Best Indian Food in Bundoora Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Bundoora to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Old Cellar is the one everyone knows. Gus is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses. Bundoora sits in the Outer North corridor, 16km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Bundoora since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Gus’s — 35 Cecil Crescent, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Gus’s has been operating in Bundoora for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Southern Pantry — 326 Cecil Crescent, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: dates

The Southern Pantry has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Parade is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($27) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Northern Press — 254 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Northern Press has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Road is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Swan Street after 6pm.

4. White Commons — 73 Cecil Crescent, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

White Commons has been operating in Bundoora for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($11) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bundoora roaster — ask which one.

5. Nico — 284 Young Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Nico has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on King Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Bundoora — The Honest Version

Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses. Major education precinct. The best indian food options here reflect Bundoora’s character. For Bundoora 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. Old Kitchen — 255 Cecil Crescent, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Old Kitchen has been operating in Bundoora 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on King Street after 6pm.

7. Nico’s — 88 Cecil Crescent, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: groups

Nico’s has been operating in Bundoora for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Ivy’s — 213 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ivy’s has been operating in Bundoora for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($26) 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Zara Kitchen — 338 Cecil Crescent, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: families

Zara Kitchen has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Little Press — 233 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: solo diners

Little Press has been operating in Bundoora for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($27) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: They source produce from Bundoora farmers market when it runs.

11. Union — 205 Cecil Crescent, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Union has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Bundoora?

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

Is Bundoora good for best indian food?

Yes. Bundoora has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Bundoora known for?

Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses.

How far is Bundoora from Melbourne CBD?

Bundoora is 16km, no direct train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Bundoora: 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