Note that the 4 stars here is for the food only…read more We've come to love and laugh at Cafe Spice's other 'quirks' but they might put off many others: The place is nothing to look at and void of any atmosphere (often empty), the kitchen where you pick up your take-away from doesn't look the cleanest (with hardly-enticing tubs of what I assume is pre-made gravies sitting around), and the main fella who runs this place is a bit of an odd-bod who thinks nothing of butting in on your meal at any time with weird non-sequiturs - ends of stories he didn't start telling you - like a senile grandparent, and grumbling a little under his breath as he stalks the room. BUT -- I don't care one bit about any of that, because the Beef Madras is so f***ing good. I don't even think it appears on the takeaway menu but they still make it when asked, and make it good. Great tender beef chunks and perfectly balance spices. My sig-other is crazy about her Butter Chicken and swears it's also up there with the best she's had. If a potentially quirky night dining in isn't your thing then perhaps stick to take-away, but we will put up with a lot more than just the above for our favourite dishes.

Best Indian in Melbourne. Service is unique and the owner Sanjeev is so friendly. He will sit down…read moreand have chat with you. The taste of food dances on your tongue. I travel from Westmeadows and only eat here. Kids are welcome and bookings can be made. You won't be disappointed .

Machan is AMAZING! wouldn't want to try Indian food anywhere…read moreelse! The staff is super friendly, always greeted with a genuine smile, very consistent with service and attending tables. Food is delish! Pakoras ($7) Chicken Tikka ($14) Garlic Naan- super tasty ($3.50) always go for the Butter Chicken- it melts in your mouth ($16.50) & must have the Gulab Jamun for dessert ($6.50). Ohhhh and they have Mango Lassi- perfect and thick with mango ($4.50). I always leave here amazed by the friendliness, and the mouth watering food leaves you eager to enjoy again!

Look no further. Always delicious, friendly and clean. We have been loyal customers for many years…read moreand have never been disappointed. If you are looking for mouthwatering Indian cuisine backed with great service this is the place. Cheers!

Really good Indian food on the main drag in Heidelberg. You can tell a lot of thought is put into…read morethe cooking here -- they obviously take pride in the dishes they create. The flavours are incredible -- just the right blend of exotic spices. Everything tastes unique and very high-quality. This is not your typical cheap-tasting mass-produced Indian food, that's for sure. They have plenty of vegetarian options here (for both entrees and mains) and they can tell you which options are spicy, which options contain dairy, etc. The vegan options for the mains include the aloo gobhi (cauliflower and potato), channa masala (chickpeas and tomato), and vegetable jalfrezi (sautéed veggies). I had the aloo gobhi and it was delicious, although admittedly a little dry. (It says on the menu it's dry-cooked, but I guess I was still surprised that there was no sauce at ALL.) I really felt like I needed something liquid-y or oily to dip it in so it wouldn't be as dry, but that's just me. My boyfriend had the vegetarian Kashmiri korma (veggies, cream, cottage cheese, almonds, and cashews) and he LOVED his dish. We also shared some rice with peas, which was yum. The menu here is pretty extensive, with heaps of options, and even includes an "Indo Chinese" section. With such a large menu, you have to wonder if the food is just hit or miss here, and we just so happened to order two of their better dishes -- but somehow I don't think so. The flavours in our dishes were sophisticated, and I think most of their food would be just as good. Prices here are good, with mains in the $11-15 range and filling (especially when you order one of their many rice dishes to share). Service was a little curt, but not unfriendly. Atmosphere-wise, the place is a little cheesy-looking with checkered floors, heavy decor, and mustard-yellow walls, but you can always grab a window seat and people-watch through the wide windows instead. I'll definitely be back to try their other vegan options. Yum.

Some of the best indian outside of India. The spices are fresh and the mango lassi is the best I've…read morehad since being in India. The Order might take a while but it's well worth the wait. This isn't a indian restaurant/takeaway that mass produces there curry and microwaves them. Aroma, and spice taste fresh. If your after an authentic Indian experience food wise this place is to die for, and should be added to any foodies bucket list