Best Indian Food in Chelsea Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Nina Commons |
| Best free option | Ava’s |
| Best for families | Ruby’s |
| Best local secret | Ruby’s |
| Best for rainy days | Remy Press |
The best indian food scene in Chelsea is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Sol Quarter, then check out The Little Commons. Beachside suburb with a strong local identity. Located 18-41km from the CBD, Chelsea is part of Melbourne’s Bayside 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 Chelsea locals actually recommend.
1. Common Local — 256 Church Terrace, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 43 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
2. Humble Post — 200 William Parade, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Church Terrace is usually fine.
3. Remy — 246 Market Place, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
4. Ash Union — 248 Thomas Road, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Chelsea roaster — ask which one.
5. The Bright Corner — 82 Market Place, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
6. Vera Bench — 78 Market Place, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 54 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Chelsea farmers market when it runs.
What Nobody Tells You About Chelsea
Beachside suburb with a strong local identity. Chelsea pier is popular for fishing. Annual Chelsea Sands Festival. The best indian food options here reflect Chelsea’s character. Whether you’re based in Chelsea 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. Pearl’s — 349 Thomas Road, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Thomas Road is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($17) — solid
8. The Sunny Quarter — 130 William Parade, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Thomas Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. Cleo Store — 172 Thomas Road, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
10. Quarter — 6 William Parade, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Church Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
11. Northern Bench — 189 Church Terrace, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Capacity is around 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
12. New Cellar — 2 William Parade, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- Edithvale Best Indian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Chelsea Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Chelsea Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Chelsea Complete Guide — everything about Chelsea
- Compare Suburbs — see how Chelsea stacks up
- All Chelsea Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best indian food options in Chelsea?
Nina Commons is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Chelsea good for best indian food?
Yes. Chelsea has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.
What is Chelsea known for?
Beachside suburb with a strong local identity.
How far is Chelsea from Melbourne CBD?
Chelsea is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Chelsea 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
