Tonka

Welcome to the alternate reality of Tonka, where chef Adam D’Sylva and partners have conclusively proven Indian food was ready for its fine dining close-up. Like thinking back to a pre-marriage equality Australia, it’s almost quaint to remember that when Tonka opened there were mutterings about the upwardly mobile aspirations of a cuisine beset by curry house sameness. But Tonka remains in a league of its own in going for the high-end jugular, showing no mercy in its $40-plus curries and winning the love of a city by making it worth the splash-out.

Down a dodgy-looking city alleyway, Tonka is awesome for several reasons. It's in the same building that once housed the legendary 90s sin-pit nightclub Honky Tonks; it's both a restaurant and bar; and the kitchen reworks trad Indian flavours into bold and thrilling dishes. A pani puri (dainty, flavour-packed pastry) comes filled with mung beans and spiced potato, spiked with date and tamarind chutney, and mint water, or clams are done Mangalorean style with coconut and fennel, while main-course curries are deceptively rich and complex.

Tonka's dining room is long and elegant with billowy white mesh 'clouds' overhead. The food, however, is gloriously technicolour. The punchy flavours of…

Tonka is a well-loved restaurant in the hearts of foodies all over Australia since it serves some of the best modern Indian cuisine in the country and is conveniently located. Also, one of the first to shatter stereotypes about India by demonstrating its potential as a source of cutting-edge innovation and high-quality goods. The vindaloo steak tartare, burrata with fresh coriander and charred roti, and famous lamb curry with toasted coconut and black cardamom created by Chef Adam D'Sylva, who is now leading a new restaurant at W Melbourne, have earned him quite a reputation.

Located down Duckboard Place, Tonka is a testament to Adam D’Sylva’s influence when it comes to defining (and constantly redefining) the culinary landscape of Melbourne. What was once Melbourne’s CBD den of late-night hedonism, Tonka, is now an elegant modern Indian restaurant, violently ripping away the space’s seedy history and replacing it with three distinct but thematically connected dining areas. The once vigorous smell of cheap beer and residual cocaine is long gone, replaced by an aromatic palace of delicately layered Indian spices marching from the kitchen.

Imaginative yet refined Indian cuisine is what you can expect from this stylish spot tucked off one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways. The white tablecloths won’t stay pristine for long as you devour Tonka’sglorious saucy and succulent dishes–the lamb curry with roasted coconut and black cardamom is a mainstay, while contemporary creations like burrata with coriander relish and vindaloo steak tartare will expand your culinary horizons. It’s easily one of the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne.

Tonka is another most popular modern Indian eateries in the capital, has a particular place in the hearts of Australian foodies. And among the first to promote preconceived notions about what an Indian might be in the presence of contemporary flourishes and high-quality goods. For example, his vindaloo steak tartare and burrata with fresh coriander and burnt roti, as well as a unique lamb curry featuring black cardamom and toasted coconut, have earned him notoriety at the W Melbourne.

Tonka is one of the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne being the love child of highly successful Coda and a triumph of Adam D'Sylva (homage to his heritage) and Michael Smith (former head chef of Jacques Reymond). High end Indian has been a surprising gap in the culinary landscape in this city. Having experienced awesome high end Indian in other Australian cities like Adelaide, international cities, not to mention India itself, I was curious to see what awaited me at Coda.

The staff are warm yet professional and the dining room is stunning, accented by a twirling white installation hanging from the roof. Either head to the bar for drinks and snacks (think soft shell crab pakoras and spiced tuna tartare) or move through to the larger restaurant bar and formal dining room for longer feasting sessions. Depending on the vibe you’re after, one of these three spaces will help you experience some of the best Indian food in Melbourne.

A regular on such lists, Tonka simply has to make an appearance in ours. This popular restaurant is located right in the city, and describes itself as an “inspired interpretation of Indian cuisine, influenced by contemporary techniques and Australian produce”. You’ll see a wild range of menu options, from the chargrilled Fremantle octopus with badam puree and chilli pickled grapes, all the way to Tonka’s butter chicken, which is extremely popular.

Tonka, hidden behind the iconic graffitied walls of Flinders Lane, offers a modern Indian culinary experience that blends traditional flavors with a contemporary twist. Since opening in 2013, Tonka has earned a reputation for its refined approach and has maintained a One Hat status from The Age Good Food Guide. The restaurant features an ethereal installation by Naomi Troski and sweeping views of Flinders Street, creating an elegant atmosphere.

At the hip CBD alleyway home of chef Adam D’Sylva, diners can expect a sophisticated spin on classic flavours, showing that the Subcontinent is not all fire and brimstone. Highlights include the delicate, crisp-shelled pani puri one-bite pastries filled with spiced potato and mung beans, into which diners pour a herby, aromatic water, and a vindaloo version of steak tartare with fenugreek raita. The food is exceptional – as is the wine list.

At the front of Duckboard Place’s hatted modern-Indian restaurant Tonka, its in-house Thali Bar promises a more casual (and cheaper) experience. Perch at the bar to find traditional circular, stainless-steel thali platters loaded with your curry of choice (lamb rogan josh, butter chicken or a vegetarian option) plus dhal, raita, rice, naan and a salad. Make a booking or just walk in to claim the offer from Tuesday to Friday, noon to 2pm.

Experience the heady blend of Indian cuisine with a modern Melbourne twist at Tonka – Adam D’Sylva’s upmarket homage to India. Once a notorious nightclub, this Indian-inspired culinary hotspot caters to all – whether you’re stopping in for a bite, a drink or something in between. You can stick to the classics like Tonka’s butter chicken, or try something a little different like pink oyster mushroom pakora with tamarind raita.

Modern Indian Cuisine, Award Winning Wine List, Spanner Crab Salad, Pani Puri, Lamb Curry, Betel Leaf, Chicken Biryani, Mango Lassi, Vegetarian Friendly. Just off Flinders Lane, in one of Melbourne’s most well-known laneways, Duckboard Place, you’ll find the contemporary Indian eatery Tonka. Tonka is a restaurant that celebrates the vivacity of Indian flavors with an award-winning wine selection to match.

If you feel that you have tasted the best Indian food in Australia, visit Tonka that has raised the standards of modern Indian cuisine. Serving the family recipes from Executive Chef Adam D’Sylva and Hendri Budiman, the kitchen includes two tandoori ovens that prepare the classic naans and many bites for sharing and munching. Website:https://www.tonkarestaurant.com.auContact: +61 (03) 9650 3155

Modern Indian food doesn’t get much better than this as one of the leading Indian restaurants in Melbourne CBD. Tonka takes tried-and-tested recipes from Head Chef Chanon Boriharnvanakhet and fuses them into punchy plates fit for city dining. The kitchen includes two tandoori ovens cooking all your classic naan favourites, plus loads of small and large bites for sharing and grazing.

Tonka stands out among Melbourne’s greatest fine dining restaurants for its innovative take on Indian cuisine. This restaurant expertly combines traditional flavours with contemporary techniques to provide an unforgettable dining experience. Tonka is well-known for its outstanding desserts and warm, pillowy naan bread, making for an unforgettable eating experience.

Indian food given a thoroughly modern Melbourne stamp is yours for the taking at Adam D’Sylva’s sleek celebration of the subcontinent. The elegant dining room transports you a world away from the grungy Melbourne laneway outside. Food-wise, tradition is respected – that tandoor oven pumps juicy lamb cutlets and a mean pork tikka – but is not slavishly adhered to.

Tonka is one of the modern Indian restaurants in Duckboard Place, Melbourne. You can find delicious dishes such as soft shell pakora with highly addictive seasoning in this restaurant. Tonka has few tandoor ovens which are modern stainless steel versions of the traditional cookers that are responsible for serving the best Indian cuisine.

Tonkais located on Flinders Lane behind graffitied walls, and offers great views of Flinders Street. Founded in 2013, it is an Indian restaurant that uses contemporary techniques and European influence to bring its food to life. A key part of Tonka is its two tandoor ovens, which are run by trained experts and chefs.

Tonka is a Melbourne restaurant that reimagines Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The dining space feels relaxed yet lively, and the menu showcases creative takes on familiar flavors. It’s a welcoming spot for those looking to explore something new while still appreciating classic influences.

Tonka’s modern Indian cuisine is very well hidden in Duckboard Place. Try his next-level butter chicken, chargrilled octopus and fried cauliflower with garam masala. For something sweet, order the mango lassi ice cream in a chocolate brownie sandwich or the delightful saffron poached peaches.

Owner/chef Adam D’Sylva’s Tonka is one of Melbourne’s must-try contemporary Indian restaurants. The menu features an assortment array of Indian-inspired dishes, made using the best quality Australian ingredients. Flavours are fresh and vibrant, and the quality of the produce shines through.

Tonka, formerly Honky Tonks, is a dining experience that truly is special. From the moment you walk in, you know this place is unique. There's a lovely white installation hanging from the roof that complements the warm and professional service provided by the staff.

With an ever-growing Indian population, Melbourne has many good Indian corners. But if we talk about modern upscale Indian restaurants, then Tonka is worth highlighting. This place is worth a visit; here, you can meet attractive singles or dine with your soulmate.

Location: 20 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9650 3155. Since it’s opening in 2013, Adam D’Sylva’s Tonka has shakened up conceptions around Indian cuisine. It’s impossible to write about the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne and not mention it.

Indian flavours are far too uncommon at the top-end of dining, an issue Tonka has been smartly redressing for years. The wine list is a cracker, but we're more partial to the smart cocktail menu and its wealth of refreshing, South Asian-inspired mixes.

For the people who are purely vegetarian and crave for Indian food, then Tonka is the place for you. From the lip-smacking Pani Poori to the Pakoras you can find all of it there. This place has beautiful ambiance.

Tonka - Located in Flinders Lane, Tonka serves up contemporary Indian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features dishes from all over India, with a focus on bold flavors and innovative cooking techniques.

(Tonka and Horn Please are also excellent.) I love an efficient, Melbourne-institution minute steak and fries at France-Soir, or the more relaxed, Lillet-spritz version at Entrecôte in South Yarra.

Thanks to a constantly-growing Indian population, Melbourne has a bunch of good casual Indian spots. But when it comes to modern upscale Indian restaurants?. Tonka is pretty much it.

Let the team behind Coda tempt you with their Indian-inspired menu lauded by both the Good Food Guide and Australian Gourmet Traveller.