Best Indian Food in St Kilda Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best indian food scene in St Kilda is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Mia Social, then check out Pearl’s. Luna Park, Acland Street, the Esplanade — St Kilda is Melbourne’s most famous bayside suburb. Located 6km from the CBD, St Kilda is part of Melbourne’s Inner South region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that St Kilda locals actually recommend.

1. Theo’s — 13 Willow Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Theo’s has been operating in St Kilda for since 2019 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 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 Plenty Road is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. High Place — 345 High Crescent, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

High Place has been operating in St Kilda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) 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. Street parking on Plenty Road is usually fine.

Try this: The house-made relish ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Cleo’s — 212 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: remote workers

Cleo’s has been operating in St Kilda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($16) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from St Kilda farmers market when it runs.

4. Collective — 34 Willow Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Collective has been operating in St Kilda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 33 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Why St Kilda Is Worth Knowing

Luna Park, Acland Street, the Esplanade — St Kilda is Melbourne’s most famous bayside suburb. Live music, restaurants, and beach culture. The best indian food options here reflect St Kilda’s character. If you’re living in or near St Kilda, 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 White Corner — 51 High Crescent, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: dates

The White Corner has been operating in St Kilda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($16) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($13) — the best version in St Kilda Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. The Sunny Corner — 199 Plenty Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: groups

The Sunny Corner has been operating in St Kilda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($15) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Plenty Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from St Kilda farmers market when it runs.

7. Nico Depot — 260 Plenty Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nico Depot has been operating in St Kilda for since the early 2020s 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the best version in St Kilda Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. The High Union — 188 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The High Union has been operating in St Kilda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Crescent is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($15) — the best version in St Kilda Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in St Kilda?

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

Is St Kilda good for best indian food?

Yes. St Kilda has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is St Kilda known for?

Luna Park, Acland Street, the Esplanade — St Kilda is Melbourne’s most famous bayside suburb.

How far is St Kilda from Melbourne CBD?

St Kilda is 6km, 20min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — St Kilda won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026