Best Indian Food in Carlton Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Carlton to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. White House is the one everyone knows. Nell Depot is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Lygon Street is Melbourne’s Little Italy — pasta, pizza, gelato since the 1950s. Carlton sits in the Inner North corridor, 2km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Carlton since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Social — 169 Railway Crescent, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Social has been operating in Carlton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($25) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the best version in Carlton Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Gus — 4 Margaret Street, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: solo diners

Gus has been operating in Carlton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($22) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($22) — the best version in Carlton Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Carlton roaster — ask which one.

3. The Northern Bench — 157 Brunswick Terrace, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: remote workers

The Northern Bench has been operating in Carlton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Rosa Bench — 371 Railway Crescent, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Rosa Bench has been operating in Carlton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($27) 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. The Long Table — 375 Lake Drive, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Long Table has been operating in Carlton for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. Red Press — 380 Railway Crescent, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Red Press has been operating in Carlton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 49 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Makes Carlton Different

Lygon Street is Melbourne’s Little Italy — pasta, pizza, gelato since the 1950s. University of Melbourne campus. The best indian food options here reflect Carlton’s character. Whether you’re based in Carlton or visiting from nearby, 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. Store — 313 Brunswick Terrace, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Store has been operating in Carlton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

8. High Cellar — 51 Railway Crescent, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: remote workers

High Cellar has been operating in Carlton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Rosa Post — 226 Margaret Street, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Rosa Post has been operating in Carlton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Hill Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Carlton roaster — ask which one.

10. Mabel Store — 131 Lake Drive, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Mabel Store has been operating in Carlton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($14) — the best version in Carlton Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. The Common Post — 250 Hill Parade, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Common Post has been operating in Carlton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. Bright Bench — 134 Lake Drive, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Bright Bench has been operating in Carlton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Carlton?

The Blue Post is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Carlton good for best indian food?

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

What is Carlton known for?

Lygon Street is Melbourne’s Little Italy — pasta, pizza, gelato since the 1950s.

How far is Carlton from Melbourne CBD?

Carlton is 2km, 10min tram, 6min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Carlton: 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