Ella - Darwin

Ella - Darwin reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. S

   Susan

   Greater Boston5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   All 4 of us enjoyed the food - very tasty. We didn't order the banquet which we thought would be too much for us. Our choice of 2 entrees, 2 mains and 1 veg for 4 of us with rice was perfect.
   

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2. J

   Joyce

   Sydney1 review

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Unforgettable dining experience at this world class restaurant. Staff, service, food and drinks were exceptional.
   

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3. J

   Jonathan

   Tasmania4 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on May 1, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 2

   We sat outside in what was essentially an ally way next to a fire hose and bright white industrial wall. The outdoor space was unpleasant, the table was on a permanent slant. Multiple other guests arrived and refused to be sat outside, we stayed to avoid being rude. The overall location of the restaurant is in a back ally that is difficult to fine, it’s trying to go for “Melbourne” vibe but fails in the fact that its in Darwin which doesn’t have the same vibrant downtown and density of both eateries and culture. There is no shortage of available alternate locations in Darwin so stuffing it in an alley way like this was forced and it showed. The food was nice but overpriced. The Roti was nice on top but a soggy oily dough base, the goat curry was good. The pinnacle had good flavour but had the texture of leather and you’re only provided with a fork and spoon to eat with. 3 star overall rating was only achieved by pleasant service staff and 4 out of 8 dishes being enjoyable. This restaurant wouldn’t have made it through the first day on Masterchef season 1
   

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4. E

   Erandi

   NT1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 30, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We have dined at Ella by Minoli a few times before. The food was always good, but I had stepped away for a while — mainly because I found it a little too oily for my taste.… until now. We returned yesterday and went with the “Surprise Me” menu. Normally it doesn’t include seafood, but the team made an exception — and I’m so glad they did. It was exceptional. Truly one of the best meals I’ve ever had. You can see how far Minoli has come as a chef just by tasting her menu. Every element felt deliberate, layered, and thoughtful. As someone who’s Sri Lankan, I might be biased — but the flavours took me straight back to my childhood. It felt like a nostalgic journey that somehow healed a part of me I didn’t realise was broken. This bias was broken because my tatting buddy thought the same and not Sri Lankan. The staff were warm, attentive, and went above and beyond. I’m a picky eater, and not once did I find anything I’d change — which, for me, says a lot. They all seemed to love working there. In a funny little mix-up, I asked for fresh onion but was brought honey instead — probably because I finish every sentence with “thanks, honey,” and the restaurant was buzzing with conversation. I decided to go with it, dipped my roti in the honey… and it was incredible. A happy accident that reminded me how sometimes the best things happen when you just go with the flow. Honestly, I’d love to know the brand of honey — it tasted like it came from a secret grove of flowers tended by artisan bees. Minoli’s food is full of heart and history, with bold, authentic flavours served in a modern, refined way. I’m so happy I went back — and I’ll definitely be returning
   

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5. A

   Andrew

   Adelaide1 review

   2.0

   Dined on April 26, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   Gone downhill fast. Food still good but super expensive and small serves. Terrible service for price range. Wasn’t acknowledged at front of house by two staff standing there for 30 seconds so just walked in myself. Seems profit before patrons. Sad. Wont be going back after being there many times before.
   

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6. J

   John

   NT2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 26, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing food and exceptional service at a restaurant that is one of the best in Australia.
   

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7. A

   Amy

   Canberra1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 22, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing food! Gets better every time we come for dinner!
   

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8. K

   Karen

   NT15 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 22, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   We have dined at Ella By Minoli on several occasions over the years. Last night was the first night of a new menu. We ordered a few small dishes and a chicken dish. Food was tasty although the chicken dish was really quite small. 4 small pieces of chicken for $42 is a bit steep. Service was spotty - drinks order forgotten and bit slow to clear and bring the bill. We enjoyed the meal especially the prawns and roti and service was friendly. Tightening up service would have given them 5 stars
   

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9. G

   Graeme

   NT1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 18, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A wonderful experience. Used the Feed Me menu which was ideal, they adapt the menu for the number of people dining and there was ample food provided. Was definitely full and satisfied at the end of the meal. Will definitely go there again next time I'm in Darwin.
   

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10. G

    Greg

    NT1 review

    4.0

    Dined on April 18, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5

    Ella - Darwin is a beautiful experience in a lovely environment. The feed me offer was not the value for the offer I'd expect, but I'd certainly return & order a la carte. Wait staff were great fun and attentive.
    

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