Guide to Diwali in Melbourne - What's On Melbourne

Discover where to celebrate Diwali in Melbourne. Join the festivities and find Diwali-themed activities across the city. Then dine at restaurants and cafes pre- and post-celebrations.

When is Diwali in 2025?

Diwali will be observed on Tuesday 21 October in 2025.

Diwali dining inspo

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.

Winter Only in the City - Checkout the cold list

Discover more

An artwork that features discarded electronic components resembling a robotic creature, part of an exhibition at Science Gallery.

Friday Night Social: Wild Circuits

Enjoy Science Gallery Melbourne’s free Friday night parties with their latest exhibition.

DJ and producer Zalina, her hands resting on either side of her head, wearing a strapless top, her long dark hair falling past her shoulders.

Chuleo Club: A.Chal/Slim Soledad/LIZZ/Dinamarca/Zalina

Rooted in Latinx club sounds, community and underground energy: loud, intimate, unrelenting.

The full cast of the musical Book of Mormon on stage singing and dancing, with a painted sky coloured background and other theatre props.

The Book of Mormon

Australia’s biggest ever musical comedy returns this February.

A singer in a red dress, smiling and holding a microphone while on stage, a purple stage curtain behind her.

Morning Melodies: VCA Music Theatre Showcase

Step into the world of velvet overtures and sparkling footlights as the VCA grads honour Broadway.