Top 10 Indian Restaurants in Melbourne You Must Try

Whether you are searching for a casual meal, vegetarian options, family dining, or a more refined Indian dining experience, there are plenty of restaurants to explore across Melbourne and its suburbs. Melbourne's current food guides also highlight the city's wide range of Indian regional and contemporary cuisine.

If you are looking for the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne, here are 10 places worth adding to your food list.

1. Tonka – Modern Indian Dining

Located in Melbourne's CBD, Tonka is a popular choice for diners who want a contemporary Indian dining experience. The restaurant combines Indian flavours and traditional influences with a modern approach to presentation and cooking.

Its menu is ideal for people who want to explore Indian cuisine beyond the usual curry-and-naan combination. Tonka has also been highlighted by Melbourne's official food guide for its modern interpretation of Indian food.

Best for: Modern Indian cuisine, date nights, special occasions

2. Calcutta Sweets & Indian Food House – Indian Sweets and Traditional Food

For those looking for Indian sweets and traditional Indian food in Melbourne, Calcutta Sweets & Indian Food House is a worthwhile option. Located in Dandenong, it brings together Indian sweets, savoury snacks, and popular Indian meal options.

The restaurant is particularly appealing to people who enjoy the combination of sweets and savoury Indian flavours. Its location also makes it a convenient choice for Melbourne's multicultural south-eastern food scene.

Best for: Indian sweets, snacks, traditional Indian flavours, casual dining

3. Delhi Streets – Authentic Indian Street Food

Delhi Streets is a popular Melbourne CBD destination for Indian street food. The restaurant focuses on the vibrant flavours and variety associated with Delhi's street-food culture.

You can explore favourites such as chaat, pani puri, papri chaat, samosa and aloo tikki. Melbourne's official food guide specifically recommends its chaat platter for diners wanting to experience a variety of Indian street-food flavours in one meal.

Best for: Indian street food, chaat, casual dining

4. Chilli India Melbourne Central – Flavourful Indian Favourites

Situated in Melbourne Central, Chilli India is a convenient choice for anyone looking for Indian food in the heart of the CBD.

The restaurant offers a selection of Indian favourites, making it suitable for lunch, dinner, and casual meals. Its central location makes it especially convenient for shoppers, workers, students, and visitors exploring Melbourne.

Best for: Casual dining, lunch, dinner, CBD dining

5. 3 Brothersss Indian Restaurant – Comforting Indian Food

Located at Queen Victoria Market, 3 Brothersss Indian Restaurant is another option for people searching for Indian food in Melbourne's CBD.

Its location makes it convenient to combine an Indian meal with a visit to one of Melbourne's most famous markets. The restaurant is suited to diners looking for comforting Indian dishes in a relaxed setting.

Best for: Families, casual dining, Queen Victoria Market visitors

6. Kahaani – Regional Indian Cuisine

Kahaani on Lygon Street takes inspiration from different regions of India. Rather than concentrating only on familiar Indian restaurant classics, its menu explores flavours and dishes from across the country.

Melbourne's official food guide highlights dishes such as kale chaat, pani puri and Konkan prawn curry, making Kahaani an interesting choice for anyone who wants to discover India's regional diversity.

Best for: Regional Indian food, dinner, food enthusiasts

7. ELCHI – Contemporary Indian Cuisine

ELCHI offers a modern interpretation of Indian cuisine in Melbourne. The restaurant combines traditional Indian ingredients and flavours with contemporary presentation and creative combinations.

Its menu includes modern versions of familiar Indian dishes as well as more inventive creations, making it a good option for diners who want something beyond a traditional Indian restaurant experience. Melbourne's official food guide also features ELCHI among its recommended Indian restaurants.

Best for: Contemporary Indian cuisine, celebrations, modern dining

8. Jay Bhavani – Vegetarian Indian Food

Vegetarian food lovers have plenty of choices in Melbourne, and Jay Bhavani is an option worth considering for Indian vegetarian cuisine.

Located on Lonsdale Street, the restaurant focuses on vegetarian Indian dishes and street-food-inspired flavours. It is a practical choice for diners looking for flavourful meat-free Indian food in the CBD.

Best for: Vegetarian Indian food, street food, casual meals

9. Saravanaa Bhavan – South Indian Specialities

If you are searching for South Indian restaurants in Melbourne, Saravanaa Bhavan is a well-known option in the CBD.

South Indian cuisine is famous for dishes such as dosa, idli, vada, sambar and vegetarian curries. Saravanaa Bhavan is particularly suitable for diners who want to explore these traditional flavours, and its opening hours also make it suitable for daytime dining.

Best for: Dosa, idli, South Indian vegetarian food

10. Gourmet Curry Hut – Classic Indian Comfort Food

Gourmet Curry Hut on Bourke Street is a convenient CBD option for people craving classic Indian comfort food.

With its central location, it can be a useful choice for workers, tourists and visitors exploring Melbourne. If your idea of a satisfying Indian meal involves rich curries, familiar spices and traditional accompaniments, this is a restaurant to consider.

Best for: Indian curries, casual dining, CBD meals