Best Indian Food in Nunawading Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Nunawading has genuine best indian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Rosa’s and Rex’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Nunawading 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. Humble Table — 180 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: groups

Humble Table has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Mabel’s — 220 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Mabel’s has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The house-made relish ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Finn Social — 280 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Finn Social has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The house-made relish ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Finn Cellar — 318 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

Finn Cellar has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 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.

Capacity is around 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Locals Stay in Nunawading

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Eastern suburbs retail corridor. The best indian food options here reflect Nunawading’s character. Whether you’re based in Nunawading 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.

5. The Honest Place — 282 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Honest Place has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. White Press — 71 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: groups

White Press has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($10) 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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. The Half Commons — 271 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Half Commons has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($19) 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 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

8. Rosa’s — 365 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: remote workers

Rosa’s has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($22) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Ava Local — 58 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: groups

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

Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The daily soup ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Nunawading?

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

Is Nunawading good for best indian food?

Yes. Nunawading has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Nunawading known for?

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station.

How far is Nunawading from Melbourne CBD?

Nunawading is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Nunawading 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