Best Indian Food in Oakleigh South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Oakleigh South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Social is the one everyone knows. Ada’s is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Residential suburb with Oakleigh South Shopping Centre. Oakleigh South sits in the Middle South corridor, 12-18km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Oakleigh South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Red Pantry — 149 Railway Parade, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Red Pantry has been operating in Oakleigh South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

2. High Post — 336 Ash Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

High Post has been operating in Oakleigh South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($8) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Ash Terrace is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Ash Street after 6pm.

3. Finn Quarter — 121 Bell Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: the whole crew

Finn Quarter has been operating in Oakleigh South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the best version in Oakleigh South Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Nell — 245 Bay Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: solo diners

Nell has been operating in Oakleigh South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($27) 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 52 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Ash Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Half Lane — 211 Bay Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: the whole crew

Half Lane has been operating in Oakleigh South for over a decade 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 room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bell Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. The New Local — 162 High Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The New Local has been operating in Oakleigh South for several years 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.

The space seats about 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Railway Street after 6pm.

Why Oakleigh South Is Worth Knowing

Residential suburb with Oakleigh South Shopping Centre. Close to Huntingdale station. The best indian food options here reflect Oakleigh South’s character. If you’re living in or near Oakleigh South, 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. River’s — 307 Bell Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: remote workers

River’s has been operating in Oakleigh South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($15) — the best version in Oakleigh South Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Long Local — 232 Bay Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: remote workers

Long Local has been operating in Oakleigh South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($14) — the best version in Oakleigh South Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Oakleigh South roaster — ask which one.

9. Canvas — 78 Ash Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: budget eaters

Canvas has been operating in Oakleigh South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Railway Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. The Golden Store — 136 Bell Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Golden Store has been operating in Oakleigh South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the best version in Oakleigh South Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. Red Pantry — 112 Railway Parade, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: groups

Red Pantry has been operating in Oakleigh South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($10) — the best version in Oakleigh South Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

12. Max’s — 337 Bell Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Max’s has been operating in Oakleigh South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Terrace is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Oakleigh South roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Oakleigh South?

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

Is Oakleigh South good for best indian food?

Yes. Oakleigh South has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Oakleigh South known for?

Residential suburb with Oakleigh South Shopping Centre.

How far is Oakleigh South from Melbourne CBD?

Oakleigh South is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Oakleigh South 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