Best Indian Food in Templestowe Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Hugo’s |
| Best free option | Rosa’s |
| Best for families | Press |
| Best local secret | Mabel’s |
| Best for rainy days | Tall Corner |
We’ve tested every best indian food option in Templestowe to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Old House is the one everyone knows. Humble Place is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Templestowe 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 since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Leo Bench — 239 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132
What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Leo Bench has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The house-made relish ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
2. Mia Depot — 51 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132
What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Mia Depot has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.
The room holds 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. Bright Works — 42 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132
What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: the whole crew
Bright Works has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($13) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. The Old Social — 364 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132
What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The Old Social has been operating in Templestowe 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.
What Makes Templestowe Different
Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Tikalara Park and Westerfolds Park. The best indian food options here reflect Templestowe’s character. Whether you’re based in Templestowe 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. Nina’s — 180 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132
What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Nina’s has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.
Capacity is around 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
6. Finn’s — 337 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132
What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Finn’s has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Sydney Place is usually fine.
Ask for: The fish special ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.
7. Hugo’s — 143 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132
What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Hugo’s has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($18) 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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe roaster — ask which one.
8. Nell’s — 115 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132
What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: remote workers
Nell’s has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.
Start with: The charcuterie board ($17) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
9. Ruby — 243 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132
What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: groups
Ruby has been operating in Templestowe for several years 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 room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
Explore More
- Doncaster East Best Indian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Templestowe Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Templestowe Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Templestowe Complete Guide — everything about Templestowe
- Compare Suburbs — see how Templestowe stacks up
- All Templestowe Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best indian food options in Templestowe?
Hugo’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Templestowe good for best indian food?
Yes. Templestowe has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Templestowe known for?
Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.
How far is Templestowe from Melbourne CBD?
Templestowe is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Templestowe to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.
Last updated: March 2026

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