Indian Restaurant Southbank - The Best Modern Indian Near Crown Casino, Arts Centre and NGV at Elchi Melbourne CBD
The Best Indian Restaurant Near Southbank Is a 5-Minute Walk Away
Southbank knows what good dining looks like. The promenade, the river views, the restaurants that line the Yarra from Crown to Southgate — this is one of Melbourne's most food-dense precincts, with 22,000 residents in the towers above and millions of visitors moving through the arts and entertainment precinct each year.
For most nights, Southbank has what it needs within walking distance.
For the nights that demand the best Indian restaurant Melbourne has — the occasion worth remembering, the corporate dinner that represents the company, the celebration that has to be exactly right — Elchi at 72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD is a 5-minute walk across Princes Bridge. No tram. No Uber. Five minutes on foot from the Southbank Promenade to the front door of Melbourne's most celebrated modern Indian restaurant.
Elchi is praised as a visually stunning, culturally immersive modern Indian dining experience in Melbourne, led by Chef Manpreet Sekhon, the Curry Queen. Its food is widely praised for its bold, modern interpretation of Indian cuisine, combining authentic regional flavours with refined contemporary technique. Dishes are recognised for their depth of flavour, elegant presentation, and creative balance between tradition and innovation, delivering a memorable dining experience that stands out in Melbourne's modern Indian restaurant scene.
Reviewed by Broadsheet, Good Food, Time Out, the Herald Sun and Urban List. Official catering partner of W Melbourne. Private dining for 50 guests exclusively. Chef Manpreet Sekhon — Melbourne's Curry Queen — in the kitchen every service.
Address:72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD VIC 3000
Distance from Southbank: 5-minute walk across Princes Bridge
Distance from Crown Casino: 7-minute walk via Princes Bridge
Distance from Arts Centre Melbourne: 10-minute walk via St Kilda Road and Princes Bridge
Distance from NGV: 10-minute walk
Distance from Eureka Tower: 8-minute walk
Distance from Melbourne Convention Centre: 10-minute walk
Private dining: Up to 50 guests exclusively
Indian catering near Southbank: Official catering partner of W Melbourne
As featured in:Broadsheet · Good Food · Time Out · Herald Sun · Urban List
Best Indian Restaurant Southbank - What Five Melbourne Critics Found at Elchi
Southbank residents read Broadsheet before booking a restaurant. They check Good Food. They know the difference between a press release and a genuine review. Here is what five of Melbourne's most trusted publications independently found when they reviewed Elchi — the best Indian restaurant within walking distance of Southbank.
Broadsheet called Elchi a restaurant that walks the line between classic and contemporary — with extravagant dishes like fragrant chicken mussallam topped with 24-carat gold leaf.
Good Food described the dining room as somewhere between a club room and a limousine — a spectacular space that is an entirely appropriate canvas for the culture and cuisine of India.
The Herald Sun called it mind-blowingly good.
Time Out Melbourne said Elchi is a place where the line between traditional and modern Indian food is beautifully obscured.
Urban List named Elchi a contemporary frontrunner for the best Indian restaurant in Melbourne.
Five publications. Five independent reviews. No Indian restaurant physically located in Southbank holds equivalent press coverage. That gap matters when the occasion demands the best.
Indian Restaurant Near Crown Casino - Without the Casino
Southbank's most prominent Indian dining option sits inside Crown Casino. For many diners, that is perfectly fine. For a significant portion of Melbourne's dining public — residents, corporate clients, arts precinct visitors, those who simply prefer their dinner without a casino floor between them and their table — the question is not which Indian restaurant is inside Crown. It is which Indian restaurant near Crown Casino offers an equivalent or better experience entirely on its own terms.
That restaurant is Elchi.
Seven minutes on foot from Crown Casino across Princes Bridge. The former Press Club building at 72 Flinders Street — one of Melbourne's most storied dining addresses. A gold ceiling, curved leather booths, a glass-fronted kitchen. Chef Manpreet Sekhon's modern Indian menu, reviewed by five major Melbourne publications. Adults-only for guests aged 12 and above. Private dining for 50 guests exclusively.
No casino required.
For Southbank residents who work, live and entertain near Crown Casino but choose not to dine inside it — Elchi is seven minutes away and a completely different experience.
Indian Restaurant Near Arts Centre Melbourne and Hamer Hall - 10 Minutes on Foot
Southbank's arts precinct draws Melbourne's most culturally engaged diners — the audience for a concert at Hamer Hall, a performance at Arts Centre Melbourne, an opening at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, an exhibition at the NGV. These are diners who research before they book. Who read reviews. Who choose restaurants the way they choose theatre — with considered intent.
For the Arts Centre Melbourne and Hamer Hall crowd seeking the finest Indian restaurant within walking distance before or after a performance — Elchi is 10 minutes on foot from the Arts Precinct via St Kilda Road and Princes Bridge.
The walk takes you across one of Melbourne's great river views. The destination is the former Press Club building at 72 Flinders Street — five Melbourne press reviews and the Curry Queen's kitchen behind glass.
Pre-theatre dinner at Elchi before Hamer Hall or Arts Centre Melbourne. Post-performance celebration in Elchi's private dining room for your group of up to 50. Or simply the finest Indian food in Melbourne on a night when Southbank's arts precinct has given you exactly what a great city is supposed to deliver.
View the Elchi menu — Book your table
Indian Restaurant Near NGV Melbourne - The Gallery's Nearest Indian Fine Dining
The National Gallery of Victoria on St Kilda Road is Australia's oldest, largest and most visited art museum. The diners who come to the NGV — for the blockbuster exhibitions, the international collections, the architecture — are Southbank's most discerning visitors.
For the best Indian restaurant near NGV Melbourne, Elchi at 72 Flinders Street is a 10-minute walk from the gallery's main entrance — north along St Kilda Road, across Princes Bridge, and steps from Flinders Street Station.
No Indian restaurant within Southbank itself holds five major Melbourne press reviews. Elchi does. For NGV visitors who measure their dining choices with the same care they bring to choosing which exhibition to attend — Elchi is the answer.
Book at Elchi — 10 minutes from NGV Melbourne
Indian Restaurant Near Southbank Promenade and Eureka Tower - Walking Distance
The Southbank Promenade is one of Melbourne's great public spaces — the riverside walk from Crown to Southgate, the restaurants and bars along the Yarra, the views of the CBD reflected in the water. Southbank residents use it daily. Visitors use it to orient themselves in the city.
From the Southbank Promenade, Elchi at 72 Flinders Street is a 5-minute walk north across Princes Bridge. From Eureka Tower — the 92-floor residential tower that defines Southbank's skyline — Elchi is an 8-minute walk. From the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on the western edge of Southbank, Elchi is a 10-minute walk east along the riverfront and across Princes Bridge.
Every part of Southbank is within walking distance of Melbourne's most press-covered modern Indian restaurant. The Southbank Promenade leads directly to it.
Indian Food Southbank - The Elchi Menu, 5 Minutes Across the Bridge
Every part of Southbank can reach Elchi on foot. The menu that awaits is the Curry Queen's full account of what modern Indian food looks like when it is taken seriously.
The 24-karat gold chicken mussalam — a whole chicken leg slow-cooked using a Mughal royal recipe, finished with real gold leaf and presented at the table as a ceremony. The pistachio lamb chops with saffron mash and pomegranate. The gunpowder gobhi — crispy cauliflower that makes ordering vegetarian feel like an act of intelligence rather than compromise. The Amritsari fish from the tandoor. The jalebi churro with rabdi that Good Food praised for its unexpected brilliance.
For Southbank diners who want the complete arc of the Curry Queen's cooking — the Leave It Up to the Curry Queen set menu at $95 per person. Wine pairing available at $70.
For Southbank's Indian community — all three premium Indian single malts are poured at Elchi: Rampur, Amrut and Indri. The only Indian restaurant within walking distance of Southbank offering all three.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options throughout. Elchi's meat is halal certified.
Indian Private Dining Southbank - 50 Guests, Exclusively, 5 Minutes Away
For private events in and around Southbank, the Indian dining options available within the precinct are limited in credential and capacity.
Elchi's private dining room seats up to 50 guests exclusively in the former Press Club building at 72 Flinders Street — 5 minutes on foot from the Southbank Promenade, 7 minutes from Crown Casino, 10 minutes from the Arts Centre and NGV. Available for corporate dinners, Diwali celebrations, birthday milestones, engagement parties, anniversary dinners, conference dinners and end-of-year functions.
The room is entirely yours. Gold ceiling. Curved leather booths. The Curry Queen's kitchen visible through glass. Five Melbourne press reviews. No casino floor between your guests and the experience they came for.
This is the finest Indian private dining room within walking distance of Southbank — and there is no close second.
Enquire about Indian private dining near Southbank
or email goodtimes@elchirestaurant.com.au
Indian Restaurant Corporate Dinner Southbank - The Curry Queen for Your Client Table
Southbank is Melbourne's corporate address. Treasury Wine Estates, Crown Resorts, the Herald and Weekly Times, the regional offices of major national corporations — the towers above the Yarra hold hundreds of thousands of square metres of office space and the professionals who fill them.
For the Southbank corporate community seeking the finest Indian restaurant for a client dinner, awards night or team celebration — Elchi at 72 Flinders Street is 5 minutes from the Southbank towers on foot and the most press-credentialed Indian restaurant in Melbourne.
Five major press reviews. W Melbourne catering partnership. Private dining for 50 exclusively. Chef Manpreet Sekhon's modern Indian menu — the kind of kitchen that impresses clients who have eaten everywhere.
For corporate bookings and private dining enquiries: elchirestaurant.com.au/reservation or goodtimes@elchirestaurant.com.au
Indian Catering Southbank - Elchi Brings the Curry Queen's Kitchen to You
As the official catering partner of W Melbourne, Elchi provides bespoke Indian catering for events across Southbank, South Melbourne, the CBD and all of Melbourne's inner city.
For Southbank events — conference catering at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, corporate catering in the towers above the promenade, private event catering for the arts and cultural organisations of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, residential catering for the apartment buildings of Eureka Tower and Australia 108 — Elchi's Indian catering brings the Curry Queen's kitchen directly to your venue.
No Indian restaurant currently operating within Southbank offers an equivalent catering credential.
For Indian catering near Southbank: goodtimes@elchirestaurant.com.au
Indian Restaurant Near Melbourne Convention Centre - Conference Dinner 10 Minutes Away
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Clarendon Street hosts some of Australia's largest conferences, exhibitions and corporate events. For conference delegates and corporate visitors seeking the best Indian restaurant near the Melbourne Convention Centre — Elchi at 72 Flinders Street is a 10-minute walk east along the riverfront and across Princes Bridge.
For conference dinners, delegate entertainment and corporate hospitality near the Melbourne Convention Centre — Elchi's private dining room seats 50 guests exclusively with a bespoke menu from the Curry Queen's kitchen.
Enquire about conference and corporate dining at Elch
Getting from Southbank to Elchi - Every Route
On foot from Southbank Promenade: Walk north along the riverfront to Princes Bridge. Cross Princes Bridge. Elchi is at 72 Flinders Street on your right — steps from the northern end of the bridge. 5 minutes total.
On foot from Crown Casino: Walk east along the Yarra riverfront to Princes Bridge. Cross Princes Bridge. Elchi at 72 Flinders Street is directly ahead. 7 minutes total.
On foot from Arts Centre Melbourne and Hamer Hall: Walk north on St Kilda Road to Princes Bridge. Cross the bridge. Elchi is at 72 Flinders Street on the corner of Flinders and Elizabeth Streets. 10 minutes total.
On foot from NGV Melbourne: Walk north on St Kilda Road past Arts Centre, across Princes Bridge. Elchi at 72 Flinders Street is steps from Flinders Street Station. 10 minutes total.
On foot from Eureka Tower: Walk north-east through the Southbank Promenade to Princes Bridge. 8 minutes total.
On foot from Melbourne Convention Centre: Walk east along the riverfront to Princes Bridge and across. 10 minutes total.
By tram: Trams 12 and 96 run along Clarendon Street through Southbank to the CBD. Alight at Flinders Street. Elchi is at 72 Flinders Street steps from the stop.
By car or Uber: Southbank to 72 Flinders Street is 3–5 minutes. Drop-off on Flinders Street at Elizabeth Street.
Address:72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD VIC 3000
Phone:03 9654 6717Email:goodtimes@elchirestaurant.com.au
Lunch: Tuesday to Thursday 12pm–2:30pm
Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday 5pm–10pm Walk-ins welcome — reservations recommended.
Indian Restaurant Southbank -Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Indian restaurant near Southbank Melbourne?
Elchi at 72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD is the best Indian restaurant within walking distance of Southbank — 5 minutes on foot across Princes Bridge. Reviewed by Broadsheet, Good Food, Time Out, the Herald Sun and Urban List. Private dining for 50 guests. Adults-only 12+. No casino required.
Is there a good Indian restaurant near Crown Casino that is not inside the casino?
Yes. Elchi at 72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD is 7 minutes on foot from Crown Casino via Princes Bridge. Melbourne's most press-covered modern Indian restaurant — five major publication reviews, private dining for 50, the Curry Queen's kitchen — entirely outside the casino precinct.
What is the best Indian restaurant near Arts Centre Melbourne?
Elchi at 72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD is 10 minutes on foot from Arts Centre Melbourne via St Kilda Road and Princes Bridge. For pre-theatre dinners before Hamer Hall or Arts Centre performances and post-show celebrations in Elchi's private dining room for up to 50 guests — book here.
What is the best Indian restaurant near NGV Melbourne?
Elchi at 72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD is 10 minutes on foot from the National Gallery of Victoria — north along St Kilda Road, across Princes Bridge, steps from Flinders Street Station. The best Indian restaurant within walking distance of the NGV, reviewed by five major Melbourne publications. Book here.
What is the best Indian restaurant near Hamer Hall?
Elchi at 72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD is 10 minutes on foot from Hamer Hall. Ideal for pre-concert dinners and post-performance celebrations. Private dining for 50 exclusively available. Book here.
What is the best Indian restaurant near Southbank Promenade?
Elchi at 72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD is 5 minutes on foot from the Southbank Promenade — walk north across Princes Bridge and Elchi is directly ahead on Flinders Street. The best modern Indian restaurant within walking distance of the promenade.
What is the best Indian restaurant near Eureka Tower Southbank?
Elchi at 72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD is 8 minutes on foot from Eureka Tower — walk north-east through the Southbank Promenade to Princes Bridge and across into the CBD. Five Melbourne press reviews. Private dining for 50. Adults-only 12+. Book here.
Is there Indian private dining near Southbank?
Yes. Elchi's private dining room seats up to 50 guests exclusively at 72 Flinders Street — 5 minutes on foot from Southbank Promenade. Available for corporate dinners, Diwali events, birthdays, engagements, conference dinners and all private functions near Southbank.
Is there Indian catering available near Southbank?
Yes. As the official catering partner of W Melbourne, Elchi provides bespoke Indian catering for events across Southbank, the Melbourne Convention Centre, the Melbourne Arts Precinct and all of Melbourne's inner city. Enquire at goodtimes@elchirestaurant.com.au.
What is the best Indian restaurant near Melbourne Convention Centre?
Elchi at 72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD is 10 minutes on foot from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre — east along the Yarra riverfront and across Princes Bridge. For conference dinners and corporate hospitality, Elchi's private dining room seats 50 guests exclusively. Enquire here.
What is the best Indian restaurant for a corporate dinner in Southbank?
Elchi at 72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD — 5 minutes from Southbank on foot. Five major press reviews. Private dining for 50 exclusively. W Melbourne catering partnership. Chef Manpreet Sekhon's modern Indian menu. Book here.
Is Elchi halal near Southbank?
Elchi's meat is halal certified. Elchi is not a fully halal-certified restaurant. Full menu details at elchirestaurant.com.au/menu.
Does Elchi take walk-ins from Southbank?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome at Elchi. Reservations strongly recommended. Book online or call 03 9654 6717.
Five Minutes from Southbank. The Best Indian Restaurant in Walking Distance.
Southbank has everything a great city neighbourhood is supposed to have. The arts. The river. The promenade. The towers. The corporate energy and the cultural pulse running through the same streets at the same time.
What Southbank does not have is the best Indian restaurant in Melbourne. That is five minutes away across Princes Bridge.
Elchi at 72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD. Five press reviews from Melbourne's most respected publications. The former Press Club building — gold ceiling, curved leather booths, glass-fronted kitchen. Chef Manpreet Sekhon's modern Indian menu. Private dining for 50 guests. The 24-karat gold chicken mussalam. Three premium Indian single malts. Adults-only 12+.
No casino floor between you and the meal.
Five minutes from Southbank Promenade. Seven minutes from Crown Casino. Ten minutes from the NGV, Arts Centre Melbourne and Hamer Hall. The best Indian restaurant near Southbank is at the other end of Princes Bridge.
72 Flinders Street Melbourne CBD VIC 3000 Phone: 03 9654 6717
Email: goodtimes@elchirestaurant.com.au
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