Best Indian Food in South Yarra Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in South Yarra to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Good Cellar is the one everyone knows. The Southern Social is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Chapel Street, Toorak Road, and the Royal Botanic Gardens define South Yarra. South Yarra sits in the Inner South corridor, 3km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering South Yarra since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Sunny Cellar — 315 Willow Lane, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: the whole crew

Sunny Cellar has been operating in South Yarra for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Chapel Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Good Yard — 377 Chapel Terrace, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Good Yard has been operating in South Yarra for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from South Yarra farmers market when it runs.

3. Hugo — 59 Chapel Terrace, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Hugo has been operating in South Yarra for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Chapel Terrace is usually fine.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Kai Pantry — 85 Elm Street, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Kai Pantry has been operating in South Yarra for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from South Yarra farmers market when it runs.

Why South Yarra Is Worth Knowing

Chapel Street, Toorak Road, and the Royal Botanic Gardens define South Yarra. One of Melbourne’s densest and most vibrant suburbs. The best indian food options here reflect South Yarra’s character. Whether you’re based in South Yarra 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. Lena Works — 323 Elm Street, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: budget eaters

Lena Works has been operating in South Yarra for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Murray Place is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($27) — the best version in South Yarra Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. The Red Depot — 332 Willow Lane, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Red Depot has been operating in South Yarra for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($16) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Nina’s — 371 Creek Road, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Nina’s has been operating in South Yarra for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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.

Capacity is around 47 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 seasonal special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Ash’s — 28 Willow Lane, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ash’s has been operating in South Yarra for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($12) — the best version in South Yarra Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is South Yarra good for best indian food?

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

What is South Yarra known for?

Chapel Street, Toorak Road, and the Royal Botanic Gardens define South Yarra.

How far is South Yarra from Melbourne CBD?

South Yarra is 3km, 6min train, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about South Yarra: 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