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Ella - Darwin, Darwin, AU-NT

Ella - Darwin

4.6
4.6
565 Reviews
$41 to $100
Sri Lankan
At Ella by Minoli, we nurture curiosity, have no fear in the kitchen, and love pushing the culinary boundary.

We use seasonal local produce, modern cooking techniques, and the deep and rich flavours of Minoli’s Sri Lankan heritage, to bring you flavour packed Sri Lankan food like you’ve never tasted before. Minoli’s insatiable need for travel has enriched her food knowledge and she has no boundaries when it comes to flavour.

Sri Lankan food has Ayuverdic properties and origins, and this perfectly balanced menu will leave you more enriched than when you walked in, guaranteed to keep you wanting more, long after you leave. From your first bite to your last, your tastebuds will come alive, and we welcome you to take this new-age Sri Lankan culinary journey with us.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 22 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Sri Lankan
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Phone number
    0498 369 021
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Minoli De Silva

What 565 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

565 Reviews
  1. SDeg

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    Nice food but terrible service. We felt forgotten and ignored.

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  2. DamienB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food4service4ambience1
    Eggplant was amazing - maybe some parts a little underdone Cauliflower 65 was not what was expected - but still good Deviled Potatoes we felt was too salty

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  3. KevinO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Snapper & Kangaroo entrees were to die for & the Pork Belly was a clear winner of the Barramundi & Chevron dishes but they were not to be scoffed at as they were also extremely tasty and thoroughly enjoyed with a full body Henschke Shiraz.

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  4. HannahB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing flavours every time! Current fave Darwin restaurant

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  5. Star

    New South Wales

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Lovely ambiance and service. Food was beautifully presented and tasted good but flavour was mild and the food was almost cold which was disappointing. Dessert menu did not appear to have anything special. Could only book a table at 5:15 but the restaurant was empty when we arrived and left which was strange as we would not have wanted to eat this early but didn’t want to miss eating at Ella’s while in Darwin.

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  6. RebekahM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing mouth watering food and fantastic service

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  7. AlanC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Superb food. Great variety in tastes. Food light and not overfilling. All four of us loved the pumpkin and eggplant dishes - even the carnivores! We also all loved the lamb cutlets. All plates of food almost licked clean. Will be back.

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  8. Romi

    Sydney

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We so much enjoyed our meal with different and special flavours in each dish. Congratulations on creating such a successful experience for your diners.

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  9. IanB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Food was superb, service was friendly and attentive but one part of the meal was forgotten and late which was a bit disappointing but didn't detract completely the enjoyment of the food. Good wine list. A bit expensive.

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  10. Mariana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Delicious Sri Lankan food. Very good service, would definitely go back

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  11. Jojo

    Melbourne

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and balance of flavours. And wonderful service - perfect balance of being just attentive enough.

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  12. Sally

    Canberra

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and wonderful service. It was our first time in Darwin and at Ella, we will definitely be back!

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  13. Chez

    Brisbane

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff are super friendly and professional Fab food and relaxed groovy setting.

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  14. Katie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful experience at Ella! Food, service and atmosphere was great.

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  15. KirstenR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Service - outstanding Food - excellent Venue - stylish and great atmosphere Only downside was the noise. My husband and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary and our table was in a very noisy location. It was too noisy and we ended up leaving quickly.

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  16. SummerC

    NT

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Certainly, one of Darwin's finest dining establishments, this restaurant seamlessly marries the captivating flavors of Sri Lanka with the tropical ambiance of Darwin, resulting in an enchanting and unparalleled culinary experience. The impeccable quality of their ingredients shines through in every dish, delivering a taste that is unrivalled. Coupled with outstanding service and a vibrant atmosphere, this restaurant comes highly recommended.

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  17. NathanM

    NT

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ella's is our favourite Darwin restaurant. The food is always amazing, so full of flavour. Nice setting and the staff are attentive and courteous.

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  18. HuguetteQ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    After having tasted most of the food that Darwin had to provide and out of at least 12 venues that we attended during our 2 week stay ,Ella stood out as being most original and each dish seemed to blend in together. We visited twice and had it been open for lunch we would have also tried the dishes offered as well. The staff were absolutely fantastic and cost was affordable

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  19. Jxxxxxxx

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    The first time I visit there, I had the roasted pumpkin, kingfish and pork belly. And I ordered the routee, it tastes very good with the sauce from the mains. However, I visit there again and order lamb and barramundi. The sauce come with the fish taste over-salty, my mouth feeling unwell even though after brushing teeth at home. The meat on the lamb taste good, I like the fat in the meat and the way they cook it. However, it comes with yogurt! Now it becomes salty but over-sour, I'm not into this kind of combination. There are a few options on the menu I didn't try, but I will not visit there again or introduce it to my friends.

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  20. GrahameS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Very innovative food.very unexpected fresh flavours. Many great dishes. Great attentive service. A distinctive and special dining experience.

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  21. BikkyR

    Sydney

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We visit Ella every time we come to Darwin ,always excellent food and service ,highly recommended

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  22. KierahC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome food and cocktails! Would recommend to anyone wanting a special night out.

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  23. VickiS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the barra and the eggplant. Both amazing! Ella never disappoints!

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  24. Laura

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff were amazing, food fantastic! Definitely worth a trip

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  25. Welshbrat

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was stunning, great ambience & wonderfully efficient, friendly and attentive staff… we shall return when next in the Top End!

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  26. Hardy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Good food, cocktails and service. Tables a lil bit close together.

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  27. Alen

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Quantity of the food per serve could be higher for the value of money we spending, we understand its a fine dining, but considering the pricing you charge, expecting bit more quantity. Staff is amazing and friendly.

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  28. StevefromParkrun

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding service, the food was delicious. A good selection of meals left me wanting to return to try the other dishes. Next trip to Darwin I will be stopping in to try some more of Minoli's signature dishes.

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  29. LindseyL

    Exclusive

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We really enjoyed our meal and thought the flavours were very good. Our cocktails were great too. Although it doesn't look much as you approach the restaurant it has a lovely ambience.

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  30. DarwinTourist

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    One of Darwin’s top restaurants, would definitely recommend

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  31. RichardF

    Melbourne

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Good Morning, We dined there last night at 8.30. We arrived at 8 and a gentleman suggested a venue to have a pre dinner drink. (Hanky Panky) . Not only did he suggest this venue but he escorted us the the front entrance. This is outstanding service. This generation needs to open his own business! We are up from Geelong and have dinner twice. This is the best restaurant in Darwin! Thanks

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  32. JessicaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious! Great service and great food. Lamb rib entree was a standout and the eggplant curry was so good.

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  33. Jess

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful dining experience in Darwin. Delightful

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  34. RobC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    The menu has changed from my last visit and I didn't feel that the same quality was presented.

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  35. MARLENEJ

    Adelaide

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to dine although a little tricky to find. Nestled in a laneway off West Lane this little gem is full of delicious treats. We started with roast pumpkin and then had the chicken curry and kiwi fruit curry. Both delicious! Finished with a really tasty and interesting crème brûlée. Meals are not heavy and abound in flavour!

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  36. ALISONM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Food flavors were amazing. Great place for shared meals - lots of different tastes to experience. Plenty of vegetarian options.

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  37. RobynH

    Coastal Georgia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this restaurant, the food and the staff are very attentive and interested in offering a great dining experience

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  38. MarkL

    Perth

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Wonderful food, something quite different in Darwin. Incredible flavours and enough variety to satisfy a healthy hunger. Recommend the kangaroo carpaccio. Just extraordinary.

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  39. Josephine

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    We loved our meal, but we ordered too much!! The snapper with Betal nut oil and the crispy pumpkin starters were both delicious. Then chicken curry with about 8 pieces of chicken and eggplant curry, both would have been great for 4 to share. We added the fried Naan which was the only low point, too greasy, would have preferred plain naan. Ordered rice, sparkling water and a bottle of Rose. Total cost $232.

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  40. TomG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing meal, friendly staff. Darwin's best restaurant.

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FAQs

Ella - Darwin is rated 4.6 stars by 565 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 22 times today
Google Map for Ella - Darwin

12 West Lane, Unit 20, Darwin, AU-NT 0800

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Darwin City
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Cuisines
    Sri Lankan
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Minoli De Silva
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Wine
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