Imagine this: you’re strolling through Melbourne’s vibrant streets, the cool February breeze brushing past, and your stomach growls for something rich, spicy, and soul-warming. You’re craving Indian food—maybe a buttery naan, a fiery curry, or a crispy dosa—but where do you go? With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Do you settle for the closest spot, risking a bland meal, or hunt for the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne that’ll leave your taste buds dancing? Lucky for you, I’ve done the legwork. After scouring the city, tasting countless dishes, and dodging a few curry-induced sweat sessions, I’ve rounded up the top 10 Indian restaurants in Melbourne for 2025. Whether you’re a local searching for “Indian restaurants near me” or a visitor desperate for authentic flavors, this guide’s got you covered. Let’s spice things up!
Why Melbourne’s Indian Food Scene is a Must-Experience in 2025
Melbourne’s food game has always been strong, but in 2025, its Indian dining scene is straight-up electric. Why? Because this city blends cultures like a master chef mixes spices—bold, diverse, and unforgettable. From hole-in-the-wall joints serving South Indian staples to upscale spots dishing out modern twists, there’s something for everyone. The pain point? Too many choices can leave you paralyzed, wondering if you’ll waste your night on a subpar tikka masala. That’s where this list comes in—I’ve sifted through the noise to bring you the top Indian restaurants in Melbourne that deliver on flavor, vibe, and value. Ready to dig in?
1. Daughter In Law: The Playful Rebel of Indian Cuisine
First stop: Daughter In Law in the CBD (20 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000). This place isn’t your grandma’s curry house—it’s a funky, rebellious take on Indian food that screams personality. Think “unauthentic” butter chicken with a punchy tomato-garlic twist or roti duck tacos that fuse India with a bit of Aussie flair. The vibe? Velvet booths, neon lights, and a playlist that keeps you grooving. It’s perfect if you’re tired of the same old curry-and-rice routine but still want that soul-hugging spice. Pain point solved: no more boring meals. Top dishes? Try the Pani Puri shots and lamb korma—pure bliss.
Top Food Served: Pani Puri, “Unauthentic” Butter Chicken, Lamb Korma, Roti Duck Tacos.
Location: 20 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
2. Aangan: Little India’s Flavor Powerhouse
Next up, Aangan in West Footscray (559 Barkly St, West Footscray VIC 3012). This 19-year-old gem is a love letter to India’s diversity, serving up everything from North Indian chaat to South Indian dosas. The menu’s an 11-page beast, and somehow, every dish nails it—think Chicken 65 that’s crispy-spicy perfection or a butter chicken that’ll ruin you for all others. The catch? It’s always packed, so booking ahead saves you the “no tables” heartbreak. If you’re hunting for good Indian restaurants near me in the west, Aangan’s your jackpot.
Top Food Served: Chicken 65, Butter Chicken, Seekh Kebab, Dosa, Chaat.
Location: 559 Barkly St, West Footscray VIC 3012.
3. Tonka: The Laneway Luxe You Didn’t Know You Needed
Tucked in a chic CBD laneway (20 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000), Tonka elevates Indian dining to fine-art status. Chef Adam D’Sylva’s creations—like eggplant and plantain curry or a vindaloo steak tartare—blend tradition with sophistication. It’s pricier, sure, but worth it if you’re craving a special night out. The pain point? You might feel underdressed in your sneakers, but the food’s so good, you’ll forget the dress code. This is one of the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne for a date or celebration.
Top Food Served: Eggplant & Plantain Curry, Vindaloo Steak Tartare, Pani Puri, Butter Chicken.
Location: 20 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000.
4. Saravanaa Bhavan: South Indian Heaven on a Plate
If South Indian restaurants are your vibe, Saravanaa Bhavan (131 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000) is a pilgrimage spot. This vegetarian haven specializes in fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, and thalis that transport you to Tamil Nadu. The ghee roast dosa? A crunchy, buttery dream. The downside? It’s no-frills, so don’t expect fancy decor—but who cares when the food’s this good? Perfect for a quick, affordable lunch when you’re Googling “Indian restaurants near me” in the CBD.
Top Food Served: Ghee Roast Dosa, Idli, Thali, Masala Dosa.
Location: 131 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
5. Atta: Where Fine Dining Meets Indian Soul
Over in Albert Park (159/161 Victoria Ave, Albert Park VIC 3206), Atta bridges the gap between fun and fancy. Owners Harry and Brij remix classics like pahadi bhed (lamb curry) with creative flair, served in a heritage building with grand windows. It’s a bit of a trek if you’re not southside, but the exquisite plating and top-notch service make it a standout among Indian restaurants in Melbourne. Craving something upscale without pretension? This is it.
Top Food Served: Pahadi Bhed, Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Korma, Garlic Naan.
Location: 159/161 Victoria Ave, Albert Park VIC 3206.
6. Bibi Ji: Street Food with Swagger
New to Carlton in 2024, Bibi Ji (135 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053) is Amar Singh’s latest hit. Expect bold street snacks like dahi puri and a thali on a banana leaf that’s a flavor explosion. The mango lassi cocktail? A game-changer. It’s loud, colorful, and a little chaotic—perfect if you’re sick of tame dining experiences. One of the top Indian restaurants in Melbourne for sharing plates with friends.
Top Food Served: Dahi Puri, Thali, Tandoori Chicken, Goat Curry.
Location: 135 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053.
7. Toddy Shop: Kerala’s Cozy Hideaway
In Fitzroy (162 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065), Toddy Shop brings South India’s Kerala coast to life. Chef Mischa Tropp’s fish nadan and prawn moilee are spicy, coconutty love letters to hisroots. It’s tiny—20 seats—so booking’s a must, but the intimate vibe fixes that “big, impersonal restaurant” blues. If you’re into South Indian restaurants with heart, this is your spot.
Top Food Served: Fish Nadan, Prawn Moilee, Kadala Chickpea Curry, Dosa.
Location: 162 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065.
8. Tandoori Den: The Eastside Classic
Since 1981, Tandoori Den (261 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124) has been a North Indian icon in Melbourne’s east. The tawa fish curry and fresh tandoor breads are legends—perfect if you’re after comfort food with history. It’s old-school, so don’t expect Instagram vibes, but the flavors? Timeless. A go-to for good Indian restaurants near me in the suburbs.
Top Food Served: Tawa Fish Curry, Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, Naan.
Location: 261 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124.
9. Masti: The All-Rounder You’ll Keep Coming Back To
Rounding out the list, Masti (440 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141) is a South Yarra stunner. From tangy chaat to creamy scallop coconut curry, it’s snackable, shareable, and oh-so-addictive. The rum-spiked mango lassi seals the deal. Busy location means parking’s a hassle, but the buzzing vibe and killer food make it one of the best Indian restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
Top Food Served: Chaat, Scallop Coconut Curry, Butter Chicken, Mango Lassi.
Location: 440 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141.
10. Elchi: The Glamorous Newcomer Stealing Hearts
Let’s wrap up this culinary journey with a bang at Elchi, a dazzling addition to Melbourne’s Indian dining scene in 2025 (279 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000). Tucked into the former Press Club space in the CBD, Elchi is where chef Manpreet Sekhon flexes her culinary muscles, blending timeless Indian heritage with a modern, glitzy twist. Picture this: you’re sipping a spiced cocktail in a room of curved leather booths and golden ceiling lights, while a plate of 24-Carat Gold Chicken Mussalam lands in front of you—yes, it’s as decadent as it sounds, with edible gold leaf crowning tender, spice-rubbed chicken. Or maybe you’re digging into the Kofta Korma, a dish so rich it feels like a hug from Punjab. The pain point? It’s a bit of a splurge, and snagging a table can be tricky with all the buzz. But if you’re after one of the best Indian restaurants Melbourne has for a show-stopping night, Elchi’s your golden ticket.
Top Food Served: 24-Carat Gold Chicken Mussalam, Kofta Korma, Tandoori Prawns, Garlic Naan.
Location: 279 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000.
What Makes These Restaurants Stand Out?
So, what’s the secret sauce behind these Indian restaurants in Melbourne? It’s not just the food—though that’s a huge part. It’s the stories, the passion, the little quirks. Daughter In Law’s playful twists, Aangan’s epic variety, Tonka’s luxe edge—each spot has a vibe that solves a dining pain point, whether it’s boredom, hunger for authenticity, or a need for something fancy. They’re not cookie-cutter; they’re crafted with love and a dash of rebellion.
Navigating Melbourne’s Indian Food Maze: Tips for Newbies
New to the Indian food game? Don’t sweat it. Start with a thali for variety, pair curries with naan or rice, and don’t shy away from spice—it’s the soul of the meal. Worried about heat? Ask for mild options or cool it down with raita. These top Indian restaurants Melbourne cater to all levels, so you won’t leave disappointed—or hungry.
The Pain of Picking: How I Chose These Gems
Choosing just 10 was torture. I ate my way through dozens of spots, judging taste (obviously), vibe, service, and value. Burnt tongues and full bellies later, these stood out. The pain point? Missing out on hidden gems. But these picks—spanning CBD to suburbs—hit every craving, from South Indian restaurants to fusion flair.
Vegetarian? Vegan? No Problem!
Here’s the deal: Indian cuisine is a veggie lover’s paradise. Saravanaa Bhavan’s all-veg menu, Masti’s vegan-friendly options, and Aangan’s massive plant-based selection mean you’re never sidelined. Pain point tackled—no more scanning menus in despair. These Indian restaurants Melbourne prove meat’s optional.
The Budget Breakdown: Affordable vs. Splurge-Worthy
Tight on cash? Saravanaa Bhavan and Aangan keep it cheap without skimping on taste. Want to splurge? Tonka and Atta bring the wow factor for your dollars. The pain? Hidden costs like parking or drinks. Pro tip: check beliefit.com.au for deals—these best Indian restaurants Melbourne cater to all wallets.
Beyond the Plate: The Vibes That Seal the Deal
Food’s only half the story. Bibi Ji’s chaotic energy, Toddy Shop’s cozy charm, and Masti’s trendy buzz make every meal an event. Hate dull dining? These Indian restaurants near me deliver atmosphere as rich as their curries—perfect for dates, mates, or solo treats.
Conclusion: Your 2025 Indian Food Adventure Starts Here
Melbourne in 2025 is an Indian food playground, and these 10 spots are your VIP pass. From Daughter In Law’s bold twists to Tandoori Den’s classic comfort, there’s no excuse for a mediocre meal. The pain of choice? Gone. Whether you’re after Indian restaurants Melbourne for a quick bite or a lavish feast, this list has your back. So, grab your crew, pick a spot, and let your taste buds travel to India—no passport required. Which one’s calling your name?
FAQs
Q: What’s the best Indian restaurant in Melbourne for vegetarians?
A: Saravanaa Bhavan takes the crown with its all-vegetarian South Indian menu—dosas, idlis, and thalis galore.
Q: Are these restaurants expensive?
A: It varies! Saravanaa Bhavan and Aangan are budget-friendly, while Tonka and Atta are splurge-worthy.
Q: Which spot is closest to the CBD?
A: Daughter In Law, Tonka, and Saravanaa Bhavan are all smack in the CBD—perfect for city dwellers.
Q: Do these places offer takeaway?
A: Most do! Check their websites or call ahead—great for lazy nights when you want good Indian restaurants near me delivered.
Q: Can I book a table easily?
A: Popular spots like Aangan and Toddy Shop fill up fast, so book online or risk disappointment.
Disclaimer
This blog reflects my personal experiences and opinions as of February 26, 2025. Restaurant menus, prices, and vibes might shift, so double-check details before you go. Got dietary needs? Call ahead to confirm options. Enjoy your meal, and eat responsibly!