Best Indian Food in Clarinda Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | The Old Mill | | Best with kids | Ada’s | | Hidden spot | The Old Yard | | Bad weather pick | Ruby’s |
The best indian food scene in Clarinda is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Green Corner, then check out Finn’s. Quiet residential suburb between Clayton South and Moorabbin. Located 19km from the CBD, Clarinda is part of Melbourne’s Middle South 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 Clarinda locals actually recommend.
1. Pilgrim — 322 Ash Grove, Clarinda VIC 3163
What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Blake Street is usually fine.
2. Rex’s — 378 Blake Street, Clarinda VIC 3163
What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. Rex — 361 Ash Grove, Clarinda VIC 3163
What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
4. Place — 309 Bay Crescent, Clarinda VIC 3163
What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 57 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Long Post — 132 River Lane, Clarinda VIC 3163
What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
What Makes Clarinda Different
Quiet residential suburb between Clayton South and Moorabbin. Clarinda Shopping Centre on Centre Road. The best indian food options here reflect Clarinda’s character. Whether you’re based in Clarinda 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.
6. Lucky Store — 263 Blake Street, Clarinda VIC 3163
What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Clarinda roaster — ask which one.
7. The Long Cellar — 151 River Lane, Clarinda VIC 3163
What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. Rex Place — 315 Bay Crescent, Clarinda VIC 3163
What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Avenue is usually fine.
Start with: The lamb shoulder ($21) — solid
9. Bright Pantry — 233 Blake Street, Clarinda VIC 3163
What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Bay Crescent is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
10. Max’s — 285 Ash Grove, Clarinda VIC 3163
What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The daily soup ($21) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- Clayton South Best Indian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Clarinda Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Clarinda Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Clarinda Complete Guide — everything about Clarinda
- Compare Suburbs — see how Clarinda stacks up
- All Clarinda Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best indian food options in Clarinda?
Canvas is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Clarinda good for best indian food?
Yes. Clarinda has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Clarinda known for?
Quiet residential suburb between Clayton South and Moorabbin.
How far is Clarinda from Melbourne CBD?
Clarinda is 19km, no direct train, 26min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Clarinda 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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
