Best Indian Food in Preston Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Preston has genuine best indian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Hazel’s and Social lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 8km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Preston 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. Canvas — 318 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: budget eaters

Canvas has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The room holds 49 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. The Humble Place — 248 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Humble Place has been operating in Preston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Oak Place is usually fine.

Try this: The house-made relish ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Preston roaster — ask which one.

3. Ash — 198 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: solo diners

Ash has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The daily soup ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Preston roaster — ask which one.

4. Leo Quarter — 41 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Leo Quarter has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($9) 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 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. The Sunny Local — 378 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Sunny Local has been operating in Preston for since 2019 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 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.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($19) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: Parking is free on Church Street after 6pm.

Why Preston Is Worth Knowing

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Rapidly gentrifying with cafes and bars opening monthly. The best indian food options here reflect Preston’s character. If you’re living in or near Preston, 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. Mill — 97 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Mill has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($22) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Marco — 147 Oak Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Marco has been operating in Preston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 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 sourdough bread ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Preston farmers market when it runs.

8. Leo’s — 188 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Leo’s has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: Parking is free on Church Street after 6pm.

9. The Tall Post — 283 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: groups

The Tall Post has been operating in Preston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($19) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Old Lane — 1 Oak Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Old Lane has been operating in Preston 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.

Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Preston?

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

Is Preston good for best indian food?

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

What is Preston known for?

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips.

How far is Preston from Melbourne CBD?

Preston is 8km, 18min train, 15min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Preston: 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