Best Indian Food in Balaclava Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Sol’s |
| Free highlight | The Common Post |
| Family-friendly | Anchor |
| Locals only | Pearl Yard |
| Indoor option | Nina Place |
1. The Tall Place — 117 Albert Avenue, Balaclava VIC 3161
What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Smith Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Balaclava roaster — ask which one.
2. Good Press — 97 Market Crescent, Balaclava VIC 3161
What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
3. The Good Quarter — 94 Market Crescent, Balaclava VIC 3161
What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Balaclava roaster — ask which one.
4. Gus Post — 244 Albert Avenue, Balaclava VIC 3161
What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on George Terrace is usually fine.
5. The New Commons — 157 Market Crescent, Balaclava VIC 3161
What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Why Locals Stay in Balaclava
Carlisle Street is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food streets. Strong Jewish community. Balaclava station on Sandringham line. The best indian food options here reflect Balaclava’s character. If you’re living in or near Balaclava, 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. High Pantry — 351 Market Crescent, Balaclava VIC 3161
What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 47 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
7. Northern Union — 343 Swan Avenue, Balaclava VIC 3161
What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: families
The room holds 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($16) — solid
8. Max’s — 310 Albert Avenue, Balaclava VIC 3161
What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Lena’s — 155 George Terrace, Balaclava VIC 3161
What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Smith Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
10. Local — 278 Smith Place, Balaclava VIC 3161
What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
11. Red Union — 148 Swan Avenue, Balaclava VIC 3161
What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- Elwood Best Indian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Balaclava Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Balaclava Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Balaclava Complete Guide — everything about Balaclava
- Compare Suburbs — see how Balaclava stacks up
- All Balaclava Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best indian food options in Balaclava?
Sol’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Balaclava good for best indian food?
Yes. Balaclava has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Balaclava known for?
Carlisle Street is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food streets.
How far is Balaclava from Melbourne CBD?
Balaclava is 6km, 14min train, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
