Best Indian Food in Northcote Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Northcote to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Pearl House is the one everyone knows. Red Bench is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee. Northcote sits in the Middle North corridor, 6km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Northcote since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Northern Depot — 338 Swan Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Northern Depot has been operating in Northcote for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The space seats about 60 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

2. Sunny Kitchen — 310 Maple Lane, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: groups

Sunny Kitchen has been operating in Northcote 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($21) — the best version in Northcote Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Leo Union — 264 Brunswick Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Leo Union has been operating in Northcote for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($20) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Collective — 339 Brunswick Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: groups

Collective has been operating in Northcote for several years 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 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Maple Lane is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Oliver Table — 39 Maple Lane, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: solo diners

Oliver Table has been operating in Northcote for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Northcote Is Worth Knowing

High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee. Westgarth Cinema is a local landmark. The best indian food options here reflect Northcote’s character. For Northcote 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.

6. Ada’s — 217 Maple Lane, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Ada’s has been operating in Northcote for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($14) — the best version in Northcote Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Yard — 69 Brunswick Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Yard has been operating in Northcote for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($16) — the best version in Northcote Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Mia’s — 49 High Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mia’s has been operating in Northcote for since the early 2020s 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 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Stella Yard — 139 Brunswick Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Stella Yard has been operating in Northcote for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 30 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Northcote roaster — ask which one.

10. Common Yard — 19 Swan Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Common Yard has been operating in Northcote for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The room holds 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Avenue is usually fine.

Get the: The fish special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Nell’s — 291 Brunswick Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Nell’s has been operating in Northcote for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Maple Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Northcote?

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

Is Northcote good for best indian food?

Yes. Northcote has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Northcote known for?

High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee.

How far is Northcote from Melbourne CBD?

Northcote is 6km, 14min train, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Northcote 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