Best Indian Food in Footscray Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Footscray has genuine best indian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Southern Cellar and The Old Bench lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 5km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner West region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. One of Melbourne’s most exciting food suburbs. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Footscray 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. High Lane — 299 Ash Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: the whole crew

High Lane has been operating in Footscray for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($25) — the best version in Footscray Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. The Northern Bench — 122 Ash Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Northern Bench has been operating in Footscray for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 57 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Railway Road is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Bench — 174 Elm Crescent, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: families

Bench has been operating in Footscray for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

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

Go for: The crispy chicken ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Sol — 209 Railway Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Sol has been operating in Footscray for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Sunny Standard — 55 Railway Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Sunny Standard has been operating in Footscray for since the early 2020s 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 room holds 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Footscray Is Worth Knowing

One of Melbourne’s most exciting food suburbs. Vietnamese, Ethiopian, African, and South Asian cuisines. Footscray Market. The best indian food options here reflect Footscray’s character. If you’re living in or near Footscray, 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. Hugo’s — 161 Maple Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Hugo’s has been operating in Footscray for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Maple Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Footscray farmers market when it runs.

7. Rex Pantry — 345 Maple Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Rex Pantry has been operating in Footscray for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Rex Room — 120 Ash Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: groups

Rex Room has been operating in Footscray for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Maple Drive is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Commons — 187 Elm Crescent, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Commons has been operating in Footscray for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Drive is usually fine.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Footscray Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Iris Room — 376 Elm Crescent, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: dates

Iris Room has been operating in Footscray for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($12) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. Cleo Local — 175 Elizabeth Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Cleo Local has been operating in Footscray for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Maple Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Footscray?

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

Is Footscray good for best indian food?

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

What is Footscray known for?

One of Melbourne’s most exciting food suburbs.

How far is Footscray from Melbourne CBD?

Footscray is 5km, 8min train, 10min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Footscray 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