Best Indian Food in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Honest Corner |
| Free highlight | The Long Bench |
| Family-friendly | House |
| Locals only | Kitchen |
| Indoor option | Pilgrim |
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
Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.
Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — solid
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
Capacity is around 39 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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 space seats about 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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 room holds 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The fish special ($22) — solid 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
The room holds 63 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — solid
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
The room holds 39 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
