Discover Kerala in the Mountains

Part destination restaurant, part community gathering place, Babaji's brings the tropical flavours of Kerala, South India to the Yarra Valley.

Tucked beneath towering mountain ash trees and on the riverbanks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), Babaji's Warburton is one of the Yarra Valley's most unique dining experiences. 

Babaji's Warburton is a South Indian restaurant in the Yarra Valley, popular with day-trippers visiting the Redwood Forest, Mount Donna Buang and the Warburton Mountain Bike Trails. 

Hail from Kerala and you'll feel like you're in Munnar; open fires in winter, mountain air, slow lunches after a walk through the Redwood Forest and generous home style South Indian feasts. 

Never tried South Indian food before? You're about to discover a whole new side of Indian cuisine.

One of the Most Unique Restaurants in the Yarra Valley

Warburton is known for its forests, rivers, cycling trails and mountain scenery. It's also home to us -  one of Victoria's most awarded Indian restaurants.

Located on the Warburton Highway, just a 90 minute picturesque drive from Melbourne, Babaji's is set in a 1930's cabaret dance hall with plenty of room for families, tour groups, celebrations and long lunches.

Inside you'll find nostalgic Kerala-inspired interiors, warm hospitality and a menu honouring traditional Kerala cuisine.

Outside, you're just minutes from some of Victoria's most spectacular natural attractions.

Some guests discover us while exploring the Yarra Valley. Others make the trip purely for lunch.

However you find your way to Babaji's, we hope you'll leave feeling nourished.

Sundays in winter at Babajis Yarra Valley

Looking for a winter lunch worth driving for?

Every Sunday throughout winter, our Pollichattu Station serves fish and prawns wrapped in banana leaves and steamed with fresh shallots, ginger, garlic, chilli and tamarind. Pair it with a pot of kanthari kallu and settle in by the fire.

Learn more about Pollichattu Sundays at Babaji's Warburton, Yarra Valley.

Visiting the Redwood Forest?

One of Warburton's most photographed attractions, the Redwood Forest attracts visitors from across Victoria.

After wandering among the towering Californian Redwoods, Babaji's is the perfect place to warm up with a dosa, a South Indian curry or a cup of South Indian chai.

The restaurant is just a short drive from the forest and makes an ideal stop as part of a day exploring the Upper Yarra Valley.  Learn more. 

Where to Eat After Mountain Biking in Warburton

Warburton has become one of Australia's premier mountain biking destinations, attracting riders from across Victoria and beyond.

After a day riding on the trails, you'll need more than a coffee and a muffin.

Our menu is packed with South Indian favourites designed for active appetites, from crispy dosas and curry bowls to house-made biryanis and Kerala beef curry.

Short on time? Order from our lunch specials menu and we'll have you back on the trails in no time.

Staying in Warburton for the weekend? Grab a house-made curry from our take-home fridge and enjoy a taste of Kerala back at your cabin, campsite or holiday house.

We're also one of the few large restaurants in Warburton able to accommodate cycling groups, clubs and tour operators.  Find out more.

Heading to Mount Donna Buang?

Whether you're chasing winter snow, enjoying the summit views or exploring the mountain roads, Babaji's makes an ideal stop on your journey.

Many visitors combine a trip to Mount Donna Buang with lunch in Warburton before heading home to Melbourne.

During winter, there's nothing better than settling in beside the warmth of the restaurant with a hot curry, a dosa or a steaming mug of chai.

Find out about our toboggan hire. 

What Makes Kerala Food Different?

Kerala is a tropical state on India's south-west coast, famous for coconut palms, spice plantations, seafood and warm hospitality.

Our cuisine is lighter and brighter than many Australians expect from Indian food, with dishes featuring curry leaves, coconut, black pepper, tamarind and fresh herbs.

At Babaji's, our cooking reflects generations of Kerala home cooking. Expect it to taste homely. 

Signature Dishes to Try

Dosa

South India's famous fermented rice and lentil crêpes, served with sambar and chutneys. We pack ours with all your favourite Babajis curries.

Kerala Beef curry & Malabar parotta

Tender beef slow-cooked with roasted spices and served alongside flaky hand-stretched Malabar parotta, one of Kerala's most iconic food pairings.

Kerala fish curry & matta rice

Using the freshest fish we can find at the market, with tamarind, chillis, tomato & ground coconut served with plump traditional red matta rice.

Kappa and Mutton Curry

A true Kerala classic featuring smashed tapioca infused with coconut & curry leaves and  our rich slow cooked mutton (goat) village style curry.

Sadya

A dish that truly showcases the uniqueness and diversity of Kerala’s cuisine. On your banana leaf, 13 vegetarian dishes, each with their own flavours. Experience thousands of years of history and wisdom, with Ayurvedic principles at its heart.

Please note - during public holiday weekends we offer a smaller menu to help us manage a large increase in visitation. Some items on our main menu may not be offered.

See our menus here.

A Venue Made for Bringing People Together

Big birthdays. Small weddings. Family reunions. Community celebrations. Corporate retreats.

With room for up to 150 guests and a menu designed for sharing, Babaji's Warburton has become a gathering place for people celebrating life's important moments. Whether you're planning an intimate lunch or a full venue takeover, we'd love to help create something memorable.

Not hosting at Babaji's? Our catering team can bring the flavours of Kerala to venues throughout the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne.

Find out more about Babaji's catering. 

What's On at Babaji's Warburton

Babaji's is more than a restaurant.

Throughout the year we host community events, cultural celebrations and seasonal dining experiences that bring people together.

Depending on the season you may discover:

• Community Days supporting local organisations.
• Onam harvest festival celebrations.
• Special South Indian feasts.
• Live cooking stations.
• Winter comfort food events.
• Family-friendly cultural celebrations.

Check our events page to see what's happening during your visit.

Plan Your Visit

Babaji's Warburton is located in the Upper Yarra Valley and is an ideal stop when exploring the Valley, Mount Donna Buang, the Redwood Forest or the Warburton mountain bike trails.

Whether you're looking for lunch, dinner, a family gathering or simply a memorable meal after a day in the mountains, we'd love to welcome you.

Bookings are recommended on weekends, public holidays and throughout the school holiday period.

Find Babaji's Kerala Kitchen Warburton - Yarra Valley