Best Indian Restaurants in Melbourne (2026) - A Local's Guide

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, extraordinary regional variety, and rich culinary heritage stretching from Bengal to Kerala. We have visited Indian restaurants right across Melbourne over many years and have a genuine love for the Indian food culture this city has built. From fragrant North Indian curries to bold South Indian specialties and vibrant street food, the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne take you on an exciting journey through spice, technique, and tradition — elevated by the city's passion for quality produce and considered dining.

Updated June 2026. All venues personally visited by The World Loves Melbourne.

★ Quick Reference — Best Indian Restaurants Melbourne 2026

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1. Kolkata Cricket Club — Crown Melbourne, CBD

★ EDITOR'S PICK

★★★★★ 5/5 — Outstanding

Mischa Tropp's venture Kolkata Cricket Club at Crown Melbourne celebrates the flavours of Bengal with the spirited soul of old-school cricket clubs — and it delivers magnificently. This is elevated Indian dining at its most compelling. The fiery Puchka arrives like a flavour grenade. The smoky Macher Bhorta kingfish salad is elegant and surprising. Seekh Kebab is spiced lamb done beautifully, and the Butter Chicken in its rich, velvety sauce is a genuine standout. A whole Barramundi cooked in white poppy seed curry is a refined and confident dish. Sophisticated cocktails and a thoughtful drinks list complete the experience.

As a foodie and a cricket fan, Kolkata Cricket Club was my happy place. Mischa's unwavering passion and his mission to refine modern Indian cuisine in Melbourne — in an atmosphere that is bold, vibrant and welcoming — deserves nothing but respect. This is the best fine dining Indian experience in the city right now. Read our full review of Kolkata Cricket Club.

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2. Tonka — CBD, Flinders Lane

★ EDITOR'S PICK

★★★★★ 5/5 — Outstanding

Tonka is one of the great Indian restaurants in Melbourne — and has been for years. High-end Indian dining had long been a surprising gap in this city's culinary landscape. Having experienced elevated Indian cuisine in Adelaide, London, and India itself, I came to Tonka with genuine curiosity and high expectations. It delivered on both technique and flavour in a way few Indian restaurants in Melbourne have managed.

Tonka screams sophistication without being stiff — a fine dining destination that knows its occasion. The iconic pani puri is a must-order. Charred Brussels sprouts, Mangalore confit duck leg, and tandoori spatchcock are all exceptional. The Lamb Shoulder Kerala Curry and raw kingfish are signature highlights. Head down the laneway and look for the neon sign — this space was once the famous Honky Tonks nightclub, and some of that original energy still lives in the room. Visit Tonka.

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3. Gaylord Indian Restaurant — Grand Hotel, CBD

★★★★★ 5/5 — Outstanding

Is this the best Indian restaurant in Melbourne? The question is genuinely worth asking. Gaylord offers authenticity, classic flavours and some rarer exotic dishes — all at reasonable prices and with forty years of history behind the name. Originally a Chinatown institution, Gaylord now sits under new ownership in the iconic Grand Hotel on Spencer Street and is one of the most impressive Indian dining rooms in the city.

Every dish here is prepared from scratch, with unique sauces for each curry, quality ingredients and premium spices. Gaylord features 95% gluten-free dishes and a 50:50 vegetarian to non-vegetarian split — a genuine rarity. The Indian whisky selection and thoughtfully chosen wines add to the occasion, as do cocktails like the Tamarind Margarita. Standout dishes include Bhutte Ke Kees (Madhya Pradesh's sweet corn street-food specialty), Achari Paneer Tikka, Prawn Koliwada, Goat Curry, the Hara Dhaniya Choliya chickpea delight, Aab Ghosht (Kashmir's mutton masterpiece) and legendary Butter Chicken — each cooked in its own individual pan. Read more about Gaylord.

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4. ISH — Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

★★★★★ 5/5 — Outstanding

ISH sits at the intersection of old and modern Indian cuisine on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy — a vibrant, playful restaurant with a seriously good dining experience behind the fun facade. The World Loves Melbourne was invited to experience ISH and came away highly impressed. Exposed brick, concrete floors, and a confident menu that brings extra sophistication while remaining genuinely approachable.

Lamb cutlets are a non-negotiable order. The free-range chicken tikka with caramelised onions, roasted garlic and burrani yoghurt is succulently executed — the artistic splash of yoghurt doing exactly what it should. The menu progresses through Peckish, Moorish, Famished and Dessert with refreshing playfulness. Curry with genuine nuances. ISH brings sophistication, invention and multiple points of distinction to Melbourne's Indian dining scene.

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5. Chapati — Crossley Lane, CBD

★★★★★ 5/5 — Outstanding

Chapati in Crossley Lane 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 yoghurt and tamarind, and the Samosa Chaat struts genuine 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 and deeply aromatic. The Lamb Vindaloo was my standout: succulent lamb in a fiery Goan curry with fluffy rice, comforting naan and chapati. The cocktail list deserves mention — the Tandoori Temptress (tequila, pineapple, curry leaves) and Sunset Over The Himalayas (smoked apple whisky sour) both dazzle. Owner Arjun's hospitality shines throughout, guided by his mother Naomi's royal recipes from five-star kitchens in India. Dishes here include rare regional specialties you simply won't find elsewhere in Melbourne. Read our full review of Chapati.

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6. Tiffin Box Family Restaurant — Clayton South

★★★★★ 5/5 — Outstanding

Tiffin Box is a suburban gem where everything is made fresh and the value is extraordinary. This family-run Clayton South restaurant delivered one of the most memorable and creative dining experiences I've had in Melbourne's south-east. Owner Moni Choudhury is the heart and soul of the place — her passion, warmth and genuine creativity flow into every dish. The Butter Chicken Burger has achieved near-legendary status: juicy overnight-marinated chicken thighs infused with Moni's bespoke spice blend, perfectly grilled, paired with a rich, deeply aromatic butter chicken gravy. It is one of Melbourne's most genuinely unique burgers.

The Goat Biryani was equally impressive — tender, juicy goat and fragrant rice layered with expertly roasted spices. The spicy Fish Bites are addictive. Tiffin Box offers exceptional value, authentic family recipes and unforgettable flavour all in one place. Visit Tiffin Box.

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7. Bibi Ji — Lygon Street, Carlton

★★★★☆ 4/5 — Excellent

Bibi Ji is a fun and playful Indian restaurant from Jessi Singh, with flavours inspired by his mother and grandmother. Pink neon dazzles and the decor is a joyful ode to all things Indian. The food honours the traditions of India with genuine warmth. The Banana Leaf Thali is a standout — a feast of textures and flavours served in the traditional South Indian style. Chicken 179 hits with a welcome chilli kick. Amritsari Fish Fry features a perfectly spiced Amritsari batter. The Goat Curry is a fabulous rendition and the creamy Butter Chicken is as comforting as it should be. A string of excellent dishes across the board. More about Bibi Ji.

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8. Mukka — Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

★★★★☆ 4/5 — Excellent

Mukka is not a stereotypical Indian restaurant serving predictable dishes in a predictable way — it resonates with innovation, authentic spice, and fresh ingredients without compromise. The kitchen's philosophy is clear: represent Indian dishes as they should be, not dumbed down for Western palates. Spices are not held back here, though you can dial the heat up further if you dare.

The Spicy Lamb Chops are a revelation — marinated overnight and packed with flavours that explode on the palate from the first bite. My friends were right to insist this was a must-try. Prateek Dhawan, originally from Northern India, runs Mukka with his brother Aditya, injecting real authenticity and passion. As someone who has visited India three times and spent time in the north, I can confirm Mukka gets the high notes right. Great street food, flair, strong sauces, and genuine variety. More at Mukka review.

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9. Curry Vault — Bank Place, CBD

★★★★☆ 4/5 — Excellent

Curry Vault in Bank Place CBD has been a consistent performer over many years — a delightful Indian culinary experience that never disappoints. We tested three of the hottest dishes: the Lamb Vindaloo, the Spicy Chicken and the Beef Madras. No dumbing down for western tastes here.

The Lamb Vindaloo was super creamy with major heat — a great spice profile with slow-cooked meat in a fine cut. The Spicy Chicken was laden with chillies, fresh capsicum, onions and ginger — a mother of a dish where the heat comes at you hard and keeps going. The Beef Madras featured diced beef with desiccated coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaves and spices, with a creamy heat that crept up slowly like a rising tide. Excellent. More at Curry Vault.

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10. Babu Ji — St Kilda

★★★★☆ 4/5 — Excellent

Babu Ji in St Kilda is consistently recommended to us by the Indian community — which is the highest endorsement possible. This is a modern, chic restaurant with authentic Indian resonances and a genuine understanding of what makes the cuisine great. The name refers to the typical Indian government worker dining at leisure in a Chandigarh restaurant — revelling in food, company and atmosphere with complete ease.

Fresh quality ingredients, compelling dishes and superb presentation across the board. Authenticity flows through the plethora of street food dishes — Papdi Chaat, spicy Samosas, Tandoori Chicken and the exceptional Lamb Gushtaba. Babu Ji earns its reputation as one of Melbourne's best.

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11. Horn Please — Fitzroy

★★★★☆ 4/5 — Excellent

Horn Please takes its name from the popular hand-painted slogans decorating commercial vehicles across India — and brings that same spirited, characterful energy to its Fitzroy dining room. The food is simple yet special: quality products, cooked unhurriedly, served in a generous atmosphere. The menu opens with Indian street food, progresses through classics like Butter Chicken and the rarer Punjabi Buttermilk Curry, naan from the tandoor, and closes with homemade kulfi Indian ice cream. The Indian "nachos" are a genuine talking point. Great casual Indian in Melbourne's most spirited suburb.

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12. Delhi Streets — The Archway, CBD

★★★★☆ 4/5 — Excellent

Delhi Streets has burst onto the Melbourne Indian food scene as a chart-topper for value-driven street food in the CBD Archway precinct. Bollywood posters, colourful design by BrandWorks, modern lighting, open kitchen — the atmosphere buzzes with energy and the kitchen delivers substance to match.

The Pan Puri is spectacular Indian street food with a sense of theatre — pour the jug of spiced water into the crispy lentil cracker balls stuffed with potato, chickpea, onion and tamarind chutney for an intense hit of flavour. The Tikki Chaat — two potato pea patties on spiced chickpeas, drizzled with sweet yoghurt, tamarind and fresh coriander chutney — is a flavour explosion. Tikka Tacos bring succulent chicken to a humble tortilla with remarkable results. Delhi Streets brings imagination, innovation and genuine quality to Indian street food. One of Melbourne's best Indian restaurants in terms of affordability and fun.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Best 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 each in their own individual pan, 40 years of history, and a 50:50 vegetarian split. Chapati in Crossley Lane and Delhi Streets in the Archway precinct are also both excellent CBD options across different price points.

Which Melbourne Indian restaurants are best for vegetarians?

Chapati, ISH, Tiffin Box, Horn Please and Delhi Streets all have strong vegetarian menus. Gaylord stands out with a 50:50 vegetarian to non-vegetarian menu split and 95% gluten-free dishes. Chapati's Dhal Bukhara — slow-cooked 18 hours — is a rare dish not commonly found in Melbourne. Bibi Ji's Banana Leaf Thali is an outstanding vegetarian showpiece.

Which is the best Indian restaurant in Melbourne for a special occasion?

Kolkata Cricket Club at Crown Melbourne and Tonka on Flinders Lane are the definitive fine dining choices for special occasions — sophisticated fitouts, exceptional drinks programs, and food that genuinely impresses. Both are destination restaurants. Book well in advance for either.

Where can I find the best Indian street food in Melbourne?

Delhi Streets in the CBD Archway precinct is the top pick for value Indian street food — the Pan Puri and Tikki Chaat are exceptional. Babu Ji in St Kilda, Tiffin Box in Clayton South, and Horn Please in Fitzroy are also excellent for authentic Indian street food dishes in a sit-down setting. Chapati in Crossley Lane also does outstanding street food starters from across every Indian region.

What are the best Indian restaurants in Fitzroy?

Fitzroy has three outstanding Indian restaurants: ISH on Gertrude Street for vibrant modern Indian with great cocktails and beautiful presentation; Mukka on Brunswick Street for authentic, uncompromising North Indian cooking that refuses to dumb down; and Horn Please for spirited street food and classics in a fun, characterful atmosphere.

Is there good Indian food in the Melbourne suburbs?

Absolutely. Tiffin Box in Clayton South is the standout suburban gem, run by owner Moni Choudhury, serving the legendary Butter Chicken Burger, exceptional Goat Biryani and addictive spicy Fish Bites. The south-east suburbs around Clayton and Dandenong have a particularly strong Indian food culture — it's well worth venturing beyond the CBD.

What Indian restaurants in Melbourne are good for groups?

Gaylord Indian Restaurant at the Grand Hotel is excellent for groups with its impressive dining room and banquet-style menu flexibility. Kolkata Cricket Club at Crown also accommodates larger groups well. Delhi Streets and Chapati are both strong choices for casual group dining in the CBD.

How spicy is the food at Indian restaurants in Melbourne?

It varies widely. Curry Vault in Bank Place CBD serves genuinely fiery dishes — Lamb Vindaloo and Spicy Chicken with authentic heat that doesn't hold back. Mukka in Fitzroy similarly refuses to soften the spices. Most other restaurants on this list — Tonka, ISH, Gaylord, Chapati — cater across a full range of heat preferences and are happy to adjust.

Does Melbourne have good South Indian food?

Yes, though South Indian specialists are still emerging in Melbourne's scene. Chapati in the CBD covers South Indian regional dishes particularly well — including Kerala Prawn Malabar and the 18-hour Dhal Bukhara. ISH and Gaylord both incorporate South Indian elements into broader menus. For dedicated South Indian dosa and tiffin, the outer suburbs around Dandenong and Glen Waverley offer additional options.

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