Top 5 Places to Eat in Uluru

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Capture the majestic Uluru rock formation glowing under the sunset. A natural wonder in Australia's Outback.
Jonas Schallenberg, Pexels

The dining scene in Uluru is concentrated within Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara, offering a range of culinary experiences that often feature native Australian ingredients. These options cater primarily to couples and families, balancing fine dining with casual, accessible meals.

1. Tali Wiru

Cuisine: Fine Dining, Native Australian Ingredients (Bush Tucker)

This intimate, open-air restaurant on a private dune offers unparalleled views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The experience begins with champagne and canapés at sunset, followed by a four-course dinner expertly paired with premium Australian wines. It's a truly memorable evening that includes a didgeridoo performance and Indigenous storytelling, making it a highly acclaimed dining experience.

Price: From $440 AUD per person

Getting There: Guests are picked up directly from their accommodation within Ayers Rock Resort.

2. Arnguli Grill & Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Australian with Indigenous Flavours

Located within the Desert Gardens Hotel, Arnguli Grill offers an intimate dining atmosphere. The menu highlights quality Australian produce and incorporates local Indigenous spices, grains, and seeds. Expect dishes such as kangaroo steak with bush tomato glaze and other grill selections. Vegan options are also available.

Price: Main courses typically around $40-60+ AUD

Getting There: Situated within Desert Gardens Hotel, it is easily accessible by foot or a short shuttle ride from other areas of Ayers Rock Resort.

3. Ilkari Restaurant

Cuisine: International Buffet with Australian and Indigenous Influences

Found in the luxurious Sails in the Desert hotel, Ilkari offers a first-class buffet experience for both breakfast and dinner. The interactive live kitchen presents a wide array of international dishes, including fresh seafood, roasts, pasta, and Asian selections, often infused with Indigenous bush tucker flavours. A chocolate fountain is a popular feature, especially for families.

Price: Dinner buffet $102 AUD per person; children under 5 eat free.

Getting There: Located within Sails in the Desert hotel, it is walking distance or a short shuttle ride from other Ayers Rock Resort accommodations.

4. Walpa Lobby Bar

Cuisine: Casual Dining, Bar Snacks, and Signature Cocktails

This modern and welcoming lobby bar at Sails in the Desert offers a relaxed setting with floor-to-ceiling windows. It is a suitable spot for coffee, a casual lunch, dinner, or evening drinks. The menu features classic burgers, sandwiches, and salads, alongside signature cocktails infused with native Australian ingredients. It is also noted as one of the few options for late dining.

Price: Meals typically $30-40 AUD (e.g., Club Sandwich $32 AUD, Wagyu Beef Burger $34 AUD).

Getting There: Conveniently located within Sails in the Desert hotel, part of Ayers Rock Resort.

5. Kulata Academy Cafe

Cuisine: Cafe Fare (Sandwiches, Pies, Salads, Coffee)

Situated at the Town Square, Kulata Academy Cafe provides a cost-effective dining option for breakfast and lunch. The cafe serves a variety of fresh sandwiches, savoury pies, salads, smoothies, and coffee. Notably, it acts as an Indigenous training academy, with staff gaining hospitality skills, meaning that dining here supports a valuable community initiative.

Price: Cheap eats, with sandwiches around $12 AUD and pies around $11.50 AUD.

Getting There: Located in the Town Square, within easy walking distance of most accommodations at Ayers Rock Resort.

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