Find Victoria's Best Indian Restaurant Beyond the Suburbs, as Rosebud's OH YA Wins at the 2025 Hostplus Awards for Excellence
While this recently awarded restaurant won't be around the corner for most, it might just be a compelling excuse to explore the Mornington Peninsula waterfront.
Many of Melbourne's best Indian restaurants exist in the outer suburbs. We're talking Babaji's Kerala Kitchen in Belgrave and Honest in Dandenong. But you'll have to travel even further to discover the 'Best Indian Restaurant' — at least according to the 2025 Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence for Victoria and Tasmania.
That'd be OH YA, Rosebud's home of Indian cuisine on the Mornington Peninsula. Situated just steps away from the waterfront, this much-loved spot was launched in 2023 by first-time restaurateur Sarthak Bansal. Learning the ropes as the team went, he highlights how the community's support has played a massive role in the restaurant's success.
"Being part of the Awards for Excellence program is a real honour," says Bansal, who received the award at a black-tie gala event held on Monday, September 1 at Encore St Kilda Beach. "This win is a proud moment not just for our team, but for the entire Rosebud community that has embraced OH YA with open arms."
If you haven't made the trip down the coast to OH YA, expect robust, traditional Indian flavours served with a modern flair. Of course, you'll find tender, creamy classics like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken. Yet there are also street food favourites like Amritsari fish, a crispy fried number coated in hand-pounded spices popular in the namesake city.
OH YA also has a tight, but considered drinks list, brimming with local and international beers, wines and spirits. Sip on an ice-cold Kingfisher or a glass of Mojo pinot grigio. There's also a selection of fusion cocktails, like the Desi Affair, which features vodka, cranberry, lemon juice and a sprinkling of secret spices.
"Running a restaurant every day is a team effort filled with passion, pressure, and pride," says Bansal. "To be recognised among so many exceptional businesses across Victoria is humbling. This award validates our commitment to authentic cuisine, exceptional service and our deep connection to the local community."
OH YA restaurant is open Wednesday–Thursday and Sunday from 12–9pm, and Friday–Saturday from 12–9.30pm, at 1c Jetty Road, Rosebud. Head to the website for more information.
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