Best Indian Food in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best indian food scene in Highett is growing every year. Start at House, then check out The Common Quarter. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Located 15km from the CBD, Highett is part of Melbourne’s Bayside 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 Highett locals actually recommend.

1. Max — 243 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Max has been operating in Highett for since 2019 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. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($16) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Old Lane — 198 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Old Lane has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($16) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. River — 251 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

River has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($23) 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 39 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

4. The White Cellar — 35 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The White Cellar has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

5. The Northern Cellar — 328 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Northern Cellar has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

The Reality of Highett

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The best indian food options here reflect Highett’s character. For Highett 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. The Old Social — 5 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Old Social has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

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

7. Ivy Social — 234 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: solo diners

Ivy Social has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($9) 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 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

8. Zara — 124 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Zara has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

9. Luna’s — 6 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Luna’s has been operating in Highett for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.

10. Ada’s — 43 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ada’s has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) 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 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($14) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Highett?

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

Is Highett good for best indian food?

Yes. Highett has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?

Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Highett isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026