Best Indian Food in Canterbury Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best indian food scene in Canterbury is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Marco’s, then check out Rex’s. One of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Canterbury is part of Melbourne’s Middle East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Canterbury locals actually recommend.

1. Sol — 18 River Drive, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Sol has been operating in Canterbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($9) 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 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($12) — the best version in Canterbury Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Sunny Social — 199 Oak Road, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: families

Sunny Social has been operating in Canterbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. The Northern Bench — 230 Victoria Street, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Northern Bench has been operating in Canterbury for over a decade 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 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Leo’s — 46 River Drive, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: the whole crew

Leo’s has been operating in Canterbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.

The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Canterbury farmers market when it runs.

5. Vera Cellar — 133 Bourke Road, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Vera Cellar has been operating in Canterbury 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 52 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the best version in Canterbury Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Locals Stay in Canterbury

One of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs. Tree-lined streets and heritage homes. The best indian food options here reflect Canterbury’s character. For Canterbury 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. Kai Mill — 58 Bourke Road, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Kai Mill has been operating in Canterbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Oak Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. The Long Room — 174 River Drive, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Long Room has been operating in Canterbury for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 58 — 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 pumpkin risotto ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Northern Pantry — 315 Bourke Road, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Northern Pantry has been operating in Canterbury for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($25) — the best version in Canterbury Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Lena’s — 101 Victoria Street, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Lena’s has been operating in Canterbury for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

10. Remy’s — 326 Elizabeth Place, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Remy’s has been operating in Canterbury for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Canterbury?

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

Is Canterbury good for best indian food?

Yes. Canterbury has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Canterbury known for?

One of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs.

How far is Canterbury from Melbourne CBD?

Canterbury is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Canterbury 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