Best Indian Food in Elsternwick Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Elsternwick to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Blue Mill is the one everyone knows. Hugo is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip. Elsternwick sits in the Inner South corridor, 8km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Elsternwick since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Leo’s — 266 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Leo’s has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($23) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on West Street is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. The Blue Standard — 231 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: groups

The Blue Standard has been operating in Elsternwick 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on West Street is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Elsternwick farmers market when it runs.

3. Luna Cellar — 240 West Street, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Luna Cellar has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($24) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lygon Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Hazel Commons — 42 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: groups

Hazel Commons has been operating in Elsternwick 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 room holds 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. The Southern Union — 162 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: remote workers

The Southern Union has been operating in Elsternwick for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($16) 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 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on West Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. River Corner — 375 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

River Corner has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on William Place is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Elsternwick Actually Is

Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip. Elsternwick Village has strong Jewish community heritage. The best indian food options here reflect Elsternwick’s character. If you’re living in or near Elsternwick, 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. Social — 275 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Social has been operating in Elsternwick for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($15) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. The Golden House — 195 Swan Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Golden House has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($13) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Elsternwick roaster — ask which one.

9. The Bright Room — 170 West Street, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Bright Room has been operating in Elsternwick for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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.

Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on West Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($15) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Felix’s — 245 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Felix’s has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. Local — 257 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: budget eaters

Local has been operating in Elsternwick for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

12. The Red Bench — 345 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: groups

The Red Bench has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Elsternwick farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Elsternwick?

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

Is Elsternwick good for best indian food?

Yes. Elsternwick has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Elsternwick known for?

Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip.

How far is Elsternwick from Melbourne CBD?

Elsternwick is 8km, 16min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Elsternwick 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