Moorish Cafe

LOCATION
Darwin CBD.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
The Moorish Cafe draws you in with earthy, rich reds and oranges, terracotta flooring, red brick walls and the aroma of its Afro-Mediterranean cuisine. Touches of mosaic and Moroccan lanterns lend an air of mystique to this popular dining spot in central Darwin. The relaxed setting with wine bar is ideal for communal eating by way of tapas, with a lunch special of three tapas plus sangria at a terrific $22 and roving tapas banquets for large parties. For the ultimate in relaxed dining, book the capacious daybed, recline on cushions with a “Darwin sunset” cocktail and perch barefoot and cross-legged while your dishes are served on a huge wooden chest.

Moorish combines the tastes of Spain, North Africa and the Mediterranean with fresh local ingredients to create dishes such as Berber spiced kangaroo and jewfish in coconut and lime. Mains range from dukkah-crusted eye fillet to the Portuguese seafood hotpot, and there’s a daily tagine. The house-baked bread is delicious. Popular tapas include haloumi with sundried tomato salsa, North African meatballs and African spiced Gulf prawns. Spice up any dish with a side serve of harissa or chermoula, piquant Moroccan condiments made of fresh herbs, spices and a substantial element of chilli (also tasty with the chargrilled pita). Dessert is a must, with delights such as delicate rosewater meringue, house-made Turkish delight ice-cream, chilli chocolate pudding and warm Portuguese custard tart. If you’re full to busting share a bite-size Turkish delight. There’s a good choice of digestives, liqueurs, coffees and teas to finish.

Merridy Anne Pugh