Best Indian Food in Surrey Hills Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Surrey Hills has genuine best indian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Vera’s and The Good Commons lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14-22km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Surrey Hills 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. Atlas House — 262 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Atlas House has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($10) 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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Zara Union — 220 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: solo diners

Zara Union has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($16) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

3. Lena’s — 221 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: the whole crew

Lena’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Iris — 328 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Iris has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Surrey Hills Actually Is

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. Strong community identity. The best indian food options here reflect Surrey Hills’s character. For Surrey Hills locals and anyone in the area, 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 Tall Post — 235 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Tall Post has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Brunswick Crescent is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Ruby Union — 216 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ruby Union has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The fish special ($17) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Nina Place — 81 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Nina Place has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. The Old Kitchen — 271 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: families

The Old Kitchen has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($14) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

9. The Golden Press — 215 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Golden Press has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Surrey Hills?

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

Is Surrey Hills good for best indian food?

Yes. Surrey Hills has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Surrey Hills known for?

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops.

How far is Surrey Hills from Melbourne CBD?

Surrey Hills is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Surrey Hills 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