The Fannie Bay Coolspot - Fannie Bay, Northern Territory

Michelle O.

My friend and I have been visiting Darwin for the past week and found Coolspot by mistake. It is a really lovely place for coffee or lunch or dinner. We have been 4 times in the week. Coffee, lunch and Steak dinner. Absolutely wonderful.

Mark O.

Okay it’s noisy, find me a cafe in Darwin that isn’t!
The service is what is expected, in any eatery, prompt, efficient and friendly.
The food is very good, I chose the Tuesday Steak special and was not disappointed.
In fact it was cooked to perfection, better than some steak houses.
My compliments to the Chef on duty on Tuesday evening.
Rule 101 in any kitchen is get your steaks right.
I also had a Banana split with 3 varieties of Ice cream and once again was delighted with the presentation.

Given the occasion ( 6 dining and 2 wee ones) would I go back?
Yes.
Reading some of the other comments on this establishment… I believe it’s always better to critique than give criticism.
As to the prices, I was happy and content with the menu prices, I’ve just spent the last 6 months driving through every state and eating in many different locations and restaurants and I can assure you that the Cool Spot are very affordable considering where they are located.
As a Chef of 40 years experience, I would recommend this establishment, I have eaten here off and on for the past 26 years and the staff are fantastic, menu’s come and go but it’s always the people who cook for you and serve you that make your experience worthwhile and memorable.
So thank you to the women who served our table on Tuesday night.
You are to be commended.

Greg W.

OMG I’m so glad this place is just around the corner from me!
Food is awesome to die for! We had gnocchi, fish of the day, bread and dips.
Unfortunately there is no table service, you have to order at the bar, but this was quite quick. The wine menu was slightly limited, however this was made up for by the food! Sooo good 😊 put this on your list of place to eat in Darwin you will not be disappointed.

denis B.

I remember when Carlo built this place and shifted his stratospheric success story Cool Spot ice cream from a tiny shopfront around the corner, creating a great outdoor venue.
Carlo long ago sold, and it's changed hands many times since.
It's noisy because it's popular, and with the now much busier road the atmosphere gets a 2.
I don't get why it's popular these days, except it's a nice breezy place to sit and yell so the person opposite you can hear.
A good cafe takes ordinary food and makes it special. This place takes ordinary food and makes it more ordinary. I mean, how can you make poached eggs on toast taste yuk? Is it the eggs you use? The bread you toast? A secret spell the cook chants?
And the service, well it's just plain sullen.

Gee L.

Had brunch today, 31/8/24 with my partner. Pricing is average, a little under under $ 60 for both. I ordered the bagel Benny, he ordered bacon and eggs. We both ordered cappuccinos. Overall service was good and the food came out super fast. The coffee was good. The Benny poached eggs were very good as was the toasted bagel, I marked down because the bacon was limp and underdone for my liking, more stewed than fried and there was a balsamic drizzle on the plate that detracted from the taste. The hollandaise was fine, on the side which is great but it's not made fresh. My partners bacon and eggs were well served however, he hates the taste of balsamic vinegar so he didn't enjoy his meal.

Paul M.

The Cool Spot has acquired iconic status in Darwin for good reason. It has been our regular coffee stop for more than 20 years. The service is fabulous - and the fact many staff are long standing speaks well of the management- the coffee is delicious and the food of a high standard. Of course the location is second to none with vista extending out to the beautiful blue green Arafura Sea. Can’t recommend highly enough !

Carla C.

First time trying this place in 5 years, ordered $110 worth of food and drinks. Specifically ordered a bowl of chips with chicken salt and gravy. The server had confirmed the order prior to paying. After everything came out, waitress advised that I’ll need to pay extra for chicken salt. I mentioned that no extra cost for chicken salt is mentioned on their menu and that I had already told the server to add this. They made a fuss and refused. Even asked the kitchen. Still a no. Disappointing service. It’s the principle not the cost. Won’t be back

Timika K.

Ordered takeaway coffees and toasties, my order unfortunately went missing due to machine error (no ones fault) but the staff handled it amazingly and got my order as soon as they were aware. The lovely lady at the till gave us a vanilla slice as an apology for the delay. Totally unnecessary but so appreciated. We enjoyed it so thank you