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Tonka

The appeal's partly due to its hidden laneway address, ex-nightclub digs and the picture windows over plane trees and the MCG.
TonkaTim Grey
Address
20 Duckboard Pl Melbourne, Vic

The perfect drum roll to Tonka’s modern-Indian moves is a pre-dinner rum- spiked lassi or chai-flavoured punch at the Thali Bar paired with snacks – perhaps signature feather-light pani puri, or a feisty bundle of tandoor rockling, wombok and pickled onions wrapped in a lettuce leaf – and the scent of garam masala in the air. It sets the agenda as accurately as the clean lines of the spacious dining room and the noteworthy Italian-accented wine list. Framing Indian food in a contemporary Euro-style setting like this is an anomaly in Melbourne but Tonka serves up substance to support the style. Some of the best eating moments come courtesy of the tandoor oven – a whole juicy spatchcock with pickles is a masterclass in how good this cooking technique can be – but there are highlights from the less traditional reaches of the menu, too. Vindaloo steak tartare with fenugreek raita is a brilliant example of well-balanced spicing, as is the yellow dal tadka subtly heated with Kashmiri chilli and a knee-weakeningly good dessert of carrot halwa with cream cheese ice-cream. Great service completes the good times.

Phone:

(03) 9650 3155

Website:

tonkarestaurant.com.au

Bookings:

Bookings recommended

Features:

  • Licensed

  • Bar

  • Vegetarian-friendly

  • Wheelchair access

  • Impressive wine list

Accepted card types:

  • American Express

  • Eftpos

  • MasterCard

  • Visa

Chef(s):

Hendri Budiman, Adam D’Sylva & Kay-Lene Tan

This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide

Our guide gives a yearly snapshot at the best restaurants to eat at right now. The best-rated restaurants, as judged by the reviewers’ first-hand experience, form our national Top 50.

Tonka
Indian
20 Duckboard Pl Melbourne, Vic
Chef(s)
Hendri Budiman, Adam D'Sylva & Kay-Lene Tan
Bookings
Bookings recommended
Wheelchair Access
Yes
Opening Hours
Lunch Mon-Sat noon-3pm Dinner Mon-Sat 6pm-10.30pm

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