Best Indian Food in Collingwood Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best indian food scene in Collingwood is better than most people realise. Start at Felix Place, then check out The Humble Commons. Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips. Located 3km from the CBD, Collingwood is part of Melbourne’s Inner East 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 Collingwood locals actually recommend.

1. Ash Yard — 86 William Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ash Yard has been operating in Collingwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Albert Street after 6pm.

2. The New Pantry — 275 Bell Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: dates

The New Pantry has been operating in Collingwood for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Marco Cellar — 100 Bell Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Marco Cellar has been operating in Collingwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($14) 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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Sydney Grove is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($16) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Ash — 113 Cecil Avenue, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: groups

Ash has been operating in Collingwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($12) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bell Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($15) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. The New Mill — 338 Cecil Avenue, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The New Mill has been operating in Collingwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The room holds 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Sydney Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. Common Cellar — 370 Albert Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: the whole crew

Common Cellar has been operating in Collingwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Albert Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Collingwood farmers market when it runs.

The Reality of Collingwood

Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips. Craft breweries, galleries, and independent bars. The best indian food options here reflect Collingwood’s character. Whether you’re based in Collingwood 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. Zara Yard — 203 William Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Zara Yard has been operating in Collingwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($23) 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 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bell Street after 6pm.

8. Finn’s — 6 Bell Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Finn’s has been operating in Collingwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($17) 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 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. The Northern House — 373 Sydney Grove, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Northern House has been operating in Collingwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Kitchen — 141 Albert Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

Kitchen has been operating in Collingwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. The Red Store — 247 Bell Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Red Store has been operating in Collingwood for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 57 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Albert Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

12. Vera’s — 114 Sydney Grove, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: groups

Vera’s has been operating in Collingwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($17) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Collingwood roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Collingwood?

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

Is Collingwood good for best indian food?

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

What is Collingwood known for?

Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips.

How far is Collingwood from Melbourne CBD?

Collingwood is 3km, 10min tram, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Collingwood to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026