Best Indian Food in Newport Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Newport has genuine best indian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Pearl and Mabel’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 9km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner West region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Mason Street strip has cafes and shops. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Newport 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. Zara’s — 13 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: remote workers

Zara’s has been operating in Newport for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Newport roaster — ask which one.

2. Mabel Pantry — 255 Station Parade, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Mabel Pantry has been operating in Newport for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Newport farmers market when it runs.

3. Honest Social — 344 Barkly Parade, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Honest Social has been operating in Newport 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Max’s — 34 Bay Grove, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

Max’s has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($10) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Barkly Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. The Half Corner — 148 Bay Grove, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Half Corner has been operating in Newport for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Edward Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Zara’s — 140 Station Parade, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Zara’s has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Nobody Tells You About Newport

Mason Street strip has cafes and shops. Newport Lakes — a former quarry now home to wildlife. Close to Williamstown. The best indian food options here reflect Newport’s character. Whether you’re based in Newport or visiting from nearby, 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.

7. Luna’s — 7 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Luna’s has been operating in Newport for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Newport roaster — ask which one.

8. Theo’s — 70 Station Parade, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: dates

Theo’s has been operating in Newport for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Grove is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($23) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Commons — 207 Bay Grove, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: families

Commons has been operating in Newport for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($8) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Station Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The daily soup ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Northern Place — 354 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Northern Place has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($26) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Station Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Newport roaster — ask which one.

11. The Golden Social — 103 Edward Drive, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: solo diners

The Golden Social has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($16) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Ada Local — 315 Bay Grove, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ada Local has been operating in Newport 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Newport?

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

Is Newport good for best indian food?

Yes. Newport has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Newport known for?

Mason Street strip has cafes and shops.

How far is Newport from Melbourne CBD?

Newport is 9km, 15min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Newport: 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