Best Indian Food in Cheltenham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Cheltenham has genuine best indian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Humble Cellar and Little Press lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 18km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Cheltenham resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. The Little Commons — 51 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Little Commons has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

2. New Store — 258 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

New Store has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($15) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. The High Corner — 372 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: solo diners

The High Corner has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Rex — 279 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Rex has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. The Old Cellar — 378 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: dates

The Old Cellar has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Cheltenham farmers market when it runs.

6. Oliver — 242 Victoria Crescent, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: solo diners

Oliver has been operating in Cheltenham 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The fish special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Cheltenham Actually Is

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Southland shopping centre nearby. Bayside beach access close. The best indian food options here reflect Cheltenham’s character. For Cheltenham 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. Old Commons — 100 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Old Commons has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Humble Room — 292 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: groups

Humble Room has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bourke Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Rex — 275 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: groups

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

Capacity is around 61 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 ($17) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Bright Local — 90 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: the whole crew

Bright Local has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Collins Lane is usually fine.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. Nell’s — 57 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: dates

Nell’s has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Collins Lane is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

12. Sunny Standard — 252 Victoria Crescent, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Sunny Standard has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($14) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Cheltenham?

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

Is Cheltenham good for best indian food?

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

What is Cheltenham known for?

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination.

How far is Cheltenham from Melbourne CBD?

Cheltenham is 18km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Cheltenham 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