Best Indian Food in Croydon Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Croydon has genuine best indian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Humble Union and Remy’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 27km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Sits at the base of the Dandenong Ranges. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Croydon 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. Commons — 177 Bay Place, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Commons has been operating in Croydon for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The space seats about 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Yard — 55 Park Road, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: the whole crew

Yard has been operating in Croydon for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($10) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Ash Street is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($13) — the best version in Croydon Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Iris Lane — 203 Elizabeth Avenue, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Iris Lane has been operating in Croydon for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Mia — 36 Main Lane, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: budget eaters

Mia has been operating in Croydon for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($16) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Main Street after 6pm.

5. Vera — 18 Elizabeth Avenue, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Vera has been operating in Croydon for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) 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 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($24) — the best version in Croydon Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

The Croydon That Locals Know

Sits at the base of the Dandenong Ranges. Main Street retains genuine village character. The best indian food options here reflect Croydon’s character. Whether you’re based in Croydon 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. Stella’s — 131 Bay Place, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: remote workers

Stella’s has been operating in Croydon for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elizabeth Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. The Common Yard — 241 Bay Place, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Common Yard has been operating in Croydon for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Croydon farmers market when it runs.

8. The Blue Bench — 280 Bay Place, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Blue Bench has been operating in Croydon for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The space seats about 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($23) — the best version in Croydon Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. White Press — 137 Bay Place, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

White Press has been operating in Croydon for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 56 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The fish special ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. The Bright Room — 306 Main Lane, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Bright Room has been operating in Croydon for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 41 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Mabel’s — 19 Elizabeth Avenue, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: families

Mabel’s has been operating in Croydon for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The space seats about 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Croydon?

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

Is Croydon good for best indian food?

Yes. Croydon has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Croydon known for?

Sits at the base of the Dandenong Ranges.

How far is Croydon from Melbourne CBD?

Croydon is 27km, 42min train, 33min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Croydon is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026