Dining out in North Carlton is always a pleasure, and now even more so with the opening of Indya Bistro. This exciting, trendy restaurant offers an exciting range of reasonably priced, traditional and modern cuisine from across India.

Located at 643 Rathdowne Street, North Carlton, conveniently away from the hustle and bustle of Lygon Street, but equally in very good restaurant company amongst the likes of La Luna, Paragon and ZumZum, Indya Bistro is truly something different.

Where else, for example, can one enjoy exotic culinary delights from North and South India prepared by a former New Yorker? Head Chef Wilson Gomes has brought his individual travel experiences to the menu, and table, bringing a new gourmet interpretation to old Indian favourites.

Wilson prepares old favourites like Butter Chicken and Samosas as well as new crowd pleasers such as Saffron Shrimp, Apricot Lamb and Exotic Carrot Illusion, aiming to appeal to a broad palate.

"It's not just a typical Indian cuisine," says Indya Bistro chef, Wilson Gomes. "There are dishes to spark your interest and make you want to try new things each time you come back to dine. In many ways, we have reinvented traditional Indian cuisine, and are appealing to the taste buds of Melburnians keen to experience something beyond the ordinary."

Indya Bistro seats 40 people downstairs, as well as a private upstairs dining area. The restaurant is licensed and BYO, with a comprehensive dine-in and takeaway menu, and is open seven days a week from 6pm.