Blog post
🥟
🍛 Food6 min read18 March 2026

Best Nepali Restaurants in Melbourne 2026 — The Complete Guide

From the CBD to Chapel Street — the complete guide to the best Nepali restaurants in Melbourne in 2026, with what to order at each.

Melbourne has one of Australia's largest and most active Nepali communities — and the restaurant scene reflects that. From a CBD institution that's been open since 1995 to modern Nepalese-fusion bars on Collins Street, there's something for every mood and occasion. Here's the complete guide to Nepali restaurants in Melbourne in 2026.

1. Gurkhas Nepalese Restaurant — Melbourne CBD

Melbourne's original Nepali restaurant at 11 Cohen Place in the CBD has been serving since 1995 — making it one of the longest-running Nepali restaurants in Australia. Gurkhas is a Melbourne institution. The menu covers authentic Nepali classics: buff momo, dal bhat, sekuwa, goat curry, and more. The atmosphere is warm and the portions are generous. A must-visit for anyone new to Nepali food.

💡

Must order: Buff Momo and Dal Bhat Thali. Perfect for large groups.

2. Old Durbar — Melbourne CBD

At 294 Flinders Street, Old Durbar is one of Melbourne's most popular Nepali restaurants. Named after the historic Durbar Square in Kathmandu, it serves a broad menu of Nepali and Indian dishes with a focus on quality. Their momos are consistently praised, and the ambience makes it a great choice for a date night or family dinner.

💡

Must order: Steamed Momo and Chicken Sekuwa.

3. Magic Momo Kafe — Melbourne CBD

Tucked into 335 Flinders Lane, Magic Momo Kafe specialises in Nepali and Newari street food. If you want authentic Nepali snacks — chatpate, wai wai sadheko, buff momo, khaja sets — this is your spot. Casual, affordable, and consistently good for a quick lunch or early dinner.

💡

Must order: Buff Momo and Newari Khaja Set.

4. Momo Station — Melbourne CBD

As the name suggests, Momo Station at Shop 12, 113 Swanston Street is all about momos. Located inside one of Melbourne CBD's busiest retail strips, it's fast, fresh and focused. Great for a quick momo fix — steamed buff or chicken with house achar.

💡

Must order: Steamed Buff Momo. Great for a quick CBD lunch.

5. AYLA — Melbourne CBD

The most upscale option on this list, AYLA at 392 Little Collins Street brings modern Nepalese cuisine to a stylish bar setting with cocktails and live music. The menu elevates traditional Nepali dishes with contemporary plating. Ideal for a special occasion or corporate dinner.

💡

Must order: Momo Platter and their signature cocktails. Book ahead.

6. Lah Bros — Windsor

At 119 Chapel Street in Windsor, Lah Bros brings modern Nepalese dining to Melbourne's inner south. A popular spot with the younger crowd, it blends Nepali flavours with a relaxed, social atmosphere. Great for groups.

💡

Must order: Momo Platter and Chicken Sekuwa.

7. Aagaman Restaurant — Port Melbourne

At 271 Bay Street, Port Melbourne, Aagaman is a licensed Nepali and Indian restaurant with a loyal local following. The menu covers all the classics, and the service is warm and attentive. A great neighbourhood restaurant for South Melbourne and Port Melbourne residents.

💡

Must order: Nepali Momo and Lamb Curry.

8. Nepal Dining Room — Malvern East

At 156 Waverley Road in Malvern East, Nepal Dining Room is a modern Nepalese restaurant and bar with a sophisticated menu. Ideal for Melbourne's eastern suburbs crowd looking for quality Nepali food in a relaxed setting.

💡

Must order: Chilli Momo and Goat Curry.

9. Chilli Everest — Melbourne CBD

Located inside Melbourne Central at 360 Elizabeth Street, Chilli Everest is one of the most accessible Nepali restaurants in the city. Convenient for shopping centre visitors, it serves reliable momos and curries at affordable prices.

💡

Must order: Steamed Momo and Butter Chicken.

  • The Melbourne CBD has the highest concentration of Nepali restaurants in Australia — several are within walking distance of each other.
  • Buff (buffalo) momo is the most distinctly Nepali option — richer and more flavourful than chicken, and not commonly found outside Nepali restaurants.
  • Most Melbourne Nepali restaurants are licensed — you don't need to BYO.
  • For the most authentic experience, look for restaurants that serve Newari dishes like khaja sets, sukuti, and chiura alongside the usual menu.
  • Bookings are recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings at most Melbourne Nepali restaurants.

See full menus, hours and contact details for all Melbourne Nepali restaurants

Browse Melbourne restaurants →

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Nepali restaurant in Melbourne?

Melbourne has a growing Nepali dining scene. Momo Republic in the CBD is highly rated for its momos and Newari dishes. Himalayan Feast in Clayton is a community favourite for dal bhat. KTM Groceries in Tarneit also runs a café-style eatery. The inner west and Clayton area have the highest concentration of Nepali restaurants.

Where do Nepalis live in Melbourne?

Melbourne's Nepali community is concentrated in the western and south-eastern suburbs. Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing, Sunshine, Clayton, and Dandenong have the largest populations, which is reflected in the location of Nepali grocery stores and restaurants.

What is the Thakali set meal?

The Thakali set is Nepal's benchmark restaurant meal, originating from the Thakali people of the Mustang region. It includes steamed rice, dal (lentil soup), two or three vegetable curries, achar (pickle), papadum, and often a meat curry, yoghurt, and ghee. It is the most complete version of dal bhat and widely available at Melbourne Nepali restaurants.

How much does a Nepali meal cost in Melbourne?

Melbourne Nepali restaurants are generally affordable. Momos cost $15–$20, dal bhat or thali sets $22–$30, and a full dinner for two is typically $55–$80. Weekday lunch specials at some restaurants bring the cost down to $16–$20 for a full set meal.

Tags:Nepali restaurant Melbournebest Nepali food Melbournemomo MelbourneMelbourne 2026Nepalese restaurant Melbourne

More articles

✨ AI