Besser

Besser is an industrial-chic cafe and burger bar in Winnellie, a converted warehouse space just off the Stuart Highway that has become one of Darwin's most talked-about brunch addresses. It is properly set up for dogs too: the outdoor dining area welcomes them on a lead, and there is an actual puppy menu rather than a token water bowl.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome throughout the outdoor seating on a lead, while indoor tables stay for people aside from assistance animals. The menu runs to puppycinos and doggy donuts, so a treat is easy to arrange, and water is on hand for visiting dogs. Ask staff to confirm what is on the puppy menu that day. The outdoor area is spacious by Darwin cafe standards, which helps bigger dogs settle.

On the plate

The burgers do the talking, with the laksa burger the one people cross town for, plus huevos rancheros, avo toast and a proper coffee program. It is regularly rated among Darwin's best for both burgers and breakfast, and it gets busy: expect a wait over the weekend brunch window. Weekday service runs 6:30am to 2:30pm, weekends from 7:30am and 8am.

Getting there and parking

It sits in the Winnellie industrial pocket, easily reached from the Stuart Highway with parking on site. The car park fills over the lunch rush, so arriving before noon on weekends saves a lap or two.

While you are out there

The DogsNT showgrounds off-lead area is close by for a run before or after, and travellers with dogs in tow can pair a visit with a stay at Discovery Parks Darwin just up the road.

More Darwin options are on the NT dog friendly cafes guide and the Winnellie destination page.

Max: A puppy menu and a laksa burger in the same warehouse. Someone here understands the brief.