Melbourne food lovers can now enjoy SAADI as a permanent dining destination at the former Sunda site. After twelve pop-ups and three years since relocating to Melbourne, the restaurant officially opened its doors on 4th September 2025.

SAADI’s menu draws inspiration from family recipes and seasonal ingredients. Starters include idli topped with Dutch spring carrots and crackers with pickled celeriac based on Saavni’s grandmother’s recipe. Mid-course dishes feature Kadhi Pakora, a yogurt-based sauce with vegetable fritters, and lamb kebab using Loddon Valley lamb brisket paired with bitter greens and fermented citrus dressing.

For mains, the restaurant serves BBQ fish with Pulikachal (simmered tamarind sauce) and a spiced curry leaf condiment, alongside thoughtfully paired sides. Desserts showcase SAADI’s take on traditional barfi, combining almond barfi with apple curd and buttermilk sorbet. An exclusive bar snack menu, changing regularly, complements the dining experience.

SAADI will serve dinner Wednesday to Saturday (5:30 pm – 10:00 pm) and lunch Friday and Saturday (12:00 pm – 2:00 pm). Wednesday and Thursday feature an set menu alongside an a la carte option. Friday and Saturday offer the set menu, while lunch is a set menu. The bar remains open for walk-ins throughout the week. 

About SAADI

SAADI was founded during the COVID lockdown as a way to cook and document cherished recipes. After relocating to Melbourne in 2022, the team hosted their first pop-up at Etta, gaining valuable insights and building brand awareness.

Now permanent, SAADI celebrates Indian heritage through traditional methods like fermentation, pickling, and open-fire cooking, combined with nearly 12 years of professional culinary expertise in Australia. The menu emphasizes seasonal produce, respecting the time and craft it takes to grow vegetables. Menus will evolve quarterly with the seasons.

Founders Saavni & Aditya emphasize work-life balance as a key principle, shaping a healthy and supportive team culture while bringing the rich flavours of their childhood to Melbourne diners.

For reservations and more details, visit: www.saadimelbourne.com