through the doors it’s stepping into quite a cool and calm dining experience. We requested a booth table which is always a fave for us. A variety of configurations including outside dining. A vast variety of Asian based choices which was so nice with travel restrictions. Highly recommend this place for a romantic night or celebration or just wanting to enjoy authentic Asian dishes in an inviting setting.
Thank you to Nirvana for organising a surprise ‘belated birthday’ treat for my husband - a lovely, much appreciated gesture.
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kirtana
Melbourne19 contributions
Aug 2022 • solo
I had thought of this place as a music venue( which it is and a darned fine one) until a local told me it is highly regarded for it food.
What a treat the food is! Bugs ( no not insects, the seafood delicacy) have caught me every time. Generous serve, beautifully sauced with a range of vegetables. There is respect for produce and a fine use of authentic spices evident in this dish. Maybe one time I will try their other dishes which promise equally subtle and authentic delight.
Good selection of wine by the glass, reasonable prices, friendly service and charming staff
I’m very glad I discovered this aspect of this fine venue
Written 2 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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