Best Indian Food in Donvale Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best indian food scene in Donvale is better than most people realise. Start at Tall Bench, then check out High Cellar. Leafy suburb between Doncaster and Warrandyte. Located 20km from the CBD, Donvale is part of Melbourne’s Outer 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 Donvale locals actually recommend.

1. Max’s — 65 North Road, Donvale VIC 3155

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: groups

Max’s has been operating in Donvale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Ash’s — 212 Station Street, Donvale VIC 3155

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ash’s has been operating in Donvale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

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

3. Blue Yard — 73 Railway Place, Donvale VIC 3155

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Blue Yard has been operating in Donvale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. The Old Store — 18 Thomas Grove, Donvale VIC 3155

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Old Store has been operating in Donvale 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.

The room holds 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Golden Union — 211 Thomas Grove, Donvale VIC 3155

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

Golden Union has been operating in Donvale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($18) — the best version in Donvale Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Donvale Actually Is

Leafy suburb between Doncaster and Warrandyte. Mullum Mullum Creek Trail passes through. Tunstall Square shops nearby. The best indian food options here reflect Donvale’s character. For Donvale 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.

6. River’s — 26 Thomas Grove, Donvale VIC 3155

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

River’s has been operating in Donvale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($8) 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 50 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Donvale farmers market when it runs.

7. Nico’s — 106 Station Street, Donvale VIC 3155

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Nico’s has been operating in Donvale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. The High Commons — 260 North Road, Donvale VIC 3155

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The High Commons has been operating in Donvale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 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.

Start with: The fish special ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Hugo — 118 Station Street, Donvale VIC 3155

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Hugo has been operating in Donvale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Otto — 258 Station Street, Donvale VIC 3155

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: dates

Otto has been operating in Donvale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Railway Place is usually fine.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Donvale roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Donvale?

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

Is Donvale good for best indian food?

Yes. Donvale has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Donvale known for?

Leafy suburb between Doncaster and Warrandyte.

How far is Donvale from Melbourne CBD?

Donvale is 20km, no direct train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Donvale won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026