Best Indian Food in Malvern Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Malvern to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Pantry is the one everyone knows. Humble Quarter is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Glenferrie Road/High Street junction has retail and dining. Malvern sits in the Inner South corridor, 8km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Malvern since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Northern Quarter — 212 Hill Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: dates

The Northern Quarter has been operating in Malvern for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. The Tall Commons — 223 Anderson Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: families

The Tall Commons has been operating in Malvern for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Bench — 87 Brunswick Avenue, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Bench has been operating in Malvern for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Charles Street after 6pm.

4. New Yard — 98 Rowan Parade, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: remote workers

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

The space seats about 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Why Malvern Is Worth Knowing

Glenferrie Road/High Street junction has retail and dining. Malvern Gardens. Established family suburb in Stonnington. The best indian food options here reflect Malvern’s character. If you’re living in or near Malvern, 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. Anchor — 196 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Anchor has been operating in Malvern for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($9) 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 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Leo’s — 176 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Leo’s has been operating in Malvern for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($11) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Hill Street after 6pm.

7. Theo’s — 56 Anderson Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Theo’s has been operating in Malvern for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($19) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($23) — the best version in Malvern Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. The Honest Quarter — 96 Hill Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Honest Quarter has been operating in Malvern for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($16) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Malvern farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Malvern?

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

Is Malvern good for best indian food?

Yes. Malvern has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Malvern known for?

Glenferrie Road/High Street junction has retail and dining.

How far is Malvern from Melbourne CBD?

Malvern is 8km, 16min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Malvern 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