Tonka

Tonka Tonka, located on Duckboard Place just off Flinders Lane, is a modern Indian restaurant that celebrates the vibrancy of Indian flavours. With an award-winning wine list and experienced and passionate team, Tonka provides a unique dining experience. Despite being highly recommended to book, walk-in patrons can be accommodated with an available area. For those who prefer a more casual experience, Thali bar offers a substantial menu for cocktails and relaxed meals. Tonka's sister restaurant Coda is also within walking distance and together both restaurants have received the Age Good Food Guide’s ‘Hat Award’ every year since their inception in 2013.
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Recent social media posts

We’re lucky to get our hands on some truly unique bottles, from familiar favourites to w**es you may never have tried be...
03/10/2026

We’re lucky to get our hands on some truly unique bottles, from familiar favourites to w**es you may never have tried before. Our team knows the list inside out, so tell us what you enjoy and let us find your next glass.

30/09/2026

We asked Eddie a few questions about the thinking behind our w**e list.

From what Eddie looks for when choosing new bottles to how he matches the w**e to Tonka flavours and more.

Bhutte ka kees tostada with curry leaf podi and mango pickle and of course, pani puris. Bright, light and full of flavou...
28/09/2026

Bhutte ka kees tostada with curry leaf podi and mango pickle and of course, pani puris. Bright, light and full of flavour, it’s the perfect way to begin your meal, especially with one of our cocktails alongside it.

Lunch beneath Tonka’s artwork Drift, with spring light pouring into the dining room and plenty of Tonka favourites acros...
26/09/2026

Lunch beneath Tonka’s artwork Drift, with spring light pouring into the dining room and plenty of Tonka favourites across the table.

Take your time, order another round and let lunch stretch into the afternoon.

23/09/2026

Kate takes us through some of Tonka’s menu, how the ideas, inspiration and menu itself has evolved over the years and where Tonka is today.

Always moving, changing and making room for something unexpected.

You’ve heard the stories, now come and taste the cocktails.The Tonkatini, Sahida Highball and Guindilla Gimlet are waiti...
21/09/2026

You’ve heard the stories, now come and taste the cocktails.

The Tonkatini, Sahida Highball and Guindilla Gimlet are waiting at the bar. Start with one, stay for all three.

Good friends, a table full of Tonka favourites and nowhere else you need to be.Join us for lunch or dinner, order plenty...
19/09/2026

Good friends, a table full of Tonka favourites and nowhere else you need to be.

Join us for lunch or dinner, order plenty for the table and settle in.

16/09/2026

We’ve been keeping a little secret.

Our tandoori ocean trout was so loved that we had to bring it back. You still won’t find it printed on the menu, but those who know, know. Ask our team next time you are at Tonka.

Just ask our team and it’s yours.

Tandoori chicken with ranch and guindillas.Fresh, bright and made for sharing. Order it to start the table, enjoy it bet...
14/09/2026

Tandoori chicken with ranch and guindillas.

Fresh, bright and made for sharing. Order it to start the table, enjoy it between dishes, or keep the whole plate to yourself. We wouldn’t blame you.

Spring has arrived in the Tonka dining room.Designed by Technē Architecture + Interior Design, the space opens onto swee...
12/09/2026

Spring has arrived in the Tonka dining room.

Designed by Technē Architecture + Interior Design, the space opens onto sweeping views across Birrarung Marr, framed by Naomi Troski’s beautiful ceiling installation, Drift. As the season changes and the landscape outside turns greener, this room only becomes more special.

Tonka can be your date spot, your catch-up spot, your celebration spot, or your private and semi-private event spot.That...
07/09/2026

Tonka can be your date spot, your catch-up spot, your celebration spot, or your private and semi-private event spot.

That’s one of the best things about Tonka. Whether you’re joining us for lunch, dinner, drinks or something a little more special, there’s a space and a menu to suit the occasion.

Come as you are, bring your people and leave the rest to us.

A Pinot Noir that spent five years underwater. Something pretty special on our list at Tonka; the 2018 Wilimee Underwate...
03/09/2026

A Pinot Noir that spent five years underwater. Something pretty special on our list at Tonka; the 2018 Wilimee Underwater Pinot Noir from the Macedon Ranges.

After bottling, the w**e was submerged underwater for five years, maturing in complete darkness and at a naturally stable temperature. The result is a Pinot Noir with beautiful depth, bright red fruit, earthy spice and a subtle saline edge.
A pretty fascinating bottle, and certainly not something you come across every day.

Ask us about it next time you’re at Tonka.

Thali Lunch at Tonka means a little bit of everything on one plate; curry, dal, raita, rice, naan and wombok salad.Choos...
02/09/2026

Thali Lunch at Tonka means a little bit of everything on one plate; curry, dal, raita, rice, naan and wombok salad.

Choose from Malabar paneer, Mangalorean chicken or Meredith ex-dairy goat.

Available Tuesday to Friday for lunch at the Thali Bar, starting from $29.

31/08/2026

Chef Shanvi talks us through our ghee confit heirloom mushrooms with stracciatella, and why every ingredient is there, perfectly balanced and working together.

It’s in its final two weeks on the menu. Seasons change, and so does our menu, so if you haven’t tried this one yet, now’s the time.

A Pinot Noir that spent five years underwater. Yes, really.We have something pretty special on our list at Tonka; the 20...
31/08/2026

A Pinot Noir that spent five years underwater. Yes, really.

We have something pretty special on our list at Tonka; the 2018 Wilimee Underwater Pinot Noir from the Macedon Ranges.

After bottling, the w**e was submerged underwater for five years, maturing in complete darkness and at a naturally stable temperature. The result is a Pinot Noir with beautiful depth, bright red fruit, earthy spice and a subtle saline edge.

A pretty fascinating bottle, and certainly not something you come across every day.

Ask us about it next time you’re at Tonka.

A few Tonka favourites, great drinks and even better company. What more could Dad ask for?Celebrate Father’s Day the Ton...
27/08/2026

A few Tonka favourites, great drinks and even better company. What more could Dad ask for?

Celebrate Father’s Day the Tonka way. Good food, plenty to share and a table full of his favourites.

Mangalorean confit duck curry with preserved dates and walnuts. Make sure to order the black garlic naan with it, you’ll...
25/08/2026

Mangalorean confit duck curry with preserved dates and walnuts. Make sure to order the black garlic naan with it, you’ll want it to soak up every last bit of that sauce.

21/08/2026

Thali Lunch is back at the Thali Bar, Tuesday to Friday.

Each Thali comes with dal, raita, rice, naan and wombok salad.

Choose from:

Malabar paneer curry finished with pepitas tadka
Mangalorean chicken curry with preserved date and walnut
Slow-cooked Meredith ex-dairy goat with salli botti

A very good reason to do lunch at Tonka.

Originally put on the menu as an in-betweener, something to accompany the main event. It didn’t quite work out that way....
14/08/2026

Originally put on the menu as an in-betweener, something to accompany the main event. It didn’t quite work out that way.

Our charred Brussels sprouts with green chilli jam and goat’s curd quickly became a favourite all on their own. One of those dishes people come back for, order every time and definitely don’t want to share.

31/07/2026

If you think Indian food is always heavy, think again.

Head Chef Shanvi shares one of her favourite dishes at Tonka to prove otherwise.

Tonka is looking for experienced Front of House professionals to join our team.Please send your CV to eddie@tonkarestaur...
30/07/2026

Tonka is looking for experienced Front of House professionals to join our team.

Please send your CV to [email protected] to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!

Address

20 Duckboard Place
Melbourne, VIC
3000

To reach the Indian restaurant at Duckboard Place, you can take a train or tram to Flinders Street Station and then walk north towards Flinders Lane. Additionally, there are several public parking facilities around this area where you can park your car for a fee.

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 3pm
5:30pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday 12pm - 3pm
5:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday 12pm - 3pm
5:30pm - 10pm
Thursday 12pm - 3pm
6pm - 10pm
Friday 12pm - 10pm
Saturday 12pm - 10pm
Sunday 12pm - 9:30pm

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What people say

Indian restaurants are known for their vibrant flavors and spices that tantalize the taste buds. Tonka, located in Melbourne's iconic Flinders Lane precinct, is a modern Indian restaurant that takes this experience to the next level. The restaurant is situated in Duckboard Place, one of Melbourne's most famous laneways.

Tonka has been serving up delicious Indian cuisine since 2013 and has consistently received the Age Good Food Guide’s ‘Hat Award’ every year. This is a testament to the quality of food and service that Tonka provides its customers.

The menu at Tonka is extensive and offers a range of dishes that cater to all tastes. From traditional curries to modern twists on classic Indian dishes, there is something for everyone. The wine list at Tonka is also award-winning and perfectly complements the flavors of the food.

For those who prefer a more relaxed dining experience, Tonka's bar Thali offers a substantial menu of cocktails and snacks. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full meal, Thali has something to satisfy your cravings.

Overall, Tonka is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an authentic Indian dining experience in Melbourne. With its vibrant flavors, award-winning wine list, and passionate team of staff, it's no wonder why Tonka has become one of Melbourne's most popular restaurants.