Best Indian Food in Templestowe Lower Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Templestowe Lower to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Red Post is the one everyone knows. The Red Works is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Templestowe Lower sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Templestowe Lower since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Golden Lane — 237 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Golden Lane has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($25) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. The High Works — 372 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: budget eaters

The High Works has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($24) 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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($25) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Tall Store — 108 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Tall Store has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. The New Pantry — 324 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: remote workers

The New Pantry has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.

5. Union — 30 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Union has been operating in Templestowe Lower 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

What Templestowe Lower Actually Is

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Close to Tikalara Park trails. The best indian food options here reflect Templestowe Lower’s character. If you’re living in or near Templestowe Lower, 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. Otto — 4 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Otto has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The daily soup ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Theo Yard — 348 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Theo Yard has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 63 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 charcuterie board ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Southern Corner — 186 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Southern Corner has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The space seats about 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Remy Room — 6 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Remy Room has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($10) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. River Union — 196 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (indian food) A local institution Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

River Union has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s 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.

The space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($22) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Templestowe Lower?

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

Is Templestowe Lower good for best indian food?

Yes. Templestowe Lower has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Templestowe Lower known for?

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.

How far is Templestowe Lower from Melbourne CBD?

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

Templestowe Lower 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