Best Indian Food in Kew East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Kew East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The New Cellar is the one everyone knows. Otto Union is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. Kew East sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Kew East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Golden Social — 313 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Golden Social has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s 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 space seats about 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($24) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew East roaster — ask which one.

2. Merchant — 4 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: solo diners

Merchant has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Cleo’s — 271 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

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

Cleo’s has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The daily soup ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Blake Street after 6pm.

4. The Lucky Yard — 342 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Lucky Yard has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Kew East farmers market when it runs.

5. Sol Standard — 138 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Sol Standard has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Blake Street after 6pm.

Kew East — The Honest Version

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. The best indian food options here reflect Kew East’s character. For Kew East 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. Felix Store — 357 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: dates

Felix Store has been operating in Kew East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($19) 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 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Gus’s — 166 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Gus’s has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($15) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: They source produce from Kew East farmers market when it runs.

8. Red Store — 51 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Red Store has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Max Press — 275 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Max Press has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($14) 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on William Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The daily soup ($20) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. High Social — 278 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: solo diners

High Social has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Kew East?

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

Is Kew East good for best indian food?

Yes. Kew East has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Kew East known for?

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops.

How far is Kew East from Melbourne CBD?

Kew East is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Kew East 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