Melbourne's best Indian restaurants

From humble contemporary dishes to unauthentic funky flavours. Here's where to find the best biryani, vindaloo, butter chicken and more.

Bibi Ji

Carlton has a new Indian restaurant thanks to the team behind foodie favourite, Daughter in Law. Bibi Ji is an explosion of colour, flavour and legit food from their homeland. Think thali sets served on giant banana leaves, the juiciest tandoori chicken ever and melt-in-your-mouth goat curry. Fancy a cocktail? Take a seat at the bar and order the signature boozy mango lassi.

Flora Indian Restaurant 

Take your taste buds on a journey to the south of India, but on Melbourne's Flinders Street. Flora Indian Restaurant serves delicious cuisine brought to the table by four unique and talented chefs. Grab a snack-sized samosa or a classic curry, a must-try is the famous masala dosa, served crispy with a spiced potato filling.

Kahaani

Every dish has a story at Lygon Street's new Indian restaurant. Kahaani takes its cues from the different regions of India to create a flavour-packed menu that goes far beyond butter chicken. Head north with street food like crispy kale chaat and pani puri. Or venture south to try the famous Konkan prawn curry. Finish on a sweet note with a saffron-infused syrup bread pudding.

Tonka 

Located down one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways, Tonka celebrates modern Indian cuisine. Experience punchy flavours in dishes like eggplant and plantain curry. Or find comfort in Indian favourites with Tonka’s butter chicken. Whatever you decide to order, be met with an instant kick. 

Daughter In Law

Daughter In Law serves ‘unauthentic’ Indian cuisine in a funky and playful space. The dishes are a marriage of modern Aussie flavours playing homage to the taste of home. Try unexpected combos like croquettes with spiced béchamel, beetroot yoghurt and pineapple chutney. Sink into the cosy velvet booths and enjoy a tasting banquet with spicy cocktails.

Delhi Streets 

Be transported to the streets of Delhi with authentic food and a vibrant and energetic setting. Delhi Streets offers Indian food in the style of street markets – traditional and full of flavour. Come along and enjoy snacks like pani puri or order in a tapas style with a bit of everything on your plate.

Elchi

Enjoy fresh, contemporary Indian flavours in a sleek and captivating space at Elchi. Offering a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine, Elchi delivers a unique menu of classic dishes with a recognisable look. Try crispy cauliflower with spicy lentil dust, tandoori chicken dumplings or pistachio lambchops with saffron mash.

Gaylord

Explore a depth of flavours in a fine dining venue with traditional indian cuisine. Gaylord wines and dines guests with a complex take on authentic dishes. Think classic butter chicken, chicken saagwala, and braised lamb shanks. Be met with only the best flavours inside the historic Grand Hotel.