Tandoori Den — Restaurant in Melbourne

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Tandoori den, and I can confidently say that it was an unforgettable culinary experience. From the warm atmosphere to the exceptional flavors, this Indian restaurant exceeded all of my expectations and more. If you’re a fan of authentic Indian cuisine or looking to try something new, this place is an absolute must-visit!

Ambiance: The moment you step into Tandoori den, you’re greeted with a beautifully decorated space that captures the essence of Indian culture. The décor is rich and vibrant, with colorful textiles, intricate patterns, and tasteful lighting that create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The warm and friendly staff further enhances the welcoming vibe. Whether you're here for a casual meal or a special occasion, the ambiance sets the perfect tone for a memorable dining experience.

Service: The service at Tandoori den is outstanding. From the moment we arrived, we were promptly seated and made to feel comfortable. The staff are incredibly attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to make your experience enjoyable. Our server was well-versed in the menu and offered great recommendations based on our preferences. We never had to wait long for anything, and the staff checked in just the right amount to ensure we had everything we needed. The attention to detail in customer service truly stands out.

Food: Now, let’s talk about the food. Simply put, it was divine! The menu at Tandoori den offers a wide range of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes, each bursting with bold, authentic flavors. We started with the Samosa Chaat as an appetizer, and it was the perfect mix of crunchy, tangy, and spicy—absolutely delicious! For the main course, we tried the Butter Chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh, both of which were rich, tender, and full of depth. The naan was fresh, soft, and warm, a perfect accompaniment to the flavorful gravies. The Dal Tadka was comforting and packed with flavor, and the Biryani was aromatic, with just the right amount of spice. Each dish was perfectly balanced and presented beautifully, making every bite a joy.

The portion sizes are generous, so you definitely get your money’s worth. Whether you're a spice lover or prefer milder options, the menu has something for everyone. I also appreciated that they offer a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring there’s something for every dietary need.

Drinks and Desserts: To complement the meal, we ordered a refreshing Mango Lassi, which was thick, creamy, and perfectly sweet—definitely a must-try! For dessert, we indulged in the Gulab Jamun and Kheer, both of which were the ideal sweet finish to our meal. The Gulab Jamun was warm, syrupy, and soft, and the Kheer was creamy, fragrant with cardamom, and absolutely delicious.

Cleanliness and Ambience: The restaurant is immaculately clean and well-maintained, which adds to the overall dining experience. The tables, chairs, and restrooms are spotless, making it clear that hygiene is a top priority here. The ambient music playing in the background adds to the authenticity of the atmosphere, creating a relaxed, enjoyable environment without being overpowering.

Overall Experience: Overall, my experience at Tandoori den was exceptional in every way. From the impeccable service to the vibrant and flavorful dishes, everything exceeded my expectations. It’s clear that the team at Tandoori den is passionate about delivering an authentic and high-quality Indian dining experience. Whether you're a regular Indian food enthusiast or someone looking to explore new flavors, this restaurant is a fantastic choice.

I highly recommend Tandoori den for anyone looking for delicious Indian food, exceptional service, and an unforgettable dining experience. It’s definitely earned a well-deserved 5-star rating, and I can’t wait to return for...

The Den going strong after 45 years reckon they must be doing something good to have such a long run in this competitive food market.

Personally visiting this place for about 30 years and finally doing a review in Oct 2025.

Their Tandoor behind wall of glass is one of the highlights of the restaurant.

Service is prompt and friendly. Place is busy most days so bookings are recommended.

For the food test our default Indian template is tandoori mix grill for starters and Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, Palak Paneer for mains with Tandoori roti and garlic naan.

The above order covers most areas to conduct a presentation, flavour, spice and quality test.

Main course serving size is good, meat quality could be better in terms of cuts and freshness overall still very good.

Butter Chicken sauce needs to be bit more rich to bring that velvety feeling.

Rogan Josh was lovely with the right amount of spice kick.

Palak paneer was balanced in cream and spinach.

Roti and Naan were above average, good size too.

Parking on the street is available most times.

Keep going for another 45 years serving good quality food with a smile.

4 stars Will return to...

Unfortunately, tonight, being beautiful Friday night, we had the most horrible experience of tasting the most horrible Indian food along with the mentally undernourished service, directly from the owner - Gaurav.

Firstly we waited for 15 min for the table and they gave us a table opposite the restrooms. They had tables available in the restaurant but we just can’t fanthom getting this unlucky table. When requested, one of the cold attitude waiters gave us table on level 1 of the cafe.

Then came the food. We ordered Dal Makhani and Tikka Chicken as main dishes. Tikka chicken was a tasteless and dish that does not even taste close to any Chicken dish.

In short, when we finished our food, we went to the cashier’s point to pay for the food (even though the food s@)$.

Their we told the owner (Gaurav) the food really tasted like garbage. His reply was “we will try to do it better next time”.

Being in a legal profession, I have travelled the world and have eaten at great places around the world.

Love Melbourne.

This is the most lousiest Indian restaurant that I have ever been.

This place does not...