Restaurant
SAADI
18 Punch Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find SAADI
18 Punch Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout SAADI
Tucked down Punch Lane, this dining room reimagines Indian regional cooking through a crisp Melbourne lens. Forget the standard curry-house tropes. Diners point to a seasonal banquet shaped by regional techniques and local farms. Expect bites like rich bhutte ka kees corn cakes, ex-dairy goat raan, and market fish in tangy mango kuzhambu, alongside thoughtful wine pours and tailored non-alcoholic pairings. Dietary requests are handled with easy care, and dinner often wraps up with a take-home pot of house achaar.
- Regional Set Menu: A multi-course banquet spotlighting regional dishes like ex-dairy goat raan, bhutte ka kees, and market fish in mango kuzhambu.
- Accommodating Care: Complex dietary needs are accommodated smoothly across the set courses without missing a beat.
- Curated Pairings: Knowledgeable pairing options span thoughtful wines, spicy cocktails, and tailored non-alcoholic selections.
- Take-Home Memento: Guests regularly leave with house-blended spice packs or small pots of achaar at the end of the meal.
What's On at SAADI
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why SAADI
Why diners choose SAADI for elevated regional Indian dining in Melbourne's CBD
Regional Indian Artistry Beyond Standard Curries
The multi-course seasonal set menu bypasses generic curry house staples, highlighting regional culinary traditions, house ferments, and locally sourced ingredients.
Highly recommend for people who would like to try Indian cuisine with a twist (Don’t expect something like butter chicken or curry here)
Teddy Tso Fine-Dining Craftsmanship in Every Bite
Carefully calibrated spice profiles, creative course progression, and dishes like bhutte ka kees or goat kebabs deliver a nuanced, elevated dining journey.
What an absolutely unforgettable dining experience! Every single bite was a celebration of flavor, creativity, and pure passion.
Nutriessence Take-Home House Spice & Preserve Gifts
At the end of your meal, guests receive a complimentary culinary memento—such as house-made lime achaar or specialty kebab masala—extending the venue's flavours to your home kitchen.
particularly the lime achaar, of which each guest was given a small take home pot - a lovely touch.
Susan Lloyd-Angol Curated Wine & Beverage Pairings
Knowledgeable staff provide curated wine selections as well as thoughtful alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings tailored to the bold, complex spices across the menu.
Alcoholic and non alcoholic drink pairings were also fantastic.
Malavika Mallya A Refined Laneway Setting for Celebrations
Tucked away along Punch Lane with warm lighting and genuine hospitality, the dining room offers an intimate backdrop for birthdays, family visits, and date nights.
Cool atmosphere with an open kitchen which I love. Highly recommend for a date night or special occasions in Melbourne’s CBD.
felix kimber Attentive Hospitality for Group Gatherings
Intimate group dinners and celebratory gatherings are elevated by knowledgeable hosts who guide guests through pairing notes and regional dish traditions at an unhurried pace.
We visited Saadi for a small birthday catch-up and had a really pleasant evening. The space is warm and inviting, and the wine service was especially lovely
Ananya Anand
Most popular items
Highlights from the modern regional Indian set menu
Ex dairy goat
A standout dish being the ex dairy goat kebab. Just perfect!
Trishen Moodley Bhutte ka kees
The bhutte ka kees was rich and comforting
Nutriessence Mango kuzhambu
the mango kuzhambu delivered the perfect balance of tangy and bold
Nutriessence School prawns
the school prawns and flatbread with garlic butter were delicious
cynthia wong
Beyond the menu
Attentive hospitality, take-home gifts, and curated pairings elevate the regional Indian set menu experience.
Take-home spice packs and house-made condiments
Guests are presented with a complimentary house-made culinary gift at the end of the evening, ranging from small pots of lime achaar to packs of custom kebab masala or specialty spice blends to take home.
Carefully adapted menus for complex dietaries
The team delivers seamless accommodation for complex dietary requirements like gluten- and onion-free dining, ensuring modifications are handled attentively without compromising banquet courses.
Dedicated wine guidance and curated beverage pairings
Floor staff provide personalized bottle and glass guidance across natural wines and regional pairings, offering tailored recommendations that complement intense spice profiles.
Art-adorned menus and open kitchen storytelling
Menus are presented featuring custom artwork, paired with an open-kitchen layout where chefs introduce regional dishes and share the heritage behind seasonal preparations.
Before you head over
Practical guidance for booking, expectations, and dietary accommodations at this Punch Lane dining room
Book ahead for peak weekend slots
Reserve in advance, especially for Friday and weekend dinner services when the intimate laneway dining room fills quickly.
Anticipate regional set-menu dining
Expect an inventive multi-course set menu highlighting regional spices and seasonal ferments rather than standard curry-house staples like butter chicken.
Communicate dietary needs ahead
Let the kitchen know in advance; the team accommodates complex needs such as gluten- and onion-free dining across the banquet courses.
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