Best Indian Food in Aintree Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Ash | | Best with kids | Mabel | | Hidden spot | Nina | | Bad weather pick | Otto |
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
The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. Street parking on George Crescent is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Queen Drive is usually fine.
Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — solid 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 space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The seasonal special ($22) — solid
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
The space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Smith Road is usually fine.
Ask for: The crispy chicken ($14) — solid
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
Capacity is around 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Smith Road is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The sourdough bread ($11) — solid
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
The space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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 space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
