Guide to Diwali in Melbourne

Diwali will be observed on Sunday, November 8. Discover where to celebrate in Melbourne with Diwali-themed events then dine at the best Indian restaurants and cafes.

A crowd of people with umbrellas watching a purple-lit stage outdoors.

Diwali events in Melbourne

Dance participants on a stage at a festival, dressed in vibrant traditional Indian costumes representing characters and classic dance forms.

Victorian Festival of Diwali

Showcasing India’s ancient and modern culture through music, dance, craft, food and a bazaar.

A group of dancers performing a lively, synchronised choreography outdoors in traditional-inspired performance attire.

Melbourne Diwali

Celebrate this cultural festival with music, dance and food at Marvel Stadium Square.

Diwali dining inspo

Graphic artwork of a woman in front of a bar lined with bottles

Chapati Indian

Authentic Indian food and culture in a colourful Melbourne CBD setting.

The sleek interior of Elchi restaurant, featuring large gold lights in the ceiling and semi-circular banquettes.

Elchi

A contemporary Indian dining experience in Melbourne.

Restaurant interior with people seated at tables along a wall and at the bar.

Tonka

Indian-inspired cuisine with unique dishes and cocktails celebrating the spices of the subcontinent.

A selection of rice, salad and tandoori meat dishes viewed from above.

Curry Vault Indian Restaurant and Bar

Offering both traditional and modern Indian cuisine.

A classic English pub decor with a wooden bar and green bar stools.

The Black Prince British Indian Pub & Restaurant

Experience the vibrancy of Indian culture with the charm of a British pub.

A table loaded with dishes of food including rice, meat, curry and vegetables.

Kahaani

Showcasing flavours from different regions across India.

Neon sign, bar and booths inside Daughter in Law Indian restaurant.

Daughter in Law

Colourful bar and restaurant serving 'unauthentic' Indian food.

Samosas and Indian snacks.

Delhi Streets

The authentic flavours of Indian street food in a casual dining space.

Interior of an Indian restaurant with red tones and a circus tent-like ceiling.

Bibi Ji

An authentic Indian diner with a casual exploration of traditional Indian food.

A hand holding a plate of Dungar chicken salad.

Gaylord Indian Restaurant

A unique dining experience that celebrates the rich and diverse flavours of the Indian subcontinent.

A restaurant table with plates of Indian food arranged on it, two glasses of wine, cutlery, cloth napkins, and a person seated on a banquette behind the table.

Kolkata Cricket Club

A modern Indian restaurant inspired by the vibrant flavours of Kolkata and fine Bengali cuisine.

Selection of Indian dishes on a restaurant table.

Gourmet Curry Hut

A beloved staple in Melbourne's dining scene, offering a fully-licenced Indian dining experience.

Best chai cafes in Melbourne

Person holding crispy jaffles.

Union Kiosk

Serving vegan jaffles, coffee and sweets.

Indian street food bread roll with large fried pattie and green chillies.

Chai N Chilli

Melbourne's first Maharashtrian restaurant serves Mumbai-style vegetarian, Jain and vegan cuisine.

Two people, the owners of the Original Chai Co, standing on the footpath outside their shop.

Original Chai Co.

Enjoy authentic chai made while you wait, crispy samosas and more.

Milky chai (tea) in a cup with cinnamon sticks, star anise and whole nutmegs resting on the table alongside.

Dropout Chai Wala

Enjoy Melbourne's first authentic street chai.

Only In The City

Only in the City
Inside a bustling market hall

Things you can only see in the city

Uncover secret rooms, historic architecture and iconic landmarks found only in the city.

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Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.

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Things you can only eat in the city

Where to find the city's most iconic dishes.

Discover more

A female singer in a long dark dress performs on a lit stage with a live band playing instruments.

Live at the Greek with Dio Patrides

Enjoy live Greek music, dancing and drinks with Dio Patrides at The Greek Centre.

A ballet company performing on stage with ballerinas forming a guard around a central dancer.
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The Stuttgart Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty

Germany’s premier ballet company returns to Melbourne with a dazzling classic.

Electronic duo Sidepiece, two men standing side-by-side against a plain white background, wearing casual streetwear.

Echoes of Us

Bringing together some of the biggest names in contemporary electronic music.

Silent disco tour participants wearing headphones and posing with arms and legs outstretched in a public space.
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Guru Dudu Silent Disco Walking Tour

A silent disco public walking tour with flash mobs, group singing and more.