Best Indian restaurant near the MCG and East Melbourne — Masti Fitzroy, 8 minutes from the ground

You've just watched the game. You're heading to a concert at the MCG tonight. Or you're done for the day at St Vincent's or Peter Mac and you want somewhere exceptional for dinner. Either way — whether you're on Wellington Parade, near Jolimont Station, staying at the Pullman on the Park, or walking through Fitzroy Gardens — you're in East Melbourne, you want great Indian food, and the answer is Masti.

Eight minutes from Melbourne Cricket Ground. Led by Curry Queen Chef Manpreet Sekhon — the same chef behind Elchi at 72 Flinders Street CBD, trained in five-star hotel kitchens across Punjab for two decades. Authentic North Indian food, made entirely from scratch. Featured in Time Out, Broadsheet and Good Food. No fusion. No shortcuts. The real thing, 8 minutes from the MCG.

📍 354–356 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065 — 8 min from MCG and Wellington Parade
📞 (03) 9427 2121
🕔 Tue–Thu 5pm–9:30pm · Fri–Sat 5pm–10pm · Sun 5pm–9:30pm · Mon closed

Book now — on event nights, book ahead. Walk-ins welcome otherwise.

Why there's almost no good Indian food left on Wellington Parade East Melbourne

East Melbourne used to have a well-known Indian restaurant right at 166 Wellington Parade — a local institution that served the area for nearly 20 years, directly across from the MCG and steps from Epworth Freemasons Hospital. That venue no longer operates as a dine-in restaurant. The building has since been taken over by a newer venue with premium pricing. The gap on Wellington Parade is real.

Masti fills it directly — 8 minutes away on Brunswick Street, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm, walk-ins welcome, with a menu that earns national press coverage and a chef with credentials no other restaurant near East Melbourne can match. See our full menu here.

Pre-game and post-game — timing that works around the MCG in 2026

Melbourne Cricket Ground hosts AFL, cricket tests, BBL, rugby and major concerts year-round — over 5 million visitors annually, with 100,000 in the ground on Grand Final day. Masti opens at 5pm every Tuesday to Sunday, right when the pre-game crowd starts moving. Friday and Saturday service runs until 10pm — well after the final siren or encore.

Groups heading to the MCG — book the table first

Groups of 6 receive a free cocktail pitcher. Groups of 10 receive a free sharing platter. Our menu is designed for sharing — curries, tandoori dishes, naan arriving together. Tell us it's a pre-game dinner when you book online and we'll have you out in time for the first bounce.

Families and visitors from the Pullman Melbourne on the Park

Staying at the Pullman on the Park in East Melbourne? Masti is 8 minutes by Uber — your best dinner option within easy reach. Our menu covers every preference — butter chicken, lamb, a full vegan menu including Melbourne's only freshly baked vegan naan, and gluten-free options available.

Corporate MCG event entertaining

Hosting clients at an MCG event? Our catering team handles pre-match corporate dinners — live tandoor included — for 20 to 200+ guests. Call (03) 9427 2121 or email hello@eatdrinkmasti.com.

For East Melbourne hospital and precinct workers — dinner worth the trip

St Vincent's Hospital, Epworth Freemasons, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital are all within or adjacent to East Melbourne. Masti is 8 minutes by tram — and we have weekly specials from $25 that give East Melbourne regulars a genuine reason to come any night of the week. Tuesday through Sunday from 5pm. No minimum spend.

The drinks East Melbourne and the MCG precinct are missing

No venue near the MCG, on Wellington Parade, or anywhere in East Melbourne pours premium Indian single malts. Masti has all three — Rampur from the Himalayas, Amrut from Bangalore, and Indri from Haryana — plus a full menu of Indian-spiced cocktails. The perfect post-game drink alongside food worth celebrating. See our full drinks menu.

Getting from the MCG and East Melbourne to Masti

• From Jolimont Station (the MCG tram stop): Walk out onto Wellington Parade and take an Uber directly to Brunswick Street — 8 minutes. Or take Tram 48 or 75 westbound to the city, then Tram 11 northbound to our door — 12 minutes total.

• By Uber from the MCG: 8 minutes direct to 354 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Fastest option post-game before the surge kicks in.

• By car from Wellington Parade: Head west → right onto Hoddle Street → left onto Alexandra Parade → right onto Brunswick Street. 8 minutes. Street parking available.

• From St Vincent's Hospital or Fitzroy Gardens: Victoria Parade west to Smith Street north to Brunswick Street. 6 minutes by car.

• From the Pullman Melbourne on the Park: North on Hoddle Street to Alexandra Parade, left onto Brunswick Street. 7 minutes by car or Uber.

We are at 354–356 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm. Walk-ins always welcome.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Indian restaurant near the MCG?

Masti on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy — 8 minutes from the MCG and Jolimont Station. Authentic North Indian, live tandoor, Indian single malts, featured in Time Out, Broadsheet and Good Food. Book here — on event nights, book ahead.

Is there Indian food near Wellington Parade East Melbourne?

The options directly on Wellington Parade are limited — one premium venue, one budget option, restricted hours. Masti is 8 minutes away on Brunswick Street with better food, better credentials, the same tram line, and specials from $25. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm.

Where should I eat near Fitzroy Gardens or the MCG after a match?

Masti opens at 5pm Tuesday to Sunday and stays open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Groups of 6 get a free cocktail pitcher. Book ahead on event nights — tables fill fast when there's a match on.

Is there Indian food near the Pullman Melbourne on the Park?

Yes — Masti is 7–8 minutes from the Pullman by car or Uber. Full authentic North Indian menu, cocktail bar, open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm.

Does Masti serve halal food?

All meat is sourced from halal-certified suppliers. Not self-certified halal but all proteins are halal-sourced. Call (03) 9427 2121 with specific requirements.

Can Masti cater for corporate events near the MCG?

Yes — our catering team handles corporate pre-match dinners for 20 to 200+ guests, live tandoor included. Email hello@eatdrinkmasti.com or call (03) 9427 2121.

Book Masti tonight — 8 minutes from the MCG and Wellington Parade East Melbourne

📍 354–356 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
📞 (03) 9427 2121
✉ hello@eatdrinkmasti.com
🕔 Tue–Thu 5pm–9:30pm · Fri–Sat 5pm–10pm · Sun 5pm–9:30pm · Mon closed

Book your table online — or walk in. On match and event nights, book ahead.