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.

The Black Prince 

All-you-can-eat Mondays, sports on the telly and Bollywood live music every Friday and Saturday. The Black Prince is the first British Indian Pub in Melbourne and is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. Speaking of food, you’ll find all the favourites here – from tender goat curry and spiced lamb kebabs to giant garlic nan bread and biryani with mint chutney. And yes, there’s a classic butter chicken on the menu too.

Daughter's Arms

A new ‘Desi Pub’ has arrived in Melbourne. This popular UK concept brings a combination of classic pub grub and flavour-packed Indian food. Grab a table at Daughter’s Arms and start with bar snacks like pork vindaloo sausage rolls and Kashmiri lamb ribs. Then move onto main dishes like the butter chicken parma and paneer pizza. Or try a hearty roast with all the trimmings. There’s also an impressive dessert trolley to finish your meal plus loads of Indian and British beers on tap.  

Flora Indian  

This Melbourne staple is your go-to for a no-fuss Indian feast. Flora Indian has been around for 24 years so the crew know their stuff when it comes to curries, dosa, samosa and more. Prices are super cheap too.  Combo deals start from just $16 but our favourite has to be the pav bhaji for $17. This Mumbai street food comes with spicy mashed vegetables, toasty butter buns and rice. Don’t forget to try authentic drinks too like the salted lassi, fresh lime soda and masala tea. 

Kolkata Cricket Club

Need to feed a sports team-sized crew? Book a spot at the Kolkata Cricket Club and prepare for a big Indian feast with a twist. We’ve got our eyes on the lamb burra kebab and the Bengali goat curry. For those big groups opt for the set menus starting at $95 per person. There are vegetarian and premium options to keep everyone full and happy.

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. 

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 milky bread pudding.

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 modern twist. Get started with a round of pani puri shots flavoured with spiced tequila and avocado or vodka paani and pickled beets. Then tuck into dishes like crispy cauliflower with spicy lentil dust, tandoori chicken dumplings or pistachio lambchops with saffron mash and pomegranate.

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. Looking for a midday bite to eat? Grab the $25 lunch deal that comes with butter chicken, dahl, onion and zucchini fritters and more.

Delhi Streets 

Travel to Delhi and get a taste of legit street food at this Melbourne spot tucked away on a hidden laneway. For the full Delhi Streets experience order the chaat platter for $36. This generous plate comes with pani puri, papri chaat, samosa and aloo tikki. And it's served with a bunch of delicious chutneys. Or go for less traditional dishes like the paneer pizza or a chicken tika burrito.