Melbourne’s dining scene is one of the most diverse in the world, and Indian cuisine plays a starring role with its depth of flavour, regional variety, and rich culinary heritage. We have visited many Indian restaurants across Melbourne and delight in a strong Indian food culture in Melbourne. From fragrant North Indian curries to bold South Indian specialties, the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne offer an exciting journey through spice, technique, and tradition - elevated by the city’s passion for quality produce and modern dining.
Updated March 2026.
Kolkata Cricket Club - Crown Melbourne CBD
Mischa Tropp's venture Kolkata Cricket Club at Crown Melbourne delivers in spades which celebrates the flavours of Bengal with the spirit of old-school cricket clubs. This is elevated Indian dining including fiery The Puchka, smoky kingfish salad Macher Bhorta, The Seekh Kebab spiced lamb dish, and heavy hitters such as the Butter chicken in rich velvety sauce. A whole Barramundi in white poppy seed curry is an elegant dish. Sophisticated drinks make this the complete experience. As a foodie and a cricket fan this was my happy place. Respect for Mischa's unwavering passion and his mission to refine modern Indian cuisine in an atmosphere that's bold, vibrant and welcoming at Kolkata Cricket Club.
Tonka - CBD
Tonka is one of the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne. High end Indian has been a surprising gap in the culinary landscape in this city. Having experienced awesome high end Indian in other Australian cities like Adelaide, international cities, not to mention India itself, I was curious to see what awaited me. This restaurant has taken Indian cuisine in Melbourne on an odyssey and delivers on technique and flavour.
Tonka is a fine dining destination that screams sophistication and occasion. No mess hall informality here. Check out the iconic pani puri, charred brussels sprouts, Mangalore confit duck leg and tandoori spatchcock. Not to mention the Lamb shoulder Kerala curry and raw kingfish are highlights at Tonka.
Make your way down the laneway and look for the neon sign (this place was a famous nightclub called Honky Tonks). Tonka clearly brings a modern twist to Indian cooking - something unique in Melbourne.
Gaylord Indian Restaurant - Grand Hotel CBD
Is this the best Indian restaurant in Melbourne? Here you will find authenticity, classic flavours as well as some exotic dishes at reasonable prices. Gaylord was an institution in Chinatown but now has new ownership in residence at the iconic Grand Hotel in Spencer St and has recently celebrated an amazing 40 year history in Melbourne. A true icon of our city. Here the dishes are prepared from scratch, unique sauces for each dish, quality ingredients and premium spices are used. Gaylord features 95% gluten free dishes, 50:50 vegetarian and non-vegetarian plates, as well as a fabulous range of Indian whiky and a great selection of wines. Love the Indian themed cocktails here such as the Tamarind Margarita. Crunch into Bhutte Ke Kees (Madhya Pradesh's sweet corn street-food specialty), savour Achari Paneer Tikka, or dive into Prawn Koliwada. Curries hit the spot including Goat Curry, Hara Dhaniya Choliya chickpea delight, Aab Ghosht (Kashmir's mutton masterpiece) or their legendary Butter Chicken. Each dish at Gaylord is prepared in its own pan.
ISH - Gertrude St Fitzroy
ISH is a vibrant modern Indian restaurant in Gertrude St Fitzroy sitting at the intersection of old and modern Indian cuisine. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to experience ISH and we were highly impressed.
ISH Indian restaurant in Fitzroy displays a sense of fun and playfulness as well as a seriously good dining experience. It brings extra sophistication while being approachable. The atmosphere is engaging with exposed brick and concrete floor.
Lamb cutlets are a must order. ISH free range chicken tikka, caramelised onions, roasted garlic ‘burrani’ yoghurt also hits the mark with succulent chicken and perfect spice execution. The splash of yoghurt is artistic and it complements the chicken wonderfully.
The menu is divided up into Peckish then Moorish then Famished then Dessert.
Curry with nuances. ISH is a delightful revelation bringing sophistication, invention, fun and several points of distinction to Indian cuisine.
Chapati - CBD
Chapati in Crossley Lane CBD delivers India on a plate - a sensory voyage across Punjab’s fiery tadka, Kerala’s coconut-kissed coast, Mumbai’s street chaos, and Bengal’s homey classics, all under one roof.
Street snacks steal the show: Dahi Puri bursts with sweet yogurt and tamarind, while Samosa Chaat struts Mumbai swagger. Chicken Tikka Tandoori oozes smoky succulence; Gun Powder Potatoes gleam with ghee-roasted perfection. Don’t miss the creamy Prawn Malabar or the 18-hour slow-cooked Dhal Bukhara - soul-warming triumphs.
Classics shine brighter here. Onion Bhajia crisps to perfection, and the Burra Kebab - yogurt-marinated lamb cutlets—chars tandoori-style, divine and tender. The standout for me was the Lamb Vindaloo: succulent lamb in a fiery Goan curry, paired with fluffy rice, comforting naan, and staple chapati bread. Sweet Gulab Jamun seals the deal - a flawless finish to our meal at Chapati.
Pair your meal with fine wines such as an Atticus Syrah 2011 or luxe TWG tea. The twist here is the Curry cocktails! The Tandoori Temptress (tequila, pineapple, curry leaves) and Sunset Over The Himalayas (smoked apple whisky sour) dazzle with flair and unique charm.
Service is impeccable. Owner Arjun’s hospitality dazzles (with an exceptional team), while his rockstar mum, fresh from India, guides the kitchen with royal recipes.
The name "chapati" means bread and this is the staple of the people. A restaurant to come and enjoy food from right across India from north to south; prepare to be taken on a culinary and cultural journey. Arjun is an affable host and his mother Naomi started as the head chef but now has a larger team; bringing here influences from years as a chef in 5 star restaurants in India. Here at Chapati you may experience some unique dishes not often found in Melbourne.
Tiffin Box Family Restaurant - Clayton South
Tiffin Box is a gem where everything is made fresh and is great value. This family-run restaurant delivered one of the most memorable and creative dining experiences I’ve had in Melbourne’s south east. Visiting Tiffin Box was far more than just grabbing lunch - it was discovering a venue where authentic family recipes, genuine hospitality and bold culinary innovation combine brilliantly. Owner Moni Choudhury is the heart and soul of the restaurant, bringing incredible passion, warmth and creativity to every dish while personally engaging with customers and sharing her love for food. My standout experience was the famous Butter Chicken Burger, a true revelation and easily one of Melbourne’s most unique burgers. This burger from Tiffin Box has gained legendary status.
Juicy overnight-marinated chicken thighs, infused with Moni’s bespoke blend of spices, were perfectly grilled and paired with a rich butter chicken gravy that was deeply aromatic, beautifully balanced and packed with flavour. Served with chips - with the option for extra butter chicken sauce - this is an absolute must-try for burger lovers and curry fans alike. The Goat Biryani was equally impressive, featuring tender, juicy goat and fragrant rice layered with expertly roasted spices. Add in the addictive spicy Fish Bites, and Tiffin Box offers an exceptional Clayton South dining experience that combines value, authenticity and unforgettable flavour.
Bibi Ji - Lygon St Carlton
Bibi Ji is a fun and playful Indian restaurant by Jessi Singh with flavours inspired by his mother and grandmother. Pink neon dazzles and decor is an ode to all things Indian. Dishes honour the traditions of India. We enjoyed the Banana Leaf Thali dish as a standout. Chicken 179 also hit the spot with a chilli kick. Amritsari Fish Fry was a tasty dish featuring batter covered in Amritsari spice. Goat Curry was a fabulous rendition, as was the creamy Butter Chicken. A string of hit dishes at Bibi Ji.
Mukka - Fitzroy
Mukka is not a stereotype Indian restaurant serving the usual suspects in a predictable way; rather its resonates with innovation, authentic spice and fresh ingredients. The mindset in the kitchen is to represent Indian dishes as they should be; not dumbed down for Western tastes. There's no holding back on spices, although you can turn the spice meter up if you want at Mukka.
A highlight at Mukka is the Spicy Lamb Chops! These pack a real punch with flavours exploding in the mouth! I was told by friends that this is a must try dish at Mukka and they were right! Marinated overnight its hard to imagine these could display any more flavour.
Prateek Dhawan is from Northern India and with his brother Aditya, has injected authenticity and passion to represent Indian flavours well without compromise in Melbourne. As The World Loves Melbourne has visited India three times, we are on the search for the high notes of Indian cuisine we experienced in northern India. Points of difference here? Street food at its best. Flair. Passion. Vibe. Great sauces. Great spices. Variety of dishes from across India.
Curry Vault - Bank Place CBD
Curry Vault is one of the best restaurants in Melbourne - a delightful Indian culinary experience that has been consistently excellent over the years. We experienced three of Curry Vault's hottest dishes - the Lamb Vindaloo, the Spicy Chicken and the Beef Madras. Over the years I've enjoyed fine Indian cuisine in India, UK and in Australia, notably Adelaide which boasts some great Indian venues. I will never forget the food of Northern India during a few visits there, and Curry Vault does a great rendition, with no dumbing down heat and spices for western tastes.
The Lamb Vindaloo was super creamy with major heat, hot and spicy with a touch of vinegar. There was also a great spice profile of this vindaloo and I could tell the slow cooked meat was a decent cut.
The Spicy Chicken dish was laden with chillies, fresh capsicum, onions and ginger, and hit you hard from the start. My tongue started burning and sweat started emanating from my brow. Some like it hot, but you don't know how hot till you try. This was a mother of a hot dish. Yey it wasn't just all about heat but there were nuances of spice and taste at Curry Vault.
The Beef Madras featured diced beef cooked with desiccated coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaves and spices. It too was creamy - with a heat that crept up on you like a rising tide. Highly recommended.
Babu Ji - St Kilda
Babu Ji is one of the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne (we think the best); a revelation and is often recommended to us by the Indian community. This is a modern chic restaurant with resonances of authentic Indian cuisine.
The term Babu Ji, when used playfully is your typical Indian government worker, dining in a restaurant in Chandigarh, India. These “Babu Ji’s” dine with complete ease and enthusiasm, holding not a worry about time or return to work. They happily and unashamedly indulge in food and hospitality. They laugh loudly. They revel in their food, company and atmosphere. They absolutely love being served.
Here you will find fresh quality ingredients, compelling dishes and superb presentation. Authenticity comes from a plethora of attractive street food dishes including Papdi Chaat, spicy Samosas, Tandoori Chicken and Lamb Gushtaba.
Horn Please - Fitzroy
Horn Please is named after the popular hand-painted slogans that decorate the back of commercial vehicles across India.
Horn Please serves delicious food that has integrity but also offers a fun, interesting atmosphere. The food is simple yet special, being made from quality products, cooked unhurriedly and served in a spirited environment. The menu begins with Indian street food, continues with classic such as Butter Chicken, and not so classic curries such as Punjabi Buttermilk Curry, naan from the tandoor and finishes with the much loved homemade kulfi Indian ice cream. The Indian "nachos" are a talking point at Horn Please.
Delhi Streets - CBD
Delhi Streets is an exciting colourful if not chic Indian restaurant in The Archway precinct and has become our new Indian favourite. The World Loves Melbourne feels Melbourne has decent Indian restaurants but not that many of them. Delhi Streets captivates with its approachable street food, Bollywood posters and fun ambience. In terms of smart cheap eats Delhi Streets has burst on to the scene as a chart topper. We were impressed by the quality of cuisine and the overall experience, having been invited to imbibe the lunch menu at Delhi Streets.
Delhi Streets is about fun, but with substance. Spectacular is the Pan Puri, Indian street food at it's best, with a sense of theatre. Pour the jug of spiced water into the Pan Puri and get an intense hit of flavour and freshness. Crispy lentil cracker balls stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas, onions, tamarind chutney. Delhi Streets boasts a funky fit out by the guys at BrandWorks. Modern lighting and seating with a dose of colour, along with playful use of design and textures. The ambience is enhanced by the open kitchen. Service was exceptional during our visit, with staff keen to please.
Delhi Streets also delivered on the Tikki Chaat - two potato pea patties on a bed of spiced chickpeas, then drizzled with sweet yoghurt, tangy tamarind chutney and zesty coriander and mint chutney. A flavour explosion. Tikka Tacos simply worked with succulent chicken in a humble tortilla taco. The food at Delhi Streets is presented with imagination. While our experience of Indian food in the past has been mainly small bowls of curries and the like, Delhi Streets brings innovation and creative flourishes, if not "glam" to street food, while upholding the highest quality. One of the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne in terms of affordability and funky Indian street food.
Frequently Asked Questions — Indian Restaurants Melbourne
What is the best Indian restaurant in Melbourne CBD?
For fine dining in the CBD, Kolkata Cricket Club at Crown and Tonka on Flinders Lane are the standout choices. For authentic mid-range dining, Gaylord at the Grand Hotel on Spencer Street is exceptional — scratch-made curries in their own individual pans. Chapati and Delhi Streets are also both strong CBD options across different price points.
Which Melbourne Indian restaurants are best for vegetarians?
Which is the best Indian restaurant in Melbourne for a special occasion?
Where can I find the best Indian street food in Melbourne?
What are the best Indian restaurants in Fitzroy?
Fitzroy has three strong Indian restaurants: ISH on Gertrude Street for vibrant modern Indian with great cocktails, Mukka for authentic uncompromising North Indian cooking, and Horn Please for spirited street food and classics in a fun atmosphere.