Best Indian Food in Kew Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Kew to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Hazel House is the one everyone knows. Ada’s is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Kew sits in the Middle East corridor, 6km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Kew since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Common Bench — 238 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: dates

Common Bench has been operating in Kew for since 2019 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.

Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Old Mill — 69 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Old Mill has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($15) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($18) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Max Pantry — 240 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Max Pantry has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Hazel’s — 92 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Hazel’s has been operating in Kew for since 2019 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Kew Actually Is

Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Studley Park and Yarra Bend Park provide extensive parkland along the Yarra River. The best indian food options here reflect Kew’s character. If you’re living in or near Kew, 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.

5. New Yard — 96 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

New Yard has been operating in Kew for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. Operator — 342 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Operator has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Stella Commons — 178 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: budget eaters

Stella Commons has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($11) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Swan Parade is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($12) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Ruby Cellar — 313 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ruby Cellar has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The daily soup ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Swan Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Kew?

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

Is Kew good for best indian food?

Yes. Kew has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Kew known for?

Kew Junction and High Street shopping.

How far is Kew from Melbourne CBD?

Kew is 6km, 15min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Kew: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026