Best Indian Food in Montrose Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Montrose has genuine best indian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Bright Room and Zara Pantry lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 33km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Montrose resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Nell — 143 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: remote workers

Nell has been operating in Montrose for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($27) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Otto Depot — 156 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Otto Depot has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Montrose farmers market when it runs.

3. Stella Yard — 346 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: solo diners

Stella Yard has been operating in Montrose for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Iris’s — 187 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Iris’s has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Archive — 265 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: groups

Archive has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($14) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

The Montrose That Locals Know

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character. Montrose Main Street has independent shops. Gateway to Silvan Reservoir. The best indian food options here reflect Montrose’s character. If you’re living in or near Montrose, 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. Common Social — 364 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Common Social has been operating in Montrose for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Common Lane — 312 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: remote workers

Common Lane has been operating in Montrose 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Honest Commons — 259 Willow Place, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Honest Commons has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Willow Place is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. The Good Quarter — 222 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Good Quarter has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($20) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

10. Golden Mill — 369 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Golden Mill has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 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.

Capacity is around 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montrose roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Montrose?

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

Is Montrose good for best indian food?

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

What is Montrose known for?

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character.

How far is Montrose from Melbourne CBD?

Montrose is 33km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Montrose isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026