Indian Restaurant Near Clifton Springs — Eastern Spice Geelong
If you are a Clifton Springs local looking for the best Indian restaurant near you, Eastern Spice at 1 Bellerine Street on the Geelong waterfront is the place to visit.
Just 20 to 25 minutes from Clifton Springs via the Portarlington Road and the Princes Highway, Eastern Spice is the most celebrated and most awarded Indian dining destination in the region. Voted No. 1 in the Geelong Foodie Poll and the proud holder of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 10 consecutive years, this is where authentic Indian cuisine, genuine warmth, and stunning views over Corio Bay come together in an experience that Clifton Springs residents return to again and again.
Whether you want a special occasion dinner overlooking the water, a family feast, professional Indian catering near Clifton Springs for a private event, or bespoke Indian wedding catering on the Bellarine Peninsula, Eastern Spice is your first and finest choice.
Clifton Springs — Bay Views, Rich History, and a Tight-Knit Community
Clifton Springs is one of the Bellarine Peninsula's most distinctive and deeply loved communities. Sitting on the northern shore of the Bellarine Peninsula overlooking Corio Bay, with a population of around 7,600 residents, it is a suburb defined by its stunning coastal setting, its fascinating history, and its exceptionally strong sense of community.
A few things that make Clifton Springs truly unique:
Mineral springs heritage — the suburb takes its name from the mineral springs discovered in the area in 1870, which briefly turned Clifton Springs into a popular resort destination, complete with a historic hotel and a bottling plant that drew visitors from across Victoria
Breathtaking bay views — residents enjoy panoramic views over Corio Bay, the You Yangs, and across to Geelong, making it one of the most visually spectacular places to live on the entire Bellarine Peninsula
The Dell — a beloved hidden gem walking trail through lush greenery, a peaceful local favourite for an afternoon escape
Clifton Springs Marina and boat ramp — a central hub for boating, fishing, and water sport enthusiasts who make full use of the bay on their doorstep
Drysdale town centre nearby — providing major supermarkets, specialty shops, medical services, and dining options just minutes away
Outstanding safety record — ranked among the safest suburbs in the Greater Geelong region for property crime, giving residents a genuine sense of security and peace of mind
Predominantly owner-occupied — over 80% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting the high proportion of families and retirees who have chosen Clifton Springs as their long-term home
Perfectly positioned on the Bellarine — 20 minutes to the Geelong CBD, 10 minutes to Ocean Grove and Portarlington, and within easy reach of some of the Peninsula's finest wineries, beaches, and dining
Clifton Springs residents value quality, lifestyle, and the rewards of living somewhere genuinely beautiful. When they want a standout dinner that matches those values, the Indian restaurant near Clifton Springs they choose is Eastern Spice.
Authentic Indian Food Near Clifton Springs — Crafted by the Curry Queen
Every dish at Eastern Spice carries the personal stamp of founder and head chef Manpreet Sekhon, known throughout the region as the Curry Queen of Geelong. Her story is one of real passion, genuine training, and culinary mastery at the highest level.
Here is what sits behind every plate:
Manpreet learned the foundations of Indian cooking from her mother, developing a deep, personal love for the cuisine and its traditions from the very beginning
She trained alongside accomplished chefs at the prestigious five-star Park Plaza Hotel Punjab, building skills at a level few Australian chefs have reached
Her extraordinary talent was personally recognised by Jiggs Kalra, universally revered as the "Czar of Indian Cuisine," and by globally celebrated chef and TV personality Sanjeev Kapoor
She founded Eastern Spice at the Geelong waterfront, bringing that world-class expertise to a region that has embraced it wholeheartedly for over a decade
For Clifton Springs residents who already appreciate the finer things that the Bellarine Peninsula has to offer, from its boutique wineries and coastal views to its welcoming community character, Eastern Spice represents exactly that same commitment to quality in the world of Indian cuisine.
Our Menu — The Full Richness of India on the Plate
The Eastern Spice menu is a journey through the extraordinary diversity of India's culinary traditions. From the rich, slow-cooked curries of North India to the vibrant, coconut and tamarind flavours of the South, everything is prepared fresh using locally sourced produce and handpicked authentic Indian spices.
Starters and Street Food
Begin the meal the way it should be begun:
Samosas — golden and crispy, filled with perfectly spiced potato and vegetables
Chicken Tikka — marinated overnight and cooked in our traditional clay tandoor for deep, smoky authenticity
Spicy Lamb Chops — bold and punchy, the dish that always sparks the first conversation at the table
Signature Curries and Mains
Our main menu takes Clifton Springs diners on a genuine culinary journey:
Butter Chicken — the silky, aromatic tomato-cream classic, made the traditional way with no shortcuts
Lamb Rogan Josh — a slow-braised Kashmiri masterpiece, warming, deeply spiced, and fall-apart tender
Dal Makhani — whole black lentils simmered for hours until rich, earthy, and perfectly comforting
Saag Paneer — velvety slow-cooked spinach with soft cubes of fresh Indian cottage cheese
Prawn Masala — vibrant and fresh, with coastal Indian spice that feels fitting for a community by the bay
Chicken or Lamb Biryani — fragrant basmati layered with slow-cooked spiced meat and fresh herbs
Tandoori Specialties
Our traditional clay tandoor oven produces something that no conventional kitchen can replicate. Meats marinated overnight in yoghurt and spices emerge with authentic char, depth of smoke, and a succulence that keeps Clifton Springs diners ordering the tandoori platter every single visit.
Vegetarian Indian Food Near Clifton Springs
Eastern Spice has built a genuine reputation as one of the finest destinations for vegetarian Indian food in the region. Our plant-based menu is extensive, freshly prepared, and built with the same intensity and creativity as every other dish:
Paneer Makhani — creamy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying
Chana Masala — hearty chickpeas in a bold, tangy spiced sauce
Vegetable Biryani — fragrant, colourful, and layered with authentic spiced vegetables and herbs
Aloo Gobi — potatoes and cauliflower with turmeric, cumin, and ginger done beautifully
Dal Tadka — yellow lentils finished with tempered spices and fresh coriander
Every vegetarian dish receives the same care and flavour focus as every other dish on the menu. Vegetarians dining near Clifton Springs will find no better destination.
Desserts and Drinks
End beautifully with:
Gulab Jamun — warm, syrup-soaked dumplings with a hint of rose water and cardamom
Mango Kulfi or Pistachio Kulfi — rich, indulgent Indian ice cream in classic flavours
Lassi — cooling, thick, and refreshing, the perfect way to finish a spiced meal
Our drinks menu includes mocktails such as Aam Panna and Virgin Mojito, a curated wine list, and soft drinks. Eastern Spice is also BYO wine friendly with a corkage fee of just $5 per person, making it easy to bring a favourite Bellarine Peninsula wine to the table.
Halal Indian Restaurant Near Clifton Springs — Trusted and Certified
For Clifton Springs residents and Bellarine Peninsula families who require halal-certified food, Eastern Spice is a restaurant you can trust completely and without hesitation.
All meat served at Eastern Spice is sourced exclusively from a certified halal supplier. Every meat dish on the menu, from the lamb rogan josh and butter chicken to the tandoori platters and beef curries, is prepared to the highest standards of halal preparation.
Eastern Spice is one of the very few genuinely halal-friendly Indian restaurants accessible from the Bellarine Peninsula. Families from Clifton Springs, Drysdale, Curlewis, Leopold, and across the Peninsula regularly choose Eastern Spice as their trusted halal dining destination for exactly this reason.
Indian Catering Near Clifton Springs — Bringing the Feast to the Bellarine
Hosting an event in Clifton Springs or on the Bellarine Peninsula? Eastern Spice's professional Indian catering service brings the full quality of our kitchen directly to your home, garden, venue, or function space anywhere on the Peninsula.
Our experienced catering team has delivered outstanding Indian food for events of every kind across the Greater Geelong and Bellarine region. We handle everything from menu planning through to fresh preparation, beautiful presentation, and timely delivery, letting you enjoy your own event completely.
Popular catering options for Clifton Springs events include:
Family celebrations — milestone birthdays, anniversary dinners, and family reunions for any group size
Clifton Springs community events — the Clifton Springs Annual Fair and local community gatherings are perfect occasions for a generous Indian spread that welcomes every guest
Corporate functions — client dinners and professional events delivered with genuine style
Engagement parties — beautifully presented shared banquets for families and friends
Retirement celebrations — thoughtfully designed menus with mild options and extensive vegetarian choices
Waterfront and garden parties — Clifton Springs' stunning setting deserves catering that matches it
All catering menus can be tailored to include:
Fully vegetarian or vegan dishes
Halal-certified meat across every protein option
Mild spice levels for children and guests with lower heat tolerance
Bulk order packages for larger community gatherings
Contact Eastern Spice today to discuss your event and we will design a bespoke Indian catering menu perfectly suited to your occasion, your guests, and your vision.
Indian Wedding Catering Near Clifton Springs — A Feast Worthy of the Bellarine
The Bellarine Peninsula is one of Victoria's most beautiful settings for a wedding, and the food at the heart of your celebration should be just as extraordinary as the surroundings. Eastern Spice is one of the most trusted and sought-after providers of Indian wedding catering in the Greater Geelong region, with extensive experience delivering unforgettable wedding feasts for families from Clifton Springs, Drysdale, Leopold, and across the Bellarine Peninsula.
What sets Eastern Spice wedding catering apart:
Personally led from start to finish by Curry Queen Manpreet Sekhon
Fully bespoke menus designed around your cultural traditions, personal preferences, and dietary requirements
Halal-certified meat confirmed across every protein dish
Extensive vegetarian and vegan selections so every guest feels genuinely catered for
Everything prepared fresh on the day for maximum quality, freshness, and flavour
Professional presentation and reliable, punctual service throughout the event
Whether you are hosting a traditional Indian wedding reception, a multicultural Bellarine Peninsula celebration, or a wedding that simply calls for the warmth and richness of authentic Indian food, Eastern Spice will create a feast that guests talk about long after the last dish is cleared.
Contact us today to begin planning your Indian wedding catering near Clifton Springs.
Waterfront Dining — Two Beautiful Waterfronts, One Great Meal
Clifton Springs residents live with stunning bay views every single day. You understand the appeal of the water, of open horizons, and of the way a great setting transforms a meal into something more.
Eastern Spice is located right on the Eastern Beach foreshore in Geelong, overlooking Corio Bay. It is the only Indian restaurant in the region with genuine waterfront views, and from Clifton Springs it is a scenic 20 to 25 minute drive along the Bellarine Peninsula's main routes into the heart of Geelong.
Clifton Springs residents already know the joy of dining with a view. Eastern Spice offers that same pleasure, combined with the kind of food that the Bellarine's own cafe and dining scene simply cannot match in terms of Indian culinary authenticity and depth. You leave the bay at Clifton Springs and arrive at the bay at Eastern Spice, bookending your evening with two of the region's most beautiful waterfront settings.
Why Clifton Springs Residents Choose Eastern Spice
Clifton Springs is a community of owners and long-term residents who take genuine pride in their quality of life. Here is why so many of them have made Eastern Spice their Indian restaurant of choice for special occasions, family dinners, and everything in between:
Voted No. 1 in the Geelong Foodie Poll — the community's own verdict, earned year after year
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 10 consecutive years — sustained, independently verified excellence that very few restaurants anywhere can claim
Australian Good Food and Travel Guide Readers' Choice Award — nationally recognised culinary achievement
Chef-driven, authentically crafted cuisine — every dish carries the personal expertise and passion of Curry Queen Manpreet Sekhon, with no shortcuts and no compromise on quality
Halal-certified meat — verified, trusted, and confirmed across every meat dish on the menu
Extensive and genuinely satisfying vegetarian menu — creative, freshly prepared, and deeply flavourful
BYO wine — bring a bottle from one of the Bellarine's outstanding wineries for just $5 corkage per person
Easy access from Clifton Springs — approximately 20 to 25 minutes via Portarlington Road into the Geelong CBD, with convenient waterfront parking nearby
Open 6 nights a week — Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5pm to 9:30pm
Order Online — Indian Food Ready for Pickup
Prefer to stay home in Clifton Springs and eat in tonight? Eastern Spice makes it simple to enjoy the full authentic menu from your own home through Menulog. Browse online, place your order, select pickup, and collect your freshly prepared meal at your convenience.
Save 10% on all pickup orders (excluding Sundays, public holidays, and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day).
Please note the following surcharges apply:
10% surcharge on Sunday dine-in
15% surcharge on all dine-in and takeaway on public holidays
Getting to Eastern Spice from Clifton Springs
Eastern Spice 1 Bellerine Street, Geelong VIC 3220
From Clifton Springs, head west along Jetty Road to Portarlington Road, then north into the Geelong CBD and follow the waterfront to Bellerine Street at Eastern Beach. The drive takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes, with convenient parking available near the restaurant.
Phone: +61 3 5221 9544 Email: easternspiceau@gmail.com
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 5pm to 9:30pm Tuesday: CLOSED
Reservations are warmly welcomed. Book your table online or call us directly. Walk-ins are always welcome, subject to availability.
Frequently Asked Questions — Indian Restaurant Near Clifton Springs
Where is the best Indian restaurant near Clifton Springs? Eastern Spice at 1 Bellerine Street, Geelong is the most highly rated and most awarded Indian restaurant accessible from Clifton Springs, approximately 20 to 25 minutes away via Portarlington Road into Geelong.
Is Eastern Spice a halal restaurant? Yes. All meat served at Eastern Spice is sourced from a certified halal supplier, making it one of the most trusted halal-friendly Indian dining destinations on the Bellarine Peninsula and across Greater Geelong.
Does Eastern Spice have good vegetarian options? Absolutely. Our vegetarian menu is extensive, freshly prepared, and genuinely satisfying, covering curries, biryanis, lentil dishes, paneer specialties, and much more. Every dish is prepared with the same care as the rest of the menu.
Can Eastern Spice cater for events and weddings near Clifton Springs? Yes. We offer full professional catering for events of all sizes, including bespoke Indian wedding catering anywhere on the Bellarine Peninsula. Contact us to discuss your requirements and we will design the perfect menu.
Can I bring a Bellarine Peninsula wine to Eastern Spice? Yes. BYO wine is welcome at Eastern Spice with a corkage fee of just $5 per person. Bringing a local Bellarine wine is a wonderful way to make the evening extra special.
How do I make a reservation? Book a table online via our reservations page or call us on +61 3 5221 9544. Walk-ins are always welcome too.
Book Your Table Today
From the historic mineral springs and bay views of Clifton Springs to the shimmering waterfront of Eastern Beach in Geelong, a genuinely outstanding Indian dining experience is just 20 minutes away.
The Indian restaurant near Clifton Springs that Bellarine Peninsula residents trust, return to, and recommend to every visitor is Eastern Spice. Come and taste the food, experience the hospitality, and take in the waterfront views that have made us the most celebrated Indian dining destination in the region for over a decade.
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