Best Indian Food in Caulfield South Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Marco’s |
| Best free option | The Humble Depot |
| Best for families | Ava’s |
| Best local secret | The Common Bench |
| Best for rainy days | Collective |
We’ve tested every best indian food option in Caulfield South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Golden Table is the one everyone knows. Pantry is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Quiet residential suburb between Caulfield and Glen Huntly. Caulfield South sits in the Inner South corridor, 10km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Caulfield South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Ava’s — 98 Smith Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Ava’s has been operating in Caulfield South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Barkly Road is usually fine.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Caulfield South roaster — ask which one.
2. Good Commons — 79 Barkly Road, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Good Commons has been operating in Caulfield South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 room holds 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Plenty Crescent is usually fine.
Try this: The fish special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
3. The Common Union — 122 Brunswick Place, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The Common Union has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The charcuterie board ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Caulfield South farmers market when it runs.
4. The Sunny Store — 6 Barkly Road, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The Sunny Store has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Brunswick Place is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
5. The Good Mill — 295 Brunswick Place, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The Good Mill has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($22) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
6. Ash’s — 96 Barkly Road, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Ash’s has been operating in Caulfield South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Road is usually fine.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Why Locals Stay in Caulfield South
Quiet residential suburb between Caulfield and Glen Huntly. Kooyong Tennis Centre — home of the Australian Open until 1988. The best indian food options here reflect Caulfield South’s character. For Caulfield South 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 House — 189 South Grove, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The Golden House has been operating in Caulfield South for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($27) — the best version in Caulfield South Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
8. Stella — 314 Plenty Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: the whole crew
Stella has been operating in Caulfield South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Crescent is usually fine.
Start with: The fish special ($13) — the best version in Caulfield South Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Caulfield South roaster — ask which one.
9. Nell — 144 South Grove, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Nell has been operating in Caulfield South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Place is usually fine.
Come back for: The seasonal special ($10) — the best version in Caulfield South Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
10. The Bright Store — 238 Plenty Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The Bright Store has been operating in Caulfield South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($9) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Brunswick Place is usually fine.
Get the: The mushroom pasta ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Caulfield South farmers market when it runs.
11. White Depot — 324 Barkly Road, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
White Depot has been operating in Caulfield South for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Place is usually fine.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Caulfield South roaster — ask which one.
12. The Red Kitchen — 165 Brunswick Place, Caulfield South VIC 3053
What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The Red Kitchen has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The fish special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- Caulfield North Best Indian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Caulfield South Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Caulfield South Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Caulfield South Complete Guide — everything about Caulfield South
- Compare Suburbs — see how Caulfield South stacks up
- All Caulfield South Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best indian food options in Caulfield South?
Marco’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Caulfield South good for best indian food?
Yes. Caulfield South has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Caulfield South known for?
Quiet residential suburb between Caulfield and Glen Huntly.
How far is Caulfield South from Melbourne CBD?
Caulfield South is 10km, 20min train, 16min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Caulfield South isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026

💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed