Best Indian Food in Malvern East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best indian food scene in Malvern East is growing every year. Start at Ava, then check out Ash Cellar. Darling Road and Waverley Road shops. Located 12-18km from the CBD, Malvern East is part of Melbourne’s Middle South 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 Malvern East locals actually recommend.

1. Lucky Mill — 309 Anderson Parade, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Lucky Mill has been operating in Malvern East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Edward Place is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Malvern East roaster — ask which one.

2. The New Depot — 287 Railway Grove, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: remote workers

The New Depot has been operating in Malvern East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 39 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Malvern East farmers market when it runs.

3. Hazel Commons — 100 Bourke Avenue, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Hazel Commons has been operating in Malvern East for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 33 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Malvern East farmers market when it runs.

4. The Red Place — 79 Bourke Avenue, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Red Place has been operating in Malvern East for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Anderson Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($21) — the best version in Malvern East Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Nobody Tells You About Malvern East

Darling Road and Waverley Road shops. Close to Chadstone and Malvern retail. The best indian food options here reflect Malvern East’s character. For Malvern 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.

5. Half Room — 168 Railway Grove, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Half Room has been operating in Malvern East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 64 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on King Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Cleo’s — 62 Anderson Parade, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Cleo’s has been operating in Malvern East for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($17) — the best version in Malvern East Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Atlas Kitchen — 365 King Terrace, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Atlas Kitchen has been operating in Malvern East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. The Golden Mill — 86 Bourke Avenue, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Golden Mill has been operating in Malvern East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Cleo Depot — 132 Railway Grove, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Cleo Depot has been operating in Malvern East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Malvern East good for best indian food?

Yes. Malvern East has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Malvern East known for?

Darling Road and Waverley Road shops.

How far is Malvern East from Melbourne CBD?

Malvern East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Malvern East: 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