Best Indian Food in Altona Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Altona to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Sol Pantry is the one everyone knows. Nico Store is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Beach suburb with Altona Pier and Louis Joel Arts Centre. Altona sits in the Inner West corridor, 13km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Altona since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nell — 168 Station Street, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Nell has been operating in Altona for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($24) 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 room holds 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Ruby Local — 16 Station Street, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ruby Local has been operating in Altona for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Station Street after 6pm.

3. Vera’s — 134 Barkly Terrace, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: budget eaters

Vera’s has been operating in Altona for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Mabel’s — 71 Station Street, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Mabel’s has been operating in Altona for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Altona roaster — ask which one.

5. Mill — 124 Barkly Terrace, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: families

Mill has been operating in Altona for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) 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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. Remy’s — 256 Thomas Avenue, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Remy’s has been operating in Altona for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

What Altona Actually Is

Beach suburb with Altona Pier and Louis Joel Arts Centre. Strong community identity. The best indian food options here reflect Altona’s character. If you’re living in or near Altona, 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.

7. The Blue Corner — 159 Station Street, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Blue Corner has been operating in Altona for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($22) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($24) — the best version in Altona Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Mabel Room — 57 Barkly Terrace, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Mabel Room has been operating in Altona for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($16) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Hugo Union — 114 Station Street, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Hugo Union has been operating in Altona for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($12) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Mabel’s — 57 Barkly Terrace, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Mabel’s has been operating in Altona for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 34 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Collins Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Altona farmers market when it runs.

11. Little Works — 77 Station Street, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Little Works has been operating in Altona for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. Gus Pantry — 149 Barkly Terrace, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Gus Pantry has been operating in Altona for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 61 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($24) — the best version in Altona Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Altona?

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

Is Altona good for best indian food?

Yes. Altona has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Altona known for?

Beach suburb with Altona Pier and Louis Joel Arts Centre.

How far is Altona from Melbourne CBD?

Altona is 13km, 25min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Altona is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026