Best Indian Food in Bentleigh Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Bentleigh to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Mabel Bench is the one everyone knows. Sunny Yard is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Centre Road dining strip has diverse restaurants. Bentleigh sits in the Middle South corridor, 14km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Bentleigh since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Southern Cellar — 322 West Street, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Southern Cellar has been operating in Bentleigh for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Maple Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Maple Street after 6pm.

2. Ruby’s — 53 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ruby’s has been operating in Bentleigh for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the best version in Bentleigh Insider tip: Parking is free on Anderson Street after 6pm.

3. Northern Pantry — 7 Anderson Road, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Northern Pantry has been operating in Bentleigh for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($13) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Hazel — 38 Maple Parade, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Hazel has been operating in Bentleigh for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($16) — the best version in Bentleigh Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Bright Commons — 182 Anderson Road, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Bright Commons has been operating in Bentleigh for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($16) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Anderson Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($15) — the best version in Bentleigh Insider tip: They source produce from Bentleigh farmers market when it runs.

6. Finn’s — 179 Murray Road, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Finn’s has been operating in Bentleigh for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bentleigh roaster — ask which one.

What Bentleigh Actually Is

Centre Road dining strip has diverse restaurants. Bentleigh station on Frankston line. The best indian food options here reflect Bentleigh’s character. For Bentleigh locals and anyone in the area, 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 Golden Room — 114 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Golden Room has been operating in Bentleigh for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on West Street is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Ada’s — 57 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ada’s has been operating in Bentleigh for over a decade 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 room holds 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Murray Road is usually fine.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Pearl — 147 Murray Road, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Pearl has been operating in Bentleigh for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($21) 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 51 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 charcuterie board ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Golden Lane — 367 West Street, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Golden Lane has been operating in Bentleigh for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($20) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Maple Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Anderson Street after 6pm.

11. The Half Quarter — 303 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Half Quarter has been operating in Bentleigh for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

12. Ava Quarter — 333 West Street, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: families

Ava Quarter has been operating in Bentleigh for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($27) 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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Bentleigh?

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

Is Bentleigh good for best indian food?

Yes. Bentleigh has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Bentleigh known for?

Centre Road dining strip has diverse restaurants.

How far is Bentleigh from Melbourne CBD?

Bentleigh is 14km, 25min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Bentleigh: 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