Top 7 Best Nepalese Restaurants in Melbourne (2026 Guide)

This guide highlights the top 7 best Nepalese restaurants in Melbourne for 2026 — Old Durbar Nepalese Restaurant, Kathmandu Momo House, Aangan Nepalese & Indian Restaurant, Tandoori Den (Nepalese Menu), Base Camp Nepalese Kitchen, Gurkhas Nepalese Restaurant, and Thamel Nepalese Restaurant — all known for authentic flavours, traditional recipes, and loyal local followings across Melbourne.

Nepalese food has quietly become one of Melbourne’s most loved cuisines. Built on bold spices, slow-cooked curries, comforting soups, and iconic dishes like momo and choila, Nepalese cooking offers warmth, depth, and balance without relying on excessive heat or heaviness.

In 2026, Melbourne diners are far more aware of authenticity. They are looking beyond generic “Himalayan” menus and seeking restaurants that respect regional flavours, traditional techniques, and cultural identity. The best Nepalese restaurants in Melbourne are those that stay close to their roots while still appealing to a modern, multicultural audience.

This list focuses on Nepalese restaurants that consistently deliver flavour, authenticity, and a genuine dining experience — whether you’re a longtime fan of Nepali food or trying it for the first time.

What Defines a Great Nepalese Restaurant in Melbourne?

Great Nepalese food is not just about spice. It’s about balance, texture, and tradition.

The best Nepalese restaurants in Melbourne tend to share a few key traits:

• Properly seasoned curries that build flavour without overpowering
• Hand-made momo with well-balanced fillings and wrappers
• Respect for traditional dishes like sekuwa, choila, thukpa, and dal bhat
• Cooking methods that favour slow preparation over shortcuts
• A menu that reflects Nepali culture, not just Indian influence

With that in mind, here are the top Nepalese restaurants in Melbourne for 2026.

Top 7 Best Nepalese Restaurants in Melbourne

Old Durbar Nepalese Restaurant

Old Durbar Nepalese Restaurant sits at the top of the list for a reason. It is widely recognised for delivering deeply authentic Nepalese flavours while maintaining consistency across locations and service styles.

Old Durbar is especially known for:

• Rich, slow-cooked curries with layered spices
• Properly prepared momo with balanced seasoning
• Traditional Nepali dishes that stay true to their origins

What makes Old Durbar stand out is its commitment to authenticity without compromise. The flavours are bold but controlled, and the menu reflects genuine Nepali cooking rather than a simplified export version. For many diners, Old Durbar is the benchmark against which other Nepalese restaurants in Melbourne are judged.

Kathmandu Momo House

Kathmandu Momo House has built a strong reputation for serving some of the most satisfying momo in Melbourne. While momo are the hero, the broader menu reflects classic Nepali comfort food done well.

Highlights include:

• Juicy, well-wrapped momo with flavourful fillings
• Traditional Nepali street-food style dishes
• Warm, casual dining that feels genuinely Nepali

Kathmandu Momo House is especially popular with locals who value flavour over presentation and want food that feels home-style and honest.

Aangan Nepalese & Indian Restaurant

Aangan Nepalese & Indian Restaurant bridges Nepali and North Indian cuisines, but its Nepalese offerings stand out for their depth and authenticity.

The restaurant is known for:

• Well-spiced Nepalese curries
• Balanced use of herbs and aromatics
• A menu that introduces diners gently to Nepali flavours

Aangan is often a good choice for groups where some diners are new to Nepalese food but still want an authentic experience.

Tandoori Den

While Tandoori Den is often associated with Indian cuisine, its Nepalese menu items have earned a loyal following.

Diners appreciate:

• Nepalese curries prepared with care rather than shortcuts
• Comforting dishes that suit Melbourne’s cooler months
• Reliable flavour consistency

Tandoori Den is a solid option for diners seeking familiar comfort with genuine Nepali influence.

Base Camp Nepalese Kitchen

Base Camp Nepalese Kitchen leans into Himalayan identity, offering dishes inspired by Nepal’s mountain regions.

The menu typically features:

• Hearty soups and stews
• Mild but deeply flavoured curries
• Traditional recipes suited to colder climates

Base Camp appeals to diners who enjoy subtle spice, warmth, and slow-developing flavour rather than heat.

Gurkhas Nepalese Restaurant

Gurkhas Nepalese Restaurant reflects the strong cultural pride associated with Gurkha heritage and Nepalese cooking.

It is known for:

• Generous portions
• Robust, rustic flavours
• Traditional dishes that feel close to home cooking

Gurkhas is often favoured by Nepalese diners themselves, which is usually a strong indicator of authenticity.

Thamel Nepalese Restaurant

Named after Kathmandu’s famous district, Thamel Nepalese Restaurant focuses on approachable, crowd-pleasing Nepalese food.

Expect:

• Well-executed momo
• Familiar Nepalese curries
• A relaxed, casual dining atmosphere

Thamel is a good entry point for diners discovering Nepalese cuisine for the first time.

Why Nepalese Cuisine Continues to Grow in Melbourne

Nepalese food resonates strongly with Melbourne diners because it sits comfortably between comfort and complexity. It offers bold flavour without overwhelming spice and dishes that feel satisfying without being heavy.

In 2026, more diners are seeking:

• Authentic regional cuisines
• Handmade dishes like momo
• Food that tells a cultural story

Nepalese restaurants meet all of these expectations, which is why their popularity continues to rise.

How to Choose the Right Nepalese Restaurant for You

When choosing a Nepalese restaurant in Melbourne, consider:

• Whether you want traditional or fusion-leaning dishes
• Your spice tolerance
• Whether momo or curries are your priority
• Casual dining versus a sit-down experience

The best restaurant is often the one that aligns with how you like to eat, not just what’s most famous.

Final Thoughts: Best Nepalese Restaurants in Melbourne (2026)

Nepalese cuisine has firmly earned its place in Melbourne’s food scene. The restaurants listed above represent the best of what the city offers — from deeply traditional kitchens to modern, approachable interpretations.

At the top, Old Durbar Nepalese Restaurant continues to set the standard in 2026 for authenticity, flavour depth, and consistency. The others on this list each bring something unique, giving Melbourne diners plenty of ways to experience the richness of Nepali food.