Old Durbar has become a household name for anyone chasing authentic Nepalese flavours in Melbourne. With restaurants in the CBD on Flinders Street, Nunawading, and Brunswick, it’s the spot locals and visitors alike recommend when you’re craving momos, daal bhat, or a proper Nepalese thali.
Melbourne’s food scene is famously diverse, but Old Durbar has carved out a special place of its own. It’s not just about serving delicious plates – it’s about creating an experience that feels homely, welcoming, and full of culture. Whether you’re Nepalese and looking for a taste of home, or brand new to the cuisine and curious to give it a go, Old Durbar makes that first step easy.
So, what is it about Old Durbar that makes it Melbourne’s go-to Nepalese dining experience? Let’s dig in.
A Menu That Covers All the Nepalese Classics
Plenty of restaurants specialise in one or two signature dishes, but Old Durbar has gone the extra mile. Their menu reads like a greatest hits list of Nepalese cuisine. From simple comfort foods to festival favourites, you’ll find most of the dishes that make up the backbone of Nepalese dining.
There are steaming plates of daal bhat (lentils with rice), flavour-packed thali sets that give you a little bit of everything, and a variety of grilled meats cooked with spices that warm you from the inside out. For anyone new to the cuisine, it’s the perfect way to explore without missing out on the essentials. For Nepalese locals, it’s a taste of home served with pride.
The Famous Momos
If there’s one dish that sums up Nepalese food for many, it’s the momo. These dumplings are small in size but huge in flavour, filled with either spiced meat or veg, and usually paired with a tangy dipping sauce.
Old Durbar has become something of a momo destination. Whether you like them steamed, fried, or smothered in sauce, their version ticks all the boxes. The dough is soft but sturdy, the fillings juicy, and the spice level just right. Plenty of customers admit they come back just for the momos – and fair enough, they’re hard to resist.
Locations That Make It Easy
One of the big drawcards of Old Durbar is accessibility. With three locations across Melbourne, it’s not just a city-centre thing.
- Melbourne CBD (Flinders Street): Perfect for after-work dinners, pre-theatre eats, or a weekend catch-up in the middle of the city.
- Nunawading: A favourite for locals in the eastern suburbs who don’t want to trek into town but still want authentic Nepalese food.
- Brunswick: Right in one of Melbourne’s foodie hot spots, this location adds even more flavour to an already diverse dining strip.
No matter which one you visit, the experience is consistent: hearty food, welcoming service, and that unique Old Durbar vibe.
More Than Just a Feed – It’s Comfort
There’s something about Nepalese food that hits differently. It’s not flashy or overcomplicated – it’s about balance, warmth, and nourishment. Dishes like daal bhat or chicken curry with rice aren’t just meals; they’re comfort on a plate.
Old Durbar manages to keep things traditional while making them approachable. Even if you’ve never tried Nepalese food before, nothing feels intimidating. Instead, it feels like sitting down for a proper home-cooked feed – only with the bonus of not having to do the dishes afterwards.
Drinks to Match the Meal
A good dining experience isn’t just about what’s on your plate. Old Durbar’s drinks menu has plenty to keep things interesting, from cold beers and wines to Nepali-style teas. They also like to throw in a few creative beverages with a cultural twist, which makes the meal feel even more complete.
A Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere
Food matters, but let’s be real – the vibe can make or break a night out. Old Durbar gets this right. The restaurants are relaxed enough for a casual dinner with mates but still polished enough for date night or family gatherings.
The staff are friendly, happy to explain dishes to anyone new to Nepalese flavours, and they never make you feel rushed. It’s the kind of spot where you can settle in, share plates, have a laugh, and take your time.
A Hub for Community and Culture
Another reason Old Durbar feels special is its strong ties to Melbourne’s Nepalese community. Festivals like Dashain and Tihar often bring people together at the restaurant, turning it into more than just a dining venue – it becomes a cultural hub.
That sense of belonging flows into everyday dining too. Whether you’re Nepalese yourself or a first-timer, you’re made to feel like part of the family. That inclusiveness is one of the big reasons the restaurant has such a loyal following.
Works for Any Occasion
Need a quick lunch? Done. Want a family dinner where everyone leaves full and happy? Sorted. Looking for a spot to impress on date night? Old Durbar has you covered.
The menu is designed around sharing and variety, so it suits groups just as much as it suits a table for two. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options alongside the meat dishes, no one has to miss out.
Why Melbourne Keeps Coming Back
In a city packed with options, only the best survive long-term. Old Durbar has nailed the winning formula: authentic food, generous portions, friendly service, and a welcoming vibe.
It’s not a one-and-done experience – it’s the kind of place you recommend to mates, bring your family to, or keep as your “local favourite.” That’s what makes it a standout in Melbourne’s dining scene.
Final Word
Old Durbar isn’t just about eating out – it’s about experiencing Nepalese culture through food. With a menu that covers most of Nepal’s culinary classics, famous momos that keep people coming back, and three convenient locations across Melbourne (Flinders Street, Nunawading, and Brunswick), it’s no wonder this restaurant has become the city’s go-to Nepalese dining spot.
So, if you’re looking for something different yet familiar, hearty yet exciting, Old Durbar is where you’ll find it. Whether it’s your first taste of Nepalese food or your hundredth, you’ll walk away full, happy, and already planning your next visit.
