Restaurant

Babaji's Kerala Kitchen - Warburton

3305 Warburton Hwy, Warburton VIC 3799, Australia

Recommended by 67 people

Updated

Find Babaji's Kerala Kitchen - Warburton

3305 Warburton Hwy, Warburton VIC 3799, Australia

Directions ↗
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Babaji's Kerala Kitchen - Warburton

Set right along the Yarra River in Warburton, Babaji’s dishes up genuine regional Kerala cooking far beyond typical curry house fare. Settle outside beneath towering manna gums while flaky Malabar parotta arrives alongside slow-cooked beef fry and traditional banana leaf sadya. Come Sunday lunch, diners gather around the outdoor fish cart to choose whole pomfret or barramundi seasoned and grilled to order, followed by strong South Indian filter coffee.

  • Regional Kerala specialties: Traditional multi-course feasts on banana leaves, flaky parotta, and indigenous Matta rice cooked with southern coastal spices.
  • Sunday live fish cart: Weekend open-air grilling where whole barramundi and pomfret are prepared with custom marinades directly before guests.
  • Riverside garden dining: Scenic alfresco tables backing onto the Yarra River bushland, welcoming dogs with fresh kitchen bones.

What's On at Babaji's Kerala Kitchen - Warburton

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at Babaji's Kerala Kitchen

Discover why visitors and travelers choose Babaji's Kerala Kitchen for regional South Indian dining in Warburton.

  • Dedicated Regional Kerala Cooking

    Diners can enjoy dedicated homestyle regional Kerala specialties like banana leaf sadya, parotta, and rich curries rarely found on standard menus.

    We tried the banana leaf sadya and parotta, while my family enjoyed the thali with fish curry and beef fry.

    NomadicBites
  • Authentic Regional Ingredients

    The kitchen sources regional staples such as traditional Matta rice and regional accompaniments rarely offered in Victorian Indian dining.

    We were surprised to see they offered Matta rice on menu which is specific to the region.

    Sandesh Shetty
  • Sunday Live Fish Cart on the Grill

    Guests enjoy a live outdoor grill station on Sundays featuring fresh catches like pomfret, trevally, and barramundi prepared right before their eyes.

    They had a fish special at lunch on Sunday which was excellent. The chef cooks it in front of you!

    Akanksha Bhosle
  • Scenic Yarra Riverside Alfresco Setting

    The dining setting sits directly alongside the Yarra River and towering bushland, offering relaxed alfresco dining and pet-friendly hospitality.

    That combined with the surrounding scenery- Yarra River, towering manna gums and lush Ferns, it feels like somewhere you're happy to linger and wanting to return to.

    Fern McGivney
  • Nostalgic Transport to Kerala

    Visiting Malayalee and South Indian diners encounter dishes prepared with such cultural fidelity that they evoke the feeling of eating back home.

    At that moment, it truly felt like we were no longer in Australia but had been transported to a restaurant in Kerala.

    Sreerag Nampoothiri K
  • Soulful Atmosphere & Warm Hospitality

    The restaurant wraps travelers and locals alike in genuine comfort through warm service, tasteful decor, and a welcoming mountain vibe.

    The atmosphere is wonderful — warm, inviting and full of genuine South Indian character.

    Dipen

Other favorites

Authentic regional sides, traditional street snacks, and specialty South Indian beverages

  • Samosa Chaat

    The Samosa Chaat was honestly one of the most incredible dishes I’ve ever eaten.

    William Walker
  • Aviyal

    The aviyal, kadala curry, and beetroot pachadi were especially delicious.

    NomadicBites
  • Chilli Toddy

    To top it off, the chilli toddy added a unique kick that tied the whole experience together.

    Voodoo Ranger IPA
  • Filter Coffee

    The chai and filter coffee are a must-try — bold, aromatic, and just the way it should be.

    Darshana Kirit

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful regional details, outdoor warmth, and hospitable flourishes that elevate dining in Warburton

  • Live Grill Fish Cart

    On Sundays, guests can select their fresh catch, choose their custom marinade, and watch the chef grill whole coastal fish like barramundi, pomfret, and trevally right in front of them.

  • Fresh Kitchen Bones for Dogs

    Four-legged guests dining outdoors are treated to fresh raw bones directly from the kitchen alongside warm pet hospitality.

  • Regional Sips & Toddy

    Specialized regional beverages complement the meals, featuring house chilli toddy, traditional golisoda, freshly brewed chai, and authentic south Indian filter coffee.

  • Riverside Bushland Setting

    Overlooking the Yarra River with towering manna gums, the outdoor garden seamlessly leads down to riverside walking trails right behind the restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I book a table in advance?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, and larger groups, as the dining room fills quickly. While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated when space allows, booking in advance ensures you secure a table.

What style of food is served, and what should I order?

The menu focuses specifically on South Indian and regional Kerala dishes. Highlights include traditional thali platters, flaky Malabar parotta with curries like goat or beef fry, banana leaf sadya, and seasonal live fish grill specials on Sundays.

Are there vegetarian and dietary-friendly options available?

Yes, Babaji's welcomes vegetarian diners with choices like banana leaf sadya, vegetable thalis, and samosa chaat. The kitchen can also accommodate dietary preferences and allergies, and vegan and gluten-free options are available.

Is there outdoor seating, and is the venue dog-friendly?

Yes, Babaji's features outdoor seating overlooking the surrounding scenery and the Yarra River behind the restaurant, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas.

Explore more places in Melbourne

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.

Browse all Melbourne venues