Best Indian Food in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best indian food scene in Mentone is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Good Pantry, then check out Gus Social. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Located 20km from the CBD, Mentone 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 Mentone locals actually recommend.

1. Old Kitchen — 143 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: dates

Old Kitchen has been operating in Mentone 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Ava Commons — 257 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: dates

Ava Commons has been operating in Mentone 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Finn Quarter — 122 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Finn Quarter has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

4. The Lucky Quarter — 48 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: dates

The Lucky Quarter has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. The New Standard — 47 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: families

The New Standard has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

The Mentone That Locals Know

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. The best indian food options here reflect Mentone’s character. If you’re living in or near Mentone, 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. Oliver — 192 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: solo diners

Oliver has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Place — 93 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Place has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Blue Cellar — 105 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Blue Cellar has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($14) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

9. Otto Yard — 364 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Otto Yard has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($21) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Marco Mill — 47 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Marco Mill has been operating in Mentone for over a decade 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 room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Mentone?

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

Is Mentone good for best indian food?

Yes. Mentone has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?

Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Mentone is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026