Restaurant
Tonka
20 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Tonka
20 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Tonka
Tucked down Duckboard Place, Tonka reframes modern Indian cooking through a polished, contemporary lens. CBD office workers rely on the $19 express lunch and midday thali when time is short, while evening diners settle in for date-night plates and focused hospitality. Start with pani puri or crispy betel leaf prawns before moving to confit duck makhani and ghee confit mushrooms with stracciatella. The goat salli botti arrives tender under crisp matchstick potatoes, paired with warm blue cheese or black garlic naan fresh from the tandoor. Drinks run from house cocktails to a restrained coconut lassi in a cold copper goblet.
- Date-Night Atmosphere: Spacious, stylish CBD room with calibrated lighting and music suited for romantic evenings or milestone dinners.
- Modern Indian Repertoire: Signature plates integrate unexpected global elements, from blue cheese naan to ghee confit mushrooms and confit duck makhani.
- Attentive Hospitality: Attentive front-of-house team offers thoughtful pacing, water top-ups, and informed wine selections.
- Midday Express Lunch: A $19 express lunch and midday thali offer rapid, affordable CBD dining without cutting culinary corners.
What's On at Tonka
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Tonka
Contemporary Indian culinary innovation, anticipatory service, and inclusive hospitality in Melbourne CBD.
Surprising Modern Indian Pairings
Tonka reimagines traditional Indian profiles through creative fusion combinations like blue cheese naan, nduja oysters, and confit duck makhani that delight adventurous palates.
It was weird but great experience to try the blue cheese naan and garlic naan. Both are so delicious! I didn’t expect to enjoy them so much and was happily surprised.
Annie F Atmosphere Calibrated for Celebrations
Calibrated lighting, curated music, and seamless timing establish an elegant, romantic setting suited for milestone celebrations and intimate date nights.
The ambiance — lighting, music, energy — was perfectly calibrated for a date night.
Sebastian Simon (Lavasalt) Anticipatory Hospitality and Care
Attentive front-of-house staff notice subtle cues without hovering, quietly anticipating guest comfort from pristine glassware checks to seamless table maintenance.
Our waitress was attentive without hovering — replacing my dropped face towel before I’d even noticed, quietly topping up water throughout.
Sebastian Simon (Lavasalt) Genuine Personal Investment
Celebratory tables experience proactive, warm recognition from staff and sommeliers who tailor the meal to elevate personal milestones.
the team found out and made our experience totally next level - it felt like they genuinely cared about why we were there and went out of their way to help us celebrate.
Mell Millgate Direct Vegan Culinary Parity
Vegan diners receive dedicated multi-course menus that mirror signature meat and seafood dishes directly, ensuring seamless culinary parity for mixed groups.
The dishes were parallel to that of the normal menu which made me feel included e.g. tuna tartare versus watermelon tuna tartare.
Zoe Poulos Frictionless Group Dietary Inclusivity
Inclusive menu planning covers comprehensive halal options alongside tailored individual menus, removing friction when hosting diverse social circles and family groups.
And the whole menu is halal which is handy when dining with friends who require such.
John Lobwein
Most popular items
Signature modern Indian-inspired dishes crafted with contemporary culinary technique
Prawn Betel Leaf
The betel leaf prawn was punchy and flavoursome with exactly the right texture.
Sebastian Simon (Lavasalt) Pani Puri
Loved the pani puri; it was a highlight for sure.
Annie F Tandoor Trout
The tandoor trout was a masterclass in technique: soft at the centre, not a trace of dryness.
Sebastian Simon (Lavasalt) Confit Duck Makhani
the duck makhani was rich and comforting without feeling heavy
Chaman Ipalawatta
Other favorites
Specialty breads, beverages, and curated lunch formats
Black Garlic Naan
The black garlic naan was umami-rich and pillowy
Sebastian Simon (Lavasalt) Blue Cheese Naan
It was weird but great experience to try the blue cheese naan and garlic naan. Both are so delicious!
Annie F Lassi
The lassi was refreshingly restrained in sweetness, finished with a coconut and curry leaf garnish, served in a beautiful copper goblet — unique and delicious.
Sebastian Simon (Lavasalt) Express Lunch
Tonka is known for its modern Indian fine dining, but their Express Lunch makes it possible to enjoy bold Indian flavours for just $19.
Remy
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful service gestures and attentive touches that distinguish Tonka's dining experience
Anticipatory, detail-oriented floor service
Floor staff demonstrate vigilant table maintenance without hovering, such as quietly replacing a dropped towel before it is noticed and inspecting wine glasses against the light before pouring.
Parallel dietary menus and tailored care
Guests dining with diverse dietary preferences are provided thoughtful individual consideration, including dedicated special menus for events and intentional vegan courses that mirror signature dishes.
Tailored occasion and celebration hospitality
When dining for milestone occasions, the staff take note and personalize hospitality to elevate the occasion, making guests feel genuinely celebrated.
Personal check-ins from the head chef
Guests hosting corporate or group dinners experience attentive kitchen hospitality, including direct personal care and table check-ins from the head chef throughout the meal.
Before you head over
Practical advice for ordering, menus, and dining styles at Tonka
Expect Contemporary Fusion, Not Traditional Fare
Tonka serves inventive modern Indian cuisine with subtle spicing and dishes like confit duck makhani and blue cheese naan rather than orthodox, heavily spiced curries or kebabs.
Ask for Parallel Dietary & Vegan Menus
Diners with specific plant-based or dietary needs can request dedicated menus where vegan courses deliberately mirror regular dishes, such as watermelon tartare.
Opt for Thali or Express Lunch at Midday
For mid-week work breaks or solo dining in the CBD, look out for the rapid Thali and $19 lunch options to experience the kitchen's flavours at lower price points.
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