Best Indian Food in Aintree Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Aintree to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Mabel’s is the one everyone knows. The New Local is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton. Aintree sits in the Outer West corridor, 28km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Aintree since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Long House — 199 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Long House has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on George Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($26) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: They source produce from Aintree farmers market when it runs.

2. Stella’s — 289 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Stella’s has been operating in Aintree for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. The Half Works — 235 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Half Works has been operating in Aintree for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on George Street after 6pm.

4. Iris’s — 303 Smith Road, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: solo diners

Iris’s has been operating in Aintree for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Stella Pantry — 363 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: dates

Stella Pantry has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($9) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Aintree farmers market when it runs.

The Reality of Aintree

Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton. Opened in 2018. The best indian food options here reflect Aintree’s character. If you’re living in or near Aintree, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. Otto’s — 247 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Otto’s has been operating in Aintree for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($8) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

7. Ava’s — 20 William Lane, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ava’s has been operating in Aintree for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($14) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Anchor — 130 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Anchor has been operating in Aintree for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Road is usually fine.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($20) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Ivy Corner — 30 Smith Road, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ivy Corner has been operating in Aintree for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Kai — 122 William Lane, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

Kai has been operating in Aintree for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The daily soup ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. The Good Press — 133 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Good Press has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($26) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($27) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

• Craigieburn South Best Indian Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Aintree Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Aintree Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Aintree Complete Guide — everything about Aintree
• Compare Suburbs — see how Aintree stacks up
• All Aintree Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Aintree?

Assembly is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Aintree good for best indian food?

Yes. Aintree has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Aintree known for?

Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton.

How far is Aintree from Melbourne CBD?

Aintree is 28km, no direct train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Aintree: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026