In-short:
- Melbourne offers a wide range of top Indian restaurants across CBD and suburbs
- You can enjoy fine dining, casual dining, and street food experiences
- Popular areas include CBD, Footscray, Laverton North, and Truganina
- Restaurants like Tonka, Elchi, Aangan, Chatkora, and Angara stand out
- Travelling to India offers the most authentic food experience
- Mann Travel can help you book affordable flights to India
Best Indian Restaurants in Melbourne: A Complete Guide for Food Lovers
Melbourne is home to one of Australia’s most diverse food scenes, and Indian cuisine is a standout favourite. From rich North Indian curries and smoky tandoori dishes to South Indian dosas and vibrant street food, the city offers a wide range of authentic dining experiences.
If you’re searching for the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne, here are some of the top places that consistently deliver flavour, quality, and authenticity.
Top Indian Restaurants in Melbourne
1. Tonka (Melbourne CBD)
Located on Flinders Lane, Tonka is one of Melbourne’s most iconic Indian restaurants, known for blending traditional Indian flavours with modern culinary techniques.
Why visit:
- Upscale fine dining with elegant interiors
- Signature dishes like butter chicken, kingfish ceviche, and soft-shell crab
- Carefully curated wine and cocktail list
Perfect for a premium Indian dining experience in Melbourne CBD.
2. Daughter in Law (Melbourne CBD)
Created by celebrity chef Jessi Singh, Daughter in Law offers a bold and playful take on Indian cuisine with a fusion twist.
Highlights:
- Colourful décor and lively atmosphere
- Creative dishes like cauliflower popcorn and Indo-fusion curries
- Strong vegetarian and vegan options
Ideal for those looking for modern Indian food in Melbourne.
3. Kolkata Cricket Club (Southbank)
A trendy and vibrant restaurant inspired by Indian culture and cricket heritage.
Must try:
- Rich butter chicken and tandoori platters
- Street-style snacks with a modern twist
- Signature cocktails
Great for groups and a social dining experience.
4. Elchi (Melbourne CBD)
Led by chef Manpreet Sekhon, Elchi offers a refined take on Indian cuisine using seasonal ingredients.
Highlights:
- Contemporary Indian dishes with elegant presentation
- Premium dining experience
- Perfect for business dinners and special occasions
5. Aangan (Footscray & CBD)
Aangan is a favourite among locals for its bold, authentic North Indian flavours.
Why people love it:
- Late-night dining options
- Popular dishes like goat curry, butter chicken, and tandoori platters
Consistent quality across locations
6. Delhi Streets (Melbourne CBD)
Delhi Streets brings the authentic flavours of Indian street food to Melbourne.
Popular items:
- Pani puri, chaat, and pav bhaji
- Quick, affordable meals
- Casual and vibrant setting
7. Saravanaa Bhavan (Multiple Locations)
A globally recognised South Indian vegetarian chain known for its authentic flavours.
Best known for:
- Masala dosa and idli
- Traditional South Indian thali
- 100% vegetarian menu
8. Dosa Hut (Multiple Locations including Truganina)
A popular Indian chain offering South Indian, North Indian, and Indo-Chinese dishes.
Highlights:
- Wide menu with something for everyone
- Budget-friendly dining
Great for families and groups
9. Chatkora (Laverton North)
A well-known spot in Melbourne’s west for authentic Indian street food.
What to expect:
- Fresh pani puri, bhel puri, and chaat
- True street-style flavours
- Popular among locals in western suburbs
Perfect for those searching for Indian street food in Melbourne’s west.
10. Angara Indian Restaurant (Truganina)
Angara offers classic North Indian dishes with rich spices and traditional cooking methods.
Highlights:
- Tandoori dishes cooked in a clay oven
- Creamy curries like butter chicken and korma
- Comfortable and family-friendly dining
11. Laddu Gopal (Truganina)
A popular vegetarian restaurant known for authentic Indian meals and sweets.
Best for:
- Pure vegetarian dining
- Fresh Indian sweets and snacks
- Homestyle cooking
12. Lala’s Kitchen (Multiple Locations including South Wharf, Boronia, DFO Moorabbin)
Lala’s Kitchen is gaining popularity for its homestyle Indian cooking and authentic flavours.
Why visit:
- Freshly prepared curries and rotis
- Simple, comforting North Indian meals
- Great for takeaway and casual dining
Must-Try Indian Dishes in Melbourne
When visiting these restaurants, don’t miss:
- Butter Chicken – Creamy and flavourful classic
- Biryani – Aromatic rice dish with spices
- Masala Dosa – Crispy South Indian favourite
- Paneer Tikka – Popular vegetarian starter
- Chaat – Tangy street-style snacks
Tips for Choosing the Best Indian Restaurant
- Check Google reviews and ratings
- Try restaurants specialising in regional dishes
- Explore both dine-in and takeaway options
- Visit areas with strong Indian communities
Missing Authentic Indian Flavours? It’s Time to Visit India
While Melbourne offers incredible Indian food, nothing quite compares to enjoying your favourite dishes in India itself — from street-side chaat in Delhi to authentic dosas in Chennai.
If this guide has made you crave the real experience, it might be time to plan your next trip.
Mann Travel can help you with affordable and convenient flight bookings to India, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.
👉 Contact Mann Travel today to find the best flight deals to India and start planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne?
Some of the top Indian restaurants include Tonka, Elchi, Daughter in Law, Aangan, and Kolkata Cricket Club.
2. Where can I find Indian street food in Melbourne?
You can enjoy Indian street food at places like Delhi Streets and Chatkora (Laverton North).
3. Are there vegetarian Indian restaurants in Melbourne?
Yes, Saravanaa Bhavan and Laddu Gopal (Truganina) are popular for vegetarian Indian food.
4. What is the most popular Indian dish in Melbourne?
Butter Chicken, Biryani, and Dosa are among the most popular dishes.
6. When is the best time to travel to India?
The best time is between October and March.
