Best Indian Food in Brighton East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Brighton East has genuine best indian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Felix’s and Honest Yard lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 18-41km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Leafy bayside suburb with wide tree-lined streets. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Brighton East resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Felix’s — 62 Bridge Terrace, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: dates

Felix’s has been operating in Brighton East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. The White Bench — 136 Smith Parade, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: families

The White Bench has been operating in Brighton East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($8) 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Parade is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Good Yard — 147 Smith Parade, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: solo diners

Good Yard has been operating in Brighton East for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Brighton East Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brighton East roaster — ask which one.

4. Rex’s — 249 West Parade, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

Rex’s has been operating in Brighton East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The space seats about 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Creek Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Pearl Press — 259 Creek Grove, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

Pearl Press has been operating in Brighton East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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 49 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

The Reality of Brighton East

Leafy bayside suburb with wide tree-lined streets. Close to Brighton Beach and bathing boxes. The best indian food options here reflect Brighton East’s character. For Brighton East 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.

6. Honest House — 353 Smith Parade, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Honest House has been operating in Brighton East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($26) 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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Collins Street after 6pm.

7. High Union — 351 Bridge Terrace, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

High Union has been operating in Brighton East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) 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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Parade is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.

8. Good Union — 131 Bridge Terrace, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Good Union has been operating in Brighton East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($19) — the best version in Brighton East Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. The High Press — 141 Bridge Terrace, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The High Press has been operating in Brighton East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The daily soup ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Max Social — 340 West Parade, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: solo diners

Max Social has been operating in Brighton East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The house-made relish ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Brighton East?

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

Is Brighton East good for best indian food?

Yes. Brighton East has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Brighton East known for?

Leafy bayside suburb with wide tree-lined streets.

How far is Brighton East from Melbourne CBD?

Brighton East is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Brighton East 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