Best Indian Food in Fitzroy Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Fitzroy has genuine best indian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Ivy Lane and Common Place lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 2km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Fitzroy 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. The High Yard — 152 Smith Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The High Yard has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Merchant — 221 North Road, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: groups

Merchant has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on North Road is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. The Northern Mill — 197 Smith Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Northern Mill has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($19) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Pine Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The seasonal special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Merchant — 253 Queen Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Merchant has been operating in Fitzroy for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($10) 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Stella Standard — 18 Smith Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Stella Standard has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

The Reality of Fitzroy

Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb. Galleries, vintage shops, live music. The best indian food options here reflect Fitzroy’s character. If you’re living in or near Fitzroy, 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. Theo Mill — 49 Smith Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Theo Mill has been operating in Fitzroy for several years 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 room holds 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($21) — the best version in Fitzroy Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Old Depot — 288 Queen Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: families

Old Depot has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. The Green Store — 342 North Road, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Green Store has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Fitzroy roaster — ask which one.

9. Southern Works — 169 Queen Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Southern Works has been operating in Fitzroy for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 52 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Pine Drive is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Vera’s — 52 North Road, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: groups

Vera’s has been operating in Fitzroy for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($18) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.

Get the: The fish special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Sunny Standard — 164 North Road, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: families

Sunny Standard has been operating in Fitzroy for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Fitzroy?

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

Is Fitzroy good for best indian food?

Yes. Fitzroy has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Fitzroy known for?

Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb.

How far is Fitzroy from Melbourne CBD?

Fitzroy is 2km, 10min tram, 6min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Fitzroy 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