What Makes Dining at Old Durbar Restaurant a Unique Experience

When you walk into Old Durbar Nepalese restaurant, you’re stepping into more than just a restaurant — you’re entering a vivid glimpse of Nepal right in the heart of Melbourne. With three welcoming locations across Brunswick, the CBD, and Nunawading, Old Durbar delivers authentic Nepalese and Indian flavours to every corner of the city, blending tradition and warmth into an unforgettable dining experience.

A Culinary Gem Across Three Locations

Each branch of Old Durbar carries its own distinctive personality. The Brunswick restaurant on Sydney Road buzzes with live music and lounge-style charm. Flinders Street in the bustling CBD gives you a taste of Nepal against the backdrop of city lights. Meanwhile, Nunawading offers a spacious, family-oriented atmosphere perfect for celebratory gatherings.
Though each venue has its own rhythm, they all share a common goal — celebrating Nepalese culture, community, and cuisine through authentic recipes and heartfelt service.

Ambience That Feels Like Home

Old Durbar’s interiors combine comfort with cultural elegance. You’ll find warm lighting, wooden textures, and traditional Nepali art adorning the walls, creating an inviting and immersive space. Soft Nepali melodies play in the background as staff welcome you with genuine hospitality. The result is an experience that feels less like dining out and more like being welcomed into a Nepali household.

A Menu That Spans Nepal and South Asia

The heart of Old Durbar lies in its menu — a masterful curation of Nepali classics, beloved street bites, and Indian-inspired favourites.

Nepal’s cherished dumpling, the momo, takes centre stage:

• Steamed Momo: Juicy and delicate, served with a spicy tomato chutney.
• Fried Momo: Crisp and golden perfection for those who love crunch.
• Jhol Momo: Momo served in a tangy, aromatic sauce bursting with flavour.

Next comes the Thakali Set — a true showcase of Nepalese home-style dining. A typical platter features rice, lentil soup, curries, greens, pickles, and ghee, creating a balance of spice, texture, and comfort on one traditional metal plate.

Old Durbar’s variety extends beyond Nepal, too. Popular favourites like samosa chaat, pani puri, and biryani bring vibrant South Asian street flavours to the menu, satisfying every kind of craving — from spicy and crispy to rich and aromatic.

A Dining Experience Meant to Be Shared

Old Durbar invites diners to share not just food, but moments. The pani puri experience is interactive — you fill each shell yourself, mixing mint water and spiced potato for a burst of flavour. The Thakali set encourages conversation and sharing, echoing the communal joy of a traditional Nepalese meal.
This approach makes Old Durbar ideal for families and groups, where every shared dish adds to the laughter and warmth at the table.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you’re planning a quiet dinner, a group celebration, or a lively outing, Old Durbar adapts seamlessly. Live music nights light up the Brunswick venue, the CBD location offers an energetic urban vibe, and Nunawading provides the perfect space for big gatherings or corporate dinners. With accommodating service, flexible menus, and ample seating, Old Durbar suits every celebration — big or small.

Authentic Flavours with a Melbourne Touch

At its core, Old Durbar was built to honor the essence of Nepalese cooking while embracing Melbourne’s multicultural spirit. Each dish is made with time-honoured recipes, quality ingredients, and handcrafted spice blends.
There’s something for everyone — vegetarians and vegans can indulge in vegetable momo, lentil curries, and aloo tama (a bamboo shoot curry), while meat lovers will appreciate the grilled sekuwa, goat curry, or biryani made to perfection.

The Little Details That Define the Experience

What truly makes Old Durbar shine are the thoughtful details — freshly roasted spices, the perfect heat balance in curries, crisp papad served with Thakali rice, and staff who greet every guest like family. Each dish feels handcrafted with love and respect for tradition.
To end your meal, there’s always something refreshing or sweet — from lassi (sweet or salted) to Nepali beer, masala tea, kheer (creamy rice pudding), or yomari, a traditional steamed delicacy that’s a rare treat in Melbourne.

Why Old Durbar Stands Out

• Cultural depth: Every detail pays homage to Nepal’s rich heritage.
• Versatile menu: Traditional favourites meet contemporary flair.
• Genuine hospitality: Friendly, attentive staff who make every visit special.
• Adaptable spaces: Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or events.
• Authentic taste: Every flavour crafted with precision and care.

Final Thoughts

Dining at Old Durbar is more than a meal — it’s a cultural experience filled with warmth, flavour, and connection. With three vibrant locations across Melbourne — Brunswick, the CBD, and Nunawading — the restaurant offers an authentic journey through Nepalese cuisine blended with Melbourne’s dynamic dining culture.
Whether it’s your first bite of momo, a shared Thakali platter, or light-hearted laughter over pani puri, every visit to Old Durbar leaves a lasting memory. Because here, food isn’t just served — it’s shared, celebrated, and savoured.