Melbourne is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and the food scene is no exception – get ready for some amazing Indian food if you are a traveler! Indian restaurants in the city are many, ranging from takeaways to formal restaurants and all are known to serve mouth-watering dishes to their customers. If you love spicy curries, tandoori pleasures, or traditional biryanis, you will find some of the finest Indian restaurants in Melbourne. Every traveler visiting Melbourne can try Indian cuisine in North Indian restaurants or South Indian restaurants that are located in the city center and provide only the best dishes.
For those who want to indulge a little more, there are also several Indian buffet restaurants in Melbourne where you can try many different dishes at once. If you are searching for an Indian breakfast or some spicy Indian food near Melbourne? If you are in the mood for something vegetarian or non-vegetarian, you are sure to be spoilt for choice. In this guide, you will learn about 9 good Indian restaurants that are located in Melbourne, and a brief look at what Indian food in Melbourne has to offer, not to mention the balance of spices and flavors. Here, we’re talking about the best Indian vegetarian restaurants, Indian spices restaurants, and more, so let’s welcome Melbourne’s top Indian restaurants.
Table of Contents
ToggleHere are the 9 most popular Indian Restaurants in Melbourne for travellers
1. Saravanaa Bhavan
Saravanaa Bhavan is a South Indian Vegetarian restaurant that has given a new taste to families in Melbourne who are looking for quality and cheap South Indian food. The Chennai-based restaurant is famous for its tiffin items such as crispy dosas, soft and fluffy idlis, and crisp vadas and it has a long list of mouth-watering vegetarian dishes. If you are craving for a quick bite or a full-fledged South Indian thali, this place offers you authentic taste and a reasonable price. Saravanaa Bhavan is one of the most famous Indian vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne. It is also a perfect place for everyone who is searching for a family-oriented atmosphere.
- Timing: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Lunch), 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner)
- Address: 131 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
2. Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen South Indian Restaurant Belgrave
If you want to know what Keralan food tastes like then Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen in Belgrave has a great selection of South Indian foods. Offering authentic Kerala-style curries, Appams, dosas, and much more, Babaji’s is the South Indian experience in Melbourne’s suburbs. The environment in this restaurant is quite inviting and relaxing and that is why any family that wants good South Indian food can always come to this restaurant for vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals.
- Timing: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Lunch), 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Dinner)
- Address: 1/1644 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave VIC 3160, Australia
3. Delhi Rocks
Delhi Rocks captures the taste and the spirit of Delhi in Melbourne. This restaurant is well known for its live performance and the North Indian food that is served here, it is a comfortable place for having a meal of ordinary but exotic food. It includes all the best of North Indian dishes such as chicken tikka, paneer tikka, and all their thali specialties with a Delhi flavor.
- Timing: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Address: 205 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
4. Desi Dhaba
Desi Dhaba is a great North Indian restaurant located in Melbourne City Central. This restaurant offers a variety of the most popular North Indian specialties including dal makhani, chicken masala, lamb vindaloo, and many others that are characterized by their brightness and large portions. Desi Dhaba is one of the most famous Indian Non-vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne. It provides a relaxed atmosphere to taste the best North Indian dishes which makes it a favorite for those who want to have a true Indian meal in the middle of the city.
- Timing: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Address: 134 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
5. Gourmet Curry Hut
North Indian food lovers should check out the Gourmet Curry Hut as it is one of the best-kept secrets. Serving delicious and spicy curries and juicy tandoori preparations, it is ideal for those who want to try the more popular as well as the regional dishes of Northern India. No matter what, the restaurant has a dish for everyone to try be it a curry or a thali dish.
- Timing: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Address: Shop 3/4/318 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
6. Chai ‘N’ Chilli
If you want to try something new and fusion along with the standard Indian food then Chai ‘N’ Chilli is the place to be. This restaurant has a wide assortment of dishes: from chaats to curries, which makes it very suitable for vegetarians who would love to have a variety of meals. Their relaxed atmosphere, friendly and warm environment along with a variety of chai makes it a perfect place for a snack or even dinner. Chai ‘N’ Chilli is one of the most famous Indian vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne. The staff is also very caring, they may recommend dishes based on your taste buds and how much spices you like in your foods.
- Hours: Mon–Sun: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Address: 181/183 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
7. Aagaman Indian Nepalese Restaurant
Aagaman is an Indian Nepalese-style restaurant for those who are bored with the traditional restaurant setting and want to try something new. Vegetarians in Melbourne have a lot to enjoy in this restaurant due to its policy of using fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. The menu offers vegetarian curries, momos, and other vegetarian Nepalese dishes, so it is a pleasant place for a special dinner. The cozy atmosphere and the friendly and professional waiters make Aagaman perfect for a relaxed meal or a special occasion.
- Hours: Mon–Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Address: 308 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
8. Tandoori Zaika
Tandoori Zaika has a list of delicious foods for a luxurious non-vegetarian buffet near Melbourne. It has been very popular for its tandoori specialties and it has several dishes like chicken tikka, lamb chops, and others marinated properly and roasted to the T. The restaurant also prepares different types of curries and has also introduced non-vegetarian thali meals. It has a comfortable and friendly environment and it is suitable for an evening meal with friends or relatives. Tandoori Zaika is one of the most famous Indian Non-vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne. If you are in the mood for non-vegetarian food or if you are in the mood for a rich Indian buffet then Tandoori Zaika is the place for you.
- Timing: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (lunch), 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (dinner)
- Address: 1214 Glen Huntly Rd, Glen Huntly VIC 3163, Australia
9. Cafe Saffron
For those people who want to have more refined Indian dining, Cafe Saffron in Ivanhoe is a good place to go. It offers classy dining and is accompanied by a list of yummy non-vegetarian dishes such as chicken malai tikka and spicy fish curry. The Cafe Saffron is one of the most renowned restaurants which provides its customers with a non-veg thali and it is also among the best restaurants that serve Indian food with a twist. The restaurant also has colorful interior decoration and good waiter services, it is a good place for a normal meal and also for a special occasion. Cafe Saffron is a perfect blend of the flavours which is traditional and the modern feel is perfect for a meal.
- Timing: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (lunch), 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (dinner)
- Address: 238 Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe VIC 3079, Australia
Conclusion
Indian cuisine in Melbourne is a goldmine for tourists who want to taste the real and varied flavors of India. There is a fine list of good Indian restaurants in the city and you can find everything from a traditional Indian buffet to a fine dining restaurant. From Southern Indian restaurants like Saravanaa Bhavan and Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen that serve dosas and appams like they are in the southern part of India to Northern Indian restaurants like Delhi Rocks and Desi Dhaba that offer spicy curries and thalis, Melbourne is a paradise for every epicure. There are plenty of options for those who want to taste Indian vegetarian restaurants and the choice contains quite healthy dishes which do not lose taste and are useful. On the other hand, we have Tandoori Zaika and Cafe Saffron, which are famous for their tasty non-vegetarian Indian dishes that are quite fulfilling.
Whether you are a resident or a tourist, these best Indian restaurants allow you to taste true Indian cuisine in Melbourne. When you visit these restaurants, you will find that each restaurant presents a different Indian food, made from fresh foods and the best selected Indian spices that you will find in India. As for the lovers of versatility, most of the mentioned eateries offer an Indian buffet which allows you to try several kinds of meals at once. From breakfast meals to satisfying thalis, Indian Restaurants in Australia encourage you to start your Indian journey and celebrate every meal.