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Restaurant

SAADI

18 Punch Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 14 people

Updated

Find SAADI

18 Punch Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9654 8190
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About 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.
RestaurantModern IndianRestaurant

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What style of food does SAADI serve?

SAADI presents an elevated, regional Indian set menu rather than traditional curry house staples like butter chicken. Expect seasonal dishes with creative twists, plus optional add-ons like flatbread, oysters, or quail.

Are the set menu portions filling on their own?

Portion sizes can vary depending on appetite; some guests find the set menu satisfying, while others recommend ordering optional add-ons such as flatbreads, snacks, or extra dishes to ensure you leave completely full.

Should you make a reservation in advance?

Yes. SAADI accepts reservations and table bookings are strongly recommended, especially on busy evenings when the dining room fills up quickly.

Can dietary requirements and allergies be accommodated?

The kitchen is very accommodating with dietary restrictions, seamlessly handling vegetarian preferences and needs like gluten-free or allium-conscious dining across courses.

Does SAADI offer drinks pairings?

Yes, curated alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage pairings are available, along with attentive wine recommendations guided by the staff.

What is the little treat given at the end of the meal?

Guests frequently receive a thoughtful take-home gift at the conclusion of their meal, such as house-made spice blends (like kebab masala) or jars of lime achaar.

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