Best Indian Food in Thornbury Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best indian food option in Thornbury to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Post is the one everyone knows. High Union is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. High Street extends from Preston into Thornbury with a vibrant bar and cafe scene. Thornbury sits in the Middle North corridor, 7km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best indian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Thornbury since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Common Social — 27 Margaret Avenue, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: families

The Common Social has been operating in Thornbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($12) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The fish special ($18) — the best version in Thornbury Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Thornbury roaster — ask which one.

2. Theo’s — 37 Market Crescent, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Theo’s has been operating in Thornbury for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

Capacity is around 32 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. River’s — 37 Market Crescent, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

River’s has been operating in Thornbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($17) — the best version in Thornbury Insider tip: Parking is free on Railway Street after 6pm.

4. Kai Quarter — 14 Elizabeth Drive, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Kai Quarter has been operating in Thornbury for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($10) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Crescent is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Thornbury farmers market when it runs.

The Thornbury That Locals Know

High Street extends from Preston into Thornbury with a vibrant bar and cafe scene. One of Melbourne’s most sought-after inner-north suburbs. The best indian food options here reflect Thornbury’s character. Whether you’re based in Thornbury 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. Felix’s — 142 Lake Street, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Felix’s has been operating in Thornbury for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

6. The Southern Commons — 183 Elizabeth Drive, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Southern Commons has been operating in Thornbury for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elizabeth Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($14) — the best version in Thornbury Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Ava Depot — 206 Railway Avenue, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ava Depot has been operating in Thornbury for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Crescent is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Finn’s — 314 Elizabeth Drive, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) A solid local spot Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

Finn’s has been operating in Thornbury 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 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Vera’s — 49 Market Crescent, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (indian food) Worth the detour Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: dates

Vera’s has been operating in Thornbury for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($17) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best indian food options in Thornbury?

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

Is Thornbury good for best indian food?

Yes. Thornbury has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Thornbury known for?

High Street extends from Preston into Thornbury with a vibrant bar and cafe scene.

How far is Thornbury from Melbourne CBD?

Thornbury is 7km, 16min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Thornbury 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