Best Indian Food in The Basin Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in The Basin to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Red House is the one everyone knows. The Tall House is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Small Dandenong Ranges suburb. The Basin sits in the Outer East corridor, 32km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering The Basin since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Tall House — 312 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Tall House has been operating in The Basin for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Works — 237 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Works has been operating in The Basin for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Honest House — 355 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Honest House has been operating in The Basin for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Nina — 271 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: remote workers

Nina has been operating in The Basin for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 53 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Kitchen — 305 Margaret Road, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Kitchen has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($13) 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 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Crescent is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Why The Basin Is Worth Knowing

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb. The Basin Triangle shops. Direct access to 1000 Steps and Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. The best indian food options here reflect The Basin’s character. If you’re living in or near The Basin, 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. Mia — 206 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Mia has been operating in The Basin for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. The Little Depot — 380 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: remote workers

The Little Depot has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Marco Quarter — 102 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Marco Quarter has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Creek Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local The Basin roaster — ask which one.

9. Cleo Union — 232 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Cleo Union has been operating in The Basin for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Swan Crescent is usually fine.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. The Southern Pantry — 92 Margaret Road, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Southern Pantry has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

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

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in The Basin?

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

Is The Basin good for best indian food?

Yes. The Basin has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is The Basin known for?

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb.

How far is The Basin from Melbourne CBD?

The Basin is 32km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The Basin 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