Best Indian Food in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Research has genuine best indian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Table and New Works lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 9-20km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Research 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. Theo Corner — 222 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Theo Corner has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 61 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Honest Standard — 38 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: families

Honest Standard has been operating in Research for several years 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 room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

3. The Long Works — 107 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Long Works has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the best version in Research Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.

4. Nico Mill — 99 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Nico Mill has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Research Is Worth Knowing

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. The best indian food options here reflect Research’s character. If you’re living in or near Research, 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. Mabel Kitchen — 126 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

Mabel Kitchen has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Store — 243 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Store has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.

7. Felix’s — 361 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Felix’s has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($16) — the best version in Research Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Nell Union — 77 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Nell Union has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Research?

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

Is Research good for best indian food?

Yes. Research has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?

Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Research isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026