Dandenong Restaurants at a Glance
- Budget bite: Raja Tasty Foods
- Local favourite: Beletti
- Something different: Pakwan
Best Restaurants in Dandenong (2026)
Choosing where to eat in Dandenong depends on the night. With 61 restaurants spanning 8 cuisines, you could eat somewhere different every week for 15 months and still have places left to try.
31 have confirmed street addresses. 4 have listed phone numbers. No restaurant has paid to appear on this list.
Cuisine Breakdown
Dandenong covers 8 distinct cuisine types:
| Cuisine | Restaurants |
|---|---|
| Indian | 3 |
| Pizza | 2 |
| Afghan | 2 |
| Cafe | 1 |
| Restaurant | 1 |
| Bar | 1 |
| Mexican | 1 |
| Sri_Lankan | 1 |
Restaurants with Full Details
#1 Beletti — 159 – 161 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
Cafe
What makes it great: Beletti is the place Dandenong locals take visitors when they want to show off the neighbourhood. This is the kind of place that a neighbourhood builds around. Not a destination — a reason to stay local. It does not try to be everything. It tries to be good at one thing. It succeeds.
Hours: Mo-Fr 07:00-22:00; Sa 08:00-22:00; Su 08:00-20:00 | Phone: +61 3 9793 1600 | Website: Beletti
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#2 Raja Tasty Foods — 155C Cleeland Street, Dandenong
Indian
What makes it great: Raja Tasty Foods does not advertise. It does not need to. The biryani is the benchmark dish. If a restaurant nails the biryani — the rice, the protein, the seal, the aromatic lift — it can cook anything. Worth crossing Dandenong for. Worth crossing Melbourne for, honestly.
Hours: Mo-Su 09:00-20:30 | Phone: +61 3 9792 4817 | Website: Raja Tasty Foods
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#3 Trio Mexicano — 153 Cleeland Street, Dandenong
Mexican
What makes it great: Trio Mexicano opened quietly and got loud fast. Melbourne is still figuring out Mexican food. This place is further along than most. The kind of place you recommend without being asked.
Hours: Mo-Fr 09:30-15:00 | Phone: +61 414 780 488 | Website: Trio Mexicano
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#4 Shades Food — 34A Gladstone Road, Dandenong
Sri_Lankan | Takeaway
What makes it great: Every suburb has one restaurant that defines it. In Dandenong, the argument starts with Shades Food. What works here works because the kitchen has stopped trying to be clever and started trying to be consistent. Not the flashiest option in Dandenong. Possibly the best.
Phone: +61 3 9791 4470 | Website: Shades Food
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#5 Dandenong Pavilion — 55-61 Princes Hwy, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia
the food | ★ 4.5/5 (2,659 reviews) | $$
What makes it great: Bright, busy restaurant with floral wallpaper and packed tables, serving snacks, burgers and coffee. The kind of restaurant that makes you eat slower because you want it to last.
The 4.5/5 Google rating (2,659 reviews) reflects what regulars already know.
What locals say: “Had Sunday lunch 01 Feb 2026 with family. Good custoner service - no complaints, food was good except for one: their Philly Steak was never good - this is the 2nd time i ordered it…”
Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.
Website: Dandenong Pavilion | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#6 SkyHigh Mount Dandenong — 26 Observatory Rd, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767, Australia
the food | ★ 4.1/5 (8,391 reviews) | $$
What makes it great: Panoramic city views & a seasonal terrace in a casual eatery serving lunch & dinner. A restaurant that respects the ingredients, respects your time, and respects your wallet.
8,391 people have reviewed SkyHigh Mount Dandenong on Google. The average sits at 4.1. Earned, not gamed.
What locals say: “Visited SkyHigh Mount Dandenong recently and it was an amazing experience! The view over Melbourne is absolutely stunning, especially around sunset. The gardens are beautiful and w…”
Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.
Website: SkyHigh Mount Dandenong | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#7 Afghan Hayat Restaurant — 23/29 Walker St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia
the food | ★ 4.6/5 (1,827 reviews) | $$
What makes it great: Afghan dumplings, kebabs & rice dishes in a roomy place with marble tables & carved wood chairs. The test of a restaurant is whether you think about it the next day. Afghan Hayat Restaurant passes.
1,827 people have reviewed Afghan Hayat Restaurant on Google. The average sits at 4.6. Earned, not gamed.
What locals say: “This is my second time here at Afghan Hayat, visited couple of years ago, food is still delicious, but was a bit different before, the Kobeideh is mixed with green herbs which I di…”
Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.
Website: Afghan Hayat Restaurant | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#8 Beletti Restaurant Cafe Bar ~ Italian Restaurant Dandenong — 159/161 Lonsdale St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia
the food | ★ 4.4/5 (1,133 reviews) | $$
What makes it great: Italian dishes with a modern twist, served in a contemporary dining room with mirrored wall tiles. The kind of place you recommend without being asked.
Rated 4.4 by 1,133 locals on Google — and the ones who come back do not bother leaving reviews.
What locals say: “A great place for large groups gathering, but a bit of wait for food (1hr), possibly it was a Friday night. The seafood linguine tasted great with a kick of chilli, seafood some we…”
Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.
Website: Beletti Restaurant Cafe Bar ~ Italian Restaurant Dandenong | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#9 Pig & Whistle Tavern — 1429 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australia
the food | ★ 4.5/5 (2,043 reviews) | $$
What makes it great: Rustic space with outdoor tables and garden views, serving gastropub food and boutique beers. If this place were in Fitzroy, there would be a queue. In Dandenong, you can still walk in.
2,043 people have reviewed Pig & Whistle Tavern on Google. The average sits at 4.5. Earned, not gamed.
What locals say: “We went out for a friend’s birthday and the drive was gorgeous, beautiful location. Both interior and exterior have beautiful decor, sets a wonderful vibe for a classic English pub…”
Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.
Website: Pig & Whistle Tavern | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#10 Cleeland Pizza House — 155B Cleeland Street, Dandenong
Pizza
What makes it great: Cleeland Pizza House is the place Dandenong locals take visitors when they want to show off the neighbourhood. Margherita is the test. San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, basil, olive oil. Nothing to hide behind. This kitchen does not need to hide. Add it to your rotation. You will not regret it.
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#11 Dine Divine — 345 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras VIC 3787, Australia
the food | ★ 4.6/5 (766 reviews) | $$
What makes it great: Nobody goes to Dine Divine for the decor. They go for portion sizes that respect your appetite. The kitchen here has found its rhythm. The menu is focused, the execution is steady, and the regulars know what they are coming for. If this place were in Fitzroy, there would be a queue. In Dandenong, you can still walk in.
Rated 4.6 by 766 locals on Google — and the ones who come back do not bother leaving reviews.
What locals say: “We visited here twice! Dine Divine offers a truly memorable dining experience that goes far beyond great food. Trevor, the owner, is incredibly kind and welcoming. He generously to…”
Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.
Website: Dine Divine | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#12 The Balkans Corner — 27 Bryants Rd, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia
the food | ★ 4.8/5 (371 reviews) | $$
What makes it great: Walk into The Balkans Corner on any given Tuesday and the dining room is still half full. That says something. The menu reads simply. The food arrives with more thought than the menu suggests. That gap is the mark of a kitchen that cares more about the plate than the description. You will not Instagram it. You will remember it.
371 Google reviews and a 4.8 average. The numbers track with the experience.
What locals say: “This is one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. My daughter said the grilled chicken skewers was the best chicken she ever had! The food here is amazing! Huge serving sizes and s…”
Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.
Website: The Balkans Corner | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#13 Afghan Kabuli Sheer Yakh — 295 Thomas Street
Afghan
What makes it great: Afghan Kabuli Sheer Yakh treats Afghan like it matters. Because it does. The menu reads simply. The food arrives with more thought than the menu suggests. That gap is the mark of a kitchen that cares more about the plate than the description. This is not destination dining. This is your neighbourhood doing what it should.
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#14 Afghan Delicious Kebab House — 297 Thomas Street
Afghan
What makes it great: What separates Afghan Delicious Kebab House from the rest of Thomas Street is consistency. What works here works because the kitchen has stopped trying to be clever and started trying to be consistent. You will not Instagram it. You will remember it.
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#15 Dandelion Lounge & Eatery — 50-52 McCrae St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia
the food | ★ 4.4/5 (57 reviews)
What makes it great: Nobody goes to Dandelion Lounge & Eatery for the decor. They go for prices that have not chased the suburb’s rising rents. The kitchen here has found its rhythm. The menu is focused, the execution is steady, and the regulars know what they are coming for. The test of a restaurant is whether you think about it the next day. Dandelion Lounge & Eatery passes.
Rated 4.4 by 57 locals on Google — and the ones who come back do not bother leaving reviews.
What locals say: “Food and service was outstanding, restaurant was a bit noisy as it was very full, but everyone was enjoying themselves. The service received from Caleb was top-notch and deserves a…”
Website: Dandelion Lounge & Eatery | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#16 Salang — 345 Lonsdale St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia
the food | ★ 4.7/5 (907 reviews)
What makes it great: The kitchen at Salang runs on precision and repetition — the same dish, perfect, every time. This is the kind of place that a neighbourhood builds around. Not a destination — a reason to stay local. The kind of restaurant that makes you eat slower because you want it to last.
907 people have reviewed Salang on Google. The average sits at 4.7. Earned, not gamed.
What locals say: “The food was awesome. The lamb shank in the Qabuli kebab was soft and juicy. The taste of Lamb Chappli kebab was awesome and it came with bread as well which was great. I highly re…”
Website: Salang | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#17 Tastish — 205 Lonsdale St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia
the food | ★ 4.6/5 (262 reviews)
What makes it great: Tastish fills up on weeknights. That is the real test of a restaurant. This is the kind of place that a neighbourhood builds around. Not a destination — a reason to stay local. This is not destination dining. This is your neighbourhood doing what it should.
262 people have reviewed Tastish on Google. The average sits at 4.6. Earned, not gamed.
What locals say: *“Honestly, best meal I’ve had in years. Everything was perfectly flavourful and just wow. Will return with many friends many times.
The restaurant is small and unassuming but I sti…”*
Website: Tastish | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#18 House of Fras — 1/351 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras VIC 3787, Australia
the food | ★ 4.6/5 (207 reviews)
What makes it great: Every suburb has one restaurant that defines it. In Dandenong, the argument starts with House of Fras. The menu reads simply. The food arrives with more thought than the menu suggests. That gap is the mark of a kitchen that cares more about the plate than the description. Not the flashiest option in Dandenong. Possibly the best.
The 4.6/5 Google rating (207 reviews) reflects what regulars already know.
What locals say: “Wonderful food and amazing staff. We had prebooked the place on their website, and our table was ready when we reached. We tried multiple items and were not able to figure out whic…”
Website: House of Fras | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#19 Meetang Thai Kitchen Dandenong — 90 Hemmings St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia
the food | ★ 4.8/5 (727 reviews)
What makes it great: What separates Meetang Thai Kitchen Dandenong from the rest of Hemmings St is consistency. The menu reads simply. The food arrives with more thought than the menu suggests. That gap is the mark of a kitchen that cares more about the plate than the description. Meetang Thai Kitchen Dandenong does not need a rebrand or a renovation. It needs you to sit down and order.
727 Google reviews and a 4.8 average. The numbers track with the experience.
What locals say: *“This place has a great vibe. We ordered green curry, spring rolls, roti and crispy chicken salt pepper.
Curry was much thicker than i expected which did not sit well with rice. S…”*
Website: Meetang Thai Kitchen Dandenong | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
#20 Darbar Restaurant — 151 Lonsdale St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia
the food | ★ 4.5/5 (312 reviews)
What makes it great: You could walk past Darbar Restaurant without noticing it. Regulars prefer it that way. The kitchen here has found its rhythm. The menu is focused, the execution is steady, and the regulars know what they are coming for. The kind of place you recommend without being asked.
312 Google reviews and a 4.5 average. The numbers track with the experience.
What locals say: “The food here is truly authentic! If you’re in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne, you must try their Goat Karahi — it’s absolutely the best. The mixed kebab platter was delici…”
Website: Darbar Restaurant | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026
All Other Restaurants in Dandenong
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Address |
|---|---|---|
| The Prince of Yazh | — | 111 Foster St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia |
| Ettamo Eatery | — | 45 Walker St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia |
| Afghan Mum’s Restaurant Dandenong | — | 301-303 Lonsdale St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia |
| Handi Kitchen | — | 113 Foster St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia |
| Siam Basil | — | 195 Tho |
| Grand Diamond Restaurant | — | 235-237 Thomas Street |
| Mauritian Food | — | 66 Hemmings Street |
| Jade Dynasty | — | 90 Hemmings Street |
| Eats Dandenong | — | 56 Lonsdale St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia |
| Afghan Kitchen | — | 247 Thomas St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia |
| Najimii Restaurant | — | 295 Thomas St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia |
| Pizza Hut | Pizza | — |
| Biryani Place | Indian | — |
| Pakwan | Indian | — |
| Colombo | — | — |
| Afghan Tasty Food | — | — |
| Zapata | — | — |
| Osaka Sushi | — | — |
| Dandenong Club | — | — |
| Afghan Masala | — | — |
| Royal Golden Reception | — | — |
| Abra Kebab | — | — |
| Calcutta Sweets | — | — |
| Gibe African | — | — |
| Fresh Noodle | — | — |
| Shams Restaurant | — | — |
| Navin Takeaway | — | — |
| Tabaq | — | — |
| Dosa Plaza | — | — |
| Jahan’s Best Food | — | — |
| Lalumba Restaurant & Cafe | — | — |
| Salang Restaurant & Cafe | — | — |
| Cardens | — | — |
| Petaling Jaya | — | — |
| Walkers Kitchen | — | — |
| Lakhsmi Vilas | — | — |
| Setaesh | — | — |
| Asian Bar | — | — |
| Shahi Tadka | — | — |
| ARZ Lebanese Cusiine | — | — |
| Lyer Vegetarian | — | — |
How This Data Works
Every restaurant listed comes from OpenStreetMap — a collaborative mapping project maintained by volunteers worldwide. Data is verified by local contributors who walk the streets of Dandenong.
Limitations: Some newer restaurants may not yet be mapped. Hours and phone numbers may change. Call ahead for reservations.
Related Guides
- Best Cafes in Dandenong
- Best Bars in Dandenong
- Cost of Living in Dandenong
- Dandenong Neighbourhood Guide
- Family Guide to Dandenong
- Is Dandenong Safe?
- Dandenong Transport Guide
- Dandenong Property Market
Last updated: March 2026. This guide is refreshed when OpenStreetMap data changes — new openings, closures and corrections are reflected automatically. Found something wrong? Let us know.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap Contributors — openstreetmap.org — accessed March 2026
- ABS Census 2021 — abs.gov.au/census
- REIV Quarterly Median Prices — reiv.com.au
